Annual Report 2024
President, Montreat Conference Center
Dear Friends:
Greetings from the Montreat Conference Center! This past November marked ten years since I arrived in Montreat in my current role. Year eleven is moving quickly, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to pause and reflect on the community of faith that supports our work.
The year included:
- A successful summer season in 2024, with youth conferences and PAM’s two music conferences once again serving as pillars of our summer programming and recreation full-to-overflowing with participation.
- A promising autumn halted by Hurricane Helene, forcing us to shut down our scheduled programs and hospitality for three months.
- Immediate efforts to respond to the immediate needs of our surrounding community, which led to new connections, new friendships, and a new sense of mission.
- A mammoth project to mitigate the damage of the storm and conduct repairs on our own campus.
- Resumption of normal operations with a successful College Conference in January.
- The completion of a five-year strategic plan to guide our work in these increasingly challenging times.
Just another year, right? 😊 Adapting to the changes around us and moving forward, we were embraced by an unprecedented outpouring of support from thousands of Montreaters, Presbyterians, and, as the following report demonstrates, so many others. Montreat received prayers, good wishes, and the gifts of a record-number of donors and volunteers. Dedicated staff – elevated by the outpouring of support – demonstrated ongoing commitment, resourcefulness, and patience, forging their own generous legacy in the story of this ministry.
This report represents the latest but not the last opportunity to thank you for all you have done this year for Montreat. Your generosity paid dividends in the immediate present but also promises to serve our work for decades to come. As you peruse the report, know that our entire staff joins me in gratitude. We will continue to honor your investment in us with our best efforts, confident that God is working through all of us daily. Bless you all!
Grace and Peace,
Montreat’s Mission
Montreat Conference Center, operated by the Mountain Retreat Association, is a private, non-profit, national conference center with roots in the PC(USA). The conference center often is referred to simply as “Montreat” by the more than 30,000 guests, conferees, and cottagers who pass through the Gate each year. While we are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we also readily welcome groups and individuals outside the Presbyterian church to experience Montreat.
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, this valley has served as a place of spiritual retreat for over 120 years. Each year the conference center hosts dozens of programmed events, hundreds of retreats and conferences, and thousands who seek renewal and rest. All are welcome here.
A New Strategic Plan
In Fall of 2023, the MRA staff and board began a new comprehensive strategic plan, the first in a decade, led by CDM consultants. Over the next several months, the team gathered data from staff, board, cottager, and guest populations using focus groups, individual interviews, and surveys. In 2024, the MRA Board of Directors approved the following:
- Vision Statement: A world transformed by God’s love.
- Mission Statement: We gather in sacred spaces to explore, renew, and connect with our faith, communities, and ourselves.
- Values Statement: As a ministry affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we seek to serve individuals and congregations in their journeys of faith. “Reformed and always being reformed according to the Word of God,” the Montreat Conference Center welcomes all by embodying hospitality, engaging grace, experiencing connection, cultivating curiosity, and stewarding God’s creation.
The strategic planning process cultivated a lot of good discussion and ideas from our staff, our constituents, and the Montreat community at large, and we will revisit it on a regular basis as we grow into our new mission and tackle the challenges presented by an ever changing world. We are excited about this process and grateful to all who participated. Byproducts of this work will be seen more directly as we move into 2025.
Montreat Moments That Made 2024 Special
Discovering Renewal Retreat Introduces New Ways to Explore Sabbath
Discovering Renewal, Montreat’s way of combatting the rampant burnout many professionals are experiencing, met for the third time in 2024. During this event, participants engaged in various activity tracks with a goal of learning how to find spiritual renewal in the mundane. Montreat introduced new board game and Sabbath tracks in 2024 in addition to the fly fishing, yoga, and hiking tracks featured previously. In 2025, we added tracks for contemplation, bread baking, and a mixed-track option for those looking to try multiple activities.
The Barn Finds New Life
On Friday, June 7, 2024, during the first big circle mountain dance of the year, dancers and spectators paused to celebrate the renovation and reopening of the “Barn,” Montreat’s longest serving recreation facility. The space underwent a series of physical upgrades—foundation, windows, sound system, and bathrooms—while the overall aesthetic remained the same. For a space that has seen countless dancers, skaters, and Clubbies across many generations, the 2024 summer season started out with the Barn in the best condition of its life. You can read more about the project here.
Of course, Hurricane Helene later in the year brought nearly 10 inches of water into the building. The space was renovated once more, this time sporting a new floor, and is now ready to welcome Montreaters this summer.
