Our Center for Ministry
At the center of every person is the heart. We'd like the heart of Mary's Comfort Ministries to be something like this 39 acre facility that we've found located in French Lick, Indiana (described below). Just as it is with our hearts and the hearts of those we serve, this property was birthed into sin and by the presence of Jesus Christ the heart can be made brand new. A new life is created through Jesus Christ and hope is restored.
Below are photographs and a video that showcase the proposed property in its current state. We ask that you imagine with us what the property would be like once the restoration was finished and construction completed of the youth group homes on the campus.
Rescuing the property in French Lick, IN commonly known as "The Gorge Inn" is a dream of this ministry. Construction of this breathtaking property began in 1897 and it opened in 1900 as a beautiful hotel and casino.
While the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel here in Southern Indiana (located just two and four miles away repectively) were known for back room gambling, the Gorge was primarily a gambling retreat and was operated by Joe Ballard until the 1940's. It then served as a restaurant until being converted into a nursing home in 1953; the Gorge retains its exterior architecture and landscape design which includes stonework by Ferdinand Cross, a notable local artist. The property has a rating of "Outstanding" by the National Register of Historic Places.
That means the property has enough historic and architectural significance that it is already listed, or may be eligible for listing, in the National Registry of Historic Places.
This property has sat vacant and relatively unmaintained for over 4 years. We have already given a few contractors and structural engineers a thorough tour the building and they have assured us that the basic structure is sound and the building definitely worth saving. The immediate problems are the roof and a main exterior wall. Because there has not been any structural maintenance done for several years the many roof leaks have caused serious damage in two areas and minor damage in several areas of the building.
Our goal, if possible, is to raise the necessary funds to purchase, repair and remodel the building so that we can utilize the property for ministry to widows and fatherless children. When finished, the building could contain 10 to 12 elegant two room residential suites for widows, community classrooms, a community fellowship and worship center, and the corporate offices of the ministry. The suites could be made available to widows based upon their income and subsidized by private donations, endowments and government grants. The original ballroom would be completely restored and serve as the dining/meeting room and conference room of the ministry.
Outside on the campus grounds there could be 3 to 4 group homes (or more as the needs arise) for children ages 6 to 18. These group homes would be emergency, temporary housing and permanent residential care homes working in partnership directly with local family courts, law enforcement officials, churches and community organizations providing desperately needed sanctuary and specialized care for young victims of, neglect, abuse and sexual exploitation. They would be staffed by trained missionary house parents who have dedicated at least one year of missionary service and will live 24 hrs a day in the group homes with the children.
The ideal setting for these homes would be in a 3,000 to 3,500 sq. ft. open floor plan building with three to four separate bedrooms to house not more than two children in a room. Each home would be equipped with separate living areas for the house parents. Including the essential cooking, bathing and utility areas large enough to accommodate 10 to 12 people and their daily needs. The exterior appearance of these group homes would be early 1900 cottage style homes to maintain the atmosphere and history of the property.
Enjoy the beauty, the history, and the awesome wonder that we have experienced here.
The entrance as seen on our very 1st visit:
Breathtaking!
The main building is over 24,000 square feet
Please enjoy the video and then pray about what the Lord would have you do to support our efforts in rescuing this property so that the lives of widows, the fatherless and orphans can also be rescued and restored.
The entrance to the main building:
Interior views:
One or two areas need major repairs but structurally the building is in great shape...
More of the property:
The property is far off of the roadway and beautifully wooded and serene. It is very condusive for personal reflection and privacy.
The old cattle barn has been coverted into 3,000 square feet of living space (offices or group home?)
Interior views of the barn:
Not that we needed any more proof that this was Holy ground and that God had brought us here for a purpose but then as we were preparing to leave the property we saw this sign:
Estimated Cost:
Purchase of land and buildings: $250,000
Repair and restoration of the main building: $80,000
Remodling, construction and furnishing of the main building: approximately $500,000
Building and furnishing of each group home: $175,000
Total project cost: $1,005,000
If you'd like to donate to the building fund please send any checks or money orders* to:
Mary's Comfort Ministries, Inc. Corporate Office
PO Box 192
Orleans, Indiana 47452
No amount is too small that God can't use it!
*Please include a return address (A Receipt will be returned for your records)
Or you may donate online by clicking the following link: