Friends, Greetings from Montreat! I’m writing this morning to provide you updates on happenings this spring and on preparations for another busy summer in the valley. The MRA Board of Directors/Trustees met in March to consider matters both routine and forward-thinking. The Board heard the staff’s report on the fiscal year 2018-2019, which concluded on April 30th. Once the books are finalized we expect to have achieved a small operating surplus thanks to strong performance from the summer of 2018 against budgeted expectations. The Board also passed a $7.9 million budget for 2019-2020, in which staff is forecasting slight …
Mike Morse, Retiring VP for Hospitality and Facilities, Honored with Tribute Resolution
As Mike Morse, Vice President for Hospitality and Facilities, nears his retirement at the end of December, the entire Montreat community has joined in demonstrating deep appreciation for all he has contributed both personally and professionally for almost 14 years. On December 13, 2018, the Town of Montreat honored Mike with a Tribute Resolution, which you can read below. From Tim Helms, Mayor of the Town of Montreat: A Tribute Resolution of Heartfelt Appreciation Whereas Mike Morse has served the Mountain Retreat Association with distinction since April 8, 2005; Whereas Mike has demonstrated vision and leadership, faith, good humor, and an …
“Montreat Mural” Rededication
On December 12, 2018, Montreat Conference Center hosted a service of rededication for the “Montreat Mural,” a gift to the conference center from the family of Margaret Willcox and Wilbur Hoke Currie. This unique work of art was designed and created by James David (Jim) Southerland, Assistant Professor of Art at Montreat College and former Director of the Wilbur Hoke Currie Craft Center in Montreat. The mural is made of stoneware clay, multi-fired, multi-glazed, and lustered and features the following Montreat Motifs: Water–lake and streams; Trees–woods and forests; and Flora–dogwood, azalea, rhododendron. The “Montreat Mural” was commissioned in loving memory …
Women’s Connection Continues to Grow
Hundreds of women were mutually encouraged by each other’s faith (Romans 1:12) during Women’s Connection 2018, an annual conference whose growth is made possible by generous contributions to the endowment. These gifts help Montreat attract nationally renown speakers and worship leaders and provide need-based scholarships to participants. Highlights from Women’s Connection, August 10-12, 2018 428 guests came to hear the keynote speaker Kate Bowler, author of Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved, and conference preacher Rev. Dr. Diane L. Givens Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Seven women received scholarships to attend. …
Friends of Robert Lake Park Rebuilding Fund
Update – June 14, 2018 Thirteen days ago, I shared with you news of the damage to Robert Lake Park following recent flooding. Today, I am overjoyed to update you that over 300 donors from more than 26 states have contributed just over $100,000. On behalf of all who love the park, we are eternally grateful for this generous response! First estimates for the cost of repair ranged from $80,000–$100,000. As of today it appears that the final cost could end up toward that $100,000 neighborhood, or perhaps a little higher. Still, I wanted to let you know of the …