It marked a journey Connie Ingraham didn’t know she was going to make.

Today the Rock River Retreat has a dorm with 20 beds, a celebration house with 13 beds, a rental home, with 7 beds and a multi-use barn. The former Homer United Methodist church, which she moved and renovated, seats 160 people.

It can be used for weddings and funerals, church retreats and other events that fit the mission: To promote the word of god, the love of Jesus and discernment of the Holy Spirit.

The beautiful retreat and event center had its start over 20 years ago, with owners opening it to friends, establishing it as a church retreat center, and developing the 100 acres that sits above the Boone River. Located at 1792 280th St., the rural venue may have just called out to Ingraham. And its story is one to be shared.

Freeman-Journal photo by Kolleen Taylor
Owner Connie Ingraham stands in the barn that has been used for wedding receptions, graduations, and other events.

A rumor had reached the Webster City Custom Meats that the property was for sale. Ingraham, who was president at the time, was approached to see if she might have any interest.

“I had no thought of actually buying the property,” she said.

But sometimes there is someone else who is more in control.

Sometime later, she was out taking photos, a hobby she enjoys, and there was a church she wanted to photograph.

“Something just hit me about the church.”

Freeman-Journal photo by Kolleen Taylor
Bill and JoAnn Robb take a moment to enjoy the swing outside the barn at the Rock River Retreat after the ribbon cutting and grand opening event.

When she decided to look at the retreat closer, there was another surprise. It wasn’t really for sale.

But she talked with the people managing the retreat.

“I feel the Lord called me to come here.” she recalled.

That pastor who was managing the property said, “That’s exactly how I got here.”

A few months later, she got a call.

Freeman-Journal photo by Kolleen Taylor
Those attending the ribbon cutting and other visitors to the Rock River Retreat, were given tours of the buildings, and food in their main lodge.

“I signed the purchase agreement in October of 2020.” she said.

Nothing was good about that timing. The retreat center, like many venues had been closed down. Ingraham got Covid. It had been run as a Christian retreat, but it had been closed and was expensive to operate.

It needed a lot of work.

“It took the first year and a half, almost two years to get the facility safe again.” she explained.

“I wanted to continue the Christian Retreats,” she explained, “But I also wanted to bring in the community, it’s such a beautiful place. I wanted to help people with post traumatic stress and other issues. I wanted to share it with Scouts and Veterans and other groups who would appreciate a place like this.”

And that is what she has done.

“When I went out there, I felt the presence of the Lord,” she said. “I always feel closer in nature, but I felt that there was a feeling present that spoke to me, that the Lord was with us.”

It’s a place to recover, to connect, to enjoy the beauty of nature.

This isn’t really a business,” said Ingraham, ” I’m only the steward of the property temporarily. It comes down to using your skills, talents and resources as long as you are here. I try to share it as much as I can, but I also want to protect it, and don’t want it ruined.

It’s meant to be a place that good things happen.

Ingraham wants the community to be able to come and enjoy it, and has several community events scheduled.

On May 2, After Grace, a Christian/Country musical group from Arkansas will perform at 5 p.m.

On August 15, Love and the Outcome, a Christian family style group will provide music starting at 5 p.m..

“Rock River Retreat was created to be a place where people can gather, celebrate, and grow in faith,” said owner Connie Ingraham. “We are excited to open our doors and welcome the community to experience all that this space has to offer.”

Up to now, bookings have been by word of mouth. The private property and facility can be rented for the appropriate events. As the Retreat and Event Coordinator, she can be emailed at connieingraham78@gmail.cvom or called at 515-835-9598 to learn more about the facility.