SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saddleback Church will receive the 170-acre ranch it has leased from Hobby Lobby as a donation from the national arts and crafts retailer. The church, founded by Senior Pastor Rick Warren, has used the Rancho Capistrano property as an overnight retreat center for personal renewal, group fellowship and life planning, as well as a pastoral training center and regional church.
“Rick Warren, his staff and the church’s congregation have contributed to the Lord’s work on this property, and we couldn’t be more excited to donate this property to them,” said David Green, Hobby Lobby’s founder and CEO. “Pastor Warren’s contributions to the world are long and inspirational, and we hope this transaction adds to his church’s legacy of producing good in the world and providing hope to many.”
The Rancho Capistrano property was a gift in 1981 to Crystal Cathedral Ministries (CCM) from Donna Crean and her late husband John, founders of Fleetwood Enterprises. Under CCM, the ranch provided spiritual outreach through retreats and religious gatherings. The CCM board voted to sell the property to Hobby Lobby, which agreed to lease the property to Saddleback. Warren’s church has long recognized the need for a quiet retreat location for renewal and training. The ranch is ideal as it is located just 12 miles from the main Saddleback Church campus in Lake Forest.
“We have witnessed many lives changed at the Rancho Capistrano property during our time there,” Warren said. “We thank Hobby Lobby for this wonderful gift and look forward to seeing more lives changed through our ministry here.”
Saddleback Church, founded by Warren and his wife Kay in 1980, is located in Lake Forest, Calif., with eight additional campuses across Southern California including Corona, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Orange, Huntington Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Anaheim and San Clemente. With an average weekly attendance of more than 22,000, it is among the 10 largest churches in America.
About Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.
Based in Oklahoma City, Hobby Lobby is a private retailer of more than 485 arts and crafts stores in 40 states. Hobby Lobby was founded by David Green in 1972. The company has grown from one 600-square-foot store. Hobby Lobby carries no long-term debt, is open only 66 hours per week and is closed on Sundays. The company has more than 19,500 employees. For more information, visit www.hobbylobby.com.