How did Camp DeWolfe gets its name?
-The young people of the Diocese desired to have it called Camp DeWolfe and made their choice known.
How did Benson House gets its name?
– Mary E. Benson left a legacy of $50,000 to the Diocese and Bishop DeWolfe used most of the monies to purchase the 72 acres in Wading River in 1947 (Journal of Convention 1942).
Who was Mary Benson?
-Mary Benson was active at Grace Episcopal Church in the 1880’s. She died on 12 October 1918. She died on 12 Oct. 1918. She is buried with her family in Green-wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY. lot 16356 section151. Her father was Arthur W. Benson (1798-1889), mother was Jane Ann Benson, and brother was Frank S. Benson who died in 1905. They lived at 214 Columbia Heights, Bklyn.
– Mary Benson was very active in the Women’s Auxillary to the Board of Missions of the Diocese of LI. Her name first appears in their annual reports in 1887 as a delegate from Grace Church. From 1909 to 1917 she was President of the group. She appears to have had a great love for service towards the missions, especially the Freedmen committee. This information comes from the tribute written about Mary in the 46th Annual Report (1918) of the Women’s Auxiliary’s Annual Report.
We are thankful for the legacies of these faithful people of God, who provided bold opportunities for others to experience God in community, in the outdoors and for many years to come! These findings are kindly provided by Louise Schwarzchild, a faithful alumni and former camper at Camp DeWolfe.
