The Pelican Retreat House opened in 1999 as a designated silent retreat facility. It was built overlooking the ocean as the residence of John and Flo Shedd and as a “Quiet House” where one could spend more time in a relaxed atmosphere of retreat. When the Shedd’s moved away, Pelican Retreat House was given as a gift to Trinity Center and the Diocese of East Carolina.
Today, Pelican Retreat House is used for a variety of retreats. Multiple times each year, Trinity Center offers scheduled silent or personal time retreats for individuals. Silent Retreats are intended to immerse individuals in an atmosphere of quiet… quiet mind, quiet body, quiet spirit. There is no cell phone use and only minimal interaction between guests. By contrast, Personal Time Retreats allow time for retreat without the restrictions of silence.
Retreatants have easy access to the beach as well as the Pelican Retreat House’s Prayer Garden and maritime forest Stations of the Cross trail. Meals may be taken in the Trinity Center dining room.
The Pelican House is currently not available for use. We anticipate it will return to service in the spring of 2026. This website will be periodically updated as more information comes available. Thank you for your interest.
Pelican Retreat House Facilities
The Pelican Retreat House can accommodate up to (12) guests in (9) individual “cell” sleeping rooms. The simple rooms are furnished with one or two single beds, a small desk and dresser. Guests share (4) full bathrooms along with (2) common living areas, (2) kitchenettes and a small oratory. One of the finest features of Pelican Retreat House is the cupola. Located at the top of the house, the cupola has superb views and is eminently suited for solitary meditation. Outside features include (3) porches: one screened and two open, a Prayer Garden adjacent to the house and a pathway through the maritime forest with the Stations of the Cross.
Pelican House may not be readily accessible to some guests with physical disabilities. Please contact Trinity Center Conference Coordinator for further information or alternative accommodations.
Facilities
Beach Access
Trinity Center Dining Room
The Pelican House is currently not available for use. We anticipate it will return to service in the spring of 2026. This website will be periodically updated as more information comes available. Thank you for your interest.
Registrar for Camp Trinity, Sound to Sea, & Pelican House
