THE SACRED HISTORY OF MOUND RIDGE

A Holy Place Set Apart by God’s Presence

The grounds of Mound Ridge are more than just beautiful — they are holy. This land has been sanctified by those who walked before us, those who walk it now, and those yet to come. Throughout history, God’s presence has remained constant here, making Mound Ridge a place of transformation, reflection, and sacred connection.

Early Inhabitants: A Land with Ancient Roots

Long before buildings or trails, these bluffs and valleys were home to Native American peoples, including the Meramec Indians during the late Woodland Period. The two low mounds near the entrance of the retreat center may be remnants of their lives here. Other tribes who lived or passed through include the Osage, Kickapoo, Choctaw, Quapaw, and Chippewa.

1800s: From Land Grants to Logging

  • 1804: This land became part of the U.S. through the Louisiana Purchase.

  • 1849: The U.S. government granted large tracts of land, including Mound Ridge, to Missouri to help fund the construction of the Pacific Railroad.

  • For the next 70 years, the area was a source of railroad ties and lumber.

1920s: The Hueppner Era – Building a Legacy

  • In 1920, Fritz and Evelyn Hueppner purchased the land.

  • With the help of Italian stonemasons, the original Lodge, stone walls, and walkways were built.

  • The letter “H” still marks the Lodge’s entrance as a tribute to Fritz.

  • After his passing in 1930, Mr. Hueppner was laid to rest in the small cemetery near the retreat center.

Mid-1900s: A Farm Becomes a Ministry

  • After Hueppner’s death, the land passed to Hugo Wurdack, a St. Louis entrepreneur.

  • In 1950, the Wurdack family gifted Mound Ridge to the Presbytery of St. Louis to be used as a summer camp and retreat space.

  • Soon after, buildings like the chapel, dining hall, cabins, and swimming pool were added.

  • Mound Ridge thrived for decades, becoming a cherished memory in the lives of many youth and families across the Presbytery.

1980s: A Time of Challenge and Renewal

As times changed, so did Mound Ridge. The 1980s saw a decline in use and maintenance, and by 1989, the Presbytery considered selling the property.

But God had other plans.

The Outdoor Ministry Committee stepped forward with a vision of renewal. With support from the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA), a 10-year pause was granted to revitalize the retreat center.

1990s–2000s: Restoring God's Sanctuary

A spirit of service and stewardship took hold:

  • Volunteers repaired buildings, updated infrastructure, and improved landscaping.

  • Churches from across the region sent mission teams to help.

  • The New Millennium Fund was launched in the early 2000s, raising over $225,000.

With this support, Mound Ridge added:

  • A Chapel in the Woods

  • Two modern Conference Rooms

  • ADA-accessible bathrooms

  • Private bathrooms for each of the Lodge’s six rooms

  • The Wray Darr Nature Cabin

  • A welcoming Plaza and more

2010s: A Growing and Modern Ministry

Continued upgrades helped Mound Ridge grow:

  • A deck expansion and renovations to the Dining Hall

  • Enclosing the North end of the Lodge

  • Major updates to the Osage and Chippewa cabins

  • A beautiful Butterfly Garden

  • A restored Outdoor Labyrinth

  • Trail designs created by Trailnet

  • Safer walkways and paths for all guests

A New Chapter: Becoming an Independent Ministry

As the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy faced financial constraints, they encouraged Mound Ridge leadership to become a self-sustaining nonprofit.

  • January 21, 2016: Mound Ridge became officially incorporated as
    Mound Ridge Retreat and Mission Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

  • July 28, 2016: The IRS granted federal tax-deductible status.

  • September 1, 2016: The Presbytery voted to place Mound Ridge’s property in Trust and continue the ministry partnership.

  • November 16, 2016: The property deed was officially recorded in Crawford County.

Today: A Mission-Focused Outdoor Ministry

Mound Ridge stands today as a vibrant, faith-centered retreat and mission center, rooted in Presbyterian tradition but open to all who seek rest, renewal, and reconnection with God’s creation.

Through camps, retreats, and outdoor ministry, we continue to witness how God uses this Holy Place to transform lives, build community, and inspire future generations.

"This is sacred ground — a living testimony of God’s enduring presence, provision, and purpose."