Our Story
Sometimes life leads you down a detour you didn’t know you were meant to take.
In the early spring of 2025, one such detour brought me past what was once the Mennonite Brethren Church in Arelee, Saskatchewan. I later learned the church was built in 1944 by Russian immigrants who poured their hopes and faith into its walls. But on that day, all I knew was that the shape of its spires—and the feeling it stirred in me—was unforgettable.
Serendipity
We were out on our family’s annual “spring crocus hunt,” driving near Eagle Creek, when the road carried us toward Arelee. Of course, the church—truly the Eiffel Tower of Arelee—caught our attention instantly. Its presence is magnetic. We slowed, then stopped, and decided to get out and explore.
Growing up just north of the North Saskatchewan River in Maymont, I had passed that church countless times. I’ve always loved that corner of the world—finding beauty and inspiration even while navigating those bumpy secondary highways! But on this particular day, something felt different. Looking at the weathered building, I turned to my family and asked, “Why would anyone let it fall into such decay?” Its windows were shattered from thrown rocks, the grass rose to my waist, and the doors were boarded with plywood. It was sad.
Someone simply replied, “Why don’t you find out who owns it?”
That ordinary question changed the entire course of my life.
The Red Mailbox
I contacted the R.M. of Eagle Creek and was given a post office box in a small town in B.C.—a place I had never heard of. Still, I felt compelled to try. For months I had walked past a pack of stamps collecting dust on a shelf, convinced I’d never use them. I was wrong. I sat down and wrote a letter.
I carried that handwritten note to the red mailbox on Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon, snapped a photo as it slipped inside, and went on with my day—never imagining what that simple act would set in motion for the owner of the church, for my family and me, and eventually for many others. Perhaps some part of me did know, which is why I wanted to capture that moment.
Through visits, conversations, and more than a few too-excited-to-sleep nights, a dream began to take shape.
At first, it was just a vision for a home. But quickly, it became something more—a place where visitors could find peace, inspiration, light, and love. The ideas arrived quickly and with a certainty I still can’t fully explain.
There are many extraordinary details between that first drive past the church and this moment, but I can say this: every step has been filled with hope. I believe this detour was intentional.
My hope now is that the seeds planted at The Secret Garden Retreat grow into creativity, inspiration, celebration, healthy living, connection, calm, community, and above all, love for this beautiful place we call home. (Along with the literal seeds of sunflowers, red runner beans, and morning glories!)
I also want to honour the building’s heritage—what it meant to the original congregation, and how it must have offered them community, faith, and hope for a bright future in a new land.
I’ve travelled the world and seen breathtaking places, but I could never imagine leaving the prairies. The big open skies, the grounding connection to nature—these are nurtured here. And I know many others feel the same.
I invite you to visit and experience the peace and extraordinary inspiration this special corner of the world offers. Whatever you are seeking, trust that it can be found within our gates.
Our Services
Our space is ideal for weddings, conferences, concerts, anniversaries, celebrations of all kinds, summer camps, bunkhouse rentals, retreats (artist retreats, voyager escape weekends, women’s wellness evenings, yoga and meditation retreats), holiday performances, dinner theatres, and more.
Though the church is now also a private residence, we welcome guests with open arms. We can assist with your event or simply step back and let you create your vision. You may see us tending the gardens, planting flowers, installing iron gates draped with vines, caring for the arbour and its clematis, or sitting by the fire pit beneath a sky full of stars.
Whether you’re hosting a special event, planning your dream wedding, or seeking a quiet escape from the city, The Secret Garden Retreat Family is here to welcome you. Please note, we are an inclusive space without religious ties or boundaries and are happy to support you in your beliefs and values to make your event extraordinary in our beautiful, welcoming space.
We trust you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
We look forward to seeing you soon.