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An Ode to Eagle Eyrie
Rusty Mullins, November 2022
Fond memories of a special place, by Rusty Mullins
Lynchburg, Virginia, is known as the City of Seven Hills. On one of those hills, just outside the city of Lynchburg, sits a shining jewel that is one of my favorite places on our planet – Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center.
I was not raised as a Virginia Baptist, so the first time I set foot on this beautiful campus was the fall of 1987, as a college freshman. From that day forward, a part of my heart has remained at this majestic place. Eagle Eyrie has existed as a conference center since 1956 and is owned and operated by the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
My wife, Jennifer, worked at Eagle Eyrie for two summers while in high school. She worked primarily in the ice cream shop. While meeting with our group during the Kairos Fall Gathering recently, she said, “It feels like the Holy Spirit has been baked into this mountain.” I couldn’t agree more.
Jennifer says that many of her biggest spiritual decisions were made in Dogwood Hall, where most of the worship services are held. She felt called to full-time ministry in Dogwood and embraced God’s call to do a summer mission internship while sitting on the back porch of English Dining Hall.
In the spring of my senior year, I attended a special track for those graduating out of our state Baptist Student Unions. It was during that weekend, surrounded by fellow seniors, that I accepted God’s call to attend seminary. My campus minister, the wonderful Jim Collie, had been in my ear for a long time, encouraging me to dive in fully if I was indeed called. That was the weekend I said, “Here am I – send me.”
There are retreat facilities all over the state. I have been to many of them. I have also spent time in such places all over the southeast. There is something extra special about Eagle Eyrie.
My 21-year-old daughter, Bethany, has gone to the Kairos Initiative Fall Conference for most of her life. She attended as a child and teen when her mom was the campus minister at Radford University. She has attended as part of a church group for the last few years, also led by her mother. She wrote a long post on social media after this year’s event. As part of that post, she wrote: “Eagle Eyrie, during Kairos Fall Gathering, has been the staple in my life that continues to point me back to God.”
I always look forward to driving through the gates at the bottom of the hill. I know that once I enter, I will feel at home and a little closer to heaven.
Rusty Mullins is currently the interim pastor at Hopewell Baptist Church, a BGAV-participating church in New Kent, VA
2020 Testimonials
Heritage Baptist Church, October 2020
“We had a GREAT time! Thanks for all that you do. Being able to meet inside and outside, have a large kitchen right there next to everything, and also have rooms all right in the same place was ideal for our short retreat. We praise God for His grace and for a wonderful setting to meet. Thanks again for everything!”
Strength in Weakness Ministries, August 2020
“As a family with a young child and serving in the ministry, it can be really easy to lose sight of the “why” we do what we do from day to day and get so wrapped up in the “how” of life. We are grateful for our trip to Eagle Eyrie so that we could gain perspective on the “why” in order to continue to be compelled to pursue the “how.” I have come to realize that I cannot serve unless my cup is overflowing first. Eagle Eyrie helped that to happen so that I can continue to be used by God.”
Buchanan Baptist Church, August 2020
“I want to thank you for providing a place for pastors and their wives to come and take a break from the pressures of ministry life. Without a doubt these were the most relaxing and rejuvenating days we have had in years! The facilities were cozy, comfortable, and very clean. My wife commented on how wonderfully decorated the lodge is. We pray the campus will be back in action soon so that other young people can receive the ‘mountain top experiences’ we recall from so long ago. It was good to be in the peace and quiet of God’s sanctuary on the mountain.”
Smithland Baptist Church, July 2020
“We so enjoyed our week on the mountain. And if anyone ever asks – it is possible to see Lynchburg fireworks from the balcony of the dining hall! We so appreciate having this place of rest and relaxation to come to. Being on the mountain feels like home.”
Portico Church, February 2020
“Thanks for reaching out. We had a wonderful time at the conference center. We loved the staff and their attentiveness to our needs. Rebecca helped me to find tape, call the maintenance man when our projector wouldn’t turn on, and the food was a hit. Women loved their rooms, and the meeting space upstairs was perfect for our needs. Everyone was so kind and patient and gracious. We really had a wonderful time and will come back again. Thank you so much!”
Covenant Presbyterian Church, February 2020
“We had a wonderfully encouraging time at Eagle Eyrie!! In fact, we hated to leave and ended up checking out later than I had planned. Some ladies stayed in the parking lot still chatting even after we did check out. Everyone was so happy with the entire weekend!! The banquet staff in the dining hall were all extremely friendly and hospitable and I heard lots of positive comments about the food. Also, the ladies in the office on Friday afternoon and Sunday were super friendly and helpful.
I really appreciated how easy you all were to work with in making the reservation and that whole process. This was my first time organizing a retreat and I found you all to be very “user friendly” which I appreciate.
We had a very sweet time together!! It’s actually rare for all of the ladies to be able to be together, so it was huge blessing. We are already looking forward to being able to do it again at some point and I think all of the ladies would be thrilled to come back to the exact same lodge!! Also, if our men decide to go on a retreat, I will highly recommend they come to Eagle Eyrie!”
