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Holden Village.
It is nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Holden is only accessible by a three-hour boat ride up Lake Chelan, and then, an eleven-mile bus ride. At one point, Holden was Washington’s largest copper, gold, and zinc mine. Holden was a thriving, remote mining community! There was a dining hall, recreation hall, hospital, school, grocery store, and a small bowling alley. The town population was normally around 600. The price of copper plummeted and by July 1, 1957 the mine was closed. The town, itself, was put up for sale for $100,000.
Wes Prieb, a student at the Lutheran Bible Institute, wrote three letters the next couple of years to the mining company suggesting that Holden be given to the Lutheran Church. The answer came back – No, No, OK! It was a surprising gift! The first director of Holden, Carroll Hinderlie, puts it this way, “Sometimes I felt it was a shame that God gave a gift like this to God’s least imaginative people – the Lutherans!” Carroll and his wife Mary worked with this incredible gift and it has become a gift that continues to give…!
Today, Holden Village welcomes people throughout the year for programming, education, and worship. Here, in the wilderness people wrestle with theological ideas. Teachers from across the church lead bible studies and conversation on theology, politics, ecology, social justice, art, and everything in between. It is because of Holden that we sing Holden Evening Prayer during Lent! The highlight at Holden, of course, is when the community gathers for worship in the evening…and then everyone jumps in line for ice cream!
To be sure, it was a surprising gift…but a gift that continues to bless! Wes Prieb had grit as he wrote letters that seemingly were ridiculous. The Hinderlies created a culture that continues to be one of the wonders of the church. Who would have thought? Who would have thought a copper mine, in a remote wilderness area, could be turned into a place of Christian renewal. It seems crazy, right? When we GIVE, we do not know finally, where it’s going to go. In this season of thanksgiving, what are the gifts that you are giving? It was, for Wes Prieb, three letters…! How about you?
In my life-story, Holden holds a special place. I have visited the village three times. I have fond memories of eating ice cream with Wes Prieb and listening to stories that changed the lives of people! Hopefully, I will soon introduce my daughters to Holden Village. Hiking the mountains, evening worship, and then standing in a long line for ice cream!
Blessed!
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