Discover Conference and Meeting Facilities in Bloomingdale

Come together at our peaceful retreat to share new experiences.

You will leave renewed, refreshed and energized!

Experience Unmatched Conference and Meeting Facilities for Your Visionary Events

Elevate your gatherings at our conference and meeting facilities designed to foster collaboration and creativity. At New Ebenezer Family Retreat Center, we understand the importance of a well-equipped environment for successful events. Our versatile spaces can be tailored to accommodate everything from corporate board meetings to community workshops. All our conference and meeting facilities come complete with advanced audiovisual capabilities to ensure your presentations make an impact. Serving the Bloomingdale area, we are ready to help you create memorable experiences for your attendees. Reach out today to book your next event with us.

New Ebenezer Retreat Hospitality

Since 1977, The New Ebenezer Retreat and Conference Center has acted as a vital part of our history-rich community by serving and welcoming many guests and visitors into our fold.

Circa 1977

Situated on a peaceful tract of land amidst whispering pines and sparkling waters, New Ebenezer is a non-profit retreat facility that provides comfortable accommodations, an expansive conference facility, and heartfelt hospitality in the remote and beautiful setting of coastal Georgia near Historic Savannah.

Historic Jerusalem Lutheran Church (located across the street from the Retreat Center) was completed in 1769 by the Salzburgers, and still has worship services today as the oldest Lutheran church in America with a continuously active congregation.
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Our Mission

“The purpose of this ministry shall be to strengthen the family, to encourage wholesome recreation in an unspoiled environment, to provide a positive setting for learning and growth, and to empower individuals, couples, families and groups to experience renewal with each other and with God.”

Our History

  • Georgia Salzburgers

     The township of Historic Ebenezer, founded in 1734 and relocated in 1736, has a heritage as rich as America. Settled by Lutheran Salzburgers seeking a place of religious freedom and a chance for a new beginning, it grew to about 2,000 residents. Each family was given a town lot for their home, a two-acre garden plot on the town’s edge and a 50-acre farm further out.


    The British captured the town in 1779. Most of the homes were destroyed and many Salzburgers fled to their farms. The church was used as a hospital by the British, then as a storehouse for their supplies, and finally as a stable for their horses. Patriots, under the command of General Anthony Wayne, drove the British out in 1782.


    Historic Jerusalem Lutheran Church was completed in 1769, and still has worship services today as the oldest Lutheran church in America with a continuously active congregation.


    Historic Ebenezer eventually became the first capital of Georgia. John A. Treutlen, a member of the Jerusalem congregation, was the first governor.

  • Our Retreat and Conference Center

    Founded in 1977 by Mr. Richard C. Kessler, New Ebenezer Retreat and Conference Center is the result of a 1973 vision on a mountain in Austria to recreate Historic Ebenezer as a retreat center, a ‘New Ebenezer.’ Mr. Kessler was haunted by the direction for days before sharing his God-given idea of said retreat center that would reflect the town and values of Historic Ebenezer with his wife, pastor, and father.



    After a meeting with Jerusalem Church’s Pastor Phil Hugel, a congregation meeting was called and Kessler shared his vision with members of the church. Though he did not have all the answers to their questions about the Retreat Center’s possible creation and future, he was shocked by the unanimous vote of ‘Yes’ to use part of the church’s land. By December of 1974, Richard revisited Jerusalem Church from his Orlando home for yet another congregational meeting. He presented his need of financial support for the first cottage and was granted funding without question. Surprisingly enough, they were then granted funding from the Ebenezer Trustee Fund the very next day.



    Back in Florida while the project began, Mr. Kessler would receive nightly updates of the day’s success. Near the end of clearing and burning the plot of land, he returned to Rincon for the weekend, eager to see results. Upon seeing what seemed the severe destruction of his land, Richard was heavily burdened with pressure and an absence of joy. He quickly turned to prayer and asked God for relief and assurance. At the same time, a “subdued, round, ‘moon-like’ light appeared in the sky directly up the straight road ahead.” This sign from God brought him total peace and urged his steps of faith, one after another.


    Over time, director after director came. Staff overturned and facilities were expanded. We now are blessed with eight cottages, two great halls, outdoor facilities and recreation, and many other amenities and meeting spaces. Our founding and growth was by the grace of God and generous confidence of our community through donations and support. We continue to grow in programs, staff, and excellence of service and hope you will join us to experience the gift that is New Ebenezer Retreat and Conference Center.

“Many stories are told about the wonderful growth experiences people have enjoyed in this special place. Children have played and learned, adults have shared, and the weary have rested.

Thank God he has provided us with this place.
Only God knows what he wants and wills for the future of New Ebenezer.

May we all continue to be alert and open to His direction. I do believe there are more miracles ahead for this special place. May we be ready to do our part.”

– Mr. Richard C. Kessler

 Your Home Away From Home

We had our Cheer Banquet at Ebenezer Retreat last night for the third year in a row and they amaze me every time. All we do is show up and everything is so elegant and beautiful. Thank you to the staff for making a memorable evening absolutely perfect! EMS Game Cheer
EMS Cheer Team
We had a great time having cookies with Santa this year! My girls just received their letters from Santa. They were so very excited! Thank you so much for hosting this event and making each child feel so special!♡ Merry Christmas from the Knights!
John Smith, Jersey City
Accomodations were great...
Food was excellent...
The facilities were just what we needed.
Handbell Clinic
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with you. Your facility and staff are the best we have ever worked with. You are a 5 star rated facility if not more. The dining room was beautiful and the food was delicious. Everything about the experience was professional and well organized. Truly a wonderful experience.” 
South Effingham Elementary Christmas Banquet

Where Can I Find Conference And Meeting Facilities in Bloomingdale?

Exploring a venue that caters to both relaxation and productivity can often feel overwhelming. Our extensive conference and meeting facilities are designed to accommodate diverse needs, making us the perfect choice for events in Bloomingdale. Whether you’re hosting a corporate retreat, educational workshop, or a charming family reunion, our conference and meeting facilities are equipped to handle gatherings of varying sizes with ease. We take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every visitor feels comfortable and engaged. With customizable room setups and state-of-the-art technology, our conference and meeting facilities facilitate seamless interactions and memorable exchanges. Let us help you elevate your next event with our thoughtfully designed spaces, ensuring that your gatherings stand out beyond simply being meetings and truly become inspiring experiences. Discover more about our conference and meeting facilities and plan your perfect event. For additional options, explore our conference and meeting facilities today.