As summer winds down in Montreat, I find myself deeply grateful for another remarkable season of ministry and renewal here in the valley. Once again, Montreat Conference Center, the Town of Montreat, and the community at large contributed to a successful season in which this little village came alive with children and youth, families, pastors, musicians, educators, church leaders, and countless others.
Across our campus, we welcomed thousands of people for conferences and retreats, Clubs and worship, arts and recreation – and the simple opportunity to spend time together. We heard again and again from guests about the joy of being here, and in every case one could trace that joy back to the presence of others: walking along the lake, gathering with old friends, making new ones, singing and learning, and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation was a shared summer experience.
A successful summer also gives us an important opportunity to see ourselves honestly and to recognize where we can do better. Welcoming so many people reminds us that there are always ways to strengthen our programs and hospitality. After almost 130 years in existence, our facilities continually remind us of what is working well and where we need to make changes. Ultimately, we remain focused on the reality that our goal is to improve the experience of those who come here and to ensure that this ministry remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.
That future includes the long-awaited replacement for some of our aging conference center lodges. I am pleased to share that we made significant progress this summer toward town approval for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process for the proposed new lodge site.
As a reminder, our revised plan calls for a carefully designed site that includes a 24-room lodge facing Assembly Drive, along with two smaller eight-bedroom cottages on Georgia Terrace. The plan reduces the overall footprint, preserves more open and green space, and incorporates a number of changes made in response to feedback from our neighbors and the community.
In August, the Town of Montreat Planning and Zoning Commission completed its consideration of the PUD application. The commission met twice and concluded more than seven hours of discussion and deliberation with a unanimous vote to approve the revised plan. The PUD application now proceeds to the Town Council with a recommendation for approval.
We’re grateful for the careful attention the commission gave to our proposal and for the many thoughtful conversations that our application triggered throughout the summer. We remain committed to continue listening, answering questions, and working constructively as we move forward.
The Montreat Town Council now has the opportunity to consider the proposal in the months ahead. We expect another careful review and are hopeful that the process will conclude this fall. Ultimately, our hope is that Montreat can move forward together, focused not simply on constructing a new building, but on ensuring that Montreat has the facilities it needs to serve generations to come.
For now, however, join me in thanks for another successful summer, which reminded us in so many ways just why Montreat matters. As we look toward the fall, we do so with gratitude for the season behind us and hope for the future ahead. More to come!
More to come,
Richard DuBose
President, Montreat Conference Center