Convocation marks 112th academic year at Brewton-Parker

Steve Echols, BPC President, addresses students, faculty, staff, and administration at Convocation 2016 in Saliba Chapel. SARAH BULLARD/Special

By Mandy Corbin

Director of Marketing

MOUNT VERNON — Brewton-Parker College (BPC) celebrated the beginning of a new academic year Aug. 30 during Convocation Chapel in Saliba Chapel. The 2016-2017 school year marks the 112th academic year for the four-year liberal arts Christian college.

BPC President Steve Echols opened his message about God’s purpose. In it, he shared the meaning of convocation – a time of dedication and recommitment to a purpose and mission. Echols then read Jeremiah 1:5. There, the Lord revealed to Jeremiah that He knew him and consecrated him before being formed in his mother’s womb.

Echols pointed out consecration means to be set aside for a reason. “Everyone here has a purpose; we’re not just an accident,” he told the congregation. “Everyone has a purpose before God.”

Brewton-Parker Faculty Grand Marshal Dr. George Mosley leads the processional during Fall Convocation on Aug. 30. SARAH BULLARD/Special

Echols then shared Brewton-Parker College's core values with students. “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 has a purpose for you. To this purpose we commit ourselves.”

Academic, professional staff sign Baptist Faith and Message 2000

Afterwards, new faculty, athletic staff, and student development staff signed the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Thereby, they expressed a 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 Aug. 25.

BPC alumnus Eric Parker opened the program by performing the prelude. Next, faculty processed into Saliba Chapel in full academic regalia led by Faculty Marshal George Mosley, assistant professor of English.

Vice President of Academics Robert Brian presided over the ceremony as Assistant Professor of Music David Wilson, along with Voices of Truth, led the audience in a hymn of dedication. Next, Campus Pastor Steve Edwards gave the invocation followed by Professor of Christian Studies Jerry Ray's prayer of commitment.

Wilson, along with Voices of Truth, led the audience in the choral benediction. Amanda Allen, assistant professor of history, then closed the ceremony through giving the benediction. The program ended with a processional by Parker on the organ. Alongside him, Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Haley accompanied on trumpet.

Public chapel services occur every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

More photos can be found at www.facebook.com/brewtonparker.