After having lost my husband in 1986 and with no children of my own, I found myself alone here in Franklin with this big property, too big for 1 person & definitely needing a new purpose.  Franklin Lodging & Retreat Centre is surrounded by apple orchards and maple trees. It’s a little piece of paradise needing to be shared with others.

While praying to God, I came upon a bible scripture in Mark 6:31 which captured the desire of my heart, and it became the vision upon which I built this retreat centre. This scripture talks about Jesus and His disciples being extremely tired and needing a place to get away and rest.

Mark 6:31 says “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

I envisioned tired and weary people needing to get away to the country to relax, rest and get rejuvenated while seeking the Lord. This is where it all began for me!  Thankfully, my sister’s family helped a great deal during the early years to launch this project.

In 1996, I invited a young girl from Newfoundland for a visit and she was instantly captivated by the vision and became like the daughter I never had. Elaine Strang has been working alongside me ever since and she will be the one to continue my legacy!

Our very first group was a ladies’ group from Evangel Pentecostal Church who came to fast and pray for the weekend. And so, the vision began to unfold. Since 1990, we have hosted countless retreats from many different evangelical churches.  We are still going strong and are continuously expanding and improving the facilities!

Among the expansion projects over the last 34 years, a conference room with a kitchen and bathrooms was added to the main building, the family summer cottage was converted into 5 private units with kitchenettes, the pavilion was also renovated into 4 private motel-like rooms and a dormitory was created.  An in-ground swimming pool for leisure or baptisms was also installed.

We have worked with all our hearts to make this place beautiful, inviting and functional. Those that frequent the place have remarked about feeling the peace and serenity they experience while here. It’s a perfect place to pause, reflect and get a fresh outlook on life.

We invite you to come and experience Franklin Lodging and Retreat Centre for yourself either alone, in a group or at a church retreat!!  We would love to accommodate you while you come apart to get away from it all. We strive to provide a place of excellence for God’s people.