The History of the Lost River Retreat Center:
Dating back to the late 1800’s the land where the Lost River Retreat Center is located has been known far and wide for its abundant wildlife fertile pasture. The present day Lost River Retreat Center also encompasses the location of the “Mill Gap School” a one room schoolhouse located at on the south side of the property, along Mill Gap Run. The school, now converted to a residence still stands and has seen many updates and over the years.
In the 1960’s and 70’s Green Valley Farms, operated by the Teets family of Lost River, WV was a respite and escape for “city-trapped folks who dreamed of awakening to the bobwhite’s whistle or the strumming of bullfrogs.” A year round program of horseback riding, volleyball, trout fishing and outdoor sports including bird and game hunting drew visitors from as far away as New York City. The Teets family hosted a Friday Night Fish Fry in the Main Lodge and folks throughout the Lost River Valley and visitors from afar would dine together on the fisherman’s catch!
In the late 1970’s the Teets family sold the property to the Tuscarora Land Company, who was building vacation cabins in the area. Tuscarora used the then known “Redbud Cottage” (aka Mill Gap School) as its real estate office and operated the “Lodge at Lost River” in a similar manner to the Teet’s family while they were subdividing land near Lost River and creating the nearby Lost River Valley Property Owners Association.
In January 1980 the Vienna Baptist Church purchased the then “Lodge at Lost River”, leased the property back to Tuscarora Land Company for one year and then, in 1981 founded and opened the Lost River Retreat Center. Over nearly 40 years, The Lost River Retreat center became known as a place of spiritual renewal, exploration and growth. Groups from around the mid-Atlantic region came to know Lost River Retreat Center for its expansive accommodations, wonderful home-cooked meals and of course the kindness of the retreat center team and staff throughout the years. During the time VBC owned the property 2 large gathering rooms were added (one to each lodge). Then in 2015, the Duane Chapel was built -- a streamside, outdoor, open-air chapel dedicated to Jerry Duane, one of the retreat center visionaries from VBC who helped the church achieve their dream of having its own retreat center in 1980. Maintenance, upkeep and management of the Lost River Retreat Center became more than the church was willing prepared to handle and they made the very tough decision to look for a new steward for the retreat center.
In August 2018 our friends at the Vienna Baptist Church sold the property to us, their neighbors and along with it we became the ambassadors of such a special and sacred place. Almost seamlessly, we took over the property and scheduled retreats (the first retreat, was a group from Vienna Baptist Church, just 2 days later!) Today, the Lost River Retreat Center continues to welcome many of the same groups who have come to love and enjoy the Lost River Retreat center for more than almost 40 years. We are also hosting many new groups who are only just discovering the Lost River Retreat Center! We host all kinds of retreats, youth groups, meditation weekends, mindfulness experiences, Artist groups & clubs, athletic teams and anyone seeking the setting of nature to discover renewal.