John Knox Ranch began with the purchase of the 254-acre Meyer Ranch about 20 miles southwest of San Marcos July 10, 1962. This culminated a three-year search for a meeting, retreat, and fellowship center site. Previously, the Presbytery had leased 18-acre Camp Huaco in New Braunfels.

The Ranch House, the Red Cottage, the stone storage building and the tank house/windmill were part of the original property purchase.

In 1968, the Presbytery bought another 46 acres, bringing the property to its current 300 acres while adding several hundred feet of creek frontage and capturing one of the most beautiful, heavily-wooded areas now on the Ranch.