This summer a number of groups are again seeking permission from the Turkish government to continue looking for Noah’s ark on Mount Ararat. One group, the SEARCH (Scientific Exploration and Archaeological Research) Foundation, is attempting to recover an ancient wooden structure buried beneath tons of ice. It was discovered in 1969 by Frenchman Fernand Navarra high up on the mountain slopes.
One of those actively engaged in the hunt is scholar John Warwick Montgomery, professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In an exclusive report to BIBLE AND SPADE, Dr. Montgomery has given us the following information:
“Future plans for ark exploration are just now of the most tentative sort. The problems involved in securing permissions to conduct investigations on Ararat are of such a nature that we are unable to predict when the next expedition might take place. Certainly no full-scale venture could be undertaken before next year, though it is conceivable that some might again climb the mountain even this August.”
Dr. Montgomery has recently written a book on the subject of the ark. In it he gives the accounts of all previous ascents of Ararat that are of any significance and documents every known testimony to the Ark’s survival. The book contains an account of his ascent in 1970, a report of his reconnoitering in 1971, and a sizable photographic album of his investigations. THE QUEST FOR NOAH’S ARK can be obtained from Bethany Fellowship, 6820 Auto Club Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55438.
Bible and Spade 1:4 (Autumn 1972)