TERRELL, Tex. (BNc)- Two buildings at Southwestern Christian College were destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, according to the Terrell Tribune.
Firefighters battled flames in the Jack Evans Administrative Building and the adjacent science building for 36 hours.
The three-story administration building, originally built as a military college, had an Olympic-sized swimming pool where many textbooks and documents were stored.
In an open letter sent Jan. 29, Natesha Wyrick Cathey, president of National Alumni Association of SWCC, wrote, “I was able to visit with Dr. Evans this afternoon regarding what action can be taken to assist the administration’s efforts at this time. Before anything significant can be done, Dr. Evans must wait for the report from the fire marshal and the insurance adjuster. At that time, he will issue a formal statement unveiling any building plans in which we might participate individually and collectively.”
Students returned to classes on Tuesday, the Tribune noted.
SWCC is an accredited four-year Christian college offering two-year and bachelor’s degree in Bible and religious education. About 200 students are enrolled.
The college serves mainly African-American Christians. Dr. Jack Evans serves as president.
A new administration building is under construction, and staff were preparing for the move.
2008-01-30 at 3:37 pm
As soon as BNc learns of what we as Christians can do to help SWCC please be sure to update your readers.
2008-01-31 at 4:48 pm
Scott, this letter was received just moments ago:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2008
Contact: Dr. James Maxwell
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
(214) 616-4728
Fire destroys historic buildings at Southwestern Christian College
Terrell, Texas – A devastating fire began at approximately 2:00 a.m. Sunday, January 27, 2008, on the campus of Southwestern Christian College destroying the Jack Evans Sr. Administration Building and the adjacent Old Science Building.
The Evans Administration Building complex had been part of the campus since its inception. The complex included the Ben Foster Jr. Memorial Chapel Auditorium, Student Support Services Program, auxiliary classrooms, computer labs, the computer main frame, and the main switchboard making phone service on the campus inoperable at this time. As a result, more than 20 administrators, instructors, and support staff have been displaced from their offices.
God be thanked, no injuries were sustained.
“The entire Southwestern family is understandably shaken by this tragic event,” said President Dr. Jack Evans. “However, we will not allow this set of circumstances to break our spirits. We will instead use this experience to make us better because we have withstood it.”
In order to supplement the rebuilding efforts, Dr. Evans along with the SwCC Board of Directors have authorized a fundraising initiative in order to bring “beauty out of ashes” based on Isaiah 61:3.
Additional details about the Capital Fundraising Campaign, including corporate, organizational and individual giving opportunities, will be forthcoming. Updates will also be available from the Office of Institutional Advancement and posted on the college’s website.
The college’s main number (972) 524-3341 will be operational in a few days.
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Southwestern Christian College is a liberal arts Christian college founded in 1949 in Terrell, Texas.