Morse
Chalmers Morse has done a lot of things in his life, including serving as executive director of the Humane Society of Vero Beach. His love for pets, however, is just one of many things that he has felt a deep sense of affection for.
Morse also has had a proclivity for excelling in the hospitality industry, working in the field for more than 30 years. Along the way, he held key management positions with Westin and Adam’s Mark hotels, as well as with several independent properties.
These days, he is utilizing his fondness for helping others by serving as the new executive director of the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center in Oviedo. He follows the Rev. Dr. Jon Davis, who left the retreat last summer to work with Fresh Expressions.
“I felt called to the position,” said Morse, who began work at Canterbury on Jan. 2.
Canterbury’s rich history of living up to its motto – A Sacred Space … Right in the Middle of Everything – certainly had a strong appeal to Morse, who grew up a cradle Episcopalian and always enjoyed the hospitality industry. Canterbury has been open since 1982 and operates under the umbrella of the Diocese of Central Florida.
Through the years, Canterbury has become a well-known getaway for many organizations, many of which are religious in nature, to take time to reflect, bond and strengthen their business ties. Although the retreat did fall on some rough times a little more than a decade ago, Canterbury bounced back under Davis’ leadership. Now, Morse is ready to take the retreat to the next level.
Photo by Jeff Gardenour/CFE
“Canterbury has been well-loved for nearly 40 years,” Morse said. “It is time for a facelift and a renewed level of service.”
Morse certainly brings a healthy business and spiritual background to Canterbury. He is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach, but now, spending much of his time in residence at the conference center, he attends Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo.
At Trinity, he served on the vestry as senior warden twice and treasurer, once. He also served as a Eucharistic minister and as a sub-deacon.
“Before moving to Vero Beach, I lived in Aspen, Colorado, where I served as senior warden three times and treasurer twice,” Morse said.
Lake Gen, Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center.
Morse’s background impressed Bishop Greg Brewer and then some.
“He has significant experience in high-end hotel renovation, has a superb eye for detail and is a humble, thoughtful and prayerful leader … expect big and positive changes at Canterbury,”
Brewer said during his address at the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention in Winter Park.
For more information, call Canterbury at 407-392-9138.