As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center will open a 752-square-foot museum called “Ridgecrest Through the Years” on the mezzanine of Pritchell Hall. The museum will house a variety of artifacts and displays dating from its opening in 1907 to the present.
“Ridgecrest has such a rich history, and for generations it has been a place of spiritual renewal for people of all ages and walks of life,” said Tom Huntley, assistant general manager for Ridgecrest and head of the museum committee.
“We wanted to set aside a permanent spot to preserve highlights from the past century so that current and future generations can get a better sense of the way in which God has worked in so many lives at Ridgecrest.”
The Early Years display, located on the west end of the museum, will feature a recreation of B.W. Spilman’s cabin and office. Spilman spearheaded the purchase of Ridgecrest with the intention of developing it into a place “which would be the equal of any assembly in the world.”
The Early Years display, which opened March 5, also will include an area that highlights large services in Spilman Auditorium and major speakers through the years.
The main part of the museum, located on the east end, will utilize newly purchased partition walls, creating a modern look with various theme display areas. This section will house various historical displays and will be completed by April 15.
In addition to Huntley, former Ridgecrest employees Sandra Boone, David Workman, and Joe and Helen Meriwether serve as members of the museum committee.