Eastern Shore Gathering in Late October, Timed to Church History

The Chesapeake Conference will host its Gathering on the Eastern Shore Oct. 30-31, 2026, at the Pecometh Camp & Retreat in Centreville, Maryland, with organizers choosing the dates to highlight two defining moments in Seventh-day Adventist history.

John Rengifo, Ministerial Director of the Chesapeake Conference, and members of the Communications department toured the Pecometh Camp & Retreat grounds in July to confirm accommodations for the event.

The gathering falls between two historic dates for the church: the Great Disappointment of Oct. 22, 1844, and Oct. 31, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

“Holding this event on these dates makes it a meaningful moment for our churches on the Eastern Shore,” Rengifo said.

The weekend will open Friday evening, Oct. 30, with activities continuing throughout Saturday, Oct. 31. Several Chesapeake Conference leaders will take part, and Guest Speaker Adam Ramdin, presenter and producer of the award-winning program Lienage, will present messages on church history and the Reformation.

Organizers say the gathering will give members of Eastern Shore churches a unique opportunity to fellowship, learn about our roots, and grow closer to God.