The Easter Holiday ‘season’ came and went, and so now has the old conference hall, which has been the location for nearly all our holiday conference meetings, Bible School lectures, special presentations and other youth and special events.
Our contract builders are on site, and having demolished the old building, are now clearing the debris ready to start on the new. Visit our web site at Capernwray.org.uk to see what our Managing Director, Mark Thomas has to say about this major project.
We know that many of you will have memories of the old conference hall, and we invite you to leave a reply on this blog, so that we, and others can see what a difference this place has made to the lives of those who have walked through its doors over the years. We look forward to reading your comments. If you have any interesting old photos, why not send them by email to info@capernwray.org.uk and we will try add some to this page.
(Please scroll to the bottom of this page to add your comments)
We look forward to hearing from you.
I have a picture hanging on my bedroom wall of Capernwray Hall,
about 50 years after it was built, back in the 1880s.
The picture was given to me by my husband, Andy, on
our silver wedding anniversary, last September.
In many ways, the Hall looks identical to now, although it’s
missing the building in which were married and which has
become the powerhouse of Capernwray’s ministry –
the conference hall.
I arrived at Capernwray in 1981 as a new Christian, longing to know more of the bible and how to share what I’d discovered with other people. The lectures were the highlight of my stay. I’d just finished 3 years at university, but this was different. Day after day I’d sit and soak up hours of teaching that wasn’t just aimed at informing my mind, but at shaping my life.
I remember hearing Billy Strachan – the Principal then – explaining the meaning of mercy and grace: riveted to my seat, transfixed, as the reality behind those words took hold and I realised, in a way I hadn’t grasped before, that I was forgiven and free. I remember Roger Forster, opening the book of Genesis to demonstrate how all that God had done in Christ, was there in seed form, waiting to germinate and bear fruit. Christian Bastke, laying down the theological foundations of salvation; Jim Graham exploring what the Book of Acts had to teach the church today. A story unfolding, weaving together Old and New, and through it all ran a thread that is the life of Jesus Christ.
Row after row of desks lined the hall. Students from 27 countries coming together to learn. Here I discovered I was part of a worldwide family, whose ways of expressing faith could be very different from my oh-so-British way of doing things.
And when my head was too full to take any more, there was the view out over the grounds – somehow always green; sheep grazing in the fields; horse chestnut trees spreading their branches wide; the stone bridge arching over a little brook: an English pastoral scene of great beauty and peace.
And then, when I stayed on to help on staff, holiday groups of teenagers would descend on the place: packed in for evening sessions after a day out in the Lakes. Sun setting, warm summer nights of singing and teaching. Michael Diener and Eckart Geisler relaying the messages through primitive headphones to international students – a constant buzz of activity and excitement. Testimony evenings – young people lining up to speak of what God had done in their lives that week. Irene Skelly on piano; Question and Answer panels; Charles Price and Angie Mills’ banter –all part of what made the hall the place it is. Where lives are shaped and changed and some, for the first time, encounter God.
I own that same lithograph which I bought in an old bookstore in Greenville, SC about 20 years ago. Interesting.
-Dow Barton
I also remember Andy playing on the piano in The Conference Centre at around the same time. My wife Eileen and I were at Mini Bible School Sept 1983, so it may have been then. Great times, never forgotten.
Well I was in the same Bible School year as Becky who has written above and like her my mind opened up to the Bible in so many ways. I recall Billy Strachan saying many things but I think the comment I remember him reiterating during the talks on the Holy Spirit was when he spoke strongly in his Scottish accent “The Holy Spirit is not an it, He is a He”. I quoted this recently to some young teens I was teaching. When I picture the Conf Hall I also see Billy on the platform some Thursday evenings after chores day and he would mercilessly tease me infront of everyone, often starting with ….”guess what she did today?”…. (my chore day was to do domestic work in his home). I have to confess to being a bit of a scatterbrain and doing one or two daft things but of course Billy totally exaggeated stuff and so of course everyone laughed and I blushed!
