Page 57 - UB Church and Shen Univ
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Volume 6 Relation of U.B/EUB Virginia Conferences to Shenandoah University Dec. 26, 2013
Conservatory of Music, and to the people of Winchester and Frederick County to go ahead.
How can you men of the cloth, who represent the teachings of Jesus Christ and the teachings
of your church, go back on your solemn word and withdraw your approval after we have all
worked over 2 years on this project? How, gentlemen, how? I am sure your word is your
bond.
I continued in this vein for at least 20 minutes and didn’t pull any punches. They gave me a big
hand, a thunderous applause, and I told Dr. Racey to get up and let them have both barrels. In a few
words, Forrest sanctioned what I had said and told them he would have to resign if they did not renew
Shenandoah’s approval to move; or words to that effect. We had also talked to some of our friends on
the board privately about the dire effects of their reversal decision. They were concerned. Bishop Epps
got up and said, “I think Colonel Wilkins and Brother Racey have made some excellent points that must
be addressed.” Dr. Brandenburg, Bishop Dennis, and others made similar statements. Bishop Mueller
made some negative comments—he wanted to build a college on the West Coast. The meeting then
went into executive session and later reconvened for the official vote. We were on pins and needles—
nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. As they called the roll, the vote was 10 to 2 in our favor! The
College-Conservatory was to be saved! We were ecstatic, happy, and overcome with joy. We turned it
around, and once again had the blessings of the Boards, the Bishops, and the National Church. Faith did
not let us down.43
Our Virginia Conference people; committees; the Shenandoah administration, staff, faculty,
students; and our Winchester-Frederick County supporters were jubilant. We felt nothing could stop us
now. We all went to work. We didn’t want any more such surprises.
6. Raising Funds for a Move to Winchester, 1956-57
Armstrong and Gregory Lead the Fundraising. The Gregory Building was designed as the
College Administration Building and was named in honor of Bishop David T. Gregory; and the
Armstrong Building was designed for the Conservatory and named in honor of the Armstrong family.
Frank Armstrong, Jr., made the first big pledge, supported the effort one hundred percent, and accepted
the Chairmanship of our Finance Committee.
Kicking Off the Campaign. In the beginning, I went to see Mr. Armstrong and told him about
our proposed project. After some questions and discussion he said, “I will pledge $25,000 to the project;
we needed this!” Later he raised this to $50,000. Then I went to see Fred Giaize, Jr., and he said, “ If
you and Frank are putting your money on the line for this project as you outlined, you can put me down
for at least $5,000 and maybe more.” Later he increased this tenfold. I went to see Senator Harry F.
Byrd, Sr., and he pledged $5,000 and gave much more later. So, we were “ off to the races,” as we had
enough initial contributions and pledges to gain the confidence and enthusiasm of our community. From
that time on, our campaign was very slow but successful as we expanded our organization and prospect
lists. Harold Patton, Treasurer, worked diligently on the campaign records and crews trying to collect
and secure additional pledges.
Getting the Architect Started. Architect Keith Williams agreed to contribute his services to the
project on the basis that the School could pay him if and when the trustees had the money. This was a
43 To continue the analogy, Joshua and all the people walked past the ark of the covenant, through the Jordan, on dry
ground (Josh 3:17). All were amazed! —The Editor.
Wilkins on History of S.C., 1952-1960 47
Conservatory of Music, and to the people of Winchester and Frederick County to go ahead.
How can you men of the cloth, who represent the teachings of Jesus Christ and the teachings
of your church, go back on your solemn word and withdraw your approval after we have all
worked over 2 years on this project? How, gentlemen, how? I am sure your word is your
bond.
I continued in this vein for at least 20 minutes and didn’t pull any punches. They gave me a big
hand, a thunderous applause, and I told Dr. Racey to get up and let them have both barrels. In a few
words, Forrest sanctioned what I had said and told them he would have to resign if they did not renew
Shenandoah’s approval to move; or words to that effect. We had also talked to some of our friends on
the board privately about the dire effects of their reversal decision. They were concerned. Bishop Epps
got up and said, “I think Colonel Wilkins and Brother Racey have made some excellent points that must
be addressed.” Dr. Brandenburg, Bishop Dennis, and others made similar statements. Bishop Mueller
made some negative comments—he wanted to build a college on the West Coast. The meeting then
went into executive session and later reconvened for the official vote. We were on pins and needles—
nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. As they called the roll, the vote was 10 to 2 in our favor! The
College-Conservatory was to be saved! We were ecstatic, happy, and overcome with joy. We turned it
around, and once again had the blessings of the Boards, the Bishops, and the National Church. Faith did
not let us down.43
Our Virginia Conference people; committees; the Shenandoah administration, staff, faculty,
students; and our Winchester-Frederick County supporters were jubilant. We felt nothing could stop us
now. We all went to work. We didn’t want any more such surprises.
6. Raising Funds for a Move to Winchester, 1956-57
Armstrong and Gregory Lead the Fundraising. The Gregory Building was designed as the
College Administration Building and was named in honor of Bishop David T. Gregory; and the
Armstrong Building was designed for the Conservatory and named in honor of the Armstrong family.
Frank Armstrong, Jr., made the first big pledge, supported the effort one hundred percent, and accepted
the Chairmanship of our Finance Committee.
Kicking Off the Campaign. In the beginning, I went to see Mr. Armstrong and told him about
our proposed project. After some questions and discussion he said, “I will pledge $25,000 to the project;
we needed this!” Later he raised this to $50,000. Then I went to see Fred Giaize, Jr., and he said, “ If
you and Frank are putting your money on the line for this project as you outlined, you can put me down
for at least $5,000 and maybe more.” Later he increased this tenfold. I went to see Senator Harry F.
Byrd, Sr., and he pledged $5,000 and gave much more later. So, we were “ off to the races,” as we had
enough initial contributions and pledges to gain the confidence and enthusiasm of our community. From
that time on, our campaign was very slow but successful as we expanded our organization and prospect
lists. Harold Patton, Treasurer, worked diligently on the campaign records and crews trying to collect
and secure additional pledges.
Getting the Architect Started. Architect Keith Williams agreed to contribute his services to the
project on the basis that the School could pay him if and when the trustees had the money. This was a
43 To continue the analogy, Joshua and all the people walked past the ark of the covenant, through the Jordan, on dry
ground (Josh 3:17). All were amazed! —The Editor.
Wilkins on History of S.C., 1952-1960 47
