Southern Wesleyan University dedicates Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center
Those assembled for the dedication of Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center April 13 at Southern Wesleyan University sing the hymn “How Firm a Foundation,” which was sung during the first chapel service on the first day of class 110 years ago.
On April 13, Southern Wesleyan University dedicated a place that will prepare future ministry leaders.
Southern Wesleyan’s administration and board of trustees joined Wesleyan denominational officials, church pastors from several Wesleyan districts, faculty, staff, students and the surrounding community to fill the chapel of the Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center for the dedication ceremony.
Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center represents a rebirth for the historic granite-sided Wesleyan Church, affectionately known over the years to the university community as the “college church.”
When ALIVE Wesleyan Church began planning a move from its older building to a new facility a couple of miles away, Southern Wesleyan launched a $1.4 million campaign to purchase the church and renovate it to house its Division of Religion.
The Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center is named in memory of two men who distinguished themselves for their contributions to Southern Wesleyan University and The Wesleyan Church – Dr. Roy Nicholson of Walhalla and Dr. Virgil Mitchell of Six Mile.
Dr. Mari Gonlag, chair of the university’s Division of Religion, praised the efforts of Southern Wesleyan University President Dr. Todd Voss and his wife Julie, as well as Jonathan Catron and the university’s physical plant staff; Mike Preusz and the university’s information technology staff; and the division’s faculty members.
Gonlag gave special recognition to Dr. Robert Black, professor of religion, as the person “in whose mind and heart this dream was born.”
“As soon as Dr. Voss became president, Dr. Black went to see him about the dream of the Religion Division to be in this building. At every level in countless decisions, much hard work, many late nights, he worked so hard for this project. We owe to Bob a debt we can never repay,” Gonlag said.
Voss called the transformation of the old stone church into the Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center a “movement of God’s hand” that will impact future generations through religion students who will be prepared for ministry in the facility “that’s not only taught them how to preach, but how to reach.”
“Within this cherished structure, godly leaders will be prepared to serve the present age for ages to come,” said Dr. Lisa McWherter, Southern Wesleyan’s vice president for advancement. McWherter recognized the campaign committee, led by co-chairs Rev. James Wiggins and Dr. Robert Black. Committee members are Rev. Ray Barnwell, Rev. Joy Bryant, Rev. James Capps, Mary Costello, Glenda Hoyle, Dr. Lisa McWherter, Rev. Don Milstead, Tony Payne, Rev. Buddy Rampey, Amy Reese, Rev. Dan Seaborn, Dr. Todd Voss, Dr. P.B. Wood; and honorary members Dr. Jo Ann Lyon, Dr. Robert McIntyre, Dr. Marlin Mull, Dr. Earle Wilson and Dr. Mari Gonlag. She also praised the physical plant staff and Mark Mealy for their work in “polishing this gem.”
Wiggins said the dedication is a “dream come true,” adding “It’s our desire and delight to thank every donor who helped to give us – like a new heart – for the heart of ministry of Southern Wesleyan University.” He also praised a “band of prayer partners” committed to praying for the campaign throughout its five year history.
Wiggins also recognized members of the Nicholson and Mitchell families, families of donors whose names appear throughout the center, and individuals and groups who donated. According to McWherter, 497 donors gave 1,522 gifts to fulfill the $1.4 million fundraising campaign.
Black gave a history of the Division of Religion and the stone church, built in 1940 and dedicated by pastor R.C. Mullinax, who was also a religion professor and who later became Southern Wesleyan’s president.
“The purpose for which this building was constructed has been modified but it’s essentially the same for us – to glorify God and to help build His kingdom,” Black said.
Through a video message, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church, conveyed denominational greetings and gave tribute to Nicholson and Mitchell as godly men whose dreams were realized.
“We in the Wesleyan Church welcome and rejoice with what’s taking place on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University and the new Nicholson-Mitchell Christian Ministry Center,” Lyon said.
Also, Dr. Don Campbell, professor of music, Prof. Jane Dill, chair of the university’s Division of Fine Arts and Dr. Chuck Mealy of the university’s Advancement Office led in singing of the hymn “How Firm a Foundation.”
Southern Wesleyan student Kylie Rovenstine, a religion major, gave a scripture reading from Psalm 84 and Rev. Ken Dill, associate vice president for spiritual life and university chaplain, led in a litany of dedication.
Following the ceremony, Rev. Fred Andrews, pastor of congregational care at ALIVE Wesleyan Church and pastor of the church for many of the years it was located on the Central campus, remarked “What a wonderful way to carry on the ministry that the building contained for all those 70 some years.”
The center features classrooms and other learning spaces made possible by the generosity of the many campaign donors, including the Youth Ministry Lab in memory of Dr. Jimmy Johnson and the Children’s Ministry Lab in honor of Rev. and Mrs. David and Shirley Duncan. The Children’s Ministry Lab is supplied with state-of-the-art curriculum, learning toys, music, videos, and other resources for cutting edge Children’s Ministry. Additional areas are devoted to training in technology used in worship services.
The goal of the center is to provide relevant and innovative approaches to ministry with the timeless values of the Wesleyans’ spiritual heritage, prepare the next generation of servant-leaders for a breadth of ministry essential in today’s rapidly-changing culture; become the “go-to” institution for academics with practical application; and to mobilize hundreds of new ministers by 2025.
For details, contact Southern Wesleyan’s Advancement Office at (864) 644-5006 or email .
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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