History

1973 Concerts began during the Spring Break and Summer of 1973. youth and lay people from the area helped ready an old theater for the coming season, they went out in the afternoons to invite vacationers to the concerts in which 4 Huntingdon college students performed as the musical group “Two by Two”, youth groups and choirs from around the Southeast came, slept on the floor and shared in the concerts, as well as going out in the afternoons on our Beach ministry to vacationers

Fall 73 The Snowbird ministry began with the informal meeting of Rev. Rains, Fredda Youngs, and 2 winter visitors. Each person brought another for the next meeting.  Activities were decided upon to help a Snowbird community come into being. Those activities were lead by the Snowbirds themselves and by the end of the first season there were nearly 300 people involved in the weekly activities

Mid 70’s The Ark had to move out of the old theater building after the first few years and was moved to various locations between the summer and winter seasons. This was the most difficult period of the Arks’ existence. The summer ministry had its home a few blocks from the “strip” but interested people had trouble finding the concerts at night. Usually concerts were held outdoors but if or when weather threatened there was limited space for the people indoors. The winter ministry was held in limited space at the Presbyterian Campground on Highway 79

1978 A private foundation (the Hearn Foundation) had funds available for a community service organization that would help the visitors to the beaches but no organization had qualified. A grant from the that foundation was obtained for over $500,000, and the current location at 12902 Front Beach Road was obtained.  New construction and renovation on older buildings began; 3 buildings were made ready for retreats and activities, and the property was obtained completely debt free.

1980’s With the additional space the ministry grew to over 1100 winter visitors participating in the Snowbird ministry many winters, with over 60 activities a week. The summer concerts drew an average of 200 people a night and as many as 74 groups stayed in the retreat and participated in the ministry each summer. The staff was expanded to 3 full-time people and a part time secretaryand a 5 bedroom house was acquired. Many of the facilities were expanded and upgraded for retreat groups and activities.

1990’s through TODAY  The summer ministry continues to provide 2 concerts a night , six nights a week, free and open to all who will come. 50 to 60 youth groups from all over the Southeast, stay at the Ark and are involved in the afternoon beach outreach, and retreats. Approximately 1000 people are involved in over 80 classes a week,taking trips, worshipping, etc. Each winter in the Snowbird ministry, the staff is made up of the Director, an appointed United Methodist minister (both full time), and a part time secretary,