About Kirby Episcopal House
From Summer Home to Retreat House
Kirby Episcopal House began its life as Graystone Terrace, a summer home built in 1915 by Fred M. and Jessie A. Kirby.
The Kirby Family at Glen Summit
They chose Glen Summit—a private community founded in 1882 around the Glen Summit Hotel—as their place of retreat. At the time, Glen Summit served as a cool refuge from the summer heat for leading citizens of the Wyoming Valley and surrounding areas.
From 1915 until Jessie’s death in 1933 and Fred’s in 1940, the Kirby family spent their summers here, welcoming friends and family to a house designed for hospitality, rest, and time together.
After Fred and Jessie’s passing, Graystone Terrace was occupied by their oldest son, Allan P. Kirby, and his family from 1940 to 1955, continuing its role as a gathering place on the mountain.
A Gift Dedicated to Service
In 1955, Allan P. Kirby took a significant step to ensure that his parents’ home would continue to be used in the spirit in which it was built. He formed The Fred M. and Jessie A. Kirby Episcopal House, Inc., a private nonprofit organization, and gifted this organization his parents’ summer home.
From that point forward, the property was designated to be used as a retreat and conference center in coordination with the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem. The house’s new purpose reflected the Kirby family’s longstanding commitment to Christian service, hospitality, and support for the life of the church.
Serving Nonprofits and Communities Today
Today, Kirby Episcopal House continues that legacy of generosity and welcome. While it retains its historic character and Episcopal roots, the house is now open to any 501(c)(3) organization seeking a peaceful setting for:
- Picnics and seasonal gatherings
- Luncheons and special events
- Day retreats and conferences
- Overnight retreats and multi-day conferences
By offering an environment that is quiet, beautiful, and carefully preserved, Kirby Episcopal House provides nonprofits, churches, and other charitable organizations with a place to step away from daily demands, reflect on their work, and strengthen the communities they serve.
The house remains much as it was when the Kirby family lived here—only now its doors are open wider, inviting each new group to share in its history, its hospitality, and its sense of purpose.
Ready to plan your retreat?
Share a few details about your group, and we’ll follow up personally to discuss dates, pricing, and whether Kirby Episcopal House is the right fit for your event.