When I was on staff I had one of those pokey rooms in the Conf Hall and many a time I had to go and knock on Edi Gillies’ door across from mine, terrified by scratching noises in my room and I am not sure what I expected her to do. I actually forget now whether she was ever successful in driving out any mice from my room.
Carolyn Campbell (was ‘Wilson’)
“That place has so many memories, as when I first went that’s were my room was. Even looking at it brings it all back. The Lord has really used that place. Will be sad to see it getting knocked down.”
Stephanie Johnston
The first time I had the privilege of being a speaker in the summer programme at Capernwray Hall was in 1973. All the staff plus holiday makers gathered on the first Sunday morning of my visit for the worship and teaching service. I was young then and when I took my seat on the platform and surveyed the gathered congregation the first face my eyes fell upon was that of the late Dr. Alan Redpath. I was overwhelmed with the absurdity of the situation thinking to my self, this is all the wrong way round. However Dr. Redpath was both long-suffering and very gracious.
On another visit I recall a conversation in the Conference Hall with a young man from Germany. He did not know the Lord Jesus at that point. I went over all kinds of scriptures with him and he continued to have this blank expression on his face (maybe it was my Scottish accent!). Eventually I shared Isaiah 55:6-9 with him and all the lights went on. What a thrill to pray with him as he surrendered his life to Christ.
One more, If I may; I have a vivid memory of an evening of fun in the Conference Hall. I borrowed Billy Strachan’s kilt and my wife, Isobel, and I danced the highland fling, or you might say, our version of it. It was all highly embarrassing for us but it brought the house down just the same. So for me it was a place where I learned much, experienced supreme joy, and was thoroughly embarrassed!!
Clayton Dougan.
I remember going to lectures in the hall in 1978 and the many different speakers who helped us grow in the Lord. I have memories too of my time spent in two of the rooms beneath the hall which were my dorm for two of the three terms I spent at Capernwray.
Hi Sue,
I was in the same school as you and have very fond memories of our mornings in the Conference Hall.
I think I remember you. I can still hear Billy Stachan’s voice reminding us that as well as the mountain top experience we would also be visiting some valleys. He was right of course. Any time i hear the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” I am taken back to morning worship before lectures. My time at Capernwray was indeed a time of great blessing and growth in my life. Just 12 months ago I was back in the UK visiting Capernwray and couldn’t believe how small the conference hall really was. And the new Dining Hall is spectacular too.
I was one of the 6 Australian girls in that school.
Heather Hartley
I remember both of you, Sue and Heather from 1978-79! I often remember Capernwray with fond memories…of the relationships I kindled there, the special places that I still call my own, the principles I embraced in that lecture hall that changed my whole world. I never was the same after that…in a good way!
For me, memories of the old conference hall will forever be inextricably linked to the fabulous teachings and antics of Billy Strachan. Listening and watching Billy preach throughout Winter School 1982-83 was an unforgetable experience. His depth of knowledge combined with his wonderful sense of humor made each lecture an adventure. I’d often come away overwhelmed with the power of God’s truth but also exhausted from laughter due to Billy’s endless joking and story telling. No other preacher has left such an indelible mark upon my life. A building is nothing more than wood and stone. It’s the people and events that God uses within the structure that transforms it into something truly remarkable.
Forty years ago, during the summer of 1972 I had the privilege of spending four unforgettable life-changing weeks as a 16 year old at Capernwray together with my best friend and school chum Hilde. We were from Norway, but I was immigrating with my family at the end of that same summer from Oslo to New York City, USA. We lived in the Conference Hall building for part of the stay and made wonderful friends there. More significantly, we were transformed in that hall through the inspired teachings of Major Ian Thomas and Billy Strachan, the unforgettable singing, the testimonies, the enthusiasm for the Lord, the challenges made to live for Jesus alone.
