By: Grant Smithson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)- Fayetteville’s Mount Sequoyah kicks off a series of events to celebrate 100 years of existence.
In 1922, Mount Sequoyah found that it would become the regional retreat center for the Methodist Church. To celebrate, the city of Fayetteville rang the bells to announce the news.
On March 15, Sequoyah invites all to attend their anniversary ringing of the bells at 2:22 in the afternoon. Along with their historic bell tower, Sequoyah also invites surrounding churches and organizations to ring along with them at exactly 2:22.
“This moment in time not only celebrates 100 years of organizational growth, but 100 years of creating community bonds and facilitating the dreams of the creatives that make Fayetteville so unique,” said Emily Gentry President of the Mount Sequoyah center in a recent press release.
Due to Fayetteville’s rejuvenating summer climate, independence from metropolitan distractions at the time, and how close to the campus of the University of Arkansas it would be, made it an easy choice for the Methodist Church.
However, the spot’s popularity for years to come was truly unexpected for many close to the project over the years.
“Little did the Methodists at the time know, the early foundations they built for Parker Hall, Young Lodge, and The Cross at Overlook Park, standing tall over the humble, up-and-coming.
Fayetteville, Arkansas, would become the incredible business, artistic, and family destination it is today,” said President Emily Gentry.
The ringing of the bells on March 15 is the first of many celebrations. The annual sunrise Easter service up on the Mount will continue the celebrations.
The celebrations will be constant throughout the year, wrapped up in December with the Northwest Arkansas celebration of the trees.
Along with the many events planned, Debbie Keller and Kittena Bell, both friends of Mount Sequoyah, have begun production on a special video commemorating the long-standing tradition of Sequoyah. This production will include interviews with many who have connections to the camp in all different capacities.