The Navs: 1951-TodayIn 1951, Dawson Trotman and The Navigators took on the responsibility for counselor training and follow-up for the Billy Graham Crusades. In 1953, a Colorado Springs real estate broker contacted Billy Graham about the estate, since Graham was looking for a headquarters for his ministry. When Mr. Strake heard that Graham was considering the property, the price was lowered to $300,000, plus $40,000 for furnishings.Dawson Trotman saw the property and told Graham, 'If you don't want Glen Eyrie, The Navigators do.' Graham first wanted The Navigators to headquarter at Glen Eyrie and maintain it, but later withdrew from the negotiations with the provision that The Navigators would take over the option to purchase the estate. At the time, The Navigators had no money and no benefactors. Miraculously, however, a down payment of $110,000 was raised in six weeks, the average donation being $20! Billy Graham said it all by exclaiming, "God did it!" As a last gesture of good will, George Strake included more than 300 acres adjoining the mountain reservoir at the head of Queen's Canyon. This property is now used by The Navigators for Eagle Lake Camp. When Graham later backed out of the purchase, he urged The Navigators to pursue it for their ministry. Trotman's fourfold purpose for this estate was:
For more than 70 years Navigators have helped people navigate spiritually, helping individuals come to know Christ personally, grow in faith, prayer and knowledge of Scripture, and impart the knowledge of Christ to others. Internationally, more than 3,800 Navigator staff of 60 nationalities minister in over 100 countries and 160 languages. For information, write to The Navigators, P.O. Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934, visit www.navigators.org, or call 719-598-1212. Sources include Stephanie Carter, Betty Froisland, Len Froisland, Forrest Graham, Donald McGilchrist, and Betty Skinner. The Palmer Family: 1836-1903 Glen Eyrie Castle: 1904-1950 The Navs: 1951-Today |
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