Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cragmont has served for generations as a place of spiritual renewal, life-changing relationships, and deep connection to God’s creation. This beloved mountaintop sanctuary has welcomed individuals and families from across the country to rest, reflect, and grow in their faith.
What makes Cragmont special isn’t just its breathtaking views or peaceful setting.
- It’s the people who come here, year after year, seeking a deeper encounter with God.
- It’s the joy of campers worshiping together under the stars.
- It’s the quiet prayers spoken at sunrise.
- It’s the lifelong friendships forged around campfires.
- It’s the faith-foundations laid during retreats and conferences.
Cragmont is more than a place. It’s a spiritual home and a sacred legacy. Now, as we look to the future, we recognize the need to preserve and enhance our legacy.
PLANNING STUDY
As we began envisioning Cragmont’s future and recognizing the importance of shared vision, we conducted a planning study to listen and learn from those who care most about Cragmont. We invited friends, supporters, and community members to share their thoughts, hopes, and ideas for the future of this ministry. Their honest feedback helped guide our next steps and shaped the vision you’ll see reflected in the information below.
THE START OF A CAMPAIGN
Based on the results of our planning study and the overwhelming support for the dreams we shared, Cragmont is moving forward with The Legacy of Worship Capital Campaign. This campaign focuses on creating the needed and improved spaces that will allow us to expand our programs and ministries. These new and restored spaces will serve campers, families, and churches who come seeking rest, renewal, and a closer walk with Christ. Through this effort to restore our historic tabernacle as a dedicated place of worship and build a new multipurpose center, we continue our commitment to providing inspiration, instruction, and recreation directed toward spiritual growth for all who come to the mountain.
To learn more about the vision and heart behind this campaign, watch the video below.
OUR PLANS
RESTORE THE TABERNACLE – $2 million
The Need: We need a larger, dedicated space to worship. The Chapel in the Main Building is too small for everyone in our camps and retreat groups, and the Lassiter Family Center, our gym, has many other functions and isn’t an ideal worship space.
The Plan: The Tabernacle, one of our most iconic and historic buildings, once was our primary space for worship and large gatherings, was later used for recreation, and now serves as overflow storage. We plan to restore it into a sacred, purpose-built space for worship that seats 400+ people, creating a setting that fosters reverence, focus, and community. Planned renovations include:
- Structural improvements and
exterior renovations. - Updated electrical and lighting.
- Heating and ventilation systems.
- New ceiling, drywall, and interior finishings.
- Worship furnishings, including stage,
seating, sound system, lighting, and
acoustic enhancements. - Restroom addition and upgraded entrances.
- Aesthetic updates that retain its historic charm.
BUILD A NEW MULTIPURPOSE
SUPPORT BUILDING | $1 million
The Need: We are running out of space, and we will need even more once we clear out the Tabernacle. To support our year-round operations, we need to add square footage for storage, maintenance and projects, as well as dedicated housing for summer staff and long-term volunteers.
The Plan: We plan to build a new, three level multipurpose support building that will give us the space we need now and room to grow in the years to come. The new building will include:
- Basement-level storage for summer camp materials and facility equipment.
- Temperature-regulated workspace for yearround maintenance and project work.
- Oil change pit, tool/equipment storage, and workshop space.
- Eight private living spaces, each with a private bathroom.
- Common lounge areas, small kitchens, and laundry facilities on the top two levels to accompany the private living spaces.
- Four versatile classrooms that can transform into eight meeting spaces, offering flexibility for groups of every size.
TOTAL COST: $3 MILLION
(All costs are estimates, include contingencies, and are subject to change.)
A PHASED APPROACH
We recognize that these projects mean a major transformation at Cragmont – and they come with asignificant price tag. With this in mind, we are planning a three-phased approach that will allow us tomake meaningful progress while managing costs and minimizing disruption to our regular operations.
HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF THE LEGACY?
As the story of the widow’s mite reminds us, giving is a sacred act of worship—a heartfelt expression of faith that flows from gratitude and trust in God’s provision, allowing us to participate in something larger than ourselves. For 80 years, Cragmont has thrived on the widow’s mite, with friends and supporters like you offering their very best, and we invite you to do the same once again.
As members of the Cragmont family and supporters of its mission, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you might sacrificially take part in this next exciting chapter of ministry. This campaign represents an important step forward in preserving and strengthening Cragmont’s legacy of providing a place where lives are renewed, faith is deepened, and community is built in Christ-centered fellowship.
We are asking each friend of Cragmont to reflect on what level of commitment you could make toward this vital endeavor. The campaign pledge period extends over three years, allowing gifts to be fulfilled in a way that fits each donor’s personal circumstances. Every gift—large or small—will make a lasting impact.
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