Although Thomas Tiplady, the British Methodist clergyman, was a pioneer in the use of audio-visuals, probably his greatest contribution to the church was the beautiful hymn he composed:

Above the hills of time the cross is gleaming,
Fair as the sun when night has turned to day;
And from it love's pure light is richly streaming
To cleanse the heart and banish sin away.

Every year there are thousands of visitors who circle the Skyline Drive surrounding the Mt. Sequoyah Assembly and stop at the large cross which overlooks the Arkansas city of Fayetteville with its state university. Local residents as well as tourists can look up at nightime at the 1725-foot elevation of the hill where the illumination of the cross beams its assurance to the city and country below. Just as "the old rugged cross" of so long ago is the landmark of our faith, so is the Mt. Sequoyah cross not only a landmark of the Assembly Grounds but of the faith of the two million United Methodists in the eight South Central states of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In the half-century since 1923 the institution marked by this cross has continued to bless clergy and laity, strengthening and sustaining young and old for tasks in the church, binding families in Christian service, and lately becoming more and more a place of ecumenical work and witness.

Coming up the winding streets of Mt. Sequoyah and entering the front gates of the Assembly Grounds on Wesley Drive, the visitor immediately is impressed by the lovely well-kept grounds as well as the variety and size of the fifty buildings, principally masonry, dotting the landscape. Our fathers often used the popular expression "camp grounds" to describe the institution of a generation and a half ago; but Mt. Sequoyah, as the Assembly Grounds is called, is anything but that today. The modern functional buildings assure year-round accommodations but lend themselves to almost every variety of training, fellowship and worship experience the church would need "for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12)."

In some respects Mt. Sequoyah is almost a complete village in itself. At the center of the campus are the administrative offices with the adjacent cafeteria seating nearly 400. East of these is the large Clapp Auditorium, once an open tabernacle, now beautifully enclosed, air conditioned and with useful classrooms also. Further over is the Martin Building, stretching out like embracing arms, named for the beloved Bishop and Mrs. Paul B. Martin, containing ten classrooms, auxiliary and audio-visual rooms. At the heart of the building one finds the spacious Perkins Chapel, named for a great benefactor family of Methodism. Back at the center of the grounds, one beholds stately dormitories: Wesley Hall, formerly the Women's Building, and Parker Hall, built by the Epworth League and others almost a half-century ago. The new Cokesbury Book Store invites browsing. The housing circle lies somewhat beyond, beginning with the Willson Infirmary, made possible through the generosity of another devoted Methodist family who also endowed the lectures of this anniversary week and many others at United Methodist schools. The many cottages bear the names of states and individuals, testifying to the interest and participation of conferences and individuals. Mt. Sequoyah is an institution of which the church can be proud. During these "golden years" generations have risen up to call the church blessed.

"Our fathers oft have told. . ."

It was the year 1920. The passions of the first World War were dying, and the attention and energies of the nation were turning elsewhere. The Methodist Summer Assembly at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, had long been a mecca for Southern Methodists; but it was a long pilgrimage for those west of the Mississippi. Regional pride and the spirit of expansion were in the air. It is not surprising that Dr. A.C. Millar, a native of Pennsylvania but an adopted son of Arkansas, together with others began planning at Junaluska for the organization of a similar assembly for Methodists in those states now principally composing what is now the South Central Jurisdiction of the church.

This ad hoc committee requested the several annual conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of that region to appoint "commissioners" to study the possibilities of establishing such an assembly. Most conferences responded. The word was forwarded to various communities. The commissioners were soon at work, using railroad train passes and enjoying Chamber of Commerce hospitality from the several cities which were bidding for the new enterprise. More than any other, Dr. Millar was the moving spirit as he enlisted offers from a score of cities vying for the location of the proposed church institution.

A.C. Millar

In 1921 the several Annual Conferences received an initial report from the commissioners and authorized further study and preliminary action. In March, 1922 the commissioners met at Mena, Arkansas, hopefully to form a permanent organization. Dr. Millar was elected chairman and C.O. Ransford secretary. After several meetings spent considering offers from various communities, that of Fayetteville, Arkansas was accepted. The city offered the church representatives the top of East Mountain, together with other land totaling 400 acres, plus a pledge for $35,000 in cash. A Tulsa, Oklahoma presiding elder district - superintendent now - offered a prize of a ten dollar gold piece for the name adjudged best for the new location. It was Mrs. A.C. Millar who suggested the winning name, "Mt. Sequoyah"; and through the years that name has persisted for both the location and the camp.

