R.C. Buckner had a deep love for children – especially orphaned children.  In 1877 he organized a deacon conference with the intent of founding an orphans’ home.  The twenty-six deacons, and one pastor each donated one dollar, and that twenty-seven dollars was the beginning of Buckner Orphans’ Home.  In 1879 the first three orphans were admitted.

On our latest visit to Buckner International to sort shoes, Neal Knighton and Haley joined us.  This was extra special because Neal had volunteered to take our group on a tour of the Buckner Campus.  Neal works downtown for Buckner, and he is super knowledgable about Buckner’s history.  It was such a blessing to have him guide us.  Haley is a Baylor graduate that recently joined the Buckner staff.

We began our tour at the Maris Alumni Center.  This building is like a mini-museum.

‘Father’ R.C. Buckner – this is a portrait of the kind man that had the vision to help the orphans and widows.

Four wall size murals share the Buckner story in the Maris Alumni Center.

Neal was fantastic.  He has a love for Buckner, and loves to tell the Buckner story.

R.C. Buckner’s childhood home was brought from Tennessee for R.C. Buckner’s 80th birthday.

There are even family heirlooms in this log cabin.

The campus grounds are beautiful and well kept.  Buckner no longer has an orphanage, but rather they now have foster care homes on their campus.  Having children live in family settings has proven to have the greatest benefit.  Other programs offered are programs to aid families in transition,  a Family Hope Center, and Senior Living Centers.  I had no idea how many programs are offered by this charity.  The Buckner influence does not stop on this campus.  There are several other locations in Texas and beyond.  Another branch of the Buckner family is Buckner International.  The Shoes of Orphan Souls program is the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner.

For more than 135 years, R.C. Buckner’s vision of helping children and widows has continued.  Now the Buckner ministries serve children all around the world.  It is amazing.  If you ever have the opportunity to visit Buckner’s campus with Neal, do it!  It is inspiring to see and hear how the Lord has used this ministry.

Blessings to you and yours,

Interesting fact:

The John Neely Bryan (founder of the City of Dallas) cabin was once located on the Buckner campus. I think it was in the 1930’s when the cabin was gifted to the City of Dallas, and moved into town.