North Carolina Baptist Assembly, Religious retreat center in Brunswick County, US
The North Carolina Baptist Assembly sits on 250 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway at the eastern tip of Oak Island, with various lodging and meeting buildings spread across the grounds. The complex includes the Hatch Auditorium, Smith Conference Center, and can accommodate over 1,000 visitors at one time.
The grounds were originally built as a military base in 1836, serving as Fort Caswell for various branches of the US military until 1945. That year, the Baptist State Convention acquired the property and converted it into a retreat and assembly center.
The center serves Baptist churches across North Carolina as a place for youth camps, conferences, and religious gatherings throughout the year. Local congregations regularly use this retreat to strengthen community bonds and spiritual connections among their members.
The site is most accessible during summer months and school breaks when most camps and conferences take place. Visitors should plan ahead, as the facility is designed primarily for organized groups and reservations.
The facility maintains its original fort structure while serving modern assembly and camping events. This blend of historic architecture and contemporary use creates an unusual setting for religious gatherings.
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