Moravian Theological Seminary celebrates campaign completion with Bahnson Center rededication

On a rainy afternoon, a standing-room-only crowd of faculty, students, alumni and friends brightened the halls of Moravian Theological Seminary to celebrate a new chapter in the Seminary’s 200-plus-year history.

Capping off a five-year campaign called “A Mission that Matters,” the October 19 event commemorated the completion of significant renovations to the Seminary’s main building, the Bahnson Center.

“We gather to celebrate renovations that provide a renewed setting for the preparation of new students for a new day and to celebrate over 200 years of support and commitment on the part of faculty, staff and students,” said the Rev. Dr. Frank Crouch, dean and vice president of the Seminary.

The rededication event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a liturgy presented by Moravian Bishop and Chaplain of Moravian College and Seminary Hopeton Clennon, hymns and trombone choir music and remarks by Dean Crouch, Dr. Chris Thomforde, president of Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary, and the Rev. David Bennett, chairman of the Seminary Board of Trustees. A reception following provided an opportunity for trustees, faculty, alumni, students and representatives from the Moravian Church to discuss the past and future of the Seminary.

Renovating for the future

The Bahnson Center renovations, which began in June and are just now being completed, brought the most significant improvements to the building since the 1999 addition of the Distance Learning Center (which was recently rededicated as the Genadendal Room.)

None of the renovations were to classroom spaces; those facilities and their technology are updated on a regular basis. Instead, the updates focused on the social environment of the facility.

“As our student body has grown and changed over the years, we found that they gathered and interacted differently than in the past,” says Jane Burcaw, director of administration for the Seminary. “The renovations enhance the environment of the Seminary, providing a more inviting, open and comfortable space for students to meet and interact between classes.”

The project replaced the original heating and air conditioning system and installed energy efficient windows and improved lighting. It also doubled the number of restroom facilities, added a new kitchen that opens to a larger community room, upgraded the Saal and repainted the building’s interior and exterior.

On the outside of the Bahnson Center, visitors will see a new main entrance “tower.” Constructed to address ongoing rain gutter issues, the renovated entrance provides an inspiring and inviting welcome to the Seminary building. A special Moravian star, currently being crafted, will be installed in the window of the tower.

A Summer of Activity

The renovations were completed over the summer to minimize disruption and ensure the facility was ready to go by the start of classes this fall. “Construction started in early June, with plans to be done by the third week in August,” explains Jane. “Our prayer was that we could begin classes in the building. The Seminary faculty and staff relocated for the summer so that the contractors could gut the front half of building and remodel it within a 10 week window.”

“Like any construction project, it had its surprises along the way. But we managed to move back into the building two days before classes began (although some faculty and staff are still unpacking boxes.) It came down to the wire but we were able to meet our commitment to have students come back and experience the updated facility as ‘ready to go’ as possible. It’s been great to hear the reactions to the changes – students, faculty, alumni – really love the new space.”

More to the “Mission”

While the most visible to students and visitors alike, the renovations to the Bahnson Center represent only a small part of the “A Mission That Matters” campaign. The campaign began five years ago with the commitment of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees, who made personal pledges totaling over $1 million toward the campaign’s final goal of $15 million.

“Their vision was to impact the life of our students by significantly investing in student scholarships, faculty development, facility renovations and technology upgrades,” says Frank. “Over the course of the campaign, numerous alumni and friends of the Seminary made pledges and gave gifts of varying amounts. As a result, we are pleased to announce that the goal of the campaign has been achieved.”

In addition to the renovations, the campaign has endowed the Charles D. Couch Chair for Moravian Theology and Ministry, ensuring ongoing funding for this important post. The endowed chair increases the depth and breadth of studies devoted to the history, theology and ministry of the Moravian Church and its importance in the larger Christian Church. Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood was appointed to this new faculty chair in May, 2010.

The campaign also added $4.2 million endowment to student scholarships. These scholarships are designed to assist students, reducing the need for loans and allowing graduates to be open to calls in all types of ministry settings without the burden of excessive debt.

The largest student body

In its 205th academic year, 126 students, including 31 new students and 11 new auditors, have enrolled in the Seminary, creating the largest student body in the history of Moravian Theological Seminary. Just two years ago, the Seminary saw a significant and disconcerting downturn in enrollment.

“Our admissions team led by Ann Gibson has worked very hard with new enrollment strategies to help students determine if our Seminary is right for them,” says Jane. “We keep our sights high, and at the same time recognize that while someone’s decision to come here has something to do with us, it is really about what God is calling people to do with their lives and whether they are ready to take the next step. The Seminary needs to remain appealing to those who hear that call and the spirit moving within them.”

A Statement of Appreciation

As part of the rededication ceremony, the Seminary offered this Statement of Appreciation:

“Moravian Theological Seminary remains forever grateful to all who have supported the mission of preparing men and women to lead and serve in congregational, teaching and other ministries over the many years. For generations, God has blessed the Seminary through the benevolence, care and faithful devotion of many.

“We offer special thanks to those who have supported the Seminary’s campaign, “A Mission That Matters.” They include members of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees, the Moravian Church Northern and Southern Provice, Salem Congregation of Winston-Salem, alumni, faculty, students, staff and our many friends, including those who have gone before us. Thanks to this unprecedented generosity, the entire Seminary community joins in celebrating the successful conclusion of the campaign.

“Renovations to the Bahnson Center, a substantial increase in the scholarship support for students and support for the work of an outstanding faculty will be the legacy of this campaign. Moravian Theological Seminary is in a stronger position to serve those exploring a call to ministry, the Moravian Church and the greater church.”

From the December 2011 issue of The Moravian Magazine.