[1] The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church began holding a summer Bible conference in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1915.

Looking for a location with cooler summer temperatures, the mountains of western North Carolina were selected to begin the search.

God's providence led a realtor in Hendersonville to suggest a particular location: a beautiful sixty-three-acre estate, containing a massive home and the Heidelberg Gardens, for sale in Flat Rock.

"[3] Bonclarken's mission is "to provide and promote a Christian environment for inspiration and renewal, worship, education, fellowship, and recreation by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Activities held at White Oak Lake, the YAB, and numerous other facilities allow students to make lasting friendships in a welcoming environment.