Presbyterian Heritage Center Board Chairman Richard Ray cut the ribbon and the doors opened to admit everyone to the Center, housed in historic Spence Hall, former home of the Presbyterian Historical Foundation at Montreat. “Welcome to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, as we begin our mission of gathering artifacts and stories, making them accessible to all the world, moving forward into the future,” said Ray.
Jim Cogswell, who had been the guiding light of the Friends of the Presbyterian Historical Foundation at Montreat, said, “The birth today of the Presbyterian Heritage Center is a dream come true. It is an institution that we think will be an inspiration and will educate people regarding our distinctive sense of mission.”
Two innovative and interactive exhibits were ready for the opening celebration: “100 Years of Presbyterians in Montreat” and “The Great Korean Revival of 1907.” The choir from the Korean Church in Asheville, N.C., sang hymns during the opening ceremony.
Exhibits coming this summer include: “Presbyterians in Appalachia” (opening July 14) and “Outstanding Women Leaders in the Church” (opening July 22).
“The important thing to know is that we are going to be an educational outreach facility, both onsite and online. We intend to provide local churches with innovative ways to access their Presbyterian heritage. Every exhibit will have a lesson plan, a study guide, and downloadable material, said Heritage Center Executive Director Ron Vinson.
Martha Campbell, board member from Mobile, Ala., said she hopes many people will find Presbyterian artifacts among their family possessions and donate or loan them to the Center, following the example set by Jim Layman, a retired Presbyterian living at Montreat. His contribution of a rare old communion token mold from his father’s church in Bloomington, Ind., is a treasure now on display at the Heritage Center. The woodcarvings of the Rev. John Mack Walker, depicting gospel scenes using Appalachian people as models, have been familiar to Montreat visitors for years and remain in the lobby of the Center.
The existence of the Presbyterian Heritage Center at Montreat came about as a result of an amendment to a recommendation adopted by the 217th General Assembly in 2006. It reads: (3) Direct Montreat Conference Center, Columbia Theological Seminary, and the Friends of Montreat to work together to develop creative programs and resources at both Montreat Conference Center and Columbia Theological Seminary.
Working together, these entities have created the Presbyterian Heritage Center. The May 24 opening is just the beginning of the mission they have envisioned.
John Richardson, vice president for development for Montreat Conference Center, said, “We are excited about this opportunity to add another partner to Montreat Conference Center’s mission and ministry of strengthening churches, building relationships, and growing disciples in the name of Jesus Christ. Each year, over 1,500 churches send groups here for conferences and retreats. The Presbyterian Heritage Center will be a valuable addition to the Montreat Conference Center ministry and is one more example of how Presbyterians are working together in positive ways.”
For more information, go to: www.phcmontreat.org.
Jane Hines retired in 2006 after a long career in journalism. From 1990-2006 she was director for communications for the Synod of Living Waters, and served as editor of the synod’s every member publication, Presbyterian Voice. She is an ordained elder and member of Second Church in Nashville, Tenn.
