Previous to the 1932 ground-breaking for the lodge, there was no building in Alaska suitable for the religious and laity to gather for retreats.  Henry Meyers and Peter Ludwig were contracted to cut the logs and to build this “Retreat House”, and by 1935 most of the work was completed.  It wasn't until the early 1970's however, that central heating was installed and the lodge wasn't open for year round use until 1986.  The log building contains 10 bedrooms, sleeping 22 people, 3 bathrooms, a large conference/living room, a dining area and a kitchen.  It is scheduled throughout the year for a variety of retreats, days of renewal, children's summer camp, family gatherings, and government and business seminars.  It is truly a place of retreat and renewal.

In 1938 the Post Office cabin became a functional post office after 36 people petitioned the U.S. Government for its formation.  Fr. LeVasseur, S.J., a local priest, became the first and primary postmaster.  He used this post office to generate donation requests for the Shrine, and in turn, many donations from around the world were mailed here.  Over 12,000 envelopes bear the first day's cancellation.  Stamp collectors throughout the USA covet the postmark and cancellation stamp bearing the name “St. Terese, Alaska”.  (Note:  St. Therese was spelled incorrectly.)  Today, the Post Office cabin is utilized by retreat directors, families, private retreatants, and as over-flow for the Lodge.  The small log cabin has 5 single size beds, a bathroom with shower and a small kitchenette.

The Hermitage cabin was built in the 1940's and was used as a dwelling by a hermit-like priest who ministered to the needs of people visiting the Shrine of St. Therese for spiritual direction and spiritual healing.  Later, after several years of remaining empty, the Hermitage was painted and basic repairs were made.  It is a very rustic cabin for people who desire a very simple but peaceful shelter.  It is located just across Shrine Creek, nestled in the conifer and alder trees with a view that opens to the Inside Passage, the inland waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The Jubilee cabin, a log building located south of Shrine Creek on Jubilee Hill, was constructed in the Great Jubilee Year, 2000.  A Jubilee Year calls one to come to know more deeply the great love that God has for each of his children.  Found in Leviticus, Chapter 25 of the Old Testament, reference is made to celebrating the Jubilee Year with a call to forgive debts, free captives and prisoners and restore justice.  This cabin, constructed out of 13 inch diameter logs shipped in from Prince George, B.C. Canada, was the first new retreat building to be erected at the Shrine since the first building phase of the 1930's.  This modern and comfortable two bathroom, four bedroom facility is ADA (handicap) compliant on the first floor and has a nice kitchen and gathering/living room with a majestic view of the Inside Passage and Shrine Island.  Being the second largest of the Shrine retreat facilities, it can accommodate thirteen persons comfortably.

The Little Flower Retreat cabin is a deluxe structure, found near the Shrine's southern boundary.  It was built in 2001 and is nestled within the forest environment while facing the Inside Passage Breadline waters.  Because this place is set apart from the rest of the Shrine facilities and seventy feet above the water, it gives one a true sense of solitude and privacy, yet is able to be driven to (at times with a 4-wheel drive) for ease of access.  The structure itself was funded primarily from donations made by Vivian Kirkevold in memory of her late daughter, Heidi.  Her intent was to provide funds to build a special place for people, particularly couples, to come to for renewal.  Being a modern facility, this retreat building has a fine kitchen, dining room, gathering room, bathroom with shower and bathtub, and two bedrooms, each with a queen size bed.  The panoramic view from the very comfortable gathering room is truly an untiring scene of contrasting water activity amidst the reefs and islands, an uplifting place of beauty and comfort.