GOING THROUGH THOSE PURLEY GATES

By
Maryann Miller

 

It shouldn't be confused with "The Pearly Gates", but the entrance to Purley Gates Retreat looks much like some depictions of the heavenly entrance. Now, one might question whether the gates to heaven are adorned with the Star of Texas and Cowboys, but, hey, nobody knows for sure, right?

One thing that is for sure, is that the Purley Gates Retreat is a real treasure in the backyard of Winnsboro. It was founded by the Team Family Foundation that was established by the Joe Brunson family, owners of Team Air. The 140-acre retreat property is located between Winnsboro and Mount Vernon and has access to an additional 650 acres of the adjoining working cattle ranch. Work is being completed there for the stables and riding arena, which should be completed by the end of this month.

There is also a 50 acre lake, Lake Leo, that will be available for fishing and paddle boating. The lake, which is behind the first line of trees can't be seen in this picture, but this is the beautiful view from the deck of the new lodge.

An open house was held recently to introduce people to GAB Hall at Purley Lodge, a beautiful new building created to provide a relaxing and affordable site for meetings or retreats. "This is a place where businesses, churches and non-profits organization can have general retreats or company meetings away from the hectic atmosphere of where they conduct business," Jason said.

The interior of GAB Hall is beautifully decorated in a luxurious Western theme and has three seating areas, a board-room table, and game area. The deck is also large enough to host a meeting, where folks can relax and admire the pastoral setting.

Jason, grandson of Joe Brunson, is pictured here next to a portrait of Glen and Alma Brunson, for whom the new hall was named. "These were Joe's parents," Jason explained. "Family is very important to us, and it was important to honor them this way."

He paused for a moment then finished, "There is no greater organization than family organization."

According to Jason, sponsoring a Christian summer camp was something Joe always wanted to do. "When he was growing up he had so many good experiences at a summer camp, getting close to God, that when Team Air became successful he wanted to use that success to start a camp here."

For several years the retreat center has been host to numerous summer camps for young people, as well as being a site for corporate, church, and community retreats. "This was established to be a safe environment for people to bring their children," Jason Brunson said. "We are a Christian based organization, so we host a lot of summer camps for church groups. They come with their groups, their own curriculum, and enjoy our facilities. In the future we may come up with our own curriculum, but for right now we just provide the space and amenities."

The fact that Purley Gates is God centered is hard to miss when anyone pulls into the grounds. Several large buildings are emblazoned with "God Loves You," and the inside of the game hall has it's own unique version of the Ten Commandments along the walls.

That is all in line with the center's mission statement: "To provide outreach work and assistance to underprivileged people, and through solid Christian leadership, provide a safe, Christian encampment for teaching group morals, ethics, and values to young people, as well as to assist in other areas of a family domestic environment."

Throughout the grounds and various buildings, which consist of dorms, duplexes, the rec hall, and others, there are many indications that being religious does not mean you can't have fun. There are several areas for outdoor games such as baseball, volleyball, and a Frisbee miniature golf area. The tour guide explained that the kids throw Frisbees into nets along the course, then added that a real miniature golf course is being planned.

In addition to the "Cowboy Ten Commandments", the rec hall also has this sign outside the small kitchen that caught the attention of Winnsboro Mayor, Carolyn Jones.

Back at the Lodge, Jason was happy to talk some more about the retreat center and his family. He said they consider the place sacred ground, explaining that prior to them purchasing the land, a section of it had been deeded to a church to build on. If they did not build a church, the deed would revert back to the owner. "We saw that as a sign that God wanted this to be His place," Jason said.

And indeed it is. God is never confined to the four walls of a church building, and His presence is seen in abundance in the beautiful places He created for us to enjoy.

 

For more information about Purley Gates Retreat visit their Web site