Excitement is brewing within the center of Heritage because our unique courtyard, located in the center of the H.I.M. Hotel, is nearly completed. Since our purchase of Heritage in 2004, the courtyard has been an unsightly scene to the guests staying in the many rooms facing it, with a balcony view of overgrown weeds, deteriorated and discolored concrete, and piles of construction materials. Temporarily it became a stockpiling center for chairs, tables, and all other types of materials. The courtyard was a place to avoid due to its state of disarray, and the front desk staff said they felt terrible booking guests in the rooms facing the courtyard. School of Ministry students that lived in the hotel dreamed of ways to clean it up.

The unpleasant view will now only be a memory of the past because by spring, the overhaul and monumental makeover of the courtyard will be completed. We have removed the deteriorated fountain and added a completely new, professionally designed layout of architectural stonework and pillars, as well as cedar overhangs. Volunteers and our crew joined together in arranging elegant, modern landscaping, as well as repairing and repainting the worn-down fascia of the hotel on all four floors facing the courtyard. The courtyard has now arguably become the most beautiful and scenic part of the Heritage property and will without question become a favorite with hotel guests facing it. The once deserted balconies surrounding the courtyard will now be crowded with chairs and conversation as guests soak in the peaceful new atmosphere.

The redesigned courtyard will be dedicated in the spring, so feel free to stop by and take a look at the renovation the next time you come to visit. The restoration will bring the courtyard back to its original intent—to be a social gathering place and captivating prayer niche within the heart of the Heritage Hotel.

The courtyard was generously restored by a MorningStar Partner in honor of John Hamrick, one of the original founders of MorningStar along with Rick and Julie Joyner. Rick said of John:

John was one of the first men of God that I met after my conversion, and he was instrumental in many of the most important matters in my life—from getting married, to becoming a professional pilot, to going into the ministry. I also think that John, more than any other person, inspired the vision I now have for the body of Christ becoming what it is called to be in the Scriptures.

We consider it a privilege to name the courtyard in John Hamrick's honor. He poured so much of his heart and time into MorningStar and will be remembered within the heart of Heritage. A special thank you to the partners that financially provided for the restoration, and to our partners, Ed and Berni Julick, and Jim and Jenny McRae for all of their work, time, devotion, resources, and love that they sowed into restoring the courtyard.

View a slideshow of the courtyard restoration.

Learn more about partnering with us to restore Heritage.

View areas available for sponsorship.

Take a Virtual Tour of the facilities.