Brewton-Parker Celebrates the U

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Brewton-Parker Christian University, formerly known as Brewton-Parker College, hosted more than 600 students, faculty, alumni, and community members at the University’s Mount Vernon campus on Saturday, August 23, as the institution celebrated its transition into university status.

“Our new university status not only recognizes the academic growth and expansion we’ve experienced, but it also reinforces our mission to prepare students for lives of service, leadership, and Christian witness. Today we celebrated God’s faithfulness and the bright future ahead,” Brewton-Parker Christian University President Steven Echols emphasized.

Brewton-Parker has been a staple of the culture in Ailey and Mount Vernon for over a century, as the college was founded as Union Baptist Institute by McRae Baptist Church Pastor Dr. John Carter Brewton and McRae businessman Charles B. Parker, who envisioned creating a higher learning facility that focused on Christian education for the youth in South Georgia. The effort was also supported by the Telfair and Daniell Baptist Associations, who determined the college’s location at the city limits shared by Mount Vernon and Ailey.

The land for the college was secured by donations from local citizens, as Mr. And Mrs. David Fountain donated 10 acres and a former slave, Warren C. Crawley, donated 5 acres, even though he knew that his children and great grandchildren would probably never be able to attend the institution.

Since its creation, the school has been known as several names – Brewton-Parker Institute, Brewton-Parker Junior College, Brewton-Parker College – it now holds the name which the institution finds to be the most prestigious: Brewton-Parker Christian University. This new identity as a university was celebrated, as the college hosted “Celebrate the U” on August 23.

The event began early on Saturday morning, as Brewton-Parker Christian University President Steven Echols, Ailey Mayor Mitch Fulmer, and Mount Vernon City Manager B.L. Horne gathered alongside other university and government leaders to officially cut the ribbon of the campus’s iconic arch, which now displays lettering which signifies the university’s shift from college to university status.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Echols recalled the history of Brewton-Parker Christian University, and emphasized that the arch had been created as a symbol of unity – each leg of the arch stands in a different town. He connected this symbolism of unity with the connection formed when Crawley donated land for the original college, as Echols explained that unity has been a pillar value for the institution since its creation.

After the ribbon cutting, attendees gathered in Saliba Chapel for a special convocation service, which featured a formal procession of faculty in full academic regalia and performances by a 130-voice choir, made up of current Brewton-Parker Christian University students and alumni.

President Echols spoke to the crowd about the momentous occasion, as he reflected on the university’s history and emphasized the resilience and faith in God that had kept the institution going. He referenced Hebrews 13:8, as he reminded the attendees that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” as the verse states.

“The faithfulness of God has never changed. He has brought Brewton-Parker this far, and He will not leave us now. Today we stand on the shoulders of those who sacrificed for this institution, and we step boldly into a future filled with God’s promise and purpose,” he emphasized.

Provost Justin Russell, an alumnus of Brewton-Parker Christian University, also addressed the crowd, as he encouraged students and community members to unify throughout challenges, and to seek to see situations and their futures clearly. He referenced the arch in this address, commenting, “The arch doesn’t just connect two towns; it connects people. When you walk through the arch, you join a legacy of faith, perseverance, and continued from page

purpose. And when you leave, you carry that vision into the world, knowing that you are not walking alone.”

He challenged current students to pursue both “nearsighted vision”— faithfulness in daily responsibilities— and “farsighted vision”—trusting in God’s greater purpose for their lives.

In addition to this, a new alma mater – written and arranged by Brewton-Parker Christian University Senior John Wesley Graham – was unveiled and sung for the first time and new faculty members followed tradition and signed the university’s Baptist Faith and Message 2000 declaration, which reaffirms the university’s commitment to doctrinal integrity. The convocation was closed with a benediction prayer by Professor Keith Barr, who has dedicated 40 years to the institution, and a final song of gratitude and joy from the choir.

Following the ceremony, alumni, guests, and community members gathered for a celebratory luncheon in the gymnasium, where they reflected on the day’s significance, reconnected with friends, and expressed support for the mission of the newly named university.

Brewton-Parker Christian University is the only accredited fouryear Christian university south of Macon and north of Jacksonville, FL. As a comprehensive Georgia Baptist institution, Brewton- Parker Christian University provides liberal arts and professional programs in a learning community of shared Christian values. Through the application of biblical truth in scholarship and a co-curricular focus on character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement, the university strives to provide a transformational experience that equips the whole student for lifelong learning and service in Christ.

For more information on the university, visit www.bpc.edu.

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS – Brewton-Parker Christian University President Steven Echols reminded the convocation audience of God’s faithfulness throughout the years of the university’s existence.

A CLEAR VISION – Brewton-Parker Christian University Provost Justin Russell encouraged students to have both “near sighted” and “far sighted” vision when looking at their lives and futures.

ALMA MATER – Brewton-Parker Christian University Senior John Wesley Graham leads the convocation audience in the singing of the university’s new alma mater, which Graham wrote and arranged.

CELEBRATE THE U – Students and guests gather outside Saliba Chapel prior to the special convocation service during Celebrate the U at Brewton-Parker Christian University on August 23.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

NEW LETTERING – Brewton- Parker Christian University President Steven Echols (center), Mount Vernon City Manager B.L. Horne (left), and Ailey Mayor Mitch Fulmer (right) cut the ribbon to celebrate the new lettering on the iconic arch at the university’s campus.