About Cathedral Oaks Worship & Retreat Center
Cathedral Oaks Worship & Retreat Center
Cathedral Oaks Worship & Retreat Center was born out of a vision for Christian discipleship and community. In June 1983, Elna and Gayle White generously donated 101 acres of rolling hills near Weimar, Texas, to the Victoria District of the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Their dream was to create a space for making, training, and encouraging disciples of Jesus Christ. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Prenza Woods, plans were set in motion to transform this land into a dedicated worship and retreat center.
Elna White's inspiration for the name "Cathedral Oaks" came from her spiritual connection with the property's majestic oak trees. After a year of visioning and planning, construction began, guided by the scripture Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” In 1992, Cathedral Oaks was dedicated to the glory of God and opened its doors to Christian groups for retreats, training, and spiritual renewal.
Over the past 30 years, Cathedral Oaks has adapted to the changing needs of the Christian community. Today, it operates as a 501(c)(3) corporation formed through a partnership between the Victoria Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church and the Cathedral Oaks Board of Directors. This ecumenical collaboration allows Cathedral Oaks Worship & Retreat Center to continue its mission of fostering Christian discipleship, training, renewal, and celebration in a serene and spiritually enriching environment.