If you are exploring the history of Oregon's spiritual movements, you will find a fascinating legacy in the former Living Enrichment Center. Originally founded by Mary M. Morrissey in the mid-1970s, this organization grew into the state's largest New Thought church, hosting a congregation of roughly 4,000 people.
At its peak on a 95-acre forested site in Wilsonville, the facility featured a massive 94,500-square-foot main building, an in-house bookstore, a café, the Cristofori School, and 13 retreat cabins operated under the Namaste Retreat and Conference Center. Prominent figures like Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, and Marianne Williamson once led spiritual retreats here, while televised talks were broadcast nationwide. However, you should note that the center closed permanently in 2004 following a severe $10.7 million financial scandal and bankruptcy.
The church briefly moved to a theater in Beaverton before dissolving entirely. Today, you cannot tour the original grounds or facilities, as the main building was demolished in 2013 to make way for the Villebois housing development. Nevertheless, understanding the history of this dynamic retreat center offers you a compelling glimpse into the rise, reach, and dramatic fall of a prominent Pacific Northwest spiritual hub.
What to see at Living Enrichment Center
- Grew from a small home ministry into Oregon's largest New Thought church with 4,000 members.
- Featured a 95-acre forested retreat campus in Wilsonville with 13 cabins and 70 guest rooms.
- Hosted renowned spiritual figures including Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, and Marianne Williamson.
- Maintained an in-house bookstore, café, outreach TV program, and the Cristofori School.
- Dissolved in 2004 following financial scandals, with facilities demolished in 2013 for housing.
Visiting tips
Since the original Wilsonville retreat center was demolished in 2013 to make way for a housing development, plan to explore its history online or through local archives rather than expecting an intact physical site.
How long: Under 1 hour · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Living Enrichment Center is easy to reach on Tualatin’s public transport, and pairs naturally with As-Saber Mosque and Rizwan Mosque, Portland. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tualatin travel guide.
See the full Tualatin travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.