Changing times in a constant landscape: Ghost Ranch to celebrate 60th anniversary

by Linda Seebantz

It was November 1955 when Presbyterians convened to sign the paperwork and assume ownership of a dude ranch in northern New Mexico. Curiously named Ghost Ranch, this place was a gift of 22,000 acres from Arthur and Phoebe Pack “for the spiritual health and well-being of humankind.”

The church and the Packs were in agreement: Ghost Ranch was to be a study center. However, a model for such an organization didn’t exist. The remote wilderness required a unique approach and the individuals who made up the Board of Christian Education for the Presbyterian Church in 1955, moved by the grandeur of this place, took to the challenge, working to create something of lasting value to the church and to humanity. Their vision of Ghost Ranch as a national study center was not to be a luxury retreat center – the wilderness was to be paramount.

In November 2015, Ghost Ranch will mark their 60^th anniversary. While much has changed, the landscape, with its 130 million years of geologic magnificence, remains the key to unlocking transformational experiences.

The focus on God’s creation, the agreement of a stronghold for spiritual health and well-being, the commitment to forging ahead in a remote location and honoring the unique culture continue to be the filter through which planning, strategy and future direction are derived.

Today, Ghost Ranch can accommodate over 350 guests in an array of lodging facilities and meeting space. The accommodations are rustic, yet comfortable, and reflect its origins as a working ranch. Rooms are basic with breathtaking vistas of colorful sandstone cliffs, cottonwoods and distant mountains.

Vast arrays of offerings reveal the challenges of Ghost Ranch. With over 300 programmed workshops, 150 independent groups, lodging for leisure travelers, and daily activities for Ranch guests and travelers from Santa Fe, Taos and other famous southwest destinations… that’s a lot of reservations! In order to engage with guests and participants, all the services of hospitality are needed, both technical and person-to-person.

“We have a significant story to tell as a cultural institution,” says Debra Hepler, executive director of Ghost Ranch, describing how the Ranch looks to the future. “We provide a welcoming space for the Spirit to work in all who come to the Ranch – for every reason.”

Guest expectations have changed rapidly and Ghost Ranch is dedicated to rising to this challenge. “Our staff needs to be nimble in working with people from all walks of life who come to experience Ghost Ranch through different offerings. A concerted effort in meeting and exceeding the needs of our diverse audience is our focus,” says Hepler. As part of the five-year strategic plan, hospitality training and practices along with facility upgrades will comprise the majority of investment of time, energy and financial resources.

With a 60-year legacy, Ghost Ranch is pledged to its many communities – strong traditions that stand as pillars for the future of Ghost Ranch programs. The summer college staff program has been ongoing since 1959. January Term has been offered for 54 years with a successful 2015 registration; attendance for the three-week program promises 75 students with a strong showing of non-students as well.

Other strongholds and long-held traditions, each with their own community, include Youth Programming, Service Corp, Spring and Fall Ministry Week, and Stillpoint Spiritual Direction Formation program, a partnership between Ghost Ranch and Stillpoint (the Center for Christian Spirituality, which began in 2010 and has successfully graduated two cohorts).

Then there’s the summer programming at Ghost Ranch, which has never faltered. Stephen Picha took over as program director in 2012 after the sudden death of Ed DeLair, a long-time friend of the Ranch who dedicated the last 12 months of his life to the role of program director for the Ranch. Picha is balancing the legacy of a rich past with the necessity of creating a sustainable financial picture.

In October 2014, with Picha at the helm, Ghost Ranch created a landmark event. Wisdom Sharing — A Deepening Retreat, with Alice Walker, Gloria Steinem and Chung Hyun Kyung was created in partnership with Melanie Harris, associate professor of religion and ethics at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. The Wisdom Sharing Grant fund was designed to assure New Mexico Native and Hispanic voices were a part of the conversation. Grantees shared their stories alongside the retreat leaders and 300 participants. These voices added a powerful dynamic. Picha is working to create another Wisdom Sharing event that will be just as significant and life changing.

In addition to the Wisdom Sharing event, the list of powerful programs is long: Bluegrass Camp, Community Day-Camp, Fall Writing Festival, Earth Honoring Faith, Gospel Choir, John Phillip & Ali Newell, Discerning the Signs of the Times… and more!

In 2014, Ghost Ranch emphasized growing the presence of Presbyterian offerings and participants and welcomed volunteer Becky Chamberlain in the role of faith community liaison. With her guidance, a list of courses are offered to PC(USA) members with a 20 percent discount on tuition.

Serving as a host site for PC(USA) and Christian groups is as much a part of the legacy as the programming. Pilgrimages, youth groups, spring breaks, college spiritual retreats, college orientation, men’s retreats, weddings, social justice meetings, Peace Corp reunions, confirmations and community gatherings — all events that encompass the many expressions to serve Christ in the world.

Just as a guest does not need to know the science behind the paleontology, geology or the details of the site’s history, visitors to the Ranch also need not be aware of the relevance of art to reach their own balance, find their spirituality and restore themselves. These attributes continue to attract those who come to learn and to develop through religious and spiritual training, instruction and conversation. They may find a release in art, acting, welding, hiking and learning about archaeology and the dinosaurs that once roamed these lands.

The vision of Ghost Ranch – just as the timeless, immutable scenery – continues to draw, inspire and renew generations of visitors and those who call it home, whether they live here or not.