Delegates from the Diocese of Western North Carolina enthusiastically endorsed an $8 million capital campaign to complete the purchase of the Lake Logan Episcopal Center [see cover] and to renovate its facilities as the centerpiece of the diocese's future youth and recreational ministries during diocesan convention Nov. 9-11 at the Kanuga Conference Center.

Eleven months ago the diocese agreed to purchase the 300-acre mountain lake tract 20 miles west of Asheville on the banks of the Little Pigeon River for $3 million. The property had been owned by Champion Paper Co., which had developed a portion of the site around an 80-acre lake as an executives' retreat.

The capital campaign will provide monies for renovation of facilities, construction of a new dining hall, and infrastructure (water, sewerage and plumbing) costs to bring the property up to building and safety codes.

In September, the diocese agreed to sell the historic In-the-Oaks in Black Mountain, N.C., current site of Camp Henry. It was sold to Montreat College for $2.35 million. Included in that purchase is the In-the-Oaks manor house, 68 acres of land, and the Bishop Henry Center, current headquarters of the diocese.

"Lake Logan is truly a gift of God for our diocese. And we Christians believe, as Jesus said in Luke's Gospel 'To whom much is given, much will be required,'" said the Rt. Rev. Robert H. Johnson, Bishop of Western North Carolina.

In addition to the renovation at Lake Logan, the diocese is searching for suitable space in Asheville for new diocesan offices.