Civil rights continued to be top of mind in the United States in the 1970s, with women and people of color continuing to advocate for equal treatment in modern society. Alongside the continuing civil rights movement, some of the country’s most memorable moments transpired throughout the decade, from the end of the Vietnam War to the resignation of Richard Nixon to the bicentennial (along with the invention of email and the floppy disk!).
Meanwhile in Pascoag, ECC cemented itself as a place of worship, friendship, and fun with summer camp programs packed to the brim. The mission of the Conference Center continued to inspire all who were part of it, as campers and staff worked to maintain and improve the property. Roads and paths initially built in the 1950s and 60s were improved and expanded, while the property received official certification as a tree farm.
ECC also had a larger presence around Rhode Island. Jazz Masses took place at Episcopal Churches four times a year around the state, sometimes drawing crowds of well over 500 people! Many ECC alumni remember the Jazz Mass with tremendous fondness, and for good reason!
Beyond improvements to the property and program, ECC served as a place to discuss the cultural and political conversations of the time, including the ongoing civil rights movement.
