Continuing the historic Diamond Jubilee celebration that began during Bible Conference, a special Honors Concert publicly recognized Dr. and Mrs. Arlin Horton for their 60 years of service in Pensacola.
The evening began with a formal banquet welcoming longtime friends and colleagues who served in the ministries of Pensacola Christian through the years. Before the dinner in MacKenzie Building, guests enjoyed looking at displays of early ministry photographs and memorabilia and had opportunities to express their gratitude to the Hortons and take pictures with them.
Following the delicious meal, distinguished guests, faculty and staff, alumni, students, and local townspeople gathered for the Honors Concert in the Crowne Centre, which featured a striking, diamond-inspired stage design. When PCC vice president Dr. Joel Mullenix introduced Dr. and Mrs. Horton, they took their place on stage amid a standing ovation.
The concert offered a variety of beautiful choral and instrumental music as well as dramatic readings, many of which held special meaning to the Hortons.
Throughout the program, distinguished guests and alumni made historic presentations of gifts and awards. Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward presented a key to the city, while U.S. Congressman Jeff Miller (R–FL) read a citation that has been entered into the Congressional Record. Other presenters included alumna U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R–WA), Sword of the Lord president and editor Dr. Shelton Smith, pastors David Sorenson (D.Min. ’01) and Marc Monte (M.Min. ’07), PCC president-elect Dr. Troy Shoemaker, and representatives from PCC’s student body and Alumni Association.
Each presentation gave “honor to whom honor is due,” and the concert appropriately concluded with the beloved hymn “To God Be the Glory.”