Our History

Open old handwritten journal with faded cursive writing on cream-colored pages.

100 Years of Care for the Children of Arkansas

For a century, Southern Christian Children’s Home has been a place of refuge, hope, and healing for vulnerable children across Arkansas. Rooted in Christian faith and community support, our mission has remained constant: to provide loving care and guidance to those who need it most.

A beige curtain with large black Japanese characters hanging from a ceiling.
A collage of black-and-white and color photographs of people and buildings, likely depicting moments from the past.
A black and white group photo of children and adults standing outside a school building.
Black-and-white photo of a group of adults and children dressed in formal attire, standing outdoors in front of a decorative metal fence.
A wooden display cabinet with glass doors showing trophies, medals, and awards inside. To the right, framed photos and newspaper clippings are hung on a wall.
Multiple framed photographs and documents displayed on a shelf. The photos include group pictures, black-and-white photos of children, and one of a woman. There are also framed text documents, including one titled 'ALL-GIRLS' QUARTETT' and another re
Black and white framed photograph of a woman sitting outdoors with two children, possibly in vintage style.

Over the Years…

  • The Arkansas Christian Home began with the shared vision of James E. Laird, W.T. and Edna Bush, C.B. Billingsley, and the Park Hill Church of Christ in Fort Smith. Its earliest beginnings can be traced to May 8, 1926, when two young girls were placed in the care of Jesse Burns. As the mission grew and more children needed support, the work expanded beyond the local community to reflect this broader reach and impact. 

  • In 1934, the Arkansas Christian Home merged with the Jonesboro Christian Orphanage Home, bringing about 38 children from Jonesboro to Fort Smith. The Home was named to Arkansas-Oklahoma Christian Home and formally incorporated the work that would later become Southern Christian Home.

    In 1936, the ministry moved to the former 40-acre Harding College property in Morrilton, purchased by a friend of the Home. With this move came the adoption of the name Southern Christian Home and a guiding mission “to provide for children who need love, sympathy, care, and the knowledge of the way of God.” This moment marked the beginning of a legacy rooted in compassion, faith, and a deep commitment to nurturing children in need.

    In the mid-1930s, the board established an annual anniversary celebration, later known as Homecoming, originally observed on May 8, the date Mrs. Bush brought the first two girls to Jesse Burns in Fort Smith. Although the event was suspended during World War II out of respect for those serving and due to economic constraints, it eventually returned and became a beloved tradition held on the first Saturday in May. 

  •  Southern Christian continued to grow, adding 10 acres of land in 1941 and began the development of on-campus school facilities.

    In 1945, the nursery opened, and a hot lunch program helped support the school. Plans for a new dining hall were discussed alongside the purchase of additional farmland, including the 140-acre Parette farm and 80 acres of river land. 

    By 1947, the Home’s commitment to “whole person” care was evident with the addition of both a music teacher and a vocational instructor, enriching the lives of its children through creative and practical skill development.

  • In 1950, the board accepted Harding College’s generous offer to provide free tuition for the Home’s children, and by 1953, Harding assured college opportunities for those ready to attend. A tract of land was sold to the Morrilton School District. 

  • In 1965, through the dedication of volunteers and staff, Southern Christian Home proudly constructed the Olen Ray Fullerton Gymnasium—an enduring symbol of community effort and care. During this period, the Home also gained recognition for its strong educational programming. One of its most celebrated accomplishments was an “outstanding chorus” directed by Lindell Housley, whose leadership brought musical excellence and joy to the children. 

  • In June 1975, Southern Christian Home operated for many years as a “wing school” under the Morrilton public school system. As the decade progressed, the Home gradually shifted away from direct educational programming. This transition marked the beginning of a new residential model, introducing the cottage arrangement and personalized care for each child.  

  • Beginning in 2006, the leadership of the Mulberry Church of Christ and Southern Christian Home worked together to enhance the use of the Home’s farm located a few miles north of the main campus. Over the next several years, improvements included the construction of an eight-acre lake, installation of fencing, development of a riding arena, and the establishment of a cow-and-calf operation. The final addition was a residential cottage built to better serve the children. Named the Cowboy Cottage in honor of former board member Malcolm Howell, the facility was completed in 2009. 

  • In 2017, construction was completed on a new family-style living cottage known as the Lighthouse. Designed to give each child greater privacy, the facility provides individual bedrooms and bathrooms for all 16 residents. Separate, fully self-contained relief-parent quarters is also included to support consistent, high-quality care.  

  • Southern Christian Children’s Home proudly celebrates 100 years of faithful service, marking a century of compassion, care, and Christ-centered impact on thousands of lives across Arkansas. From humble beginnings to a legacy of hope, the Home continues to be a place where children find love, stability, and the opportunity to thrive.

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