Much romance attends this name. Mt. Sequoyah and Fayetteville lie close to the historic "Trail of Tears," that Via Dolorosa forced on America's displaced persons as they were brought from the Southeastern United States through Missouri and North Arkansas to the reservations beyond. "Sequoyah" is an honored name in Indian history. Borne by a noble chieftain who created the Cherokee language alphabet of 86 sound-symbols in 1821, he helped make that tribe the most literate of Indians then. This made possible the translation of the New Testament into their language. Since Fayetteville became the seat for the administration of Cherokee affairs under that chief, one can imagine that he might well have been on East Mountain, later to be called Mt. Sequoyah. Other church assemblies - Winona, Chautauqua, and Junaluska - had been given Indian names. Our newest Methodist Conference grounds was to bear the name of a great chief.

In 1922 the commissioners agreed upon a charter, and the annual conferences, advised of the developments, were asked to elect "directors," later called "trustees," to send guests, and to buy lots from the Assembly. The trustees met October 15th of that year, had their charter approved by the state, and elected the same officers as had the commissioners. In our latter day one finds it somewhat ironic to discover that, as the trustees developed policies for the new assembly, they resolved that the grounds would never be used for immoral purposes, but adopted racial restrictions! The first superintendent of the Assembly was Prof. J.L. Bond, former State Superintendent of Schools. He was to receive a salary of $2,500 a year plus an initial $200 moving allowance.

It was decided to schedule an auction day the next December for the sale of lots. However, the unpredictable "Upper South Weather" was "King of the Hill," and resulted in the sale of only a few lots.

Nothing daunted the trustees planned a grand opening for the summer of 1923. The honored American traditions plus a touch of carnival atmosphere were planned. It was hoped that Josephus Daniels, editor and former Secretary of the Navy, would speak; and various state political figures would be in attendance. A trade journal called Mt. Sequoyah "The Chautauqua of the Ozarks." Season tickets were sold for its offerings. An engineer and his assistants were employed to lay out the lots, make plans for water mains, a tower, various roads and necessary buildings. As an added attraction an airplane and aviator would be on the grounds for the opening celebration.

Horseback riding was popular

Much was promised in accommodations. There were to be two dormitories, a cafeteria, chapel with class rooms, an art building, a large stage for amphitheater, office building, auto camp, dressing room for swimmers, and even a gate lodge where season tickets would be collected. Campers would have tents with cots and blankets, the cots being 35c per person.

Outdoor event scene

The first programs had all the flavor and fervor of those early years and evoke nostalgic boyhood memories of later years spent at Mt. Sequoyah. There were to be offerings like these: the Daniels speech, Laymen's Conference, the General Program, a College Activities Week, the School of Missions, Evangelism, Social Service and Temperance, Sunday School Training, Church Extension, and Epworth League. This was the beginning of "the golden years" of Mt. Sequoyah.

Mt. Sequoyah's early history is that of financial difficulty, although the commissioners had expressed their hope to the annual conferences that the new conference grounds might stay out of debt, it soon was apparent that solvency would be a great worry. Even before the Assembly opened, the trustees found it necessary to borrow $14,500. Before the summer was over, Dr, Millar, on behalf of the trustees, was seeking another loan of $27,000. Although some 12,000 people had been on the grounds with 3,000 spending at least one night, expenses of operation and lack of experience at management made the summer unprofitable.

No one should be critical of the optimism and dreams of those in charge. These were "blue sky" days all across the country. The very hopes of the church justified borrowing and expanding. The Fayetteville city pledge, ten years being paid, seemed a sort of collateral for planning. Hopes were high. Lots could be sold, and more lots laid out. The Epworth League, the Board of Missions, the Sunday School Board, and the Missionary Women were all going to put up fine buildings, an early commentator notes. No less a person than Bishop Atkins said: "Mt. Sequoyah is in the same class as Lake Junaluska, the greatest enterprise of the church west of the Mississippi."

Proposed luxury hotel

The immediate succeeding years did not see finances improve, but at least they were little worse. Ground was broken for the Epworth League Building. Much other construction was taking place. Some fifty structures were reported, and there was a wooden observation tower. The year 1925 saw other plans to expand and undergird the financial condition. Supt. Bond would write of being at his "row's end" in raising money for notes and interest, but there were other efforts made. One committee offered country club memberships, golf and a lake promised. Automatic club membership was promised purchasers of lots. Promoters enlisted the approval of the trustees for a special "Improvement Association," which would raise money for a luxury hotel. The promoters would manage the facility and pay a lump sum plus percentage of the profits to the Assembly. In two years it became apparent that these plans had come to naught. New debts were mounting for the Assembly. But Mt. Sequoyah must also be measured in terms of its expanding program as well. In the 1926 summer there was the addition of a Young People's Term Leadership School as well as the traditional Epworth League Week.

