Cofounder Of Pensacola Christian College, Camp O’ The Pines, Passes Away

July 1, 2020

Beka Horton, the cofounder of Pensacola Christian College, has passed away at age 90.

“She was known for her dedication to Christian education and ministry, her significant role in PCC’s history, and her deep love for God and His truth,” the college said in announcing her death.

When the Hortons came to Pensacola in 1952 to start a small Christian school, they never dreamed how greatly their outreach would be enlarged. Throughout 60 years of ministry in Pensacola, Dr. Horton worked alongside her husband Dr. Arlin Horton in vital support and complement to his leadership.

In 1954, the Hortons founded what is now known as Pensacola Christian Academy (PCA).

“Rebekah Horton took a lead role in the curriculum development and instructional design used at PCA and became a vital contributor to the education and spiritual encouragement of countless area residents,” the college said.

Other Christian schools used the materials printed through the textbook publishing company that bears her name: Abeka Book.

The popular local summer camp, Camp o’the Pines in McDavid, was established under the Hortons’ leadership, where Rebekah Horton was once a cabin leader and program director.

In 1974, Pensacola Christian College was founded where Beka Horton served as Senior Vice President. She and her husband retired in 2012.

The funeral service were held in PCC’s Crowne Centre on Wednesday, July 1.

Comments

6 Responses to “Cofounder Of Pensacola Christian College, Camp O’ The Pines, Passes Away”

  1. mq on July 1st, 2020 9:00 pm

    I have never met the lady but her legacy and love for the Lord will live on.
    My children used ABekah material at the Christian Scool out of state and three of my grandchildren attend PCA and another one attends a Christian School out of state.
    Her funeral was a blessing this morning as I watched.it livestreamed.
    Prayers for Dr. Horton as he continues on without his wife.

  2. BRING IT ON on July 1st, 2020 6:19 pm

    Her and her husband created something truly great. GOD IS GOOD !!

  3. jacobo on July 1st, 2020 3:22 pm

    No la he conocido, tengo once años y estoy en sexto grado de la escuela virtual de Abeka o mejor dicho Pensacola Christian Academy, pero me conmueve todo lo que hizo, y ya quiero que en las grabaciones me toque con ella, que descanse en paz y que dios la acompañe.

  4. Steven Linnville on July 1st, 2020 11:45 am

    Went to Pensacola Christian from kindergarten to graduating high school there. Had Mrs. Horton countless times for Bible study. I best remember her for her Bible storytelling using a flannel board she would change the scenery as she described the story. Captivating as a small child. She is finally with Jesus in heaven who she talked, lived, and breathed everyday of her life. Good bye dear lady. See you heaven.

  5. EMD on July 1st, 2020 8:40 am

    I loved Mrs. Horton’s Bible Study class, and appreciate her publishing a story I wrote for a class at PJC, while a bus driver at PCS: My First Day As A School Bus Driver. She was a very memorable person and always looked so pretty. She was always gracious and easy to talk to..My condolences to Dr. Horton, family and friends.

  6. Past student on July 1st, 2020 5:00 am

    Goodbye Dear Lady!

    Went to 1st and 2nd grade at Pensacola Christian school starting in 1959 when it was located on Avery Street behind Baptist Hospital.

    Aunt Beka Horton was a outstanding teacher and especially remember how skills at flannel graph telling us stories from the Bible.
    She could make the Bible come vividly alive.

    For many years in the 1960’s, she had a show on WEAR TV where she would tell stories from the Bible.

    God Speed to you Aunt Beka!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News