April 2016 Update

The Minister Kept Silent

Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) was considered the first wealthy "empire builder" in America. Beginning as a teenager with a small sailboat, Vanderbilt amassed his vast fortunes in the early days of the railroad and steamships (acquiring the title "The Commodore").At his death, if all his assets had been converted into cash, Vanderbilt would have owned $1 out of every $20 in America.

After his wife's death, Vanderbilt married a second time, to a Southern lady. She was an old-time Methodist, and with her influence he made a prayer for salvation. He bought a church building in NYC to help Christians from the South. Then shortly before his death, Vanderbilt gave the largest American philanthropic gift to date.

Vanderbilt had become acquainted through a visiting minister, that the Southern Methodists were seeking to establish Central University. When in town, that preacher would often dine with the Vanderbilts, and the Commodore took note of the minister's fine character and business sense.

On March 1873, Cornelius Vanderbilt surprised everyone with a gift of $500,000 to found that college. There were two main restrictions to the gift: that the school be located in Nashville, TN, and that this minister friend, Bishop Holland McTyeire be installed as its first President with the power to veto the University Board.

During his medical trips to New York, McTyeire had never approached the Commodore for a donation. McTyeire did become President, and the Board changed the name of the new institution to Vanderbilt University. (Stiles, T.J. The First Tycoon. New York: Knopf Publishers. 2009. p. 531)

Graduation Week Events

On May 3, 2016 - May 6, 2016, we will hold our ninth Graduation Week for Heritage Baptist College. All the programs, except the golf scramble, will be held at the Hopewell Campus. We are excited to let you see the recent improvements, and to participate in the events that will take place this week. The schedule of the 14 speakers from 5 different states can be found in the Spring Edition of the Heritage News. Here are the upcoming activities:

Graduation Week Fish Fry

Following the morning service on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, will be our Annual Fish Fry. For over two decades, Dr. Clyde Billingsley has traveled to Heritage to fry a wonderful meal of fresh fish, cheese grits, and fixings. Our hats also go off to Brother Harvey Shilling who catches and cleans the crappie fillets. Come and enjoy their labor of love! The Annual Meeting of the Alumni will follow lunch.

Dr. Steve Ware Preaching Tuesday

Tuesday evening will begin the evening services during Graduation Week. We look forward to Dr. Steve Ware, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Orlando, FL, who will be speaking on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Steve Ware has made it his goal to be a help to preachers and his message will bless your heart.

Dr. Tom Wallace to Preach Wednesday

One of the week's highlights will be the combined meeting of local churches on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Dr. Tom Wallace, author, evangelist, and Vice President of the Sword of the Lord will be speaking that night. We will have special singing, and numbers of churches will be in attendance.

This is our tenth year to host this combined service, and we look forward to another evening filled with great enthusiasm, kindness, and Christian unity among the churches. You will enjoy all the special singing.

Golf Tournament

During Graduation Week at Heritage Baptist College, we will host our fourth year for the Golf Scramble Tournament. Tee times for the 18 holes will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at The Legends Golf Course in Franklin.

Plan on a foursome or register for yourself by calling the college office (317) 738-3791.

Dr. Randy Parker to Speak at Banquet

Every year, one of the special events of Graduation Week is the Alumni/Graduation Banquet. Dr. Randy Parker, of Greenfield, IN is scheduled to speak at the Thursday night, May 5th event.

This year, we will host the Alumni/Graduation Banquet on the Hopewell Campus, and the food will be catered by Gray Brother's Cafeteria. Come and enjoy Dr. Parker's message, along with a night of good food, Christian music, and great fellowship. Please call Heritage Baptist College to make a reservation. (317) 738-3791 or (317) 246-8915.

Commencement

The final activity of the week is the Commencement Service, on Friday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m. Pastor David Ball will close out the week with the Commencement address

Come celebrate with students and faculty the completion of our ninth year

Are You Ready to Take Your Next Step to Answer Your Calling?

Contact an Admissions Counselor TODAY and plan to visit Heritage. You can reach us at 317-738-3791