Lahti Retreat Center - Rabbit Bay, Michigan
HISTORY
Alfred and Estella (Eskola) Lahti gave their property of 100
acres of land in Rabbit Bay to the Franklin Street Apostolic Lutheran Church
in Hancock, the childhood church of Estella, and one her father helped build.
The Lahti's request was for development of a Bible Camp for the youth and
families of our churches. Stringent state rules prohibit a Bible Camp as we
know it today, but it qualifies as a Retreat Center. The gift to Hancock church (now know as Zion Lutheran
Church) was given in 1978. Because Zion cannot support or use the Center
to its maximum, ALL churches of the ALCA are encouraged to participate in its growth.
CAMP LAHTI - IN REMEMBRANCE
(By Bob - A Camp Lahti Carpenter)
Twenty years ago, part of Camp Lahti was given to the Franklin Street
Church (which is now Zion Lutheran Church) by Alfred and Stella Lahti. A
group of congregational members went down to the site and worked on the old
farmhouse. The old sauna that was inside the north wing was removed and two
new small showers and two bathrooms were added. These were connected to the
existing septic system. Several small barbeques were placed in the yard.
Some painting was done but no new construction began.
Although it wasn't much, the Lahti's were impressed by the work performed
by the Franklin Street men, now known as the Camp Lahti Carpenters. They bought back the property they had previously given to the Apostolic Lutheran
Church Federation and presented it to the Franklin Street Church. It was
their desire to establish a Christian Bible camp for local children to use
to learn more about Jesus Christ. Through the years many volunteers have
given their time to make the Lahti dream a reality. A small sauna was built,
then a chapel, two dormitories, Camp Jacob (by Minnesotans), a larger sauna,
the Rautiola Staff House, and a new dock (by the Laurium and Negaunee crew).
Most recently
the Esko men started another dorm.
People look at all these buildings and think what a wonderful thing we have.
It is a beautiful place that keeps growing, although not fast enough for
some. There is a vision of new dormitories and a new kitchen and greatly
improved facilities. People are quite impressed by what they see.
BUT, though the buildings are very nice and the future for more is bright,
they are all so insignificant. Camp Lahti is not a bunch of buildings. It
is a bunch of individuals (men and women) who have given of themselves to
make the Lahtis' dream come true. In so doing they have benefited so much by
their participation in its development that all their work and time is
overshadowed by the camaraderie, fellowship, and love for each other that
every worker has gained just by being there. Men that never would have met
have become great friends. People who were greeted only by a Sunday
handshake now sit at a table and enjoy each other's company. They have
learned mutual respect and admiration for each other through knowledge shared
and hard work. More lasting friendships have been made by helping one
another, traveling with one another, and eating and sharing stories with one
another, than could ever have been made sitting in silence in a church.
Thank you, Stella and Alfred Lahti for your gift to the Franklin Street
Church. May the facilities continue to grow and improve until your dream is
fulfilled. It is my hope that these structures, so appreciated by the
eyes of man, may always be secondary to the fellowship, joy, and love they
have provided for those who took it upon themselves to help make your dream
come true. May God always dwell within its gates.
The Lahti Retreat Center would not be what it is today without the hard
work and dedication of the Camp Lahti Carpenters.
A Salute to The Camp Lahti Carpenters...
There's a special group of people
That I'd like to have you meet
They'll sing and serve you supper,
If you let them join to eat.
They've had a lot of talents
If you pry into their past.
One thing they have in common;
They're running out of gas.
But all of them are willing,
And each one does his share.
Not because they have to,
But because they really care.
They're plumbers, They're electricians.
They're handymen and such.
When there is a special need,
They have a special touch.
They can do most anything
In a better way.
They're called Camp Lahti Carpenters
Out of Rabbit Bay.
THANK YOU CAMP LAHTI CARPENTERS!!
LAHTI RETREAT CENTER
RABBIT BAY, MICHIGAN
Property of
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
400 INGOT STREET
HANCOCK, MICHIGAN 49930
ZION PHONE (906) 482-1945, LRC PHONE (906) 296-0643
POLICIES AND FEES FOR USE OF LAHTI RETREAT CENTER - Effective 1/1/09
Lahti Retreat Center is a camping and retreat facility owned by Zion
Lutheran Church in Hancock, Michigan. This property was donated by Alfred
and Estelle Lahti to be used to the glory of God, especially as a place
where young people would have the opportunity to hear the Gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Thousands of hours of donated labor have made the facility
what it is today. Volunteers have constructed seven new buildings and
maintained the existing buildings and property. The fees that we charge go
into the L.R.C. maintenance or building funds to improve and maintain the
property.
This center is open to use, first, by Zion Lutheran Church in Hancock,
Michigan, then by congregations of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America,
by members of these congregations, and by other Christian groups subject to
Zion Board approval. It is the hope and prayer of the Zion Lutheran
Congregation that your time at Lahti Retreat Center will be a blessing.
The Board or Pastor or activity director will decide the applicable charges
for all activities and events organized by Zion Lutheran Church at LRC. The
Zion Board will decide the applicable fees for all activities and events
organized and sponsored by congregations of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of
America and by other Christian groups.
