Luncheon celebrates exciting vision for Southwestern’s Houston campus

HOUSTON, Texas (SWBTS) – President of Southwestern Seminary Paige Patterson and his five-member cabinet hosted a luncheon, April 22, at the Havard School for Theological Studies for a group of donors, Houston faculty and trustees, and other guests. The luncheon focused on discussing the fresh new vision for Southwestern’s Houston campus.

Southwestern began offering theological education in Houston as early as 1975. Originally in the form of extension courses on the campus of Houston Baptist University, the program evolved over the next quarter-century such that it now provides five degree options, including one bachelor’s and four master’s degrees.

In 2002, Southwestern partnered with Park Place Baptist Church in order to establish a more permanent home for the Houston campus. Evangelist J. Dalton Havard provided the initial gift to establish the school, which was named in his honor. Denny Autrey became the school’s first dean in 2004.

Last fall, Patterson announced that, with Park Place having moved out of the facilities and the city of Houston revamping the area, Southwestern leadership deemed it time to begin constructing new facilities for the Havard campus. These will include a new chapel and banquet hall with nearly double the capacity of the current facility as well as new classrooms and office space for faculty. By the end of this multi-phase project, the Havard School will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 students.

This vision was expanded upon at the luncheon, April 22. Guests learned that a master plan has been completed and involves the demolition of existing buildings and construction of new facilities on the nine-acre campus, requiring $15 million for construction and $5 million for an operating and maintenance endowment. Patterson encouraged those in attendance to do three things: pray, give, and introduce other ministry partners to Southwestern.

Guests also heard from Autrey, who, in sharing his vision for the campus, added several additional elements. One opportunity he presented is a partnership with churches and associations within the 560-mile perimeter that encircles Houston. He also expressed his desire to open extension sites throughout strategic locations in Houston, which would help the school achieve its ultimate goal of ensuring that every church has a trained minister.

Southwestern’s five vice presidents utilized the luncheon to share their enthusiasm for the opportunities the Houston campus has to provide text-driven ministers to local churches in the Houston area and to reach the lost around the world, recognizing that the world is at the campus’ doorstep. In addition, alluding to the heritage and responsibility of the Havard campus, Judge Paul Pressler, a long-time friend of Southwestern, reminded the group that “the future of Southern Baptists is in the seminaries.”

To contribute to the development and ministry of the Houston campus, visit swbts.edu/give.