In May 1953, the Southern Province of the Moravian Church in America began looking into purchasing land to serve as a place at which the Province could hold summer camps and annual conferences. Located above 3600 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. The camp operated for almost fifteen years as a camp, and retreat center during the summer months only. The first full-time director was hired in 1974. The reverend Rick Sides served in that capacity and began living on-site in 1976 after completion of the Haberkern Director’s residence. In 1975 the original Tise building was renovated and winterized to enable the start of year-round programs. The original Tise building was destroyed by fire in 1980 and replaced by the current Tise Building that accommodates 32 people.

Higgins Lodge, a year-round retreat and conference facility with a capacity of 72, was completed in 1977. 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, the Gemeinhouse, a retreat facility for individual study and meditation, was completed. A new all-weather Activities Center was completed in 1999 with funds from the ‘Through All Generations’ campaign.

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.

Registration for all events at Laurel Ridge takes place on a first-come, first-served basis, without regard to race, gender, religion, disability, or national origin.