GilChrist, the Fetzer Institute's public retreat center, is located on 67 acres of woods and rolling fields and adjacent to several other retreat centers, including The Hermitage and St. Gregory's Episcopal Abbey. GilChrist provides a nurturing environment for contemplative practice.

GilChrist offers individual (self-guided) and small group retreats and workshops that support contemplative practice. Staff offers weekly spiritual practices for interested participants at no charge at GilChrist's common house, WindHill. Other occasionally scheduled community events will be posted on this Web site. GilChrist staff is available for conversation anytime regarding your retreat experience.

GilChrist Letter

We welcome contributions of photographs and poetry and prose of 500 words or less. Submissions will be considered when they address the issue's theme and/or season and will be available online only.

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Facilities & Lodging

GilChrist's eight secluded hermitages encircle a common meadow with a small stone chapel for meditation and prayer. GilChrist retreat center also has a common meeting house, WindHill. All buildings, with the exception of the chapel, have modern heating, plumbing, and kitchen facilities. Guests need only provide their own food and housekeeping.

The Hermitages

The hermitages are heated and have full bathroom facilities, small yet complete kitchens, and screened porches or decks. Each is furnished with a bed, comfortable seating, and a desk for writing. Everything necessary for a solitary retreat is provided except food and housekeeping, which are the responsibility of the retreatants.

COST: $45 per guest per night. (Discount offered for stay over 7 nights)

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WindHill

The common house, WindHill, contains a library, chapel, meditation loft, kitchen, and an apartment for guest facilitators who offer programs in keeping with GilChrist's purpose.

SLIDESHOW

GilChrist Photos » Seasonal views of GilChrist.