ThFeature Story
 

College of Bishops Donates $2 Million to Texas

College on Behalf of the CME Church

Tyler, TX (Friday, October 29, 2004)- The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church donated $2 million to Texas College. The College of Bishops, with General Connectional Officers, Judicial Council, clergy, lay persons, and alumni of Texas College presented the check to the President Billy C. Hawkins. Dr. Hawkins expressed his gratitude to the College of Bishops and the CME Church for the extremely generous gift for operations. The gift continues a legacy of major giving and support by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to its educational institutions.

Senior Bishop and CEO Marshall Gilmore and seven other members of the College of Bishops were on hand at this momentous event. Members of the new Texas College football team and marching band witnessed the celebration before leaving town to play Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA.

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Texas College are especially proud of Senior Bishop Gilmore for his leadership as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and for providing many years of service to the college and the CME Church.

During the past decade, the CME Church has contributed $12 million to Texas College and provided tremendous support to the campus and community. This historic 100-year old school would have been closed had it not been for the tremendous sacrifice of the CME Church.

With over 133 years of rich history, the CME Church was founded in 1870 in Jackson, TN, and operates throughout the United States, Haiti, Jamaica, Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria. The church owns and operates four historically black colleges:  Lane College in Jackson, TN; Miles College in Birmingham, AL; Paine College (in co-operation with the United Methodist Church) in Augusta, GA; and Texas College. Additionally, the CME Church operates a historical and major graduate school, the Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

For over a century, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has been involved in the community and the civil rights movement, and has established significant partnerships with major Christian denominations and civic organizations including the NAACP, National Council of Churches, Children’s Defense Fund, World Methodism Council, One Church One School, Church Women United, and African-American fraternities and sororities. At present; Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, CME Bishop of Louisiana and Mississippi (4^th Episcopal District) is serving as the President of the National Council of Churches.

The presentation of the gift to Texas College was another historical event for the CME Church. Eight of the denomination’s ten active bishops were present on the Texas College campus for the celebration. In attendance were Bishops Marshall Gilmore of the 8^th Episcopal District; William H. Graves Sr. 1^st Episcopal District; Othal H. Lakey, 6^th Episcopal District; Thomas L. Hoyt, 4^th Episcopal District; Charles L. Helton, 7^th Episcopal District; Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., 3^rd Episcopal District; Lawrence L. Reddick III, 5^th Episcopal District; and Henry M. Williamson, Sr., 9^th Episcopal District. Bishop E. Lynn Brown, the present Chairman of the College of Bishops and leader of the 2^nd Episcopal District, and Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham of the 10^th Episcopal District, sent representatives from their respective districts. Texas College relies on philanthropic gifts of all kinds. Donations to Texas College continue to be accepted. Support from alumni, parents, friends, the United Negro College Fund, corporations and foundations allow Texas College to maintain quality education and facilities. You may join the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in their support for Texas College with your tax-deductible contribution.

You can make your tax-deductible contribution payable to Texas College and send
it directly to Senior Bishop Marshall Gilmore, 1616 Illinois Avenue, Dallas, TX 75216.