Salem Wing of Laurel Ridge’s Newly Renovated and
Expanded Higgins Lodge Dedicated and Ready For the Future

The drive to Laurel Ridge is always special — full of anticipation of arriving into the beauty and peace of this tranquil mountain setting. Traveling along Hwy 18, a winding, scenic route through the North Carolina mountains, cares seem to float away and a feeling of calm descends. The August 9-11, 2007 Dedication Weekend for the Salem Wing of Laurel Ridge’s Higgins Lodge was all that and more.

Guests for the Dedication Weekend arrived at the new, covered, drive-through entrance and were greeted by M-Staffers who efficiently loaded luggage onto carts. At the registration desk, just inside the foyer, Lynn Smith, Higgins Lodge coordinator, greeted guests and provided room keys and weekend schedules. The entrance foyer is warm and welcoming, highlighted by an impressive, stacked stone fireplace surrounded by comfortable and welcoming couches and chairs, beckoning guests to relax and enjoy conversation.

Twenty-four beautifully furnished guest rooms, each with private bath, are on two levels of the new Salem Wing. Two guest rooms are equipped with handicapped accessible bathrooms and have doors adjoining the guest room next door to accommodate guests who are accompanied by caregivers. An elevator in the Salem Wing foyer allows easy access to levels of both wings of Higgins Lodge. Two conference rooms are also accessible from the foyer. In the Comenius Room, the smaller of the two, guests for the weekend viewed a Higgins Archive Display, which included the architect’s drawings as well as photographs chronicling the recent expansion and renovation.

The larger Morning Star Room, seating over 150 people, was the site of the first event of the weekend. Mike Warren, Laurel Ridge Director, welcomed guests and introduced Back Street, a group of local musicians who entertained the guests with a variety of blue grass, folk, and country music. The evening drew to a close with Vespers under the stars on the terrace off of the Morning Star meeting space.

Saturday morning, bright and very hot, was filled with activities as more and more guests joined in the celebration. Sharing Laurel Ridge stories provided lots of fun and nostalgia. “Remember when…..” was the start of many stories, which triggered many more “remember whens” providing a chance to recall fond memories and much laughter.

At 2:15 p.m. the 48 member Moravian band, led by Hubert Fort, provided the prelude as the ribbon cutting marked the official opening of the newly renovated and expanded Higgins Lodge. Mike Warren recognized board members, former Laurel Ridge directors, and campaign committee members, all of whom had an opportunity to wield the giant scissors. Special recognition was given to John and Mary Jane Dewees, Growing for a Lifetime campaign chairs, who headed up the very successful “Growing for a Lifetime” capital campaign. Over $2,030,000 was raised, surpassing the $1,950,000 goal of the campaign, which began in 2003. The Stewardship Wall in the entrance foyer hallway lists the names of the donors who made special gifts to the campaign. The guest rooms, foyer, covered entrance, meeting rooms, fireplace, kitchen, dining room, and terrace were all subscribed by campaign donors. Guest room furnishings, including mattresses, bed frames, side tables, chests, chairs, and bedding were given as part of the campaign. Audio visual equipment, elevator, landscaping, and most of the furnishings in the foyer and hallway were also special gifts to the campaign.

Guests moved into the new Morning Star Conference Room as the ribbon cutting service continued with Liturgies of Rejoicing and Dedication. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Wayne Burkette spoke the words of dedication and led the assembled group in praise and thanksgiving. After the ribbon cutting and dedication, many moved onto the Morning Star patio to continue storytelling and fellowship while enjoying the cool breeze and spectacular views.

Saturday evening’s “coffeehouse” of skits, stories, and music was followed by a traditional Laurel Ridge lakeside campfire — the perfect end to a day packed with activities. M-Staffers provided transportation to the campfire site as well as lively music and singing.

On Sunday morning, the Rt. Rev. Graham Rights presided at an August 13th communion and spoke of the many ministries of Laurel Ridge and the wonderful opportunity, as well as challenge, which lies ahead. So much has been accomplished but the work is not over. Laurel Ridge continues to need support for paying off debt incurred from increased construction costs. And increased facility size and expanded ministries have consequences for staff and budget. What does the future hold for Laurel Ridge? Stewards of the Vision are committed to continuing the strong financial and spiritual support for “our mountain sanctuary.”

Saying our goodbyes and praying for safe travel, we leave with vivid memories of the weekend and are reminded once again of the vital and important ministry that happens nowhere else quite like it happens at Laurel Ridge.

Chi-Chi Messick is the Vice President of the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America, an interprovincial agency of the Moravian Church. Photos by Gil Frank and Terry Johnson.