Oak Grove Retreat -A Historic Sanctuary for Community, Healing, and Celebration
- TCM Staff Writer

- Jul 9, 2025
- 3 min read
A secret treasure where history, nature, and community coexist peacefully is tucked away among the majestic oaks of Edgecombe County, only a short distance from the center of old Tarboro. More than just a location, Oak Grove Retreat is home to the meticulously restored Saint Anne's Chapel. People go there to commemorate life's significant events, re-establish a connection with the natural world, and discover tranquility in an increasingly hectic world.
For Oak Grove's founders and stewards, Kevin and Tricia Wilson, this 25-acre hideaway has become a mission and a calling. A thriving center for weddings, spiritual meetings, artistic workshops, and wellness retreats has grown out of what began as a rehabilitation effort. As Oak Grove seeks to strengthen its relationships with neighborhood groups and residents, this seems like the ideal time to highlight everything this remarkable location has to offer.
The history of Oak Grove Retreat dates back almost 200 years. The land has a timeless quality, having been a part of a family farmhouse founded in 1832. Located at its center is Saint Anne's Chapel, a modest Episcopal mission church that was constructed in the 1920s and formerly catered to the local agricultural people. But eventually, the chapel began to deteriorate and lose its usage, leaving its future uncertain until the Wilsons intervened.
After acquiring the site in 1999, Kevin and Tricia began the laborious restoration of Saint Anne's Chapel. They saw it as a place of worship that might foster healing, creativity, and connection in addition of being a historical landmark. Today, the chapel is flooded with natural light, and its tasteful yet understated interior inspires awe and serenity. It now serves as the focal point of the retreat, which welcomes families, couples, artists, and spiritual seekers.
Although Oak Grove has a fascinating past, its adaptability is what really makes it unique. The hideaway has grown in popularity as a wedding and event venue since it provides a private space for couples to exchange vows. Larger events of up to 200 people can be held in the surrounding lawns and gardens, while the chapel can comfortably hold 60 people inside. Oak Grove's natural beauty and rustic appeal make it the ideal setting for a variety of events, including informal outdoor parties and formal ceremonies.
In addition to weddings, the property is a vibrant venue for workshops, retreats, and neighborhood gatherings. Among the experiences available here are guided meditation classes, yoga sessions on the lawn, and drum circles beneath the stars. The Wilsons have created a space where people feel free to explore and rejuvenate, and where creativity thrives.
Guests have the option of classic camping, rugged glamping platforms, or comfortable cottages for overnight stays. Whether they're organizing a business team-building retreat or a weekend of spiritual rejuvenation, this diversity enables groups to create retreats that meet a variety of requirements and comfort levels.
Essentially, Oak Grove Retreat is about creating deep connections rather than just creating lovely surroundings. The Wilsons have made a conscious effort to foster a feeling of belonging at Oak Grove. People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to gather for regular programs like children's mindfulness camps, seasonal retreats, and Sunday drum circles.
Reiki Master Tricia Wilson and other resident practitioners provide holistic therapies that encourage balance and well-being. From fire-dance performances to sound healings, Oak Grove offers special chances for individual development and artistic expression.
Their membership program, which invites donors to support the retreat's purpose, reflects their inclusive mindset. Benefits like free camping nights, subsidized event admission, and even free chapel usage are given to members, which helps the neighborhood accept Oak Grove as its own.
Collaboration is key to Oak Grove Retreat's mission as it looks to the future. The Wilsons want to get in touch with neighborhood companies, civic associations, and NGOs that value wellness, creativity, and community development as much as they do.
Co-hosted health retreats, workshops in the creative arts, outdoor education initiatives, or unique events that meaningfully unite people are just a few examples of the countless opportunities for collaboration. With its lovely location, adaptable amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, Oak Grove is ideally positioned to develop into a useful partner for groups looking to improve Tarboro and beyond.
Oak Grove Retreat welcomes you to immerse yourself in its narrative, whether you're looking for a peaceful space to meditate, a lively setting for a significant occasion, or a collaborator in community activities. It is a location where the past and present collide, where nature restores, and where community ties are strengthened.