In early 1927 Supt. Bond resigned with nearly $1,500 salary in arrears. James M. Workman, student pastor in Fayetteville, became interim superintendent; and the judgment of one observer is that his labor of love saved the Assembly from collapse then. Soon the Rev. S.M. Yancey agreed to serve as superintendent. A successful pastor and evangelist and a marvelous raconteur, he was a popular figure throughout the South Central states and particularly their annual conferences. Among his assigned tasks was to visit these latter church meetings and enlist support for various projects developed by the indefatigable Dr. Millar.

The next year brought the sad disclosure that the promoters of Sequoyah Terrace, the projected hotel, and kindred ventures must forfeit their contract. And yet, if the indebtedness of the Assembly grew, so did the property and the attendance. There was some use of the Women's Building, and expansion of it was urged.

The next several years, although including the fateful 1929, marked a turning in the affairs of Mt. Sequoyah. Operating deficits are smaller; and there is evidence of more connectional, congregational and individual support. And how much evidence there was of sacrificial labors! A.C. Millar gave his personal note for the interest due. At times Supt. Yancey subsisted on little or no salary and at one time mortgaged his own property for the interest. The trustees gave money personally and helped raise other funds. Mrs. Yancey became the cafeteria manager (the record states, "without salary"). Economy dictated the release of the "yard man." The debts were not reduced appreciably, but operating costs were about even. There were signs of the spring of hope.

In 1933 Bishop Paul B. Kern was elected president of the trustees. Dr. Millar became vice-president, and H.U. Campbell of Southwest Missouri began a long term as secretary. Bishop Kern's presidency was the first of the episcopal line, now assured by custom. The agony of camp management continued, however, with a threat of foreclosure. Women's Society official eventually agreed to let their fine new building be included in the overall mortgage which would be security for annuity bond purchasers.

In the next several years attendance at Assembly activities almost doubled. The heroic Bro. Yancey was behind on salary, and the heroic Dr. Millar settled the debt owed him by the Assembly for lots, annuity bonds, and the promise of a small cash amount "when possible." One can imagine that elderly man with his failing eyesight continuing to write financial appeals for the Assembly, in one year some 1,500 letters. In one letter he said somewhat ruefully of himself, "I assumed responsibility for a rather larger amount than I should take." What some might call overblown optimism might really be faith in the service of the Church. Mt. Sequoyah stands a memorial to the sacrifice of men like Sam Yancey and A.C. Millar.

The financial tide was turned in 1936 when annuity bonds underwriting the Assembly were taken by dedicated lay trustees such as T.L. James of Louisiana and C.W. McKeehen of Oklahoma. The sale of lots around Sky Line Drive raised the additional amount for underwriting the debts. The buyer was - Bro. Yancey!

The period of 1937-39 beheld building improvements such as the completion of the Epworth League Building (now Parker Hall) and much-needed repairs to the superintendent's home. Mrs. Sarah Clapp made an offer to provide funds for the auditorium bearing her name. Unification of the churches into The Methodist Church in 1939 brought the Assembly face to face with the social (and religious) issue of racial restrictions which would plague church leaders until the healing removal of those regulations in 1952.

Dr. Millar died in 1940. In many ways, Alexander Copeland Millar, "the Father of Mt. Sequoyah," was a fascinating figure of a man, many-sided in his personality and projects, but singular in his devotion to the Assembly. Athletic and "outdoorsy" in youth, he became a distinguished educator, religious leader and citizen. His labors were prodigious: college teacher and president; editor of The Arkansas Methodist for forty years, president of the Anti-Saloon League of that state, president of the first Arkansas Good Roads Convention, member of the state Centennial Commission, investigator for the state Penitentiary Board, moving force behind the state board of education, presiding elder and preacher, and delegate to five General Conferences. He was a great man for Arkansas and a great man for Southern Methodism.

Likewise, Mt. Sequoyah's golden years cannot be understood apart from the silver years given by the Rev. Sam Yancey. During the Twenty-three years of his superintendency, new cottages were built, the cafeteria with an enclosed tree enlarged twice, the library building, then administration building and Clapp Auditorium built. The superintendent's home was completely remodeled. Walks and roads were improved and many now lovely trees set out. These were the years when the cross was erected. The years saw vast financial improvement, too. The indebtedness was retired, and the interest on annuity bonds was protected by government bonds. Brother Yancey was widely identified with Mt. Sequoyah, making innumerable journeys, one year totaling 35,000 miles on behalf of the Assembly, spreading the "good news" of Mt. Sequoyah. How fortunate we were to have such a good will ambassador!

