Facts About Ridge Haven
- Created by the 5th General Assembly of the PCA in 1977, Ridge Haven is the Official Camp and Conference Center of the Presbyterian Church in America.
- God’s man with the vision for a PCA Conference Center was Ken Keyes (pronounced Ki’s). Ridge Haven was named for Mr. and Mrs. Keyes' home in Highlands, North Carolina. Mr. Keyes was 81 years old when he brought his vision for Ridge Haven to the General Assembly.
- Ridge Haven began in 1978 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2008.
- The Ridge Haven Board of Directors are elected by and are accountable to the General Assembly of the PCA.
- 710 acres were purchased initially and 192 acres were added later to total 902 acres.
- Jackie Gleason (the actor) and others owned the property when sold to the PCA.
- Ridge Haven is a camp, conference center, and four residential subdivisions with 140 lots.
- 35 residences are located in the four subdivisions: Dogwood Ridge, Panther Ridge, Laurel Ridge, and Pine Ridge.
- Ridge Haven's motto is "A place in the mountains for God and His people." Isaiah 2:2
- The first building constructed at Ridge Haven was Iverson Lodge.
- The elevation at Ridge Haven ranges from 2,000 to 2,700 feet.
- Ridge Haven is surrounded on the north and northeast sides by the Eastern Continental Divide.
- No money has ever been borrowed to build a building or operate the center. (As approved by the General Assembly of the PCA, some money was borrowed to upgrade the Ridge Haven water system as mandated by the state of North Carolina).
- In 1982, Ridge Haven developed its own water system serving the Conference Center and the residential subdivisions.
- Ridge Haven can accommodate up to 530 people at one time using all facilities.