No group larger than 150 persons will be permitted to use LRC for day use.
No group larger than 80 persons will use LRC for the night.
Anyone wishing to obtain a variance from the stated policies and/or fees of
the Lahti Retreat Center must contact Zion at least two months prior to an
“Exclusive Use” event with their request. Requests for a variance by a
family or small group must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of a
planned event. All requests for a variance will be considered and decided by
the Zion Board.
Members of congregations of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America
(including members of Zion) who use LRC for reunions, weddings,
anniversaries, or other group events will be charged according to the
following schedule:
ALL EVENTS - including day use and overnight
(These two fees must be paid to Zion before your event):
Caretaker fee $ 50.00
(to pay for a person to inspect LRC after your departure)
Cleaning/Damage deposit (group of over 80 people)
$1,000.00
(group of 21 to 80 people or less) $ 500.00
Your damage deposit will be refunded if there is no damage and
no cleaning is needed. Any necessary cleaning will be charged at
the rate of $25 per hour. An automatic fee will be collected for the
following violations: coffee pot left on $200
heat left on $100
garbage not completely removed $100
****************
DAYTIME ONLY EVENTS - exclusive use of LRC:
Per Day (maximum 12 hours) (group of 60 people or less) $ 300.00
(group of 61 to 100 people) $ 400.00
(group of 101 to 150 people) $ 500.00
****************
OVERNIGHT EVENTS - exclusive use of LRC where some or all
of your participants stay overnight at LRC:
Per Person Lodging Charge: $20 per night per adult
$10 per night per child age 5-17
$50 per night per family unit
(including up to 4 children)
The nightly lodging charge also includes day use of LRC. However there
will be an additional charge of $5.00 per person per day for any guests who
join your group during the day.
A minimum charge of $300.00 per day will apply to your event..
****************
VERY SMALL GROUPS - above lodging charges will apply except as noted below:
$100.00 damage/cleaning deposit paid before using LRC
$ 40.00 per family each night in Camp Jacob
Maximum 2 parents & 6 children
Use of chapel/kitchen and sauna is included
$ 40.00 per group each night in each dorm
Maximum 16 people, Use of sauna is included
(Use of any other building is an extra charge)
$100.00 per group each night in farmhouse
Maximum 20 people, Use of sauna is included
$ 50.00 per night use of chapel/kitchen (in addition to lodging fee)
$300.00 minimum daily charge for use of Rautiola Staff House
ALL RESERVATIONS FOR EVENTS AT L.R.C. GO INTO EFFECT FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO
THE DATE OF THE EVENT WITH A NON-REFUNDABLE $100 DEPOSIT TO ZION LUTHERAN
CHURCH TO RESERVE THE DATE. CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO LARGE REUNIONS OR
WEDDINGS THAT MAY NEED RESERVATIONS A YEAR IN ADVANCE.
Pictures of Lahti Retreat Center Grounds
Printable Forms:
LRC Policies and Fees as of 1/1/09
LRC Agreement
LRC Registration
LRC Checklist
RULES FOR USE OF LAHTI RETREAT CENTER
1. All
groups using Lahti Retreat Center (L.R.C.) for overnight stays must have one
person designated to be responsible for compliance with these rules and for
payment of applicable fees to Zion Lutheran Church. This person is
responsible for completing the Guest Registration Forms and the Camp
Clean-up forms.
2. Use
Lahti Retreat Center at your own risk. Stay off
the old dock. Do not enter the barn or storage buildings. Respect Lake
Superior.
3. Anyone
using L.R.C., even for an afternoon outing, must sign in with the Zion
Lutheran Church office at (906) 482-1945. If the office is closed, sign in
with L.R.C. Committee Chairpersons, Bob and Norma Nominelli, (906) 482-3691.
4. Keys
for the gates and buildings can be picked up from the Zion church office.
Keys must be returned promptly.
5. No
alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed on the premises.
Smoking is not permitted in the buildings.
6. Animals
are not allowed indoors except for guide dogs. Board all other animals in
the yard and clean up after them.
7. Everyone
using L.R.C. must bring your own bedding, and personal supplies for your
stay. Bring your food, plastic ware, foam cups, plates, paper toweling and
coffee. In an emergency you may use our church supplies, but SOMEONE FROM
YOUR GROUP MUST REPLACE the borrowed items within TWO days of your group’s
departure.
8. Please
leave L.R.C. better than when you arrived. Take all food that you brought,
take all garbage, unplug and wash coffee pots, mop bathroom floors, close
fireplace doors, vacuum carpets, and pick up debris on the grounds.
Remember, there is no garbage pick
up.
9. No
long distance phone calls are allowed unless you use a personal calling
card.
10. Do
not move the bunk beds in the dorms.
Emergency Contact Information
Zion Lutheran Church 906-482-1945
or
Contact the church secretary to obtain the emergency contact numbers for the
dates of your stay.
Contact Us
Zion Lutheran Church
Rev. Gerald (Gerry) Southerton, Pastor
400 Ingot Street
Hancock, MI 49930
email:
zionsec@pasty.net
Phone: 906-482-1945
Fax: 906-482-2621
