Katherine and Thomas Belk Family Presents $1 Million Challenge Gift to Montreat Conference Center

The soon-to-be-renovated Assembly Inn

A challenge gift of $1 million was given to Montreat Conference Center’s “Building on the Tradition” campaign on June 8 of this summer.  The gift, made in support of a $6.2 million project to renovate the conference center’s historic Assembly Inn, was given by Katherine Belk and her children through the Katherine and Thomas Belk Foundation of Charlotte, and challenges Montreat Conference Center to raise $500,000 in new gifts and pledges (that may be paid over five years) by August 31.  “This is a wondrous and transformative challenge,” stated conference center president Pete Peery, “but the family has made it clear that we must meet it to receive the full $1 million.”

Assembly Inn, built in 1929, is the stately centerpiece of Montreat Conference Center and has hosted virtually hundreds of thousands of guests, conferees, and retreat groups over the years.  Bill Scheu, campaign chair, explained that extensive renovations to the Inn’s guest rooms and public spaces will position it to continue playing a vital role in “nurturing and shaping leaders in the church in future decades just as it has done so well in past decades.”  He added: “Kat Belk, her daughter, Katie Morris, and her sons, McKay, Tim, and Johnny Belk, all have a great love for Montreat and recognize the significance of the Inn in Montreat’s ministry.”

“We’re excited to join hands with others in support of this vital campaign to fund the much-needed renovation of Assembly Inn,” said Kat Belk.  “We hope that our challenge gift will encourage those who care deeply about the future ministry and work of Montreat Conference Center to contribute to the $500,000 match so that we can give our full gift and move the ‘Building on the Tradition’ campaign forward to continued success.”

The two-phase project, expected to be completed by 2014, will include heating and air conditioning, Wi-Fi access throughout, lighting and plumbing upgrades, new windows, and redecorated guest rooms and public spaces.  Careful attention will be paid to environmental stewardship, safety, and preservation of the Inn’s historic ambiance.  For the duration of the project, Assembly Inn will remain open for business, and care will be taken to have as little impact on the travel plans and comfort of guests as possible.

“Kat Belk and her children have given us a moment,” said Peery. “It is a moment within which we may transform Montreat, equipping it afresh for service to the church for the next generation.  Will you join them in claiming this moment?” he challenged the guests gathered at the recent annual Patrons Banquet.

“The challenge is one all of us, as supporters of Montreat, should take seriously,” agreed Scheu.  “We are deeply thankful for the guidance of people like Kat Belk, who demonstrate their love of this place with such open generosity.”