About Us
and Our Mission

A Bit of History

In 1952, Bishop Henry Wise Hobson welcomed the gift at the Diocesan Convention with the following words:

Today it is my privilege and joy to tell you that in the near future Mrs Jane Eliza Procter will deed to the diocese a farm property of something over 1,000 Acres located between London and Washington Court House, along route 38.

 This gift is in memory of William Cooper Procter and the property will be known as the William Cooper Procter Conference Center.

The farm is splendidly located near our Diocesan population center, and ease of access from all directions. On it there are a number of fine buildings, certain of which can be adapted for conference purposes, some beautiful Woodlands (the present name of the property is Woodland Farms), a large spring-fed  swimming pool, and considerable livestock.

The existing farm has produced well, and it will be maintained,and profits will be used for the development of the facilities and for the extension of our diocesan program. 

 In the future I can see many developments which will make this gift of greater and greater value to the whole program of our diocese.

Here our youth will be trained for more loyal  and effective service

Here our laypeople can meet to plan more adequate programs and to gain greater inspiration for their work.

Here we can enlist the interests and service of many people who now represent the church’s greatest undeveloped resource.

Here our clergy can gather to gain knowledge, understanding, and the refreshment of Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Here we can develop a more worthy rural program which will enrich the life of the whole diocese.

Here we will have a chance to strengthen the unity and build up the teamwork which has always been the foundation upon which we have depended for our progress and success in every venture

William Cooper Procter bought this farm and gave it to Mrs. Procter because he had faith in the land which was an expression of his faith in America.

It is most fitting that the conference center where people will gather to gain vision, to learn what is of essential value, to increase their loyalty to the Christian church, and to come to know Christ more personally, should bear the name of a man who in his life expressed all these purposes, hopes, and ideals.

In the years to come when we realize the full benefits of this Diocesan Center, we shall be ever better equipped to meet every time of darkness and confusion, and we shall gain the courage, hope, and faith which will enable us to do our fuller part in making the future of 

our diocese

our church

our nation

and our world 

such as will provide 

all people 

with the opportunity 

to live as free and loyal children of God.

As we go forward in this venture, 

which will, I know, contribute so much to our ability to build the better world for which we long and pray,  we shall always be conscious of the presence, strength, and inspiration of a great leader who was great because he was a “servant of all.”