‘Miss Susan’ says she ‘loved coming to work every day’
NEWPORT — An era comes to an end on May 30 when Susan Mason retires after nearly three decades on the staff of Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center.
Mason joined the staff in March of 1997 when the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board property was then known as Camp Carson.
She was employed to handle reservations for the camp. Prior to her arrival, reservations had to be made through the TBMB (formerly the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention) office in Brentwood. TBMB is now headquartered in Franklin. She has been the only person to serve in that role.
“It was a thrill to watch the conference center being built and open in 2000,” recalled Mason now office coordinator for Carson Springs.
In her role, Miss Susan (as she is known by the countless number of people who have visited the conference center during her 28-plus years on staff) often is the first person seen or voice heard when someone visits or calls to inquire about bringing groups to the conference center.
Making connections
Building relationships has been one of Mason’s strongest gifts.
“When you have groups that come every year there are people that you get to know, and you become friends. They are excited to get here and always give great hugs,” she said.
“Returnees also share what has been going on with their family, a new house they are building and the difficulties they are experiencing,” she added. “But it is also sad when a group returns, and you find out that a member has passed away. It’s like losing a member of the family.
“We have some groups that have been coming 15 years. They are the very special ones. I almost know all their names by heart. They have all said I have to come visit when they come back for their annual retreat. My calendar will be full of visits,” Mason said.
Among those who have used the TBMB conference centers over the years have been quilting groups. When those women learned about Mason’s retirement, various members sent three handmade quilts to Mason. Those were proudly displayed at a retirement reception held in her honor May 17 at First Baptist Church, Newport, where Mason and her husband, Pat, have been members since 1992.
“During Susan’s 28 years of service at Carson Springs she has touched thousands of lives,” said Kevin Perrigan, manager of Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center. “She has always been the first contact with every one of our groups.
“Her ministry has gone far beyond booking groups and gathering details of retreats and summer camps,” he said. “Susan has always been interested in the lives of each of our guest and always gets updates on how our guests are coping with the challenges that they are facing at the time.
“Her impact has not only been felt by our guests but also the hundreds of staff that we have had over the years. She loves and has been loyal to each one,” Perrigan said.
Much more than a job
Mason has viewed her role at Carson Springs as a ministry rather than just a job. “It is an absolute thrill to see people come to a retreat with a certain expectation but leave being refreshed and renewed in their relationship with God,” she said.
The conference center has truly been an example of, “if you build it, they will come,” Mason added.
“Word spreads quickly that Carson Springs was a great facility and we have had so many groups over years, including many repeat guests,” she said. “Summer camp, while very hectic, is always a joy. The children and youth are excited, and many have accepted Christ while here.”
In addition to seeing the results of the children’s camps and other retreats, Mason has met many pastors and church staff members over the years who are able to use Carson Springs and Linden Valley Baptist Conference Center at a reduced rate for a time of personal renewal.
“I have enjoyed seeing the pastors who take advantage of our special rate to come and have some time alone to study and pray. They seek God’s will for their ministries and when they depart, they are refreshed and ready to get back to their congregation.”
Leaving a legacy
Mason said she hopes to be remembered by Tennessee Baptists as someone who loved what she did. “Sure, there were difficult days, but you can see the Lord working here. I have loved coming to work every day.”
She added that her sincere prayer for Carson Springs is that “it will always be a place where people can come to learn, worship, study the Word, hear a great message, spend time alone and pray fervently to the Lord.
“This place is special. His presence is here. People need to be able to come to Carson Springs for generations to come or until the Lord returns.” B&R — Wilkey served as editor of the Baptist and Reflector for 26 years prior to retiring at the end of 2024. He is continuing to contribute to the B&R as a freelance writer.