History of Cedarbrake

The idea of a diocesan retreat center was first suggested in September 1973. Irene and Arthur
O’Connor wanted to make good use of their thirty-two acres of land behind their home so they met
with Fr. John Driscoll and Dr. Richard Cunningham, both at St. Luke’s in Temple, to discuss
possibilities. Fr. Driscoll said that Bishop Harris was interested in establishing a diocesan retreat
center and thought that this property would be an ideal location as it is near the center of the
diocese. The O’Connors were thrilled with this idea and the offer was extended to Bishop Harris,
who graciously accepted the deed in November 1973.

The name “Cedarbrake” was suggested by Artur O’Connor as being the time-honored local name
for the area: (Local records dating from the 1850s refer to a “deep ravine in the cedarbrake three
miles north of Belton” as having been a notorious hiding place for young men attempting to avoid
service in the Confederate Army). In the Fall of 1976, Fr. Ed Jordan recommended the site of the
Lodge which was the first building used for many youth retreats. Msgr. Arthur Michalka devoted so
much personal time and great carpentry skills to adding bunk beds and signs for the lodge and
property. In 1981 the current Chapel was built and eight years later the Library was added.

St. Luke’s parish secretary handled bookings for the first three years of Cedarbrake’s existence. In 1980, Bishop Harris hired Sr. Margaret Basso, I.H.M. to be the first Director. Sr. Basso was here for six
years followed by Sr. Jean Burbo, I.H.M., who was also in charge of a second diocesan retreat facility
(Emmaus in Austin) from 1986 to 1993. When Emmaus was sold in 1993 its chaplain, Fr. Victor
Goertz became the first chaplain to live on-site at Cedarbrake. Fr. Victor was here until 2005 and
was succeeded by Fr. Angelo Bertini for 8 years and Fr. Joseph Nisari for 3 years. Franciscan priest Fr. Albert Haase served for four years and in August 2022 Fr. Harry Dean became our current chaplain. 

The 1990s saw even greater growth with increased interest amongst adults for retreats. In the
spring of 1991, the first three guest houses (Columbus, St. Gertrude & St. Francis) were completed.
This same year the pavilion was built below the lodge for open-air events and cook-outs (changed to an enclosed building called Driscoll Hall in 2014). In 1996 three more guest houses (Joseph, Mary
plus Sarah & Abraham,), the O’Connor Conference Center and the chaplain’s residence were all
completed. In 2003 Sr. Jean Burbo retired as the director and was succeeded by Brian Egan in 2004.
Beverly Collin was the assistant director from 2003 to 2020.

In 2011 the Diocese purchased an additional 12 acres for Cedarbrake, including beautiful prayer
trails and scenery overlooking a canyon called Cox Hollow. In September 2014 we received a
tremendous gift from Dr. Darrell & Karen Crisp that consisted of a five-bedroom house (St. Teresa
of Avila house) and 25 acres of land. In December 2017 Dr. Patricia O’Connor, daughter of Arthur
& Irene O’Connor passed away and donated 6 acres and 3 small houses to Cedarbrake. One house,
formerly called the Perry House, has been converted into St. Clare’s Prayer Room with a beautiful
meditation garden adjacent to it. Another house has been transformed into a Hermitage.

Cedarbrake is truly grateful to God for so many wonderful people who have supported the mission
of this retreat center through prayers, volunteer labor and generous donations to the Catholic
Service Appeal and other gifts of treasure.