The Niobrara Valley House of Renewal

Click for pictures of The House (rev. 03-24-08)

Designed to be a spiritual oasis in a chaotic world

Niobrara Valley House of Renewal, a historic location on the Lewis & Clark Trail, is now a place for spiritual renewal. and rest on the journey. Nestled among the rolling green hills, it provides an opportunity to experience renewal for people of all faiths. It is operated by the parishioners of Assumption Catholic Church of Lynch and St. Mary's Catholic Church of Spencer. The House of Renewal was incorporated in 1985, as a quiet place where people can gather for meditation, prayer, fellowship, and a good night's rest for guests. We do provide lodging for travelers … although our primary function is for spiritual renewal. A handicap ramp makes the first floor accessible.

The building has a rich history of its own

It was originally constructed in 1918 as a sanitarium. It is believed the location was chosen because of two artisan wells on the property that reportedly offered healing minerals. The sanitarium, however, was a financial failure and soon closed.

Sacred Heart Hospital was established and next occupied the building. The Benedictine Sisters of Sioux City, Iowa administered the hospital, until 1923. The Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, Germany, continued operation in 1924. After World War I the Catholic Hospital proved to be the target of prejudice by the Ku Klux Klan who burned a cross on a hill opposite the hospital. In 1934, Sr. Dolores Kunkel, who had suffered paralysis from the hip downward due to a car accident, came to the Hospital. From her wheelchair or bed she instructed the children, and prepared them for First Holy Communion. The sisters are happy that this hallowed place, they affectionately called "Lyncher Himmelreich", A Place Akin to Heaven, now serves as a house of prayer and renewal.

Area families worked to renovate the building and make it a home for guests coming for spiritual renewal. 21 guest rooms were each adopted by a family in the area to fix-up and decorate. More bathrooms were added and a new kitchen. Renovation continues in other areas.

Travelers love to tour the building and reminisce. They look through the nursery window where they once viewed newborns and see a princess guest room. The old surgery room now called the "red room" is a favorite stop. Storage cabinets that once held surgical supplies now serve as dressers for guests. The chapel where many knelt for prayer with the sisters continues to heal their hearts.

The Grotto of Mary at the House of Renewal, an inspiration of its own, was erected in 1939 and updated in 1976. It continues to be a place for prayer and spiritual activity.

The Niobrara Valley House of Renewal is sponsored by:

Assumption Parish in Lynch, Nebraska and St. Mary’s Parish in Spencer, Nebraska.

It is under the direction of a Board of Directors made up of members from both parishes and is established under the leadership of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska.