Cochise County is once again in search of a buyer for the historic Miracle Valley Bible College property. County officials were presented with an inspection report by Southwest Building Inspection Service that detailed the extremely deteriorating condition of the buildings from both weather and vandalism.
The latest auction ended in disappointment when the winning bidder failed to produce the necessary funds to complete the purchase. Four buildings were recommended to be demolished at an estimated $95,000-$100,000 for the next owner. In 2024, the county has worked on asbestos abatement and removing two fuel tanks along with trash.
The Miracle Valley Bible College, nestled in the desert landscape of southern Arizona, has a storied history that dates back to the 1950s. Founded by Reverend A.A. Allen, a prominent Pentecostal evangelist known for his faith-healing ministry, the college was established as a center for spiritual education and evangelistic training.
Reverend Allen purchased the 1,280-acre property in 1958 and quickly set about transforming it into a religious haven. Over the next decade, the campus grew to include a chapel, dormitories, classrooms, administrative buildings, and a sprawling outdoor tent revival area. At its height, Miracle Valley Bible College attracted students from around the world, eager to study under Allen’s charismatic leadership and participate in his vibrant revival meetings.
The college became widely known for its Miracle Valley Revival, a series of faith-healing events that drew thousands of attendees. Reverend Allen’s ministry promised deliverance from ailments and life-changing spiritual experiences. His televised broadcasts and publication, “Miracle Magazine,” spread the word about the college and its mission, further bolstering its reputation and influence within the Pentecostal community.
However, the institution’s prosperity began to decline after Allen’s sudden death in 1970. The loss of its visionary leader marked the start of a turbulent period for the college. Without Allen’s guidance, Miracle Valley Bible College struggled to maintain its momentum. The property changed hands several times, with different religious leaders and organizations attempting to revive its fortunes, but none managed to restore it to its former glory.
The college made headlines again in the early 1980s when it became the center of a contentious standoff between law enforcement and the members of the Christ Miracle Healing Center and Church across the street. The standoff resulted in multiple fatalities.
Since then, the property has remained largely dormant, a relic of its vibrant past. In recent years, various attempts have been made to sell the property to developers and religious organizations, but each effort has faced obstacles. The latest auction, which seemed to promise a new chapter for the college, ended abruptly when the prospective buyer failed to deliver the required funds.
No date has been set on the next auction.
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