Presidents & Executive Directors of the Mountain Retreat Association/
Montreat Conference Center
Leaders of the Mountain Retreat Association and Montreat Conference Center all have had to deal with difficult economic times, tensions within the church, promotion of what would become the largest Presbyterian conference center, and the business of running a non-profit.
Here are the people who have led the MRA/MCC (the title sometimes shifted back and forth between President and Executive Director), including four interim or acting presidents (or executive directors) of lengthy terms (six months or more).
Rev. John C. Collins
March 25, 1897 - November 30, 1899
John S. Huyler
November 30, 1899 - August 21, 1906
Rev. Dr. James R. Howerton
August 21, 1906 - December 31, 1907
While Howerton retained the title as President at the request of the board during 1908 and 1909, he was not active in running the operations. James D. Murphy served in effect as Acting President during this period.
Judge James D. Murphy
(Acting President)
January 1, 1907 - August 25, 1909
President
August 25, 1909 - August 11, 1911
Rev. Dr. Robert Campbell Anderson
August 11, 1911 - December 31, 1946
Rev. Dr. John Rupert McGregor
January 1, 1947 - June 1, 1957
Frank L. Jackson
(Acting President)
August 7, 1957 - October 6, 1959
Rev. Dr. Calvin Grier Davis
October 6, 1959 - May 31, 1972
Silas Max. Vaughn, Ph.D.*
June 1, 1972 - September 20, 1975
*continued as President of Montreat College
Monroe Maston (Monk) Ashley
Sept. 20, 1975 - Sept. 30, 1979
Rev. Dr. Samuel (Sam) R. Hope
October 1, 1979 - December 31, 1984
Rev. Dr. H. William (Bill) Peterson
June 1, 1985 - March 1995
Rev. W. Kirk Allen
(Interim Executive Director)
April - December 1995
Rev. William S. Dunifon, Ph.D.
January 1, 1996 - July 1, 1997
R. James Henderson
(Interim Executive Director & President)
July 25, 1997 - April 30, 1998 and
Feb. 24, 2003 - Sept. 20, 2003
Emile H. Dieth, Jr.
May 1, 1998 - Feb. 18, 2003
George F. Barber, III
Sept. 21, 2003 - Feb. 15, 2008
Albert G. (Pete) Peery
Nov. 3, 2008 -
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