April 20, 2012
For Immediate Release
The outdoor garden classroom dedication service was concluded with a ribbon cutting at its entrance beside the School of Theology in Druien Hall. From left were: Dr. Frank Cheatham, President Michael V. Carter, Torri Morris, Brad Lauer, Mrs. Rose Taylor, Pam Tennant, Myrna Martin, Richard Nelson, Margaret Nelson, David Johnson, Pam Hurtgen, Hunter and Joyce Durham, Paulette Caywood, Dr. John Hurtgen, Dr. Jarvis Williams, Sheri Taylor, Ethan Garrison (in back), Dr. Ted Taylor, John Chowning, Dr. John Mark Toby, Benji Kelly and Jennifer and Dr. Shane Garrison. (Campbellsville University Photo by Linda Waggener)
By Linda Waggener, marketing and media relations coordinator
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Campbellsville University held a special service Tuesday, April 22 at the Campbellsville Baptist Church, to dedicate an outdoor garden classroom just completed beside the School of Theology in Druien Hall. Called “In The Garden,” improvements to this area on campus include fencing, retainer walls, tumbled stone patio, lighting, a water feature, landscape, gravel and top soil, benches, signage and plaques.
Ten biblical passages that explain the gospel in sequence are placed throughout the outdoor classroom, including: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:15, Genesis 3:3, Genesis 3:23, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:4-5, Romans 12:2, Mark 10:43 and Matthew 28:19-20.”
As he welcomed the crowd of friends and supporters, President Michael V. Carter, said this new outdoor classroom will bless many Campbellsville University students on our campus now and for years to come.
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| After the dedication service, Dr. John Mark Toby, left, former KBC president and pastor of Beacon Hill Baptist Church in Somerset, Ky., talked with the Rev. John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president. (Campbellsville University Photo by Linda Waggener) |
The outdoor learning classroom is named in honor of lead donors Dr. Ted Taylor, professor of Christian studies, director of leadership/character/development institute, and lead professor of sports ministry program in Campbellsville University’s School of Theology, and his wife, Sheri. Taylor is transitional pastor of Campbellsville Baptist Church. He comes to that position after having served three years at the Columbia Baptist Church as transitional pastor. Members of both churches have participated in the improvements at the School of Theology.
Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of the School of Theology, spoke of the difference the new garden has already made as a classroom and also simply as a special place for students and friends who enjoy it. He noted that the Garden outdoor classroom has gone from a dismal spot that was not welcoming in any way, to what is now a place where the still voice can be heard in the quiet, calm. He said, “If that area can be transformed from what it was to what it is today, then each one of us can experience great transformation in our lives.”
Taylor said that the Garden is meant to be a sacred place where God, through His gospel, prepares servant leaders to be world changers for Christ and disciples who bring glory to God.
Several out of town guests attended the dedication service. The dedication service concluded with a ribbon cutting at the garden entrance. The guests included: Mrs. Rose Taylor, mother of Dr. Ted Taylor; Dr. John Mark Toby, former president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and pastor of Beacon Hill Baptist Church in Somerset; and Dr. Don Mathis, two-time former president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and minister of evangelism at Eastwood Baptist Church in Bowling Green.
Many of the supporters were part of the group. Joining the Taylors in giving gifts to provide the new outdoor classroom were, in alphabetical order: David Bowman, CU President and Mrs. Michael V. Carter, James and Paulette Caywood, Steve Chancey, John and Cathy Chowning, Bill and Connie Collins, Alfred and Sandy Corbin, former CU President and Mrs. Randy Davenport,
John and Janet Deener, Curtis and Cathy Downs, Hunter and Joyce Durham, William and Barbara Feltner, Mark and Denise Fudge, Dr. Shane and Jennifer Garrison, Charles and Peggy Graham, Dorothy and Joan Harrelson, Wanda F. Hill, Robert L. Holloway, Dr. and Mrs. John Hurtgen, Marvin and Myrna Martin, Doug and Marcie McCammish, Donald and Bobbie McKinney, Dick and Margaret Nelson, Paul and Margaret Scites and Sue Cravens Stivers
The view of the new Outdoor Classroom “In the Garden.” (Campbellsville University Photo by Christina Kern)
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.