August 15, 2003
Windermere Loan Financing Finalized
Wilderness Creek Expansion Proceeding
The Windermere Board of Trustees approved a major
expansion of Windermere during 2002. Construction of the Wilderness Creek
campus was temporarily delayed earlier this year when the original plans for
financing the expansion did not work out. Frank Shock, President of
Windermere, indicated, “We regret the delay the financing arrangements caused,
but we believe God has great things planned for our ministry at Windermere.”
“We are paying all of the outstanding construction bills, and we are excited
about moving forward with the Wilderness Creek project.”
Construction will be resuming within a few days on the
first phase of the Wilderness Creek expansion. This first phase will provide
84 new lodge rooms accommodating more than five hundred people. These lodge
rooms are similar to the rooms in the mini lodges, Koehler Lodge, and the Lake
View Lodge and are in great demand. Ultimately, when completed, the new campus
will provide space for more than 1000 additional guests. The expansion will
allow Windermere to accommodate many larger conferences and groups that
previously were unable to utilize the facilities because of limited space.
Arthur Mallory, chairman of the Windermere Board of
Trustees, said, “The Board of Trustees is grateful for the splendid ministry
of Windermere. The most exciting aspect of the ministry has been the
significant number of children, youth and even adults who have made
life-changing decisions while on campus. During the past several years from
1200 to 1500 decisions have been made each year, and with the expansion of
Windermere’s facilities and programs the number of decisions should increase
significantly.”
The first phase of the new Wilderness Creek campus, a $10
million project, is under construction between the existing Spring Valley
cabins and The Edge challenge course. When completed, the new campus
will include 14 lodge buildings, each lodge will provide 12 rooms, and each
room will accommodate up to six persons.
Construction on the first phase of the expansion began
last fall. The project was delayed temporarily due to restructuring of the
financing. This process delayed payments for some completed work. The
financing is now complete and the construction is back on schedule. “Most of
the sub-contractors have been very understanding and cooperative,” shared
Frank Shock. “We are grateful for their patience and cooperation as we made
plans to move forward with this exciting project,” he added.
The Wilderness Creek campus will also include a 1500-seat
auditorium with the flexibility of serving one large conference or two
simultaneous conferences of 500 each. When all phases are complete the complex
will include break-out meeting and conference space for 1000 people and a new
dining facility to serve the new campus. The Wilderness Creek campus is
nestled on a beautiful, wooded hillside overlooking a natural creek that winds
through the valley toward the lake.
Also planned for the new Wilderness Creek campus are
indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a gymnasium. There will also be
additional outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking trails and
lighted pathways. The Wilderness Creek campus expansion will allow Windermere
to become one of the premier conference and camp facilities in the nation. “I
feel confident every Missouri Baptist will rejoice with the Windermere
Trustees that Windermere is able to play a significant role in Kingdom work,”
shared Arthur Mallory.
There is tremendous excitement about this major expansion
of the Windermere campus. A number of new conferences are being planned for
this fall and the 2004 year. The Windermere staff encourages those interested
in space to contact the sales office at (800) 346-2215 or the web site at
www.windermereusa.org. Windermere
anticipates that they will serve several thousand additional people in the
first year of operation in the new campus and many more during the years to
come. Windermere continues to be one of the great Missouri Baptist ministries.
Truly, God is building lives through the ministry of Windermere.
Windermere Baptist Conference Center
PO Box 458 | 205 Volunteer Drive | Roach, MO 65787
Phone: 573-346-5200 | Toll Free: 800-346-2215
Fax: 573-346-7612
