Fifty-three years ago, in 1963, thousands of Church members travelled to Jekyll Island, Georgia, for the first Feast of Tabernacles to be observed on this historic and tranquil island. They were greeted by perhaps the largest tent anyone had seen, pitched by the ocean’s shore. In that tent, God’s Church assembled daily during the Feast of Tabernacles to worship and praise Him. Anyone who kept the Feast on Jekyll Island during those years has fond memories that will never fade.

Now, 53 years later, the Feast of Tabernacles is still being observed on this island. The large tent is gone, replaced by the brand new, very beautiful and accommodating beachfront Jekyll Island Convention Center. Coupled with the continuing serene, millennial setting of the island, now rich with the history of Feast of Tabernacles observances here, this site holds a unique appeal for Feastgoers, ideal for worship and fellowship.

Daily services, Bible studies, youth Bible lessons, and other events will be held at the Jekyll Convention Center. Other activities planned to complement the Feast experience will include a seniors luncheon, family day at the Great Dunes Park and Beach Pavilion, a teen activity, and other recreational opportunities that will take advantage of the island’s natural features.

The island offers numerous and varied opportunities for group, family and individual activities. Miles of unspoiled white sand beaches, miles of bike and walking trails, horseback riding on the beach, dolphin tours, golf, miniature golf, fishing (requires a license), and just hanging out on the beach are popular activities readily available on the island. The Tidelands Nature Center offers guided kayak and canoe rentals, as well as nature walks and indoor and outdoor exhibits to help you explore island and sea life. For those interested in history, the unrivaled charm of the Jekyll Historic District, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, can be toured by tram or foot. 

A wide variety of festival housing is available on the island in rented homes, hotels and condominiums. There are also two new hotels that have recently opened in the Jekyll area, as well as numerous shops near the convention center. For those who enjoy camping, the Jekyll Island Campground offers 18 wooded acres on the Island’s north end, with 206 sites from tent sites to full hook-up, pull-through RV sites with electricity, cable TV, water and sewage.

Average daytime high temperatures in October are in the 70s with nighttime lows in the 60s Fahrenheit, with the possibility of rain. Major airports for arrival and departure are Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, which are both an hour away, and Brunswick, Georgia, which is within 20 miles of the site. A rental car is advised. There is a small toll per vehicle each day one enters the island. Weekly vehicle passes are also available.

Location of services: Jekyll Island Convention Center

Stan Martin