Our History

The Bay Center for Spiritual Development, founded in January 2000 by Carol Burke, was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in March of 2001. It focuses on spiritual development and the provision of educational programs and events that offer opportunities for support, networking, and personal and professional development for members of the community.

In the beginning, the Bay Center met in the Burkes’ home and utilized space provided by churches, organizations, and other homes. In 2004, with the generous bequest of Mac McCullough, the Bay Center moved into a place of its own on the second floor above Marks and Sullivans Store, amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy corner of Main Street and Irvington Road in Kilmarnock. The location offered space for a library and room for small classes and workshops, including yoga.

In the following year, Frank and Carol Burke purchased and relocated the Bay Center to 31 Noblett Lane in Kilmarnock. After cleaning, painting and furnishing the interior, the house was dedicated with a House Blessing in February 2006. With an extensive lending library, reading porch, small kitchen and large grounds, the Bay Center offered a relaxed and peaceful setting away from the stresses of daily life.

September 21, 2006, marked the Bay Center's first annual celebration of the UN International Day of Peace. A couple years later, the Bay Center dedicated its first Peace Pole. This became an annual celebration, and over the years several additional peace poles were installed, including one donated by the Northern Neck Montessori School. Each pole says "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in 4 different languages.

With Carol Burke's vision and the generosity of local donors, a Labyrinth fashioned like the one in Chartres Cathedral was created on the front lawn of the Bay Center. Cliff Schelling and Hal White, both Bay Center Board members at that time, were the enthusiastic and persistent volunteers who took on the building of this project. Since its completion and dedication in 2007, all people in our community have enjoyed walking its path.

Local therapist and Bay Center board member, Diana Jamison, organized the first Helpers and Healers gathering in the spring of 2008. Every year since, helpers and healers in our community have gathered on the lawn, networking, getting to know one another and hearing speakers who inform about new programs for the community.

The Reverends Karen B. Woodruff and Lyn Holland began offering a grief support program series in the Fall of 2008. As the need increased, this program was transformed into a continual grief support group throughout the year, always led by professional counselors and/or clergy.

In December 2012, the Center received a grant from the Robert B. Lantz Foundation for a program of education and support entitled: "A Year of Health and Wellness for Helping and Healing Professionals." The vision of the Lantz Foundation is "To provide viable and relevant educational and charitable support to the clerical, pastoral and healthcare workers of the Northern Neck of Virginia." This continuing grant has allowed the launch and continuation of a series of supportive and educational experiences for clergy, spiritual directors, healthcare providers, retreats for members of the community whose lives have been touched by cancer, grief resources and expansion of the lending library.

The Bay Center has brought together many talented teachers and seekers on a quest to explore practices of spiritual development and self-discovery. Program offerings have included exploring books and videos related to one's spiritual journey, creating mandalas, collages, and prayer beads, maintaining the community garden, hosting book clubs, prayer, meditation, spiritual direction, workshops on world religion, death and dying, and creative aging. Hospitality has been an important offering of the Bay Center with connections being strengthened through conversation on the sun porch or in the sharing of bag lunches, dinners, and receptions. Meaningful partnerships with volunteers, community members, and organizations have been formed.

A vital individual who has supported the Bay Center is Carol's husband, Frank Burke. In addition to serving on the Board for 19 years, Frank has provided legal counsel and assisted with event logistics. With his calm and charming demeanor, Frank has provided support and encouragement to Carol and all who have worked to keep the Bay Center thriving.

After 19 years of generous service to our community, Carol decided to retire from being the Executive Director of the Bay Center. A warm farewell party was given to honor Carol and Frank's dedicated years of service. And in a touching ceremony, Carol passed the baton to Susan Moseley who became the Bay Center Executive Director on February 1, 2019.

And Now…

The current staff and Board of Directors is committed to honoring the spirit and history of the Bay Center while leading this beloved organization into the future, with special attention to the needs of the 21st century. The vision and work continue thanks to all the dedicated volunteers and visitors who have contributed to the making of The Bay Center. Please join us and be part of our journey!

Our Mission

to support our community through programs that inspire personal growth, healing, & well-being.

The Bay Center continues its development as an effective resource in our community; helping people pause and reflect on their lives; being a resource for individuals and groups that seek a holistic approach in both their personal and professional lives.