Vernon O. Elmore Endowment and Scholarship Fund
August 2, 2006
In conjunction with First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi, the South Texas School of Christian Studies is pleased to announce the newest endowment for pastoral ministry students. The School of Christian Studies is accepting endowment gifts establishing the scholarship fund and future Chair of Pastoral Ministries.
The late Dr. Vernon O. Elmore (left), one of the founders of the School and Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi, TX, bears the namesake of this endowment and scholarship fund. After completing seminary Dr. Elmore served fifteen years at Baptist Temple in San Antonio and twenty-three years at FBC Corpus Christi. With nearly four decades of experience in pastoral ministry, he retired in Corpus Christi in 1986.
Dr. Elmore’s leadership at First Baptist Church left an indelible imprint in the life of the church. To this day ministries begun during his tenure continue to thrive and flourish. The Shoreliner, the church newsletter, and the television ministry communicate the Gospel to the South Texas region. Retirees live in the Koinonia Homes, an apartment community with reduced rates. The FBC School educates children through the eighth grade and the Recreation Ministry reaches out to children, youth and adults through well-known programs such as Upward Basketball. Evidence of Dr. Elmore’s global perspective and desire that all should know the Gospel remains through the international ministry, which offers literacy and English classes as well as Bible study groups. He also initiated missions programs in Mexico and throughout the U.S., to which FBC regularly sends church members to assist with various projects.
Distinguished Alumnus awards from every institution he attended, including Southwest Baptist University, William Jewell College, and Southern Seminary, celebrate Dr. Elmore’s exemplary leadership abilities. He received appointments as president of the Southern Baptist Alumni of Texas and vice president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Dr. Elmore acknowledged the importance of education and contributed to educational development throughout Texas. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Southern Seminary for ten years and as a trustee and professor at the Baptist Learning Center of South Texas, now the South Texas School of Christian Studies. When the University of Corpus Christi closed to become a part of the Texas educational system, Texas Baptists retained ten acres and the vision for theological education in South Texas. Soon an autonomous board established the Baptist Learning Center where ministers could find affordable theological education near their field of service. These values endure in the School of Christian Studies, where men and women of various Christian denominations sharpen their skills for church ministry. The Chair of Pastoral Ministries will prepare individuals for the sacred calling of ministry, ensuring Dr. Elmore’s vision for theological education and pastoral ministry for future generations.
The Vernon O. Elmore Pastoral Ministry Endowment and Scholarship fund honors Dr. Elmore’s service, leadership, and accomplishments. This chair designates scholarship funding for School of Christian Studies students and a full-time professor of pastoral ministries.
Click here to download a copy of the announcement and endowment schedule.