Windermere Baptist Conference Center

Dan A. Bench
Interim Executive Director

My first contact with Windermere was in the summer of 1957. My sister, Nina Garnett, asked me and my wife, Sandra, to come to The Lake of the Ozarks to a place called Windermere. Dr. Earl Harding wanted our input as he evaluated this place with the idea of buying it to be used as a camp for Missouri Baptist. We were all very impressed. Now, 49 years later, Windermere continues to impress all who come.

During all of those years, my family has had a continuing contact. We lived in Des Moines, Iowa for 34 years and Iowa was considered an association of Missouri Baptist during that time. This relationship allowed Iowa Baptists to participate in all Windermere activities. We brought youth
groups, leadership groups, music groups, family groups and took many family vacations. Two of my children served as summer staffers.

After retiring in February of 1998, we moved to Four Seasons and quickly became involved with Windermere. About a year later, I accepted the position of Coordinator of Volunteers, working alongside of Willa Toon. I continued in this position until the Board of Trustees, in mid-November of last year, asked me to be the Interim Executive Director.

I, again, discovered how easy it is to get really neat jobs if you are willing to work for free. Since November, I have had a chance to experience the commitment of a very hard-working staff and the leadership of a very dedicated Board of Trustees who have continued to seek and follow God’s will even in the face of strong opposition.

The mission of Windermere has never changed and it remains to be: “As A Dedicated Christ-like Team We will Provide A Christian Setting In Which Life Changing Experiences May Occur For All Involved.” The Baptist and Christian history and heritage of Windermere continues and we need your help to keep it going.