(brief history, continued)
Then, in 1937, with the dam project nearing its completion, the
hospital's workload diminished, as did its workforce.
It was turned into a museum in 1938 through the orders of the
National Park Service. By 1954, Boulder City had grown up and, as
a city, was again in need of a hospital. The city acquired the
then-vacant building and re-opened its doors. Later, in 1964, the
last wing addition was made to the hospital.
In 1967, after determining several costly modifications would need to
be made, the city decided to build a new hospital and shut down the old
facility. The hospital lay vacant for twelve years. In 1979,
the Sisters of Charity moved out from the East Coast, gained ownership
of the facility, and began the process of breathing new life back into
this collection of buildings.
For 21 years the facility had been in full-swing as a retreat center
run by the Sisters of Charity. Several prestigious awards have
been given to the center for its years of service to the community,
culminating with its placement on the National Register
of Historic Places.
For five years The Diocese of the West had used the facility for
several times per year, for events such as the Las
Vegas Missionary Deanery annual meeting and Matushka retreats.
Finally, in 2000, with the Sisters deciding to sell the facility, The
Diocese of the West began the process to acquire the Retreat Center.
Today the Life-Giving Retreat Center is an institution of
The Orthodox Church in America. It continues to serve the local
community and various, diverse groups, but also offers services
specifically attractive to Orthodox as well. The Retreat Center
has been around so long and has touched the lives of so many, it enjoys
a widespread, good reputation in its local community and throughout the
region.
(adapted from "Diocese Purchases New
Retreat Center"
by Peter Schwalbenberg
in The Orthodox Vision,
Summer 2000)
