Holy Spirit Hall 'a wonderful gift from God'

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
BATTLES WHARF — The original Camp Cullen property will once again serve the youth for years to come.
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi blessed and dedicated Holy Spirit Hall, a retreat center for the youth and those who serve them, on May 8. Holy Spirit Hall in Baldwin County is on the site of the original Camp Cullen property, which closed in 1973. It was also used as a summer program for migrant children until 2005.
It’s believed the property has not been used, other than for a lawn party held nine years ago, but that will change this year.
“I give glory to God,” Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi said. “This is a wonderful gift from God for the youth today and generations to come.”
Holy Spirit Hall will include 14,700-square feet of indoor space, plus 6,000-square feet of covered porches which will allow retreat guests to enjoy a beautiful view of Mobile Bay. 
It will hold 176 bunk-style beds to accommodate 80 girls, 80 boys and 16 chaperones. Other highlights include a spacious dining and activity hall, kitchen and baths, showers and restrooms.
“To think how many children will benefit … it’s going to be an incredible, incredible addition to youth ministry,” said Vance McCown of Vance McCown Construction Inc., builder of the property.
The property has a long history with the Archdiocese of Mobile, dating to 1876. According to Archbishop Rodi, the land was gifted then to Bishop John Quinlan. By 1880, records indicate Sacred Heart Chapel on the property had been built. By around 1900, Bishop Edward Allen allowed children to use the house on the property during the summer and it became a place for youth ministry.
More land was donated and eventually in 1937 Msgr. Thomas Cullen began the children’s summer camp known as Camp Cullen.
“This begins a new chapter in a long story,” Archbishop Rodi said. “By the grace of God we are able to have this building now.”
That long story actually dates back to the 1500s.
Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda was likely the first European explorer to visit the area and he named what’s now known as Mobile Bay as “Bahia del Espiritu Santo” – Bay of the Holy Spirit. 
“This hall is named Holy Spirit Hall to remember that history, to remember those early Catholic explorers that first came to our area and to ask the Holy Spirit to truly be here,” Archbishop Rodi said.
Some work on Holy Spirit Hall remains and the first retreat is scheduled for July, a discernment retreat for Hispanic young men hosted by Archdiocese of Mobile Vocations Director Fr. Victor Ingalls.
Said Archbishop Rodi: “I find it very appropriate Hispanics were the first ones here and the first ones to use this building.”