Finding peace at the shore

Finding God on the way to church

story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Biggerstaff Retreat Center

Sunday morning services at Biggerstaff are open to all with folks walking, driving and boating in to enjoy morning worship.

The sun has crept up over the trees that, in the moments just before dawn, form the eastern wall of the lake; an undetailed, mass that contributes to the early morning tranquility of the water lapping at the dock. The big motor idles quietly as Rob Peirce finishes wiping down the seats and settles back into the captain’s chair, his morning coffee in hand.

The cool, crisp air of spring penetrates his light jacket, detonating a quick, radial chill. Maybe long pants would have been better than the Bermudas he pulled out this morning? Nah; it always warms up quickly when the sun hits the lake.

Minutes later he and Sandy are on their way, gliding out of the cove just in case one of the neighbors hasn’t made it to the coffeemaker yet. Reaching the big water, Rob gives the big motor a little more rein, and a small wake builds behind the pontoon as they head south. It’s a 30-minute ride to church, but, for them, their Sunday service has already begun.

Biggerstaff Retreat Center is a ministry of St. John’s

Lutheran Church, ELCA, in Walhalla. Here, on the shores of Lake Keowee and a stone’s throw away from aptly-named Biggerstaff Road, 100 people or so gather every Sunday morning for church.

A few neighbors walk in. Others drive, carting lawn chairs or settling into available bench seating. Some, like the Peirces, anchor just offshore or tie up at a small dock and join others in the shoreline congregation.

“I love Biggerstaff,” said Sandy, who discovered the Retreat Center while looking for a birthday party venue for Rob. “It’s hard not to feel the spirit (of God) when you’re sitting at the lake.”

Upon his death in 1980, Samuel Biggerstaff left a 5-acre portion of what had been his home and family farm to his church, St. John’s Lutheran.

“His wish was to create a place for the faithful of the area to be able to worship and spend time in fellowship,” explained Ray Burroughs, the Center’s resident manager.

Members of the congregation cleared the property, creating a worship area, shelter and recreation fields that were used, for the first several years, almost exclusively by St. John’s members for fellowship and family gatherings.

Easter sunrise services have been held at the Biggerstaff Retreat Center for the past 25 years. Now, St. John’s Lutheran Church provides lakeside services every Sunday throughout the summer.

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Over the past 20 years, however, the facility has been opened for use of all the faithful in the area regardless of denomination. Churches have visited from a three-state area. Biggerstaff also has become a very popular wedding venue.

For the past 25 years, according to Burroughs, Easter sunrise services have been held lakeside. Two years ago, at the request of current Pastor Rachel Connelly, weekly lakeside services, open to the public, began being held from Easter through October.

Pastor Connelly has been conducting the 8:30 a.m. services, but discussions are underway about having guest pastors during the summer. Members of the St. John’s music department provide music with other guests also participating.

Sandy Peirce said her husband and Tom Ward often sing, while Burroughs plays the guitar. She and Rob recently became St. John’s members.

Photo courtesy of Kenny Fey Photography

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The Biggerstaff Retreat Center on Lake Keowee has become a very popular wedding venue.

Biggerstaff, Burroughs said, provides a place to gather. Last year the Retreat Center started a summer day camp open to all children. Discussions are underway about opening for weekday use by business groups.

A shelter with seating for 100 overlooks the grounds. Lighting, electrical, refrigeration, tables and chairs are provided. An open fireplace adds to the center’s atmosphere. Tent camping and outdoor water activities are popular. There are trails, the recreation field, horseshoe pits and a beach area with a shower facility.

Future plans include a possible retreat house, kitchen and classrooms or, possibly, a few overnight cabins for use by families and church groups.

Samuel Biggerstaff would be pleased to know that the Retreat Center has touched countless lives over the past 40 years and to hear Burroughs’ claim that “Biggerstaff is truly a place to encounter the glory of God’s creation, whether through water sports, family or congregational gatherings, community festivals, weddings or other special occasions.” n

To learn more about Biggerstaff Retreat Center, contact Burroughs at 864.882.3337 or by email at biggerstaffctr@bellsouth.net. You can also visit: www.stjohnswalhalla.org

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