A full-service cafe, 18-seat theater, creative learning spaces, outdoor fire pit, and activity areas will highlight The Hub, which is part of a $1.5 million construction and renovation project at the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s White Oak Conference Center, near Winnsboro. The project will begin in January and conclude in June 2009.
When completed, The Hub will be a large, open center of activity replacing the smaller and more closed areas that include the canteen, gift shop, and lobby areas. In addition to its new amenities, The Hub will also serve as the center’s main entrance and guest registration area.
“For most all of our guests, there is a formal purpose for being here,” said Tim Hughes, director of White Oak. “But we also feel that fellowship during the informal times is one of White Oak’s most important benefits. The new ‘Hub’ of activity will allow our guests to create and strengthen relationships through the informal times they are here.”
Roger Orman, director of communications and mission development team, SCBC, said, “We want The Hub to help create community at White Oak Conference Center. We believe the open area will be a place that positions our staff to better serve conference center guests.” A part of that service initiative will include lapel pins to be worn by group leaders, who can be identified by staff for group service.
The overall project in early 2009 also includes improved recreation activities for White Oak guests, including a skate park area, ropes course, covered outdoor basketball court, a toddler playground, and walking path. A new roadside entrance to the conference center is also planned.
Hughes said guest surveys and research revealed a need for improved recreation activities with something designed for everyone. “With that in mind, the project includes activities for all ages, from a toddler playground to a nice walking path for adults.
“The main purpose of this project is to better serve the needs of the guests, but more importantly it’s to provide a place where people can experience God’s presence away from the daily stress and pace of life,” Hughes said. “We want everything to work toward providing a comfortable setting where spiritual needs can be met.”
Orman said the project will enable White Oak Conference Center to attract more small groups. “The new cafe, within The Hub, will allow us to feed a small group of only eight people, who can be served more intimately than in the larger cafeteria. The smaller theater provides a comfortable learning space for smaller groups, and other creative spaces for learning and fellowship really make this a hub of activity.”
Orman said the project reflects good stewardship on a 30-year investment South Carolina Baptists have made at White Oak Conference Center. “This debt-free project helps protect the investment of South Carolina Baptists. It keeps White Oak Conference Center relevant within our changing culture.”
White Oak Conference Center serves about 23,000 guests per year, including many South Carolina Baptists. The Hub and recreation additions will, Orman said, help White Oak Conference Center attract other non-profits that are consistent with South Carolina Baptist values, family reunions, schools and government agencies.
Church and community group leaders will be invited to an evening with Christian entertainer Mark Lowry, Saturday, Sept. 19, at White Oak Conference Center. The ticketed event will allow leaders to experience dinner and entertainment, guest service, and tours of the renovations and construction at White Oak.