About Wafloy Mountain Village
Wafloy Mountain Village is a Christian Retreat Center located just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Under new management and ownership, we look forward to building on Wafloy’s long, rich history of seeing lives impacted by Christ.
Our Story
Wafloy Mountain Village is located just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
In 1947, Floy Bell and her husband, W.A., both school teachers in Knoxville, bought a piece of mountain property with the intent of creating a Christian retreat that would serve as a place to rejuvenate, heal, and strengthen the physical and spiritual being of youth and adults.
After her husband’s early death, Floy Bell moved to the property with even more intensity to make her village a very special place. Wafloy, as it was named, flourished and throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, many structures were built including a two-story youth lodge, a thirty-two room hotel atop the mountain with a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountain’s Greenbrier Pinnacle, approximately twenty other housing and meeting facilities, a beautiful Chapel and a small 1950s style motel. Wafloy hosted visitors from at least 43 countries, and has been used as a Christian youth camp and adult retreat center since the 1950s.
Floy Bell, who managed the 100 acre campus until the age of 95, turned the management of the village over to her grandson and his wife in 2001. They are now in their 60s and 70s. In June of 2013, with much prayer and deliberation, they sought a partner who would help maintain the vision of Floy and W.A. Bell, and one whom had been a long-term and substantial user of the village. They approached Corryton Church to consider assuming the management and control of the property.
The goal is to establish Wafloy as one of the most sought after Christian youth camps in the region, to facilitate Christian adult seminars, conferences, retreats, and weddings, while bringing glory to God, and helping people say “yes” to God.
A Mission Revived
The “mission” that God placed on the hearts of W.A. and Floy Bell has been revived and the banner lifted for future generations to come and be blessed as they gather here!
From of 2014 or to date, Wafloy has undergone many amazing refurbishment and reviving transformations, yet still remains true to the historical roots laid by the original founders. Each group building has its own autonomy and is a perfect place to fellowship and be set apart as a group for time with each other and the Lord.
This restorative labor of love continues to bring together construction companies donating skilled labor, contractors donating materials, an architectural designer donating services, and numerous small businesses donating their time, materials, and skills from their respective businesses. We continue to upgrade, update and improve existing structures while also looking for ways to expand in new areas while remaining true to the overall atmosphere that is unique to Wafloy Mountain Village.
Our thanks to the Eidemiller Family who began the first few years of this regenerating phase of Wafloy. Along with them and the faithful and numerous donations from churches, individuals, and businesses, we have once again begun to host almost 200 groups here a year!
The Wafloy Team – In the order we serve your group
Gabe – Guest Relations (Pictured on the Right) – Gabe has joined the Wafloy team in August of 2021. He brings 20+ years of hospitality experience and a passion to provide excellent customer service to the groups and individuals at Wafloy. Gabe and his Wife Crystal are east TN residents along with their 6 children (Hayley, Sierra,Drake, Cadence, Reese and Tatum). Gabe will be your first point of contact and be with you each step of the way in your booking process. Email Gabe – reservations@wafloy.com
Nicole – Hospitality (Pictured in the Middle) – Nicole first came to Wafloy in January 2020 and when the opportunity to become more involved became available, she stepped into the Hospitality Coordinator role in August of 2020. She, along with the other team members on the Wafloy grounds will help to take care of your group’s hospitality needs. Nicole coordinates with you on your group’s arrival date and through out your event. She will usually reach out to you two weeks prior to your arrival to be sure she is well prepared to tend to your hospitality needs. Email Nicole – hospitality@wafloy.com
Bobby – Head Maintenance (Pictured on the Left) – Bobby volunteered several years ago when Wafloy was putting up the new road-sign at our entrance. In May of 2021 he became Wafloy’s Head Maintenance Technician. His attention to preventative and professional service makes Bobby a vital part of the Wafloy Team. You will get to interact with Bobby not only if there is any maintenance attention needed, but often as he assists to make sure your time at Wafloy is an enjoyable experience. Email Bobby – facility-tech@wafloy.com
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
We press on toward the mark of His high calling! We want to grow, improve and see God’s Kingdom flourish and are excited to see Wafloy instrumental in this vision.
With the new structure of two Directors, each with their own areas of expertise and high standard of service, we feel the future is wide open with opportunities to serve returning and new guests with an environment that encourages their spiritual growth.
Renovations continue and new facilities are in the plans. All of these plans will continue to maintain the original mission and atmosphere that is unique to Wafloy by allowing each group to have a sense of stewardship and intimate setting of their own accommodations while they are here.
If you would like to keep up with all the exciting renovations, innovations and updates with Wafloy, please consider signing up for our very occasional Newsletter.
Each volunteer, management team member and director here at Wafloy is dedicated and humbled by the opportunity to serve while we continue to establish Wafloy Mountain Village as a time-honored Christian Retreat Center where groups can come to fellowship, rest, revitalize and people can say “Yes” to God!