Monday, October 2, 2017

Retreat, peace and beauty

This is the Presbyterian (USA) Retreat Center in Montreat, North Carolina, and is known universally among Presbyterians in the southeast as simply, "Montreat."  It was my pleasure to go on a retreat with church friends there last weekend.  A walking tour, shortly after we arrived, lead us past beautiful Lake Susan.

The conference center contains these old pews made of black walnut wood that have weathered over the years.  I love that they look so well-used and at peace.  

 This mural in the Chapel of the Prodigal, is of course, the Return of the Prodigal, painted as a fresco by artist Ben Long.  You can read more about it here.

And I loved this inset in the stone work in the courtyard of the Assembly Hall, where we slept.  Such a beautiful, peaceful place.  Now I know why everyone speaks the word Montreat in such hushed tones.

18 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

It looks lovely! I enjoy doing silent retreats (without spiritual direction) at Christian retreat centres from time to time. I hope you'll tell us more about your retreat experience!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, your retreat weekend sounds peaceful. Looks like lovely place to visit. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and week ahead.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness it looks like you can surely get close to God in all His nature. You were blessed. sandie

Elephant's Child said...

Even through the screen the peace of this wonderful place is evident. So glad that you got to experience it for yourself.

Adam said...

When I was at church in my youth, we got to go to a summer camps of sorts called Junaluska for a few days. It was fun

Lee said...

That certainly does look like a very peaceful area.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynn - it looks absolutely delightful and so so peaceful. So pleased to see the photos ... welcome back - all the best - Hilary

Crafty Green Poet said...

looks like a lovely peaceful place for a retreat

sage said...

I love Montreat and still remember the first time I visited for a week, when I was just a teenager.

Louvregirl said...

I agree. The pews are beautiful, Lynn. :)

Snaggle Tooth said...

I used to get to retreats year ago, I think they truly help clear your spiritual self from the unimportant. Peace and inner searching are so renewing. A pretty place there. We can all use more peace of mind these days! Not very peaceful where I go recently-

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

What a beautiful and peaceful looking place, Lynn, and I can see why people speak of it reverently. Hope you will share more about Montreat.

Fireblossom said...

What a cool place!

Granny Annie said...

My cousin Frank Colladay is a Presbyterian Minister retired. He is from Dahlonega, GA and looks forward to time at Montreat always. Hope you enjoyed every second.

Lowcarb team member said...

Looks a beautiful place ... so peaceful.

All the best Jan

Ileana said...

Love the Prodigal painting and the sweet pics! You had a beautiful tour.

LL Cool Joe said...

It looks very beautiful, but boy am I glad that we don't have to sit in pews anymore at church. Mind you I'm sure they help to keep the congregation awake when the preacher does the sermon!

Lady Fi said...

Wow - what a stunning place!