The Rev. and Mrs. E.H. Hook came to the Mt. Sequoyah superintendency in 1950 from the superintendency of the Fayetteville District. In addition to the efficient management given by Bro. Hook, he was a master woodworker. From his skilled hands came five dozen chests of drawers, four dozen tables and one hundred and twelve beds! In addition he helped make some of the furniture for the new Martin Educational Bulding. Bro. Hook was ably assisted at the Assembly by his wife, a former deaconess.

Martin Building

The Martin Building was a magnificent addition to Mt. Sequoyah, and subsequent years have proved its practicality. Begun in 1956, it was named for Bishop Paul E. and Mrs. Mildred Martin, whose labors and love for Mt. Sequoyah and the whole church merited such a dedication. Mr. J.J. Perkins gave a gift of $25,000 for the beautiful chapel. Another $15,000 came from the T.L. James estate. A total of $8,000 each was given by the North Arkansas and Little Rock Conferences, a like amount from the Louisiana Conference, and still another $8,000 from "Fayetteville friends." Various other sources contributed more money for the building.

It is well known that in the Methodist connection, only two of the Jurisdictions - the Southeastern and our South Central - maintain extensive programs. Both are intimately connected with institutions. During and after World War II the South Central Jurisdiction began to give increasing support to Mt. Sequoyah, first by allocation and later by the $10.00 plan whereby each pastoral charge was asked to make this annual contribution for capital improvements. Many of the conferences assumed this as a conference obligation, including it in their budgets and apportionments. In such a way there came to be a financial undergirding for the work of Mt. Sequoyah.

This has been particularly important in the terms and labors of the last two superintendents. Literally the face of Mt. Sequoyah has been transformed. Many new buildings have been erected, and numerous older frame buildings have been replaced. As a result the assembly grounds have a smart modern look although still preserving the spacious rustic atmosphere in the lovely grounds and trees.

The Rev. E.G. Kaetzell succeeded Bro. Hook as superintendent in 1959. In the decade of his service there were many improvements in the property. New housing units were erected together with the impressive administration and cafeteria buildings. It was also during these years that there came to be a decided change in the style and type of programming done at Mt. Sequoyah. "A New Church for the New Day" was the watchword. United Methodism's pluralism was accepted and used as a blessing. The richness and strength of Christ's gospel for all people was acknowledged. Racial bars had long since vanished, and it this author's personal satisfaction that his father was the trustee to make the motion striking down such grounds policy.

Moreover, we came to see that we were "all one in Christ" in other ways. Lay persons were not "second class citizens'' in the church. Workers in evangelism discovered common cause with those associated with Christian social concerns. The latter found the former yearning for the fullness of the gospel which would satisfy the mighty dreams of our early American Methodist fathers, "to reform the continent and spread scriptural holiness throughout the land."

Here it would be appropriate to pay tribute to those who through the years have brought life to the bodily structure of the South Central Jurisdiction, particularly since so much of that program centered at Mt. Sequoyah, made use of its facilities and drew inspiration from the days and weeks spent there. Paul D. Womeldorf and Virgil D. Morris, the executive secretaries have been tireless friends of Mt. Sequoyah and its progress. Nor should one forget the program boards, some of whose leaders became our bishops, others making differing contributions to the far-flung work of the church. The new United Methodist Women follow in a noble train of the antecedent organizations who not only supported Mt. Sequoyah but have often been in the vanguard of the total work of the Church. And along with them the youth, whether in formal organization or caucus, have helped show the Church where the growing edge and the living issues really are.

In 1969, following the retirement of Bro. Kaetzell, the Rev. N. Lee Cate became the new superintendent. A popular local church pastor, he brought to the superintendency extensive experience in major church building. Mrs. Cate's background of experience makes her a valuable co-worker as she had served as a dietitian at the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University. During these several years service of Bro. Cate, much work has been done in making the buildings more comfortable. Central heat and air conditioning have been added to the Martin Building, Parker hall, and several of the lodges and cabins. Extensive repairs have been made on Wesley Hall. The Information Center, located between the Cafeteria and administration buildings, is the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Donner, long time employees of the Assembly.

Among the many anniversaries celebrated in 1973 is the 130th of the first telegraphic message sent over the experimental line from Washington to Baltimore by Samuel F.B. Morse, artist and inventor, who created the telegraphic code which bears his name. The message, "What hath God wrought," is an Old Testament quotation which well might be used of the golden years of Mt. Sequoyah. During the generation and half of its existence countless thousands of local church and connectional leaders have enjoyed fellowship and inspiration on these stately grounds. Some have gone on to national prominence; others have labored in more provincial settings. But there is no doubt that God has worked wondrously in this half century through the men, women and youth who have given a part of their lives to Mt. Sequoyah.

