About Demo

Blue Mountain Christian Retreat was founded by Chris and Margaret Dornbierer, both originally from Switzerland. Chris worked as a grower in a greenhouse in Zurich. During that time, a school friend invited him to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to study the growing methods used in South America. While Chris was spending that year in Argentina, he and Margaret were introduced through a mutual friend and began corresponding by letter. Through those letters they sensed that God had brought them together and that they were meant for one another. Even before meeting in person, Chris asked Margaret for her hand in marriage, and she joyfully accepted. Their union would later be described as truly a “marriage made in heaven.”

Both Chris and Margaret had a strong desire to come to America. They eventually moved to New Jersey, where Chris began working as a greenhouse laborer. The early days were difficult, as he earned only $50 a week. Yet in faith, they gave a gift of $100—two weeks’ wages—to the ministry of evangelist Oral Roberts. Reverend Roberts encouraged them to see their gift as a “planted seed,” trusting that in time it would produce a harvest.

Blue Mountain Christian Retreat was founded by Chris and Margaret Dornbierer. They both were originally from Switzerland. Chris was a grower in a greenhouse in Zurich. While working there, a school friend invited him to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The purpose would be to study the growing methods of South America. During Chris’ year there, Margaret and Chris were introduced through a mutual friend and began to write to each other. They both knew that they were meant for each other. Without ever meeting, Chris asked for Margaret’s hand in marriage and she accepted. They were blessed with what they considered a “marriage made in heaven”.

A customer invited the Dornbierer family to visit the New Ringgold area in Pennsylvania. Chris and Margaret purchased land, which now is where Blue Mountain Christian Retreat stands. Chris knew, deep down in his heart, that God was going to use this land for His purposes. However, he did not know how. Over a 6-7 year period, God placed a vision in the hearts of Chris and Margaret. The vision was to build a place where all of God’s people could go to worship Him in the freedom of the spirit, to hear fine outstanding speakers bringing anointed messages, and to fellowship with other Christians in the beautiful surroundings away from the noise and confusion of the world. It would be a place where people from all denominations of the Christian faith would be able to come apart to seek the Lord and draw closer unto Him.

The harvest came quickly. Chris was soon promoted to foreman, and with the increased income the Dornbierer family was eventually able to purchase their own greenhouses in New Jersey. The Lord blessed their work, and the business prospered.

During this time, one of their customers invited the Dornbierer family to visit the New Ringgold area in Pennsylvania. After visiting, Chris and Margaret purchased land in the foothills of the Blue Mountain—land that would eventually become Blue Mountain Christian Retreat. Chris sensed deep in his heart that God intended to use this land for His purposes, though he did not yet know how.

Over the next six to seven years, the Lord placed a vision in their hearts. They believed God was calling them to build a place where His people could gather to worship freely in the Spirit, hear outstanding speakers bring anointed messages, and fellowship together in beautiful surroundings away from the noise and confusion of the world. It would be a place where believers from many Christian denominations could come apart to seek the Lord and draw closer to Him.

God brought many people into Chris and Margaret’s lives to help plan, design, and organize the construction of the retreat. The Dornbierer family built their home and greenhouse business across the road from the retreat grounds, selling their New Jersey greenhouses in the process.In August of 1974, the main building of Blue Mountain Christian Retreat was dedicated to the Lord.

Over the years, the retreat has grown significantly. In the beginning there was only a single building that could accommodate 35 overnight guests. Today the retreat is able to host up to 400 guests. The auditorium has been enlarged to seat 450 people, and the cafeteria can serve 319 guests at one time. Throughout the years, the Lord has faithfully provided dedicated workers to serve the ministry. The retreat is staffed by approximately 12 full-time workers who live on the grounds, along with many part-time workers from the local community. During the summer months, the staff expands with an additional 20–25 seasonal workers.

Blue Mountain Christian Retreat continues to be a place where people come for rest, renewal, and fellowship in a Christ-centered environment. Many guests visit simply to step away from the pressures of everyday life—to find quiet, privacy, and time alone with the Lord.