Rooted in the Rock River Valley

A scenic 350-acre setting in northwestern Illinois.

LOMC is located 1 mile south of Oregon, Illinois, county seat for Ogle County in northwestern Illinois. The center is located off Illinois Rt. 2 near the Rock River. It is one of the most scenic rivers in the State of Illinois. Also nearby is the Blackhawk Statue at Lowden State Park, The John Deere Historic Museum in Grand Detour, Loredo Taft Outdoor Education Campus of Northern Illinois University, White Pines State Park, Castle Rock State Park, Nachusa Grasslands, Stronghold Presbyterian Camp and many other natural attractions.

LOMC is comprised of 350 acres that vary greatly in make-up and terrain. Some acreage is farmed during the summer months, while the rest is used for conservation purposes and creative program activities. Sometimes looking like an artist's sculpture, the earth is a combination of sandstone and limestone, with frequent stone outcroppings, the pronounced of which are the Levi's Cave and Barber's Cliff formations. The property has many hills and ranges, meadows and a pond in addition to densely wooded areas. Many varieties of wildlife including deer and wild turkeys inhabit the camp site.

In February, 1974, the Illinois Synod authorized construction to take place at the Center in Oregon. The plans were to provide year round conference facilities for 150 people, summer camping facilities for an additional 60 people and tent and trailer family camping areas all at a cost of $1,260,000. In late 1974, because of spiraling building costs, the original plans were amended to keep the site within the projected budget.

Building was completed on June 1, 1975 at a cost of $1,419,000 yielding the present facilities capable of serving over 200 summer guests with a wide variety of programs for all ages and physical abilities. Since 1975 additional renovations and improvements were made to the original Center. The pond was developed, the barn and Administration Building renovated, the infirmary constructed, yurts erected, the tent and trailer area made, the trail system improved, two meeting facilities in the Meadows and Timbers retreat villages. In 2001 the addition of the Freedom Tree Village was completed with modern "hotel like" lodges (the Dody and Marander lodges) and a two story Hospitality Center named after the Ted Hawkins family from St. Louis.

Welcoming Guests From Far and Wide

A growing ministry serving more than 2,000 guests each year.

With the forming of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on January 1, 1988, LOMC began operation under a Board of Directors consisting of representatives from now three Illinois ELCA Synods: Northern Illinois, Metro Chicago, Central Southern Illinois. While relating primarily to the 3 ELCA synods across Illinois and the wider Illinois community, LOMC welcomes guests from far and wide to experience its unique setting and programs.

With an annual budget of nearly $1 million, LOMC serves more than 2,000 guests each year and continues to grow to meet the ever-increasing and varied demands of the churches and communities we serve.