Editorial: Fight for Southwestern

Now we ask you to help us continue to fight for this historically black college in Terrell, Texas, associated with Churches of Christ.

In late 2013, Southwestern faced the sudden, crippling loss of $500,000 in federal funding when two of its grants were slashed in half. You responded to our appeal, giving nearly $300,000 to the college. They are grateful — and we are humbled.

The need remains. Insurance and construction issues have slowed completion of a new facility that will replace the Jack Evans Administrative Building, destroyed by fire in 2008. (Our faithful readers also donated funds to help in that effort, which soon will be completed.) Unrealized promises of additional funding have been a setback and discouragement for Southwestern’s hard-working, underpaid faculty and staff. The college’s most pressing need is funds to pay their salaries.

Why save Southwestern? We believe the college provides vital educational and cultural foundation for an important part of our spiritual family. Begun in 1950, Southwestern trains men and women for careers in the world and service in the Kingdom and currently has 150 students. More than 50 percent of the nation’s nearly 1,200 predominantly black Churches of Christ have ministers who attended Southwestern, said James Maxwell, vice president of institutional expansion and professor of religious studies. Scores of elders, deacons, song leaders and Bible school teachers call Southwestern home.

We pray that you will help us keep Southwestern from closing its doors. Whatever you can give will help. Donations may be sent to SWCC, P.O. Box 10, Terrell, TX 75160. Please note “Christian Chronicle appeal” on checks.