Tapestry of Tahkodah

By Jennifer L. Marcussen
Photos by Jeff Montgomery, HUT photos by Philip Holsinger

Hidden away in Floral, Ark., lie hundreds of acres — known as Tahkodah — originally purchased by George S. Benson during his tenure as president. Every summer, hundreds of youths from across Arkansas and surrounding states head there to attend camp. The  tree-covered site provides shade, and Salado Creek offers cool relief from the hot, humid June and July weather. Here children learn of God in his created environment.

By fall, the din has lessened, but only to an extent. College students trickle in to participate in club retreats and weekend campouts. Missions classes arrive to experience Harding University at Tahkodah, where they encounter conditions and situations facing developing nations.

With winter, stillness consumes the land, one enjoyed by the few who come to relax in the quiet of a mountain cabin. The only sounds are those of wind blowing through leafless trees and streams flowing with cold water. The earth appears barren, but not for long.

As spring approaches, life emerges. New blooms display vivid colors, and warming temperatures promise good times ahead. Visitors once again populate the grounds for both educational and recreational purposes.

Elements of each season differ drastically — in temperature, landscape, volume and audience. Yet when brought together in the following pages, one clearly sees the richly woven tapestry that is Tahkodah.