It Keeps Getting Better
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BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE | SPRING 2018 mountain view It keeps getting better Miss Johnnie Armstrong The Mountain View is a publication of the BMC Alumni Association. FROM THE PRESIDENT Barbara Childers McMillin ’m smiling as I write this introduction to the Spring 2018 edition of the Mountain View because the face that graces the cover always makes me smile. My guess is that you are smiling too and for the same reason. The twinkle in those bluish-green eyes conveys everything we Ihave come to expect from our beloved “cover girl”: joy, encouragement, mischief, gratitude, faith, and love. In that one look we recognize all that we love and cherish about our “Miss Johnnie.” As you enjoy “Don’t Just Roll the Ball,” I hope that you will relish all the ways in which Johnnie Arm- strong is a blessing to you and to Blue Mountain College. It is no secret—Miss Johnnie loves BMC. She is always quick to proclaim her gratitude for the many, many special people whose leadership and love for the Lord have shaped her life and the lives of others who call this place home. This edition features stories about several individuals who, like Miss Johnnie, have in some way invested their life in the work and ministry of Blue Mountain College. Ronald Meeks, Sam Patterson, Kathie Wessels Wilson, Maria Teel—these are just a few of the folks whose legacies are sure to include a profound and far-reaching impact upon the history of the College on the Hill. The stories of two alums—one from the Class of 1951 and one from the Class of 2017—will confirm what you already know: the influence of Blue Mountain College remains as strong and as life-shaping as ever. You will be moved by the love story of Robert and Mertice Baker Ringer, and you will be inspired by the faith and courage of Rachel McFatridge. May this edition of the Mountain View give you many reasons to smile! Soli Deo Gloria! the view contents Message from the President 2 Message from the Alumni President 3 Truth Through Personality 4 Don’t Just Roll the Ball 6 Never The Same 8 Ministerial Alumni Invest In BMC Students 9 Joining an Alumni Group 10 Alumni Award Winners 14 When Two Become One 16 Alumni Events 17 The Search Is On 18 Sam Patterson...Man With Practical Perspective 20 Association Members 22 Class Notes 23 Palmer-Donnell House 24 In Memoriam 25 BMC Alumni...Be Involved mountain view | 1 ALUMNI PRESIDENT lue Mountain College continues to experience un- precedented growth. As alumni president,I have Helping to Accomplish Goals enjoyed being on campus more, and being more involved in seeing the exciting changes that are tak- ing place at our beloved college. When I attend chapel, I am amazed to look around to see the large Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium almost filled to capacity with students and faculty. When I enjoy a meal in Ray Dining Hall, I am impressed by the Class of delicious meals offered daily—and impressed by the friendly, outgoing student body obvi- 67 ously enjoying building lifelong friendships as they study, play sports and music together, and participate in societies and clubs. One of the reservations I heard from alum- ni as the college embarked on its GROW BMC plans was the fear that the fundamen- tal nature of the college would change and somehow be compromised. I have carefully observed the atmosphere on campus over the past two years, and I am happy to report that I see even more dedication to honor, integ- rity, and Christian growth and service than ever before. There are more opportunities for growth through additional sports offerings and enhanced facilities for them, through a band program, and through award-winning vocalists taking a long list of state and regional honors, as well as through the The Blue Mountain College Class of 1967 was honored at Homecom- chorale being invited to sing at Carnegie Hall this year. The ing on the Hill in April at their fifty-year reunion and installed into the reputation of Blue Mountain College for academic excellence Golden Flame Society. Members of the class who attended Home- continues to grow. coming on the Hill included Lana Hill Anderson, Jana Beasley Astles, Janie Clower Bryant, Mary Beth Gowan Burghard, Kay Craft Davis, One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been Kayrene Smith Duckworth, Sarah Jernigan Escue, Carolyn Knight the increased financial support from the surrounding geograph- Fooshee, Laura (Leeba) Roy Griffin, Margaret Davis Houpt, Myra ic region through endowment of scholarships and through Harrington Langley, Ivey Lambert Sewell, Jane Walters Tannehill, Lois donations for improved facilities and for the ever burgeoning Cochran