I recall Major Thomas looking out over the group saying that he firmly believed the Lord would return within the lifetime of some of those seated in that room. I made a note of that and decided to seek to live in expectation of his return as a bridesmaid with her candle lit and with adequate oil (Matthew 25:1-13). Anne Graham Lotz, born 1948 and daughter of Billy Graham, encourages this beautifully in her book “Expecting to See Jesus.” On the last meeting night, in two of the last slots Major Thomas provided, both Hilde and I, painfully shy, gave our first public testimonies, our professions of faith. Living a hemisphere apart ever since we nevertheless have always been close sisters in the Lord and continue to be in love with our Savior.
Billy Strachan’s teaching on discerning the will of God especially was powerful to me, as were the many songs we Norwegians were unfamiliar with, such as “Living He loved me,” “No, never alone” in several languages, “Gone, gone, gone, gone, yes my sins are gone” – with the Major enthusiastically directing us all, “Let’s talk about Jesus, the King of Kings is He…” – a foreign concept for us shy Norwegians. The Conference Hall would ring out with song and laughter and clapping for joy, calling out to the Lord, but also hushed with silence over souls convicted. I imagine the walls are saturated with sounds forever sealed into the memory of Heaven, and the flooring penetrated with thousands of tears of lives forever changed, bought by Jesus’ precious blood. He does indeed remember every tear we cry (Ps 56:8 “…You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”) Truly the most vital history of this blessed hall has already been recorded eternally. God bless and direct as the new facility is brought forth for His honor and glory
I am forever indebted to the people of Capernwray for what they gave to us and so many like us, helping us grow up in our faith. Hilde continues her ministry in Norway, and I as nurse practitioner in the US. To my great joy, my adult daughters and I will be attending a ladies’ conference at Capernwray Harbour, BC, Canada this summer.
Evelyn Kverndal Oxenford
I was a student at Capernwray for the 1979-80 school year. The teaching in the conference hall changed my life. If there is a way for students to reacquaint with class-mates from Capernwray I would love to hear about it!?
The way I would suggest is to go to the Capernwray Alumni records which are available via our web site, and from there, do a search. these can be found at:
http://www.capernwray.org.uk/BibleSchool.php?pid=15
Unfortunately, names and addresses are protected by the data protection act, so we can only allow you to access those that are listed there.
Students do also change there addresses/email addresses and even we at The Hall cannot keep up to date with them all.
If you would like to discuss this with me further, please contact me on
info@capernwray.org.uk
and remind me of this discussion.
Regards,
L.S. Webmaster for Capernwray Hall.
Dear Sharon,
We remember you!
Love in Christ,
Philip and Ruth.
(we were dubbed Mr&Mrs Australia)
I have lots of memories of this place as I was eighteen 1/11/74 and
came to Capernwray as a student on 3/11/74 not long after becoming a
Christian. I learned much about about the Bible of course and about
the Christian life. I remember Billy Strachan’s humour as he impacted
scriptural truth and Alan Redpath’s teaching. I had drunk a lot of
alcohol as a teenager but not when I became a Christian when I was 17.
I was not very convicted about ‘drinking’ from that day and for many
years later. In fact until I was 25 when one of my Anglican Christian
friends told me God isn’t legalistic and I said, ‘I’ll have a port and
lemon’! Capernwray really made a big difference in my life. I first
returned to Ladies Conference, thirty years after learning and came
each year and each time God speaks to me and I take something back to
my life. Thank you. Elaine.
As a current staff member at capernwray, i’m both excited and saddened by the conference hall going down…As Becky Silver says this has been a ‘powerhouse’ for the ministry that has been proclaimed here…BUT, in recent years as a maintenance staff member i’ve helped repair the leaks/electrical overloads and heating problems in this ‘temporary building’ that originally had a 15-20 year life span..
Listening to the testimonies has been very moving, and i’ve cried at some of the stories i’ve read, because it makes some of the things we do worthwhile…God can and will move and speak wherever you are, but the conference hall has been a focal point for a great empowering of the children of God worldwide.
