The Crawford Memorial at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center

The youth group of Bethany Presbyterian Church suffered a tragic loss June 14, 1980 with the death of two of its members—John and Joe Crawford—who died in an auto accident with their father, Michael. John and Joe had only recently returned from a mission trip with Bethany to help with building and grounds maintenance at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe.

In honor of the brothers, youth group members and parents spent a week at Zephyr Point the following summer constructing a wooden lookout deck. The Crawford Memorial, as it came to be known, was completed in August 1981. The permanent plaque was installed during a dedication ceremony in May 1982.

Throughout the years, Bethany youth group members and alumni have traveled to Zephyr Point to make site improvements. After a comprehensive makeover by these volunteers, the memorial deck was re-dedicated August 12, 2017. The moving ceremony. featured prayer, music (including a bagpipe serenade) and remembrances by youth group alumni. It was followed by a reception hosted by Bethany in Zephyr Point’s Tallac Center.

Each year, hundreds of visitors to Zephyr Point make the gentle climb to the summit to enjoy the Crawford Memorial’s stunning Lake Tahoe view and to spend a time in contemplation of God’s creation. Children and youth participating in Zephyr Point summer camps often meet at the Crawford Memorial for bible stories and conversation.

Bethany volunteers continue to provide maintenance and repairs to the Crawford Memorial throughout the year. Contact Cathy Betts Sapunor if you are interested in being part of this mission project. Financial contributions to support the ministry of Zephyr Point are always welcomed; click here to give.

Read the "PointGuard" News Story About the Crawford Memorial