FAQ
Welcome to Epworth By The Sea’s Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) page. We’re glad you’re interested in Epworth and we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about our Conference, Retreat & Vacation Center. We hope this page will help answer your questions; however, if you have further questions, please contact us today.
General Information & Policies
What is Epworth By The Sea?
Epworth By The Sea is an unparalleled Christ-centered hospitality ministry impacting lives for Jesus Christ by providing a premier conference and retreat center for worship, study and fellowship. Our gorgeous riverfront campus on St. Simons Island, Georgia, is a desired destination for groups, couples, and families in search of a peaceful environment and a chance to rediscover what’s truly important. For more than seven decades, guests have flocked to our Conference, Retreat & Vacation Center to immerse themselves in the natural, scenic setting and embark on a journey of personal discovery.
What accommodations does Epworth have?
Our 100-acre Methodist Retreat Center can accommodate up 1,000 overnight guests. There are 6 motels and 12 family apartments totaling 235 rooms, plus 22 youth cabins on site. All rooms are climate controlled and every accommodation except for the youth cabins include a TV. Numerous rooms across campus are handicapped accessible in accordance with ADA standards and wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available for guests throughout Epworth's campus.
What Conference, Retreat, or Convention facilities does Epworth have?
For generations, Epworth By The Sea has been one of the Southeast’s premier conference center location for groups of all types and sizes. From the 800-seat Strickland Auditorium to the iconic 120-seat Lovely Lane Chapel and the 400-seat Brown Center Auditorium to the 16-seat Pitts Board Room at Turner Lodge, Epworth can accommodate your group.
Most meeting rooms come equipped with a projection screen and we have additional technology available to enhance your event, including LCD projectors, portable screens, TVs, DVD players, sound equipment for speaking engagements or presentations plus podiums, easels, white boards, tables of varying sizes and linens to match. Additionally, each one of our meeting spaces is ADA compliant, making it easy for all guests to get the most out of their Epworth By The Sea experience.
Search for the perfect space based on the size of your group on our Meeting Facilities page.
Is there a regular Sunday Service at Epworth By The Sea?
On-campus church services are held in the iconic Lovely Lane Chapel from 8:45-9:15 a.m. every Sunday. Casual dress is welcome.
Can I get married in Lovely Lane Chapel without staying at Epworth?
Historic Lovely Lane Chapel is available for wedding ceremonies. While Epworth has group accommodation options and commonly hosts wedding rehearsals and receptions, Lovely Lane Chapel can be utilized for just a wedding ceremony. Click here for photos of Lovely Lane Chapel and Wedding information.
Do I or does my group have to be affiliated with Methodism or be Christian to stay at Epworth By The Sea?
While the mission of Epworth By The Sea is to provide a Christian place for worship, study and fellowship, we allow groups and individuals of all types to reserve meeting spaces and accommodations. However, we reserve the right to cancel any group or event, even after group visits or events have begun, if the group's program and/or philosophy are inconsistent with the Christian ideals inherent in this purpose.
How do I get to Epworth By The Sea?
Epworth By the Sea’s St. Simons Island campus is approximately one hour from Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL, 12 miles from I-95, and 13 miles from Brunswick-Golden Isles Airport (BQK). From U.S. Highway 17, take the F.J. Torras Causeway to St. Simons Island. At the end of the causeway, stay in the left lane and continue north to Sea Island Road. Go straight through the traffic light, staying on Sea Island Road. Turn left at the first street marked Hamilton Road and then right onto Arthur J. Moore Drive to enter Epworth By The Sea.
About Your Stay
When is Check-in/Check-out?
Check-in for all facilities is 4 p.m.; Check-out time is 11:30 a.m.
What are Epworth’s Office Hours?
The Office and Gift Shop open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.
What are accepted methods of payment?
Epworth accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, check, cash, or travelers’ checks. Payment due upon check-in for individual guests.
What are the group deposit and cancellation policies?
Prior to booking, please inquire with a Reservation Specialist. If you have already booked, please refer to your group contract form for information on deposit and cancellation policies
What amenities are included in rooms?
Standard motel rooms include cable TV, phone, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, microwave, mini-refrigerator, plus access to the campus-wide Wi-Fi. For more information about specific accommodations, please review the options in the Your Places To Stay tab.
What are groups responsible for bringing while staying in cabins?
To keep the Aldersgate Youth Cabins affordable, groups are asked to bring their own twin bed-sized linens, pillows, towels and toiletries.
Is there a campus curfew?
Yes, please honor campus-wide curfew of midnight.
What is Epworth’s Pet Policy?
Other than registered service animals, pets are not permitted on Epworth’s grounds or in facilities.
Does Epworth prohibit alcohol?
Yes. Epworth By The Sea is a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. There is a strict no smoking policy in all facilities.
Food Service
Does Epworth serve food?
Through our partner, ARAMARK, Epworth provides cafeteria-style meals for guests as well as other on-site catering options. Our largest dining room can accommodate seated banquets up to 250 guests. For outdoor events, picnic tables and a barbecue pit are available. Banquet and catering menus are available upon request. All food served at on-campus functions must be catered through Epworth Food Services.
When are meals served at Epworth By The Sea?
Daily Dining Operations
| Breakfast | 7 - 9 a.m. |
| Lunch | 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
| Dinner | 5:30 - 7 p.m. |
Can every guest eat in the dining area?
All overnight groups are on the American plan (3 meals daily). Individual guests staying at Epworth or guests staying off-campus are welcome to eat in our dining room by purchasing a meal ticket at the front desk prior to entering serving lines. However, meals are only served when there is a group staying on campus.
Recreation
What is there to do on campus?
Recreation options are plentiful and include a large outdoor swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, basketball court pavilion, an open area for field sports, bonfire pits, two fishing piers and a paved riverfront walkway. Bicycle rentals available.
What are the pool hours?
The outdoor Seasonal Pool is typically open during the summer, Memorial Day to Labor Day. During normal operations, pool hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. The pool is closed for lunch break from 12-1 p.m. and dinner break from 5-6 p.m.
How can I rent a bike?
Affordable rental bikes are available for guests to tour the grounds and St. Simons Island, which features over 30 miles of bike trails. Stop by the main lobby during operating hours to secure your rental and pick up a map.
Where can I access the beach?
St. Simons Island has miles of beaches to explore along the Atlantic Ocean. While there are dozens of smaller public beach access points, the most popular are Massengale Park (playground and picnic area) and the U.S. Coast Guard Station (seasonal concessions).
What are the hours for the Moore Methodist Museum & Archives?
Museum hours are Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 pm. Closed Sundays and holidays. Call 912-638-4050 to schedule a guided tour. Group tours available. For special event information and more, please visit our website: www.mooremethodistmuseum.com.
Admission:
Guided Group Tour: $50
Guided Group Tour - South Georgia United Methodist Church: $25
Self-Guided Tours for Individuals: Donations Requested