My Life Matters Ministry, February 2020
“The environment was really conducive to spiritual reflection and growth and unity. We spent our time playing on the ball field, walking trails in the woods, throwing the football, eating together, and reading the Word. I wanted these students to truly know Jesus as He’s revealed in Scripture, so we read the entire book of Luke together. I know, for many of these students, this is the first time they’ve ever read an entire book of the Bible on their own, and it happened to be the longest one in the New Testament, no less. I’m grateful for you guys and your ministry to the entire region.”
Hope Church, February 2020
“We truly enjoyed our time there and every one of our leaders talked about this being our best retreat yet! The meeting room was perfect and it was awesome to be able to set up and eat all in the same area! Thank you SO much for having the projector and screen set up for us as well!! We loved having the Voight Center for rooms as well as the cabins. I did not hear of any complaints from anyone. Thank you SO much for allowing us to be able to rent your facilities and we look forward to doing so again in the future! Blessings to you and your entire staff!”
Grace Church, January 2020
“Thank you so much for your hospitality this past weekend. The women loved their time at the retreat and many on the survey wanted us to do it more often! The conference room was perfect, as well as the hotel rooms. I enjoyed chatting with the hostess and I hope she enjoyed our fellowship too.”
Bon Air Baptist Church, January 2020
“We always love staying at Eagle Eyrie. Whether we bring a big group or a small group we always know we will be taken care of. We stayed in the Grandin Court Lodge and all our students could say is how it looked so updated and nice compared to other cabins they have been in. Thank you so much for another amazing retreat and providing a safe place for people to get away from everyday and dig in deeper to what a relationship with God means.”
Newington Baptist Church, January 2020
“Thank you for hosting my wife and I for a three days in the Virginia Baptist Foundation Pastor’s Cabin. We enjoyed the privacy and quietness of Eagle Eyrie while being close to Lynchburg and its resources. The accommodations were comfortable and clean. We found them pleasant and well furnished. The registration staff were very friendly. We are very appreciative of the opportunity the Pastor’s Cabin afforded us. We needed a few days away.”
Christian Counseling Associates of Raleigh, January 2020
“Thank you and your team for making my personal retreat an extremely easy and helpful time. The nice lady that checked me in was very professional and welcoming. The Catalpa lodge upstairs was perfectly set up and clean. Looking forward to next year return hopefully.”
2019 Testimonials
Chick-fil-A Employee Banquet, December 2019
“We’ve always been extremely pleased with Eagle Eyrie. The staff is truly splendid. We made sure the serving team knew how grateful we were for all their help. Overall the food was really good! We’ve always been impressed with the food/menu/value. Everything was set up beautifully and exactly to our requests.”
Second Presbyterian Church, November 2019
“I do hope you pass on my sincere thanks for all the help and hospitality that I received from initial planning and designing to the ways all staff welcomed and assisted me and the attendees. We were give prompt and friendly attention. It was noticed, appreciated and made for a delightful weekend. Thank you.”
River Oak Church, October 2019
“First let me say – we had a wonderful retreat! Eagle Eyrie was the perfect place and our ladies absolutely loved it!! We saw the Lord really work in our ladies hearts in such a beautiful picture perfect setting.”
Thomas Road Baptist Church, September 2019
“We had the most wonderful time at Eagle Eyrie once again. Our ladies enjoyed their time so much. Everyone was truly delightful and helpful. I can tell everyone enjoys their job. Thank you for taking care of every detail. We are so blessed to have a place like Eagle Eyrie in our area.”
Chinese Christian Church of Milwaukee, September 2019
“Thank you SO much for the wonderful stay at the Catalpa Lodge this past week. What a beautiful conference center and lodge! And the view was truly breathtaking, especially for us mountain-less folk in the mid-west.”
First Baptist Church Staunton, July 2019
“As always, Eagle Eyrie provides an atmosphere for the Lord to breathe a breath of fresh air back into my soul. My retreats there are always refreshing. The staff there are always helpful and kind and I sense that they love what God has called them to do. Thanks to all of you at Eagle Eyrie for not just how you serve but the way you serve. Your efforts are making an eternal impact in the lives of children, youth and adults!”
Telugu Christian Fellowship of VA, July 2019
“Thank you for hosting us at Eagle Eyrie. We really had a wonderful and blessed time. Hope we return another year for more Retreats at your place. Wish we opted for one more day at the Eagle Eyrie for more fun. Thank You again for patiently answering all my questions and accommodating everything which we requested.”
Passportkids Summer Camp Testimonials, June 2019
“Thank you for your kindness, efficiency, and leadership during Passportkids last week. We loved being at Eagle Eyrie! I especially appreciated the professionalism and compassion of your team. We are excited to return next summer. In the meantime, may your summer be full of wonderful experiences.”
Charlottesville Vineyard Church Testimonials, May 2019
“We just wanted to let you know that we had a great experience at EE this weekend. Really hit our goals of rest, quiet, fun, and relationship. Thanks for all you and the team at EE do.”