I think from an engineering point of view that the current conference hall had run its course……….BUT i’m prayerful that the new building will continue to empower and equip young and old for ‘such a time as this’
I was a student at Capernwary winter 2007-2008 and spring 2008, on my second term I had my room at the conference hall. It was a great time with an amzing friends and room mates. We were 7 in the room and the room next to us were 4 I think. I absolutly loved the time there. I was watchitng the video on youtube when they tore it down and I got kinda sad, even though I know that another one will come, it’s still not the same
Hope everything goes as planed and I’ll bee keeping the project in my prayers.
with love from Iceland Bryndís “Bee” Steinthórsdóttir
I had my room under the conference hall when I was a student at Spring School in 1990 and then got married to Michl there on 2nd April 1994 so it held very special memories for me – glad we were able to take a part of it, the stairs at the rear, for our building that we are renovating for our charity and church in the West End of Morecambe – God is amazing!!!
The fellowship we as a family have had over the years with people we have met here, can only be described as a wonderful blessing and life changing. We will always remember Meg and her husband who spoke from Bury St Edmunds. Meg read the scriptures with such meaning and clarity. God brought her though such a serious car accident. She is now in heaven, what a lovely lady. We will so remember the preaching of Graham Loader on Ephesians. I still play some of the audio tapes from the 90s they are so precious.
I was a student at Capernwray Hall in 2007-2008.
I remember when Cliff Keyes turned the whole conference hall into 4000 BC. middle east (creation, fall, flood, nations) made so much sense,
or social nights and seing Rob, Viv, Trevor and Sue all dressed up in funny clothes acting out something that Robert Kingdom had come up with.
Then British night (I have never had so weird looking/tasting food)
or Brother Alec (I think it was him) who made us sing before he started class.
The 10 seconds dance – during lectures (I think maybe Rob’s).
Ian Ellershaw saying “okay guys!” and “It’d be really good if you’d all help take away the chairs and tables”
Other than that of course the most important things: God changing lives and minds in myself and others around me that I am so thankful for today. In class on prayer days, during interactive group and chapel etc..
I remember all of this too
It was a good time and I miss it and I miss you Helene..
I came to Capernwray Hall in September of 2001, as a 56-year-old widow, who thought that, three years after my husband’s death, I had finished with grieving. I soon found out that was not the case, since I began crying shortly after I arrived and kept it up for nearly two months, hiding my soggy misery at the top of the tower stairs, the only place I could find to be alone! On November 1, I walked into the Conference Hall, early for class, and found each desk held a small green book. It was Oswald Chamber’s “My Utmost for His Highest,” and I immediately opened my copy to the entry for that day. It was about how God saved the world through the broken heart of His Son and ended with the words, “Won’t you thank Him for yours?” Though everything inside of me cried out in protest, I said yes to my Father that day, and every day since. It has made all the difference in my life.
Rita Weber
I was a student winter school 1980-81.Yes, the hall is part of the memory but it is the people ,relationships and the word of God that has the enduring memories and affects. “the grass withers and the flowers fade but the word of God endures forever.”
The hall did give some much needed protection from the elements,rain,wind and cold.The new structure will be used by God as his faithful servants present the gospel and the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of people.Praying for the building process and God’s family there at Capernwray. Bronwyn (from Australia)
I just watched the video on YouTube of the conference hall coming down, and was kind of surprised by the emotions that came over me. The building also holds many memories for me; so while I’m saddened to see it go, I’m so excited to see what God is going to do as the ministry grows!
One of my first memories in the conference hall is from back when I was 12. That summer my parents had given us the choice between a Euro Disney vacation or a Family Week vacation and it was a unanimous choice to go to Capernwray (it was our last summer in Scotland before immigrating to Canada). We were in CH Rm 3 that week, and I met a lifelong friend (who I was on staff with for later) who was in CH Rm 4.
When I came back as a 17 year for spring bible school, what do you know, I was in CH Rm 3. We had so much fun as CH girls that year. There was always midnight snacks and laughter. As that spring I called my mum to tell her I would be staying on staff. One of the best phone calls of my life.
Then I moved in to CH Rm 11, the little room on the end. I spent a few summers in there being part of the ‘summer team.’ Those summers stretched me in so many ways.
