Our History
In May 1953, the Southern Province of the Moravian Church in America began looking into purchasing land to serve as a place where the Province could hold summer camps and annual conferences. Located above 3,600 feet in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Ashe County, North Carolina, Laurel Ridge began with 115 acres of land purchased with a gift of $12,000 from the young people of the Moravian Church. Over time the camp grew to 535 acres due to the generous contributions of C. T. Leinbach. Then, due to an additional gift of land, Laurel Ridge grew to 635 acres. In 1999 additional land was added through a timber/land swap, yielding a total of 688 acres.

When it first opened in 1960, facilities consisted of four lodge and cabin clusters (Pines, Oaks, Birches and Laurels), the Leinbach Dining Hall, the Bahnson Assembly Hall, the Shore Infirmary, and several support cabins (Staff Cabin, Cooks’ Cabin, etc.). All of these facilities were designed for use during warm seasons of the year. The Reverend George G. Higgins was the first director and a guiding force for the early years of the camp. Laurel Ridge operated for almost 15 years as a camp and retreat center during the summer months only. The Reverend Richard Sides became the first full-time director in 1974 and began living on-site in 1976 after completion of the Haberkern Director’s Residence.

Along with the summer camp facilities, the Tise Building was constructed in 1960 as a small group lodge. In 1975 it was renovated and winterized to enable the start of year-round programs. It was destroyed by fire in 1980 and replaced by the current Tise Building that accommodates 32 people. In 1999 volunteers constructed a new wing to expand Tise’s meeting space and add a fireplace.

Higgins Lodge, a year-round retreat and conference facility, opened in 1977. Thanks to the generosity of contributors to the “Growing for a Lifetime” campaign, the building doubled in size in 2007 and can now accommodate 156. Higgins features spacious meeting rooms, breathtaking mountain views, and the hospitality and service that Laurel Ridge has offered for 48 years.

On-site residences for the Facilities Manager and Assistant Director are in place today, and a new office building was completed in 1997. In 1998 volunteers completed construction of the Gemein House, a retreat facility for individual study and meditation. A new all-weather Activities Center was completed in 1999 with funds from the "Through All Generations" campaign.

Volunteers are currently working on the Friends of Laurel Ridge cabin, a place for couples and families to escape the day-to-day distractions of life and reconnect both with each other and with God.

Since 1960, Laurel Ridge has been the setting for memorable fellowship by adults and young people alike through conferences, retreats, ministers’ meetings, prayerful meditation, mission camps, and wholesome outdoor fun. Today Laurel Ridge serves the Moravian Church, other denominations and non-profit agencies year-round.

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If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us 336-359-2951 or toll free 888-831-5922, email us, or use our online request form.