The Rev. William Black
Founded in 1917 by the Synod of North Carolina as the “North Carolina Home for Religious Workers,” the Lodge began with a simple mission: to provide affordable lodging for ministers serving small congregations so they could attend conferences and events at Montreat.
Key leaders in this effort included Rev. William Black, Evangelist for the Synod; William Henry Belk, founder of the Belk department stores; and Rev. Eugene Gillespie, a Synod leader. Together they supported the founding of many Presbyterian churches across North Carolina, including Black’s Memorial Presbyterian Church in Monroe, a historic African American congregation.
By the late 1940s, the original boarding house required major renovation. The Synod invited the Presbyterian Women organization to lead the effort, but before work began, a 1947 fire destroyed the building. Plans were immediately made for a new, larger structure of river stone, steel, and concrete. Presbyterian Women raised funds to fully furnish the new home, while additional gifts from churches and individuals made construction possible. The new “William Black Home for Religious Workers” opened in the summer of 1950.
Through the 1950s and early 1960s, both Montreat and the Lodge expanded their programs and facilities. Yet, despite efforts to overcome racial barriers, many continued to be excluded from Montreat events and lodging. History | Montreat Conference Center
The 1970s and ’80s brought more changes. In 1978, the name was changed to “William Black Lodge” and the Lodge became Montreat’s first facility with air conditioning and private baths. A large meeting room/chapel and four new guestrooms were added in the mid-1980s. Longtime hosts Henrietta Copeland and her daughter Nancy welcomed guests and expanded year-round use.
In more recent years, Rev. Tommy Brown and his team have guided the Lodge through the challenges of COVID closures and the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Newly renovated first-floor rooms, the lobby, and the chapel now offer refreshed spaces that open more fully to the surrounding natural beauty.
For over a century, William Black Lodge has offered retreat, renewal, and inspiration in Montreat. The mission of providing affordable lodging for those in professional and lay ministry within the PC(USA) continues. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Lodge is guided by a board of directors and sustained primarily through lodging and meal fees, with improvements made possible through the generosity of congregations and individual donors.
Today, William Black Lodge welcomes guests from diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the nation and around the world. All are invited to come, stay, and experience the hospitality and peace found here.
Key leaders in this effort included Rev. William Black, Evangelist for the Synod; William Henry Belk, founder of the Belk department stores; and Rev. Eugene Gillespie, a Synod leader. Together they supported the founding of many Presbyterian churches across North Carolina, including Black’s Memorial Presbyterian Church in Monroe, a historic African American congregation.
By the late 1940s, the original boarding house required major renovation. The Synod invited the Presbyterian Women organization to lead the effort, but before work began, a 1947 fire destroyed the building. Plans were immediately made for a new, larger structure of river stone, steel, and concrete. Presbyterian Women raised funds to fully furnish the new home, while additional gifts from churches and individuals made construction possible. The new “William Black Home for Religious Workers” opened in the summer of 1950.
Through the 1950s and early 1960s, both Montreat and the Lodge expanded their programs and facilities. Yet, despite efforts to overcome racial barriers, many continued to be excluded from Montreat events and lodging. History | Montreat Conference Center
The 1970s and ’80s brought more changes. In 1978, the name was changed to “William Black Lodge” and the Lodge became Montreat’s first facility with air conditioning and private baths. A large meeting room/chapel and four new guestrooms were added in the mid-1980s. Longtime hosts Henrietta Copeland and her daughter Nancy welcomed guests and expanded year-round use.
In more recent years, Rev. Tommy Brown and his team have guided the Lodge through the challenges of COVID closures and the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Newly renovated first-floor rooms, the lobby, and the chapel now offer refreshed spaces that open more fully to the surrounding natural beauty.
For over a century, William Black Lodge has offered retreat, renewal, and inspiration in Montreat. The mission of providing affordable lodging for those in professional and lay ministry within the PC(USA) continues. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Lodge is guided by a board of directors and sustained primarily through lodging and meal fees, with improvements made possible through the generosity of congregations and individual donors.
Today, William Black Lodge welcomes guests from diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the nation and around the world. All are invited to come, stay, and experience the hospitality and peace found here.