Updated Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Mountain church saves school, creates Candlestick

By Norman Jameson

BR Editor

For decades everyone in Minneapolis, N.C. attended Minneapolis Elementary School. Well, everyone but the preacher's youngest son whose family came later.

The 17,000-square-foot brick school building on the dead end of Minneapolis School Road in North Carolina's mountains was an economic engine and provided a community focus that threatened to be lost when Avery County built a replacement school four miles away.

More threatening to Minneapolis Baptist Church though, was that it shared a parking lot with the school and the only access to the church was through school property. When the school building was put on the market, lots of things that made that end of the street - and the church - unique were at risk.

No one wanted to see the school knocked down in favor of resort cabins or apartments.

So Minneapolis Baptist Church bought the building and has labored for several years with the help of Baptist groups from several states to turn it into the Candlestick Retreat and Enrichment Center. It is a four-season facility in the mountains near Boone and Linville, convenient as a jumping place for ski trips, retreats, hiking adventures and ministry in the Appalachian area.

Bryan Griffith, pastor of Minneapolis Baptist Church, touts Candlestick's secluded location as a perfect setting for groups more interested in retreat than recreation.

"There is plenty of space to get alone and do some hiking on the nearby Appalachian Trail," Griffith said. "You can get alone with the Lord. That is our heart's desire. By coming here we pray that missions grow in your heart and your commitment and purpose is strengthened to follow Jesus and make a difference in this world for Him."

First constructed in 1932, the Minneapolis School building has been transformed into a 72-bed facility. While conveniences are modern, the hardwood floors, hallways and gymnasium were preserved to keep the "old school feel." A large common area has comfortable furniture for group meetings.

The building has wireless high-speed Internet and occupants can use the nation-wide unlimited long distance phone service. Groups can prepare and serve meals in the large cafeteria/dining hall, which also is suitable for meetings.

By water, Candlestick is at the intersection of Big Horse Creek and Toe River and by land it is in the intersection of Hwy. 19E and Minneapolis School Road, which actually ends in its parking lot.

Minneapolis is a small community of approximately 200 and includes the historically famous Appalachian Inn Bed & Breakfast. It was heavily flooded in 2004, including the church. Baptist Men's disaster relief response in the area drew Griffith to lead the church to become actively involved in Baptist State Convention life again.

Summer activities include canoeing, rafting, tubing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, golfing, fly fishing, Art in the Park, Highland Games, Singing on the Mountain, or shopping in Boone or Blowing Rock.

In winter, skiing is available at nearby Sugar Mountain, Appalachian Mountain, Ski Beech, and Hawks-nest.

To honor Champ Young, who taught middle schoolers for many years, Candlestick initiated Camp Champ, a one-week camp July 21-25 where middle schoolers can become "champions for Christ." The camp will "major on the relevance of scripture for today's young people," Griffith said.

Cost to utilize Candlestick is $10 per person per night. Candlestick is adding RV hookups.