Of course, I still recall things that i learned in the upstairs part of the hall often. I learned so much as a student. And the fun things… like a pretend movie premier, Eurovision Song Contests and rainy day games and celidh’s.
Praying for the building of new CH and for all the students and guests who will make new memories there.
I was first here in 1970, challenged by Mr. Strachan a International Week.
Many wonderful memories in 1970′s of Family Weeks-Family service on Sunday mornings with our children taking part. At these weeks speakers often emphasized importance of praying earnestly for our children’s conversion and walk with the Lord-if we don’t how can we ever expect others to pray for them.
Such special memories of Angela Mills Sue Gilmore + Carolyn as they led here also at 3 Ladies Conferences. God will mightily use the new as He has the old
Being here 3-yrs old, I was very blessed by Heather Thomas’ ministry, and also the testimonies of God’s wonderful provision for the girls who testified-particulayrly the girl whose son was killed in Afganistan. I benfited greatly from having that booklet at home and sharing it with others. This years Ladies Weekend is no exception. We go back to W.I. empowered, thankyou so much each of the team, Becky for you teaching and honesty Sue for your big heart, Carolyn you very sincere teaching and Kim for all the good things in the Bookshop. Loads of Love to you all!!
IN 1988 I came into the Hall for the first time. I didn’t know how I’d cope in the future but the messages I heard helped me to reflect him… I’ve been back each year since!
When I was staying under the old hall. The roof above me had damp I kept thinking it would fall!
Sara wrote: “Good memories in the Conference Hall top floor, but I really have to say that the rooms down there weren’t that comfy and cosy! New generations of bible students will benefit from the demolition!!!”
I became a Christian because I saw Christianity lived out in the lives of the staff. I turned from the church due to hypocrisy and clung on because I knew the Christianity taught was lived every time I first arrived on site. Sue G. will always be my spiritual mum. Angie Mills Isaiah teaching prepared me to see God in some very rough waters. Thank you Capernwray for bringing me time and again.
Great teaching and worship, tears and laughter sympathetic ears in times of trouble
. Counseling words of encouragement and scriptural guidance. All in the warm embrace of God’s love. Sincere Thanks.
The wedding of Avril Sykes and Werner Oder.
Billy Strachan telling the story of when he and Malcolm and Alwyn got stopped at Heathrow on suspicion of being 2 drug addicts and a spy.
God Opening my ears to hear His voice as I listened to John Hinter preach.
Wonderful times of worship, with beautiful singing, and great times of learning, fellowship and fun!
Peaceful/calm/learning to be at peace and learning to stop looking and trust. To look at existing skills/talents and use effectively to the glory of God with those we come into contact with on a daily basis ie. Family work, leisure clubs etc.
I went to Spring School there in 2003 and then went back for Winter School 2004/2005 and I will always remember feeling God’s presence as 180 students from around the world worshiped together and learned so much as we studied the Bible with various speakers. What a sweet time that was that I cherish.
I thought that the hall was very scary because my mum told me her friend was in a room with damp on the roof and the roof fell down
———-(:)-)
From Winter School 1972/73 and Spring School 1973–my most favorite memories of the Conference Hall were the many hours spent working with Billy Strachan in the recording studio splicing together lecture tapes to be transmitted by TransWorld Radio to the masses that were still veiled behind the Iron Curtain–what a privilege! But the best part of it was the personal ministry Billy poured into my life and the lifelong friendship that developed from those afternoons after lectures working in the studio together. This young boy’s life from Tennessee was forever changed by Capernwray and the 25 countries represented in that old Conference Hall where the most important lesson I have ever learned in my Christian life–to quote Billy…is that “Christ is bigger than culture”.
