Sudden closure of long-time Catholic retreat center in Maggie Valley is a loss.
A sacred space in Haywood County that has served as a place of spiritual reflection for 43 years is closing in early March.
Bishop Michael Martin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte has decided to shutter the Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley.
According to an announcement in the diocesan Catholic News Herald, the decision came “after an analysis of (the diocesan) investment needs and financial demands elsewhere … the diocese will consolidate its retreat ministry at its much larger Catholic Conference Center in Hickory.”
People have taken time away at Living Waters for varied reasons. Many wanted to be away from emails, cell phones, driving from one errand to the next, and to escape from the ever-present to-do lists. When at Living Waters, retreatants were in a place where mind and body slowed down at be closer to God. The peaceful reflection center offered private and group retreats for both youth and adults.
In his letter to Living Waters director Deacon William Shaw, Bishop Martin expressed gratitude “for the many years of thoughtful leadership and dedicated service to Living Waters and our community of faith. You have provided a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment, and your work has offered respite and helped countless people deepen their relationship with God.”
Haywood County resident Maureen Hunt has given and participated in retreats at Living Waters Reflection Center over the years.
“It has been a haven of tranquility for those seeking solitude, spiritual direction and various retreats. Its absence will be deeply felt by many who have been blessed by this welcoming and sacred space apart from the busy-ness of one’s life,” Hunt said.
“Most consider attending a retreat to be a movement away from everyday concerns,” said Episcopal Priest Father Earle Pratt. “I see it as a conscious decision to move toward God. Living Waters, with its congenial staff, comfortable accommodations and serene setting, has been a place of profound spiritual growth for the men of Grace Church in the Mountains during three-day retreats there.”
Living Waters was a dream of Father William Murphy, a Detroit businessman who became a priest at the age of 80. After coming to North Carolina, Fr. Murphy built a Catholic Church in Sylva, North Carolina prior to the construction of the beautiful St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church on the mountain above the retreat center.
Murphy owned a motel, and when a fire destroyed the retreat house that he was building, he converted the motel into what became Living Waters. It was dedicated on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June of 1982 with Bishop Michael J. Begley presiding at the dedication.
Fr. Murphy’s dream was that people would come to spend time in prayer in the valley. He wanted them to drink in the beauty of the mountains that so much enthralled him.
“Several of you who are reading this have probably driven past Living Waters in Maggie Valley many times,” said Maggie Valley resident Susan Clarke. “It’s on the western end of Soco Road on the right as you drive towards Cherokee, across from Tube World and close to Joey’s Pancake House.
“The retreat center has been a hidden treasure in Haywood County for many years,” she said. “Perhaps some of you have enjoyed a retreat or visit there. I have attended three retreats, and each one has enriched me. It was the best, a great experience in a beautiful location, next to a creek and surrounded by mountains.”
Waynesville resident Dan Linker said that when he is on a retreat in a simple setting, he is made more aware of the spiritual side of his life.
“There are times we need to go backwards, realizing we do not need so many possessions. There are fewer distractions; a simple bed with clean linens. It was a one-of-a-kind place with walks along a stream and an appreciation of the overall beauty of the setting.”
It is a loss for Maggie Valley restaurants and businesses as well.
“We have averaged 20 guests every other weekend year-round with some retreats having up to 45,” said reflection center office manager David Ferguson.
The Catholic Church has not yet announced plans for the Living Waters property.
“I heard many of our guests comment on shopping at the local stores both in Maggie Valley and Waynesville. They also attended local arts and crafts shows. And many private retreatants have eaten at the local restaurants since we did not offer meals unless we had a group in house,” Ferguson said.