Lake Susan is Dredged and Renovated
In October of 2023, we announced that Lake Susan would be dredged thanks to a special grant from the State of North Carolina. Following additional damage incurred during Hurricane Helene, we began the lake renovation project in 2024 and subsequently removed a total of 24,000 cubic yards of debris from the lakebed. Upon its completion, the lake will feature a new “wetlands” section which will help to support native species and the ecological balance of the lake. For more information about the project, please read the press release.
Hurricane Helene’s Impact
On Friday, September 27, 2024, Lake Susan and Flat Creek swelled to historic levels following heavy rainfall brought on by Hurricane Helene. This led to catastrophic flooding throughout the town of Montreat and Western North Carolina.
Helene Numbers*
1772 gifts from individuals and churches were given to the Hurricane Relief Fund.
- 18 conference center buildings incurred water damage.
- Over 24,000 cubic yards of debris removed from Lake Susan.
- Approximately 15 canceled Montreat programmed conferences.
- Over $1,000,000 donated to the Hurricane Relief Fund.
Donations by Organization Types
Individuals ($876,500)
Churches ($329,919)
Foundations ($88,485)
Businesses ($6,936)
Number of Donors
Individuals (1846)
Churches (118)
Foundations (27)
Businesses (2)
Donation Spending
Lake Susan Renovations ($450,856)
Labor for Ground Repairs ($91,836)
Repairs to Uninsured Outdoor Areas ($80,924)
Flood Insurance Deductible ($25,000)
Employee Assistance Grants ($16,400)
Furniture Replacement ($3,130)
* All numbers in “Helene Numbers” are accurate as of 4/17/2025
International Pastors
John McCall, a Presbyterian Mission Coworker in Taiwan, visited Montreat in September 2024 bringing a contingent of Taiwanese, Guatemalan, and Malawi ministers for a period of rest, Bible study, and spiritual renewal. Montreat was chosen precisely because it was outside of their normal. “I hold regular spiritual retreats for pastors in Taiwan,” John writes, “but they are often on their cell phones during these retreats responding to members’ needs and sometimes have to leave the retreat to respond to a pastoral emergency.” It is here that people from around the world come to gather “new hope, new vision, and renewed love.”
After hearing news of the Hurricane, these pastors donated over $25,000 to Montreat’s Hurricane Relief Fund.
Montreat by the Numbers
All numbers are for the 2024 calendar year unless noted otherwise.
$1,052,683 raised for the Montreat Fund! *
- 1,114 households donated to the Montreat Fund. *
- 101 churches donated, representing 20 states! *
- 445+ onsite volunteers. *
* Fiscal year 2023–2024
118 Summer Staff from 19 states!
- 36 Montreat hosted programs.
- 8,320 participants in Montreat programming.
- 132 guest groups hosted
- 1,162 Clubs and Childcare participants from 35 states!
3,342 collective hours worked by Small Group Leaders!
More Montreat Moments
A Record Number of First-time Donors Supported Montreat
In response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, thousands of supporters made gifts to the Montreat Fund and our Hurricane Helene Relief fund. Of those supporters, over 1,500 made a gift to Montreat for the first time. We continue to feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the many ways that Montreaters across the country have responded to this time of need in our community.
Summer Staff Leave Their Mark
Many of our summer programs saw a continued increase in participation in 2024, with 118 dedicated Summer Staff playing a key role in welcoming guests and supporting transformational experiences. Their hard work and commitment were instrumental in making the summer truly special.
New Lodge Progress Pending Appeal Decision
After over two years of study, the 2020 MRA Board engaged a conceptual design for a new lodge. The board and staff worked over the next two years to turn the lodge concept into a schematic design. MRA engaged in a series of listening sessions and meetings with concerned neighbors to talk about the project. Adjustments to the design were made in response to some of their feedback and MRA submitted the new plans to the Town of Montreat’s Board of Adjustments. After three months and over 55 hours of rigorous hearing, the Board of Adjustments voted to approve a Special Use Permit for the new lodge in 2022. Project opponents appealed the decision in 2023, and the MRA was notified that their permit was set aside. In turn, the MRA appealed this decision in April of 2024 to the 28th District North Carolina Court of Appeals.
The status of the Special Use Permit to build a new lodge is currently in court. We’ve documented this journey extensively on our new lodge page.
