Did You Know?

Montreat’s success as a summer conference grounds, with over 400 people attending the first conference in 1897, meant that a more permanent structure than a tent was needed. The Community Building opened in 1900 and could accommodate up to 400 people. But conferences still needed tents for programming. Talk soon began of an even larger auditorium. However, an even more pressing priority was housing, so the Alba Hotel was constructed in 1907. Then, in 1909, the Mountain Retreat Association built Calvin Auditorium, with seating of up to 1000, on what is now Moore field. Thus, the center of Montreat was firmly defined – two hotels on either side of the lake, a rather rickety dam, a small building that served as a bookstore, and Calvin Auditorium. 

This heart of Montreat would change dramatically in the early 1920s. Anderson Auditorium opened in 1922 and Calvin Auditorium was demolished (it’s a miracle the building had not burned down). Shortly thereafter Susan Graham pledged $25,000 for a new and stronger dam if MRA would tear down the bookstore and dedicate that entire area beneath the dam as a park. She also insisted that the nearby sawmill, located directly across from her house on Assembly Drive, be moved. W. H. Belk provided funds for playground equipment and thereafter this entire area remained unchanged until the 1960s.

Thanks to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, especially Nancy Midgette, for this glimpse from the past. Stop by the PHC for additional Montreat history and so much more. Have an idea for a future “Did You Know?”? Let Nancy know at midgette@elon.edu.