Dear friends,
A new conversation has opened that may help determine whether Rising Phoenix can be preserved.
Ashli Workman, Allegany County's Director of Tourism, has expressed interest in learning more about the opportunity and is coordinating with colleagues in economic and community development. She has requested a written overview ahead of our conversation.
This is an encouraging development, although it does not represent a commitment by the county to purchase or fund the property.
A more developed preservation vision
Since the first newsletter, I have expanded the working proposal around an idea that deeply excites me: Rising Phoenix could become a living memorial to Margee Iddings.
One possibility is for Allegany County to acquire and preserve the property as a publicly accessible heritage destination, while partnering with a Christian nonprofit to continue Margee's mission. This is an option being explored, not a negotiated arrangement.
Imagine visiting a museum dedicated to Margee's remarkable life, walking through the home where her ministry began, and discovering that the compassion and hospitality she practiced are still alive throughout the retreat.
The proposal also explores preserving the lodge, round houses, artwork, gardens, and peaceful grounds. Christian retreats could continue, while carefully managed bed-and-breakfast accommodations, family stays, and appropriate events might help support the property's upkeep.
These possibilities would need careful financial, legal, and practical evaluation, but they offer a starting point for discussing what Rising Phoenix could become.
Margee's story, told by those who knew her
Karen Custer, who led retreats at Rising Phoenix, has shared beautiful memories of Margee's extraordinary attention to detail and her care for everyone who visited or worked there.
She remembers freshly prepared meals, quilts, flowers, original artwork, and an atmosphere devoted to renewal of mind, heart, body, and spirit.
Karen also recalled how the need for retreat facilities serving medium-sized groups helped inspire Margee's development of Rising Phoenix.
Stephanie Hipsley, the longtime caretaker who worked alongside Margee, remains closely connected to the property. Her knowledge and experience could be invaluable in preserving its character and helping manage its future.
Helen Schneider at Loyola shared another remarkable detail: the university made relatively few changes to the retreat, even retaining the original colors of Margee's kitchen cabinets.
This raises the possibility of preserving many of the actual surroundings in which her story unfolded.
Preserving both faith and welcome
Margee was an ordained Presbyterian minister whose Christian faith was reflected in her ministry and extraordinary compassion for others.
I believe Rising Phoenix should faithfully preserve her Christian heritage while remaining open and welcoming to people of every background, just as Margee appears to have been.
Listen to Margee's 2009 interview
Exploring a future for Rising Phoenix
I've prepared a preliminary preservation vision to share with Allegany County officials and others who may be able to help.
It explores how Rising Phoenix could become a living memorial to Margee Iddings while continuing her mission through a partnership involving a nonprofit organization.
This is an early step toward developing a formal preservation proposal for Loyola University Maryland.
No ownership arrangements, funding commitments, or purchase terms have been agreed upon.
As discussions progress, I hope to make the developing vision available to the wider community. Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
What happens next
My hope is to speak with Allegany County representatives about historic preservation, potential ownership arrangements, nonprofit partnerships, funding, and ways to continue the work Margee began.
Loyola has expressed willingness to consider a preservation proposal. However, no purchase agreement, nonprofit partnership, or funding commitment has been established.
The online auction is already underway and is scheduled to conclude October 27, 2026, subject to the auction's extension rules.
Time is limited, but I believe there is still an opportunity to bring interested people and organizations together.
How you can help
If you knew Margee, attended Rising Phoenix, have photographs or memories, or know someone who might help preserve the property, please consider sharing what you can.
I would especially welcome introductions to former board members, donors, nonprofit leaders, preservation organizations, philanthropists, and people with experience operating retreat centers.
Sometimes one introduction is enough to open an unexpected door.
Follow preservation outreach and responses
Thank you for caring about this extraordinary place.
Whatever happens with the property, I hope Margee's story will continue to inspire people, and that her remarkable legacy of faith, compassion, and hospitality will live on.
Adam
Rising Phoenix Legacy
Please do not reply to this newsletter. Share memories, ideas, and offers of help through the website. For private introductions: contact@risingphoenixlegacy.org.
Rising Phoenix Legacy is an independent volunteer preservation effort and does not speak for Loyola University Maryland, the property seller, or Margee's family.
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