Saint Mary House, located on the grounds of the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory, is completely renovated and ready for guests. (Photos provided by Deacon Scott Gilfillan)HICKORY — Saint Mary House, a 100-year-old farmhouse on the grounds of the Catholic Conference Center, has been renovated and can once again accommodate overnight guests.
Named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, the retreat house also happens to bear the name of the matriarch of the Abernethy family who owned the farmhouse when it was built in the 1920s for their family with eight children.
The quaint farmhouse is a little gem on the conference center property. It sits just down the hill from the main center, tucked away in a copse of trees. The original pole barn, smokehouse, corn crib, outhouse, chicken coop and even the old well with hand crank and bucket are still on the property, adding to the nostalgia.
Conference Center staff and volunteers spent most of the past year working to renovate the farmhouse, with careful attention to preserve original details such as shiplap walls and wide-plank, red pine floors.
The retreat house offers two bedrooms, an updated bathroom, kitchen, living area and front porch. It can accommodate up to four guests nightly.
The renovation of Saint Mary House was made possible by $10,000 in private donations raised by an online appeal and word of mouth. Local tradesmen and volunteers offered another $5,000 in in-kind services to finish the project.
“It looks really nice,” says Deacon Scott Gilfillan, director of the Catholic Conference Center. “It was a great effort of people coming together, donating their time, talent and treasure. The new furniture was even donated by a local furniture company.”
Deacon Gilfillan has made personal retreats in the farmhouse, so he knows from experience how peaceful a stay can be.
“That retreat was so fruitful for me, so I booked it another time. It’s perfect – isolated but with access to the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration in the main center chapel,” he explains.
The main Catholic Conference Center offers meeting rooms, guest rooms, a large living room with gas fireplace, dining room and a chapel. Guests can walk the grounds, hike modest trails, pray the Stations of the Cross and the rosary, and enjoy time for quiet reflection on the many benches and chairs around the 180-acre property.
Special events are held at the conference center throughout the year, including retreats for couples, young adults and youth groups, professional development seminars, special weekend programs, and silent retreats for individuals and religious communities.
Deacon Gilfillan hopes more people will come up to Saint Mary House and the conference center for a getaway in the coming months.
“It’s a step back in time,” he says. “It’s an easy walk up the hill to the center. We’re looking forward to welcoming more guests to this special place.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
Book your stay
Want to get away and recharge? Find out more about Saint Mary House and the Catholic Conference Center at www.catholicconference.org. Questions? Email Deacon Scott Gilfillan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 828-327-7441.
