2011 is the 60th Anniversary of Calling Lakes Centre!!  Sixty years ago visionary people heard the whisper of the Spirit and dreamed of creating a special place where lay people could learn and grow as leaders in the church; a place where their education was promoted and nurtured.  What a dream that was -- to build the Prairie Christian Training Centre on the prairie hills in the Qu'Appelle Valley on the shores of Echo Lake.

Who would support such an undertaking?  How could the financial and personal resources be found to succeed?  Dr. Bill Clarke, the first Director of the Centre, along with other key leaders such as Elmer Leaker and Wilbur Howard, responded with total commitment that often meant great challenges involving both themselves and their families. 

On July 1, 1951, the Prairie Christian Training Centre became a reality.  Dr. Bill Clarke travelled far and wide throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba and Northwest Ontario Conferences spreading the vision and gathering financial and personal support for the Centre.  Many, many people put their hands, hearts, and souls into the building and growth of PCTC, as it affectionately came to be known. 

Their great work continued for years and the dream grew and grew, inspiring United Church folks throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and beyond.  The name Calling Lakes Centre was later chosen to more ably reflect the inclusiveness of the programming and hosting, and the location of the Centre.

In 2011 we celebrate both the Centre's beginnings and the dreams and accomplishments that have brought growth and transformation to the Centre as its context and surroundings changed.

With the continued prodding of the Spirit, the Centre has risked real change by:

becoming more inclusive and welcoming of all people

providing informative, challenging and inspirational programs, where ministry personnel and lay people become learners and teachers together

giving leadership and encouraging real discussion and action in response to difficult issues

and even changing its well-loved name so that people from outside the United Church might know Calling Lakes Centre as their Centre too.