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UMNS# 05141-Oldest Methodist school in U.S. marks 175 years


From "NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>
Date Tue, 8 Mar 2005 16:07:26 -0600

Oldest Methodist school in U.S. marks 175 years

Mar. 8, 2005 News media contact: Linda Green * (615) 7425470*
Nashville {05141}

NOTE: Photographs and other related resources are available with this
story at http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=6916.

By Holly Clark*

ASHLAND, Va. (UMNS)-Nearly two centuries ago, Randolph-Macon College was
born from a need the United Methodist Church had for educated ministers
to spread their new faith in the new republic.

Today, in its 175th year, the church-related college continues to answer
that need, as well as celebrate its Methodist roots and longstanding
commitment to a liberal arts and sciences education.

Randolph-Macon College, the oldest Methodist school in the United
States, marked its milestone during a Feb. 26 celebratory worship
service at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, on the campus.
Nearly 50 of the college's alumni who pursued careers in the ministry
participated.

"The college needed an event such as this," said Ira Andrews, a
religious studies professor and 1959 Randolph-Macon graduate. "The
clergy alumni were thrilled that the event took place and to be asked
back to the alma mater to participate. It sent a powerful message to
all that Randolph-Macon College is a church-related college and the
United Methodist Church is a college-related church."

Bishop Charlene Kammerer, newly appointed leader of the Virginia Annual
(regional) Conference, addressed the more than 150 attendees during the
weekend's grand occasion.

"For 175 years, Randolph-Macon College has been building a tradition of
quality in liberal arts education," said Kammerer, who serves on
Randolph-Macon's board of trustees. "Since its founding by Methodists in
1830, the college has been attracting and educating outstanding students
of all faiths."

The Methodist Episcopal Church's General Conference voted in 1825 to
consider founding a liberal arts college. Two years later, three
Methodist pastors stopped for lunch in a field near Boydtown, Va., and
agreed that the spot would be ideal for a school. In 1830, the Virginia
General Assembly approved incorporating the college as Randolph-Macon,
named after John Randolph and Nathaniel Macon, political leaders of the
day.

Today, it is one of 123 United Methodist-related colleges and
universities across the country.

"Randolph-Macon College proudly holds the distinction of being the
longest United Methodist college in operation in the world," Kammerer
said. "You all have had a profound role in not only preserving the past,
but continuing to open doors for the generations to come."

Four Randolph-Macon students, all A. Purnell Bailey Pre-ministerial
scholarship recipients, concluded the celebration. The Bailey program
offers scholarships that include admission to Randolph-Macon as well as
free tuition and room and board to five students annually who are
committed to pursing divinity degrees after graduation.

"While the current college slogan is 'Believe in the Moment of
Connection,' there is no more vital connection than that of our rich
heritage with the United Methodist Church," said the Rev. Franklin
Gillis Jr., the school's ministerial vocation coordinator. "In order to
be true to the purposes for which this college was founded, renewed
efforts are being made to reclaim and strengthen that heritage."

"Through the A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained
Ministry, pastors and churches are invited to identify and encourage
high school students to consider and respond to God's call," he said.
"Students selected to become Bailey scholars are involved in a variety
of experiences to nurture their call and commitment to ministry."

Jennifer Fletcher, a college freshman and Purnell Bailey scholar, is one
of Randolph-Macon's 1,063 students. She said she is proud to have the
opportunity to pursue ministry and get a liberal arts education at the
school.

"Grasping both knowledge and piety is vital in our Christian walk," she
said. "Piety is wonderful, but knowledge is important because the more
we know about our Savior, the more we can appreciate his majesty. We
cannot identify with those we witness to if we do not have knowledge.
We need knowledge to answer their questions, to explain our faith in
ways that more people can relate to. Piety cannot always be understood,
but when it's coupled with knowledge it is something that more people
can relate to."

As the celebration concluded, Kammerer challenged the audience to
continue its commitment to educating scholars and fostering the
relationship between Randolph-Macon and the United Methodist Church.

David Hindman, class of '72 and campus minister at The College of
William & Mary, said the celebration was a moving experience. "I hope
and pray it is the first step in a new chapter in the relationship
between the church and R-MC," he said. "I am hopeful and excited about
what the future may hold for this precious partnership."
# # #
*Clark is media and communications specialist at Randolph-Macon College.

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org


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