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About GMBA Calef Retreat Center - About Page Last Modified: July 9, 2011 Mission Statement
To provide a friendly and comfortable place for Christian individuals and groups to engage in Christian learning and/or
mission activities.Directions/Location
Take Exit 7 (Berlin) on Interstate 89. When the road splits, stay on the left side, and proceed toward Barre.
At the second light, make a right onto Hwy. 302. Proceed through Barre, and at the light bear left, staying
on Hwy. 302. Continue on Hwy. 302 for a couple more miles. Take a right onto SR 110 (Roland's Gas Station
will be on the corner). Immediately bear left, staying on SR 110. Proceed on SR 110 for about 2 miles.
The Retreat Center is on the right side of the road, just past the Washington North Trailer Park. Our physical
address is 2700 VT Rte 110; Washington, VT 05675.
[View Map]History and Basic Information
Ira Calef was born into a farmer’s family in Washington, Vermont. At 16 years
of age his father died. Realizing that his future was limited in the small
town of Washington, he moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where through
hard work and determination, he made his fortune in the meat packing industry.
At some point in his later life, he returned to live in Washington and built
this 16-room house with attached barn. Mr. Calef never married or had any
children. When he passed away, he willed it to Goddard Seminary, who in
turn sold it. It went through a number of hands before being purchased by
the Catholic Church. It was originally going to be made into a convent for
nuns, but that plan never materialized. Instead, it served as the rectory
for the local Catholic parish. When that local church was closed and the
parish was merged with the one in East Barre, the Washington Baptist Church
purchased the home. After major renovations, it now serves as the parsonage
for Washington Baptist Church as well as a mission apartment and retreat
center. The Calef Retreat Center is owned by Washington Baptist Church.
The Green Mountain Baptist Association helped fund the renovations of the
Retreat Center and helps provide a staff member to do the scheduling and
cleaning. Scheduling
If you are interested in bringing a group to Vermont to stay in the Calef Retreat
Center, please contact:David and Mary Lois Geer, Retreat Center Coordinators (802)-883-5443 (802) 476-2026 / 30 Jones Brothers Way, Suite B; Barre, VT 05641 / |