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History of Camp Burnamwood & Conference Center
By Jerry Houchens
Nestled in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, Burnamwood
Camp and Conference Center is located in Estill County, five miles
north of Irvine. Purchased in 1959 as a cooperative venture of three
presbyteries-Ebenezer; Guerrant and Transylvania, Burnamwood is the
currently the camp and retreat center for the Presbytery of Transylvania.
Rev. Graham Gordon, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, let the drive
to purchase the 450 acres in 1959. The property was purchased for
$32,000. Transylvania had $22,000 of that amount, so Miss Pearl Burnam
donated the balance of $10,000.
In 1973, First Presbyterian Church was again instrumental in leading
a capital campaign, this time adding a dining hall and an all-weather
retreat lodge under the leadership of Rev. Bill Young. When bids came
in, Burnamwood could only afford the dining hall portion of the project.
Miss Burnam and First Presbyterian guaranteed the money needed to
fund the all-weather lodge.
The 110-bed facility includes two heated lodges, eight cabins, a dining
hall, recreation pavilion, swimming pool and bath house, indoor craft
area, office, meeting rooms, boat docks, and a caretaker's home. The
Presbytery of Transylvania is currently exploring the feasibility
of expanded uses and updated facilities for Burnamwood.
