The Rochester branch began in the late seventies when the Schaeffers first came to the Mayo Clinic for medical care. Since Francis Schaeffer's death in 1984, Mrs. Schaeffer continued until recently to reside in Rochester. She has now returned to Switzerland to live nearer to her family. Her burden to carry on L'Abri's ideas through occasional conferences with central themes (such as medical ethics, law, music & education) became a major ongoing feature of the Rochester branch, which Larry and Nancy Snyder and Jock and Alison McGregor continue today.

Although the Rochester branch is the central office of L’Abri, do not picture it in a downtown business setting of towering office buildings. It is a 10-acre oasis of quiet beauty, sheltering woods and scenic overlook, set high above the noise of the city street below and reached by a curving drive through the wooded hills of the property. Deer roam the grounds nearby, and birdsong is abundant. Wildflowers brighten the woods in the spring, and perennial beds add their color throughout the summer. From the living room of the big house, one’s eye follows the expanse of green lawn in the summer, pristine snow in the winter, on to the marble, brick and stone buildings of the Mayo Clinic in the far distance.

The city of Rochester is blessed with convenient bike paths that allow one to bike both to the city proper and to perimeter areas as well. It is possible to bike or walk from the L’Abri property to the public library and the downtown area. The world-renowned Mayo Clinic campus itself is worth exploring on a day off, as there is unique and interesting architectural detail to be seen, as well as a medical museum. Seventy miles to the northwest of Rochester are the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. One can also take a scenic hour’s drive through rolling farmland toward the beautiful bluff country along the mighty Mississippi.

Four staff members working with just 6 to 7 individuals per student term makes for a very personal setting. Three-week terms are spaced throughout the year, as well as a longer summer term of 6-7 weeks. Students stay in one of two houses—the original main house, or a smaller home reached by a meandering path through the woods. Friday evening lectures/discussions occur in series throughout the year, attracting local Rochester residents as well as those from surrounding communities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul. Being located in the heart of “med city,” this branch profits by having local medical staff and friends as lecturers on topics relating to medical ethics and health issues, as well as guest lecturers on a variety of topics. Because of its size and structure, the Rochester branch is well-suited to those who cannot spend a greater length of time at one of the larger residential branches.

The centrality of L'Abri teaching is that Biblical Christianity is true, and that it offers sufficient evidence to say 'it is the Truth'. It can be proclaimed and known without committing intellectual suicide or simply having to say 'just believe'. Because Christ is Lord of all life, Christianity speaks to all areas, not to only what might be called 'religious'. True spirituality is seen in lives, which, through Christ's redemption, are free to be fully human. Therefore, Christians can and should realize the implications and relevance of a Biblical worldview in the arts, sciences, politics, etc. If Christianity is 'the Truth', it will stand up to examination and provide satisfactory answers, and on this basis your questions will be taken seriously and addressed honestly.

Read more About Your Stay at L'Abri Rochester>>