Forever changed inside those walls at Capernwray!! I was Lori Williams then, a student from 1980-81 never imagining the powerful work God had for me and others inside the ol conference Hall. I had never experiened or heard scripture preached like that of Billy Strachan, the Major and Dr. Redpath. I remember Dr. Redpath at the microphone getting ready to introduce his lecture and pausing with some sort of humming b/c he was overcome with the goodness of God in his life, and Billy Strachan who preached every lesson with conviction, humor and power. Do any of you remember the word WAIT, “spell it for me…W..A..I..T”. Oh learning to wait on God, what a lesson he taught. He wove the entire Bible together like none other! Can’t wait to see him one day! I am sitting here in tears at the faithfulness of God! The hundreds of students’ lives who have been changed b/c of the willingness of those who gave their lives away in that hall for us. We are spread out all over the world and stories that we will all be able to know and share one day that began in that humble building at Capernwray. Thank you Father for all your care and love you gave me and others in that building made of wood. May you continue to be just as powerful to change lives in this new one. By the way I still lead Bible Studies here in Phoenix AZ using Billy Strachan lectures! So grateful!!!
All I can say about the conference hall is… “Paul Burton King of the Hat Game!!!”
Many ungodly battles were fought in that building.. hair pulling, chair breaking, children being trampled on. 30 years on and still the Capernwray Christmas Party is a dangerous place to be.
Totally awesome!!!!!. We spent many weeks worth of amazing Holidays at Capernwray as kids… Now it’s my kids turn to enjoy the fun…
The Conference Hall holds many many wonderful memories, meeting new friends, excellent teaching Ladies conference Christmas Holiday fellowship with so many.Good quite competitive games with Angela and Sue, so who said Ladies were gentile, the competition was strong, but great fun. To me Caperwray is the nearest to heaven I shall get on earth. The most important is Jesus is Lord.
I have just looked through some of the Capernwray web site on my daughters computer as I don,t have one of my own! It is some years since my time as a secretary at the Hall, having left in 1983.What a great site. I never thought to look before now! What memories come flooding back!As Bible School secretary I remember having to tiptoe along the rickety balcony to reach my office at the back, without distracting lectures! HA! I remember dealing with names, then eventually meeting them. Such a mixture of people, all coming because the Lord had something to say or do in their lives, lots of laughter, tears and rejoicing as God did speak to individuals through His Word delivered by some wonderful and humble speaks. I remember my office partner, Moulson, who caused many
a supprise to visiters. Him being a four legged gerbal confiscated from some naughty canadian student who kitted him out in helmet and parashute and used to sling him out of the tower. He ran around my office desk quiet happily. Some wonderful years, wonderful people – and Andy Thomas still in school uniform – now a father of four! Still we all mature and I am mother of two and nanny to two! The years fly by but God is our constant.
Linda (Thornhill) kenna.
I was a student Winter school 1971 – 1972 and then heard God asking me to stay for spring school 1972. I learned about the love, grace, forgiveness and mercy of God in that wonderful lettuce hall. God used many Spirit filled staff like Major Thomas, Dr. Redpath, Billy Strachan and I could never forget Dr. Throwbridge lecture on the Tabernacle. May our Lord continue to bless the mission of Capernwray. Kae Coffin, Iowa in U.S
I always enjoyed staying at Capernwray for family weeks it was the best time of the year for me
Dear Friends,
I was a student of winter bible school in 1986/1987 and I still remember this blessed time together with brothers and sistern from more than 21 different countries. Sometimes I wonder what has happened to all of them and if they are still walking with the Lord?!?
The time at Capernwray had a great impact on my life and I still remember so many lessons with Billy Strachan and all the other wonderful teachers we had. I remember Becky Silver and her husband very well and the times when Andy played the piano and we praised the Lord with songs. How I would love to see all these lovely people again, but perhaps I will have to wait until the last big gathering in heaven……….!
My husband who is a pastor often wonders about my bible knowledge and then I tell him that this was lectured at Capernwray Hall – we definitely had a very good bible teaching and very much down to earth rather than up in the sky………! I am so thankful that I was able to be part of the bible school and I recommend it to young people who want to know more about Christ.
By the way, I still remember the picture of the last supper that was hanging on the wall in one of the dining rooms. It showed a table prepared for a lovely meal and talked about the final day when we will celebrate with the Lord. Is it still there? I tried to get hold of it when I was in the USA and Canada, but did not find it anywhere.
Many greetings from Germany and God bless you all!
Connie