At the School of Mission in the 40th anniversary year of Mt. Sequoyah (1963) Mrs. J.W. Mills, a distinguished leader from Texas, spoke of the early days of such enterprises. "School opened in 1923," she said. "A few eager souls came. The beginnings were small and conditions primitive, but there has been constant improvement in physical conditions with little money for development. There has always been the highest standard in program and teaching."

It is not alone the high standard of instruction which has blessed those coming to Mt. Sequoyah. The assembly has been fortunate in the high quality of those who have administered it. Dr. A.C. Millar brought a fierce devotion to Mt. Sequoyah, fought for it with every noble weapon at his command, sought every avenue of help. He walked by faith, and not by sight. If only he could have seen the turning of the tide! Or almost half the lifetime of the Assembly was under the superintendency of Bro. Sam Yancey, and there is the charm of boyhood memories of him and his family. Or Professor Bond, who pioneered in the early days. Or James M. Workman, who "stepped into the breach." Or Elmer Hook, E.G. Kaetzell, and N. Lee Cate, all of whom have given wise guidance and skilled administration in the later years. A popular ballad speaks of thanksgiving:

"For those good or lean years
And for all the in-between years."

The golden years of Mt. Sequoyah have been of each kind, but the marvelous devotion of the superintendents has continued undiminished.

One never ceases to be grateful for the lovely and gracious wives of our superintendents. They worked side-by-side with their husbands; they worked selflessly and sacrificially; and they brought the charm of themselves to the memory pictures of Mt. Sequoyah.

The Assembly has been fortunate in the trustees who have served it, representing their conferences as well as the total work of the jurisdiction. The bishops, other clergy and lay persons who have comprised the board have had a singular devotion to the welfare of Mt. Sequoyah. The Martin Building stands as a testimonial to one episcopal leader and his wife, who gave much of themselves to Sequoyah. As a little boy, the author could never guess that Bishop Paul B. Kern, irreverently called "Prince Paul" behind his back, would later ordain him. Sentiment must name two clergy although so many should be named. H.U. Campbell, who served as secretary for so many years. J.C. Montgomery, trustee for more than a quarter of a century and author of the 35th anniversary history on which much of this paper is based. Or some of the laymen who served so long and gave so liberally of time and substance: C.W. McKeehen, J.M. Willson, Merle T. Waggoner and Nels Barnett. But so many others. Some are seen again and again on the pages of memory. We thank God for the living friendship of those who labor still.

Dr. Millar was right in his judgment about Mt. Sequoyah. Writing to a friend, he said: "No other institution cost the church so little and accomplished so much." The agony of the early years, the cost of lives given in the service of the [sic] have been bread cast upon waters of God's grace. He who gave the original promise has not failed in this latter example.

The future of Mt. Sequoyah probably lies in the responsiveness of the church to changing times. Those managing Mt. Sequoyah's affairs as well as those guiding the far-reaching programs of the South Central Jurisdiction are sensitive to the needs of the present and the future as well as honoring the past. In his history, The Methodist Church in Missouri, 1789- 1939, Dr. Frank C. Tucker says:

"The institutions established and maintained by the church tell a great deal about its character and inner life. They are the visible evidence of its faith and spirit."

So it is with Mt. Sequoyah. The golden years tell of far-reaching faith and unconquerable spirit among "the people called Methodists." And all of us whose lives have been touched and blessed by the Assembly during this half-century thank God for Mt. Sequoyah.

Author's Note: So many expressions of gratitude are needed, but sentiment dictates these two. Much of this material was based on papers prepared by my late father for the 35th anniversary and the later dedication of the Martin Building. So, for him and for my mother (with us still), gratitude for first bringing our family to Mt. Sequoyah in our childhood years. The other expression is thanks to the Rev. Herman A. Lehwald, trustee of Mt. Sequoyah, conference leader and friend, who asked me to do this labor of love.

J.C. Montgomery, Jr.
Minister, United Methodist Church
Mexico, Missouri

J.C. Montgomery Jr.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J.C. Montgomery, Jr. is pastor of the United Methodist Church at Mexico, Mo. A former district superintendent, he is a member of the General Council on Ministries and the Joint Committee on Communications. He has served as a delegate to the General and Jurisdictional conferences. After his graduation from Southeast Missouri State College, he had seminary training at Vanderbilt University and further graduate study at George Peabody College and the University of Michigan. He and Mrs. Montgomery are the parents of two sons and one daughter.