Westminster Presbyterian Church
Pere Marquette Spring Retreat
$250 per person 
Thursday - Saturday
May 1 - 3, 2025

13653 Lodge Blvd.
Grafton, IL 62037 

This retreat will trace the journeys of our founding abolitionists and the sacrificial role of Elijah Parrish Lovejoy during the early nineteenth century as we celebrate Westminster’s enduring legacy of faith, art, and advocacy. 

​Mark your spring calendar…Details will follow! 
 
Pere Marquette Lodge was opened for business in 1940 at a cost $352,912.00. The massive poles, as much as 3 feet in diameter, are douglas fir, western and pecky cypress. Limestone, which was taken from the Grafton rock quarry, was used in the construction of the cabins, the floor in the lodge, and the 700-ton stone fireplace, which dominates the Great Room and Restaurant. Illinois inmates constructed the furniture in the Lodge.

Pere Marquette Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933-1939. In addition to the Lodge and the Park construction, the CCC did all of the metal work, such as the chandeliers, door handles and window locks.

Grafton became a booming business community and important river port in the late 1800’s. It reached its peak in the early 1900’s and the population began to decline by the 1920’s. Today, Grafton retains its charm and is steaming steadily ahead.

Please click here to sign-up  if you are interested in participating.  
Mark your calendars and look for details which will be forthcoming.