Wesley Center pavilion construction begins

Dec. 7.2007

As the leaves are changing, so are the grounds at The Wesley Center in Woodworth, La.  Work on the new outdoor pavilion was inaugurated with a blessing of the ground, which took place on Oct. 13 immediately following The Wesley Center board meeting. Dirt work has now begun on the pavilion, which will accommodate around 700 guests and will serve the Conference as well as many visiting guests and groups. The pavilion will provide extra covered space for meetings, worship services, and recreational activities such as volleyball and basketball.  

Wesley Center initiates first phase of development plans - by Betty Backstrom

Nov. 10, 2006

   The Board of Directors for The Wesley Center in Woodworth recently voted to move ahead with the first phase of long-range development plans that will enhance Louisiana’s United Methodist conference center.
    Phase One of the development plans for The Wesley Center includes: the construction of a new meeting room/storage building between the East and West Lodges; covered walkways between the lodges; a 50 foot by 100 foot pavilion on the west side of the parking area; hard surfacing of some trails and the construction of a gazebo beside the lake; RV parking for one dozen vehicles; conversion of 16 rooms to house a queen or double bed plus two single beds to increase bed capacity; and the completion of maintenance repairs to the lodges and the main building. The Development Committee estimates that it will take approximately 18 months to complete all of the projects.
   “A lot of effort and hard work has gone into the making of this plan. Board member Shelby Smith chaired the Development Committee, which did a marvelous job.We are excited about these projects, which will add to and improve the spiritual environment we strive for.We want The Wesley Center to be that place where people can be restored; where they can become the people that God is calling them to be,”said Margaret Johnson, board chairperson.
    Phase Two of the development plans call for the construction of an additional lodge adjacent to the lake area.The facility would have 16 guest rooms, additional meeting space and four one-bedroom suites to be used by guests wanting to study, write or participate in individual retreats. If current timelines hold, Johnson believes that the new lodge could be completed by the end of 2008. Johnson added that the work is almost complete on a Peace Garden that is being constructed by members of United Methodist Women throughout the conference.“The garden is located to the left of the chapel. UMW members have created an area for meditation and reflection, complete with plantings and a peace pole.”
    Members of United Methodist Men have a project of their own, constructing a bricked entrance to the Center, surrounding the flag pole.“This area serves to honor United Methodist Men while ‘dressing up’ the entrance to our facility,”said Johnson. One of the biggest changes for the facility was a name change earlier in 2006.
   “Folks are still getting used to the change from ‘Louisiana Conference Center’ to ‘The Wesley Center.’ We are re-doing all signage and have created a new logo and new stationary to help reinforce the change.”