[1] The Center adjacent to Briarcliffe Acres was co-founded by Elizabeth Chapin Patterson and Norina Matchabelli in the early 1940s under the direction of spiritual master Meher Baba.

[2][3][4] Elizabeth Patterson and Norina Matchabelli originally sought land in other parts of the United States including California.

But no land met all the requirements stated by Meher Baba such as equitable climate, virgin soil, ample water, soil that could be made self-sustaining to a large number of people, and the property should be given from the heart.

[5] Eventually Elizabeth Patterson's father, Simeon B. Chapin, who was one of the original developers of Myrtle Beach, gave her the land as a gift.

[6][7] He felt that it was not suitable for his resort plans since its lakes obstructed access to the beach.