Here are highlights from the 2026 spring meeting of the Board of Directors for the Mountain Retreat Association (MRA) which took place March 15–17, 2026.
The meeting began with a Sunday evening gathering at Assembly Inn for the official dedication of the Katherine McKay Belk Dining Room, to acknowledge not just her extraordinary generosity, but the vision and momentum her legacy continues to provide. The dining room, which serves more than 80,000 meals each year, is the heart of Assembly Inn and a space of community and nourishment in the truest sense.
On Monday, the Senior Leadership Team presented a Year One update on the current strategic plan. Additionally, the Board approved the operating budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, heard an update regarding the proposed transfer of the Jane Holt Wilderness Area from Montreat Cottagers, Inc., and got an early peak at The Good Steward, an extension of The Montreat Store slated to be opening by the summer.
Finally, the Board had deep discussions about our new lodge project, which has continued to develop over the last five years since we first received our permit.
Ultimately, the Board unanimously approved the start of the lodge construction when appropriate approvals and funding milestones are reached. It also affirmed that a residential-style plan would be fully consistent with the project goals and mission of the MRA.
The Mountain Retreat Association, operating under the name Montreat Conference Center, is guided by a Board of Directors. This board consists of 27 members, with 20 required to be ordained officers of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).