Originally published in the fall 2023 Update Magazine.
Dr. Arlin Horton, president emeritus of Pensacola Christian College, has led his life with a desire to honor the Lord. Now in retirement, Dr. Horton’s latest adventure included getting remarried; but he’s not forgetful of his past. Since he and Mrs. Beka Horton first arrived in Pensacola, Florida, in their 1935 Plymouth, he’s seen what great things the Lord can do through willing servants.
Ministry through Christian Education
Since its inception, PCC has offered quality Christian education at an affordable price that won’t burden graduates as they follow God’s calling—a goal that the Hortons prioritized. They wanted to provide a way for students locally and nationally to attend a Christian college and train to become godly leaders across the country. Using the same distinctive framework they had established at Pensacola Christian School (now Academy), the new college taught undergraduates with unsurpassed excellence in generalized and specialized fields through liberal arts education.
Adding to the College’s affordability, the Hortons developed avenues for students to receive financial aid while studying for a degree. When Dr. Horton began his college career, he waited tables in the dining hall as part of a student work program to pay for his education. “When we started PCC, a similar program for working students was provided for them to work their way through college and graduate owing nothing or very little,” Dr. Horton shared. “I understand this year PCC will have 2,000 students in their work program, and I assume many of them will graduate debt-free—what a golden opportunity to potentially graduate and step out in life debt-free.”
The Hortons’ ministry shared the gospel and provided opportunities for Christian education across the country and around the world. “I’m sure, with the culture in our country changing so fast, it may be very difficult for the Christian population to have the freedom they have today, but hopefully PCC will be able to continue with the foundational principles established through 38 years of my leadership,” said Dr. Horton. Now, carrying on their legacy, PCC and its affiliated ministries are still reaching others for Christ through Christian education.
Everything that Arlin and Beka Horton did, they did as a pair. Beka put feet to Arlin’s vision for Christian education, and both were well suited to their educational and administrative roles, completely trusting the Lord with what came next. “Beka was selfless, never seeking glory or attention to herself,” he explained. “She was a very good manager. She could easily see new opportunities for service. I believe the Lord used Beka more than anyone to develop and make PCC (and its ministries) what it is today.” Together, they contributed 60 years to Christian service in the Pensacola area since arriving in 1952. “It’s wonderful to look back and know that Beka and I had leading roles in starting and guiding PCC and all its ministries and then to see they have grown with much fruit from the Lord.”
Thankful for God’s Provisions
Before retiring as PCC administrators in 2012, Dr. Arlin and Mrs. Beka Horton didn’t do a great deal of looking back on their personal ministry; they didn’t have the time! Each day and each hour had been filled with maintaining and improving the work set before them. And when they finally did reflect on their ministry, the Hortons always credited the Lord for the provisions and progress. “There are three things that have made us successful: God’s blessing, dedicated personnel, and a Christian philosophy of education,” said Dr. Horton.
Passing the torch to the next administration allowed the Hortons to enter a new season together. After a few years of rest, Arlin began caring for Beka as her health deteriorated; and on June 27, 2020, the Lord took her home. Arlin faced loneliness through the ongoing lockdowns at the time. “I told the Lord, ‘If You want me to be single the rest of my life, I can do it with You by my side; however, I sure would like to have a godly mate who I could love and who would love me,’” he shared.
Even in retirement, Dr. Horton saw the Lord provide for his needs. The following April, he met Wilma Pierce, a former educator and a widow who had lost her husband of 62 years in 2017. After sharing heartfelt conversations and spending careful time in prayer, Arlin and Wilma were married privately by Dr. Joel Mullenix in Gettys Allen’s home on July 14, 2021. “Now, Wilma and I know that, because of our age, we may have a very short time together; however, we are praying that we will have several years,” he explained. “We have decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary monthly.” They have enjoyed almost 30 months together at this article’s publication. And together, they are also celebrating PCC’s 50th school year, participating in Alumni Homecoming and other special events on campus.
If the Lord tarries and allows PCC another 50 years, Dr. Horton knows how he would encourage future graduates. “Do what’s right! Keep a close walk with the Lord,” he urged, echoing advice he’s always shared with others. “Ask the Lord to give you a vision of how He could use you. Ask the Lord for wisdom in all your decision making.”
As the Hortons praised throughout their ministry,
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