Medallion of Merit
The Medallion of Merit is Montreat Conference Center’s highest honor, awarded to individuals whose extraordinary service and leadership have significantly advanced the mission and ministry of Montreat. Recipients embody a deep commitment to faith, community, and the enduring values of the Church – they have shaped the Montreat we know and love today. The Medallion has only been awarded 10 years since its inception in 2008. In 2024, the planned celebration of this year’s honorees at the Firefly Dinner was canceled due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene. While the dinner could not take place, Montreat remains committed to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable contributions of these leaders.
Jane Holt
Jane Holt is honored with the Montreat Medallion of Merit in recognition of a lifetime devoted to Montreat’s mission, wilderness, and community. A gifted educator, naturalist, and photographer, Jane has inspired generations through her leadership including service to the Montreat Conference Center as an MRA trustee and as Wilderness Director. Her deep love for Montreat’s natural beauty led to the establishment of a conservation easement and the preservation of Rocky Knob—now named the Jane Holt Wilderness. Jane also served on the committee that helped to start the Patrons Fund in the early 1960’s and has never missed a year of giving back to this place she loves. Jane’s life is a testament to joy found in creation, steadfast commitment to community, and a heart forever rooted in Montreat.
“Jane Holt has given a long and impactful lifetime to Montreat, providing decades of tireless volunteer service, steadfast stewardship, and visionary leadership in preserving and protecting Montreat’s beloved wilderness areas. Through her unwavering advocacy, Jane has helped ensure that these sacred acres — treasured for hiking, camping, and experiencing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains — remain a place of refuge, renewal, and wonder for generations to come. Her commitment, infectiously shared with so many, has preserved the ecological integrity of the landscape that surrounds and embraces the ministry of the Montreat Conference Center.”
– Richard DuBose, MRA President
Susanne and Dick Query
As dedicated and visionary leaders, Susanne and Dick Query have played a pivotal role in shaping the Montreat Conference Center for decades through their active service on Montreat’s leadership boards and as engaged conference participants. Dick’s love for Montreat began in childhood, attending music conferences, while Susanne’s connection has grown through her lifelong commitment to the church in numerous capacities. Over the years, Montreat has become central to their entire family, with an annual summer reunion serving as a cherished tradition. Loved by friends and neighbors across the valley, their generosity and presence continue to uplift all those around them. Dick and Susanne have a special dedication to Robert Lake Park and the joy it brings to the young and young at heart. From their work in Montreat to their leadership at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, their deep commitment to Christ and the Church is reflected in every aspect of their lives.
“Susanne and Dick Query have been pillars of faith, living the gospel through lives of service to the church and to their neighbors. Their quiet philanthropy has had profound impacts both broad and deep, encompassing a diverse range of support through countless religious and social endeavors. Their love for this place has long provided critical support to the ministry and mission of the Montreat Conference Center. Susanne and Dick are most deserving of the Medallion of Merit as a reflection of their selfless service to God’s Church.”
– Chip Legerton, MRA Board of Trustees Chair
Anne and Bill Straughan
Anne and Bill Straughan moved to Montreat in 2001 and quickly became beloved members of the community. Anne became well known for her warm hospitality and active volunteerism, while Bill stepped into the critical role of Vice President for Development at the Montreat Conference Center. His leadership proved transformational, building a strong development program – including the creation of the Medallion of Merit – which has grown to be a key piece of the conference center budget and overall financial stability. After several impactful years, Anne and Bill left Montreat, but when leadership was needed to plan and execute a campaign to renovate Assembly Inn and secure Montreat’s future as a year-round conference center, they returned without hesitation. They have since continued to serve faithfully, offering their leadership at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, the Black Mountain Counseling Center, and the Montreat Conference Center.
“When Anne and Bill came to Montreat in 2001, our financial situation was dire. Under Bill’s leadership, we not only raised significant gifts, including significantly growing the endowment, but we created a culture of philanthropy and financial stability that enabled 20+ years of balanced operations. Through Anne’s warm hospitality and Bill’s fundraising abilities, the Straughan’s have been some of the most impactful people in the 126-year history of the Montreat Conference Center—without question, and always with a smile!”
– Brinkley Melvin, Former MRA Board of Trustees member
Financials
Budget breakdown for 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Program – 32%
Hospitality – 43%
Montreat Fund – 12%
Retail – 8%
Unrestricted Endowment – 3%
Other – 2%
Total Operating Revenue: $8,940,235
$17,975,511 in Endowment net assets1
1 As of 4/30/2024
$1,052,683 donated to the Montreat Fund