Over 120 attended a Faculty/Staff Kids Reunion in the Academy Gym on Monday, December 29, 2014. This venue was chosen because it stands on the site where many of these people lived as children in “housing units” transported from Cleveland, Tenn., before any permanent residences were built on campus.
Although a simple homecoming, this was not just a local event. Several flew in for the special multigenerational reunion, and the event was coordinated by Leilani Murr Mortland from Maine. Some attended alone, while others came with all of their siblings. One family even brought their parents, who were celebrating their 64th anniversary that day.
The emcee for the evening was Don Ryerson, son of a former WMUU staff member. In the tradition of family-style meals in the dining common, the group began the meal with the singing of the “Doxology” and a word of prayer. A time of singing and testimonies followed the meal. The grandson of a highly regarded music faculty member accompanied the congregational singing of “I Know Whom I Have Believed,” “Amazing Grace” and “Nearer, Still Nearer.”
The emcee shared some words of thanksgiving about the Lord’s allowing each one to be a part of this ministry even at a very early age. After several others shared memories, Dr. Bob Jones III (the “senior faculty kid” in attendance) was asked to close in prayer. He obliged after sharing some memories of his own and thanking those parents in attendance for their investment in the lives of their children as they grew up on campus.
Article contributed by Kim Bierman. Photos contributed by Nancy Pavluk Blough.
Jan
06
Comments are closed.