History of The Ark Christian Ministry Center, Dothan, Alabama

1974
On a Saturday night in May, 1974, fire destroyed the old Blumberg home still housing the original hospital.

1978
In 1978 the hospital opened an 80-bed, three-story addition.

1979
By 1979, the building on West Main Street had grown physically as much as it could. The area was landlocked and parking was inadequate. Following the advice of hospital management, Dr. Flowers decided to construct a new hospital on the western side of Dothan, in the direction of the city's growth pattern.

1983
Flowers had undergone several subsequent expansions, and in 1983, moved into the new facility farther west on Main Street.

1983-2002
The old building was leased to different tenants for a few years and then remained vacant for several more.

2002
In 2002, the Flowers family gave the building and property to the ministry under the leadership of Rev. Robert E. Grice. Although the structure was basically sound it was in disrepair and very rundown after sitting vacant for some years. There had been repeatedly vandalized and much of the wiring, plumbing, and other items had been stolen.

Led by Rev. Grice, and by the grace of God, a group of dedicated volunteers immediately set out to create a “Christian Ministry Center.” The name chosen for the facility was “The Ark.” Noah’s Ark had one window and one door. The window was 18 inches high and went all the way around the Ark under the roof. The Ark in Dothan was envisioned to be a window of opportunity of help for those in need and Christ-like service opportunities for those willing to give of their time, talent and heart.

2003
In the Spring of 2003 the renovated first floor of about 1/3rd of the building was occupied. There was "warm" fellowship for a couple of months until the air conditioning was repaired in June. The first floor of Phase One of building renovation was nearing completion by late 2003.