Umphress, Jenny Graves Weisz, Peggy Rainey Wroten and not needs for operating expenses in this age of technology. There is greater local awareness of and enthusiasm for the college than pictured, Connie Russell. They began arriving on Thursday evening I have ever seen. I give thanks to God for His continued bless- and spent many hours throughout the weekend catching up, sharing ings on this beautiful and holy place of education and Christian memories, and laughing together. They provided a fun skit and an growth, and I have never been prouder to announce everywhere inspiring and challenging speaker at the BMC Follies on I go that I am a graduate of Blue Mountain College. Friday evening. As their Golden Gift, they donated funds to accomplish many goals and dreams from the college’s wish list. Included in their designated gifts were the projects to update and renovate the front of the Wilfred Tyler Gymnasium, tinting the windows, and installing a new sign on the front. In addition, they donated funds for three benches, two RENELDA PHARR OWEN trees, and an additional amount to go toward the Palmer-Donnell BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE ALUMNI PRESIDENT BMC CLASS OF 1978 House renovations. mountain view | 2 Dr. Ronald T. Meeks TRUTH THROUGH PERSONALITY by Tim Mims hillips Brooks defined preaching as, “truth through per- He teaches students to find new ways to communicate the truth. The sonality.” Dr. Ronald Meeks embodies that definition. For message does not change but methods do. One way Dr. Meeks exem- over twenty-one years he has utilized his unique person- plifies truth to students is “The Moses Rap.” The Old Testament Rap ality to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a Summarizing the book of Exodus helps students to understand the Professor of Blue Mountain College. We all love and appreciate him as pivitol event of the Exodus in Bible history. And because its a favorite he continues to make a difference. at Blue Mountain College, he is often asked to do the “Moses Rap” when preaching in many local churches. The Moses Rap expresses his Dr. Meeks challenges us who come through the gates of Blue Moun- passion for God’s Word, ability to simplify biblical concepts, and great tain College to grow in wisdom and depart to serve with excellence. sense of humor. His motto for each class, “You must read to succeed,” not only hold’s students accountable but teaches good study habits that transcend the Dr. Meeks also impacts the world in many other ways. He is one of classroom. The test of that success is how students are serving Christ all the most sought after preachers in Mississippi for revivals, conferences, over the world. Some serve in remote places while others serve in more and Winter Bible Studies. A preaching dream was fulfilled this year well known places. Yet, lowly and great they serve well. One reason as he preached the Mississippi Baptist Convention sermon. He made they serve is because of the lessons taught and caught from Dr. Meeks. Mississippi Baptist history as the first Professor to preach the Conven- tion address. Many expressed how the sermon motivated and chall- gened them to leave their comfort zones to go outside the camp serving Christ. He also serves as a pastor to pastors and an advocate to local churches. It’s not uncommon for one of his ministerial stu- dents to receive a call or a personal visit of encouragement. When someone finds out we are connected to Blue Moun- tain College, they ask, “Do you know Dr. Meeks and have you heard the Moses Rap?” To honor him for more than twenty-one years of service, the college bestowed on him the Jim Futral Chair of Expository Preaching and Biblical Studies. And we all agree that he well deserves such an honor. Therefore, we applaud with sincere gratitude, Dr. Ron- ald T. Meeks, for his outstanding service as a teacher and preacher of God’s Holy Word. While he has served well for over twenty-one years, the best is still yet to be! So, let us join Dr. Meeks as he joins our Lord expressing His Truth through our lives for His glo- ry! Let’s Go!!! Dr. Ronald Meeks and his wife Julie Meeks. mountain view | 33 Don’t Just Roll the Ball by Kayce Bragg, Chelsey Griffin, Christina Smith hen you think of Blue Mountain College, the first person that comes to mind is Miss Johnnie Armstrong. Through her sixty plus years, she has not only influenced the lives of her former and current students, but she has been a role model and friend to a host of faculty, staff and friends of BMC. Her office paints a picture of time, mentorship and memories. Snapshots of her career fill every space in the room. Her desk and bookshelves display trinkets and pic- tures that give a testament to the numerous individuals she has encountered.