Davision Township: Construction under way on Baha'i assembly hall

Saturday, February 24, 2001

Davision Township - Construction is under way on an assembly hall at Louhelen Baha'i School that will seat 200.

The hall, called Unity Hall, was in the original plans for the school when it was built in 1980. But until now, large groups had to meet in the dining room.

The half-million-dollar hall is expected to be completed by summer.

Louhelen Baha'i School is home to the National Teacher Training Center, which trains teachers, race unity workers, gender equality workers and others specializing in assisting youth, married couples and parents.

When not fully used for Baha'i programs, the school is a frequent site of meetings for Flint-area service organizations, companies, universities, church groups and schools.

Louhelen hosts nearly 20,000 visitors a year, including several thousand people from the Flint area.

In August, Louhelen Baha'i School will celebrate its 70th anniversary. It gets its name from Lou Eggleston, who bought the farm for use as a Baha'i summer retreat center, and his wife, Helen. Year-round sessions began in 1983.

Facilities include eight classrooms, a library, bookstore and coffee shop, lounge, dining room and 120 beds.

- Betty Brenner