A new chapter at Camp Cullen

Officials break ground on new retreat center for young people along Mobile Bay

The Catholic Week

BATTLES WHARF — The long legacy of the Camp Cullen property drawing young people closer to God will continue thanks to Holy Spirit Hall.

Officials broke ground Feb. 19 on the retreat center located alongside Mobile Bay in Battles Wharf. A portion of the land was first acquired and used as a retreat space for young people in 1876.

Holy Spirit Hall will hold 176 people, complete with sleeping arrangements, bathroom facilities, kitchen, dining and activity hall along with a beautiful view of Mobile Bay.

“Camp Cullen has a new life, a new chapter with Holy Spirit Hall,” Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi said. “We look forward to a new chapter here.”

According to Vance McCown of Vance McCown Construction, Inc., construction of Holy Spirit Hall will begin in March with a projected completion date of December.

It will include 14,700-square feet of indoor space and 6,000-square feet of covered porches.

It will be architecturally designed to continue the Mobile Bay heritage with high ceilings and broad porches with a commanding view of the Bay. The bunk-style beds will accommodate 80 girls and 80 boys, plus 16 chaperones.

The facility’s large gathering space will double as a dining hall. Groups will be able to eat meals together as well as hear talks and gather in small groups.

It’s a project that will continue the long history of ministering to youth and it’s also a project for the entire archdiocese as parishes from every corner of the archdiocese can take advantage of Holy Spirit Hall.

“This is exciting for the whole archdiocese. It’s the whole archdiocese,” Archbishop Rodi said.