MOUNT VERNON—Brewton-Parker College celebrated the beginning of a new academic year Tuesday, Aug. 30 during Convocation Chapel in Saliba Chapel. 2016-2017 marks the 112th academic year for the four-year liberal arts Christian college.
Dr. Steve Echols, BPC President, opened his message about God’s purpose by sharing the meaning of convocation; a time of dedication and recommitment to a purpose and mission. He read Jeremiah 1:5, in which the Lord revealed to Jeremiah that He knew him and consecrated him before he was even formed in his mother’s womb. Consecration, Echols pointed out, means to be dedicated, set aside for a reason. “Everyone here has a purpose; we’re not just an accident,” he tells the congregation, “Everyone has a purpose before God.” Echols then shared the core values of Brewton-Parker College with students and elaborated on their meaning. “The success of Brewton-Parker College and each individual who is a part of this school relies on us not only following, but excelling at these values and giving God our best. Don’t sell yourself short,” Echols urged, “before you were formed God knew you, He loves you, and He has a purpose for you. To this purpose we commit ourselves.”
Following Echols’ message, new faculty, athletic staff, and student development staff signed the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, signifying their commitment to the confession as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention. Brewton-Parker has ascribed to the Baptist Faith and Message as its doctrinal position since 2011. The first signing of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 took place during Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015.
The program began with BPC alumnus Eric Parker performing the prelude. Faculty processed into Saliba Chapel in full academic regalia, led by Faculty Marshal, Dr. George Mosley, Assistant Professor of English.
Dr. Robert Brian, Vice President of Academics, presided over the ceremony, as Dr. David Wilson, Assistant Professor of Music, along with Voices of Truth, led the audience in a hymn of dedication. Steve Edwards, Campus Pastor, gave the invocation, and Dr. Jerry Ray, Professor of Christian Studies, said a prayer of commitment.
Wilson, along with Voices of Truth, led the audience in the singing of the choral benediction, followed by Dr. Amanda Allen, Assistant Professor of History, giving the benediction to close the ceremony. The program ended with a processional by Parker on the organ, accompanied by Matthew Haley, Assistant Professor of Music, playing trumpet.
Chapel services are open to the public, and occur every Tuesday at 10 a.m.