Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Since 1959, the Ecumenical Christian Ministries has served as an on-campus haven for events, classes and the popular veggie lunch. After the building’s recent addition to the National Register of Historic Places, students should work to support the building as it seeks renovations and improvements.
One of more than 80,000 properties listed on the Register, the ECM played host to luncheons, University club meetings, political meetings and religious group meetings. Campus Minister Thad Holcombe said the process to get the building on the Register was very thorough and required a lot of research. However, the building’s rich history justified the effort.
“Our building became the site for people to meet and feel like they were in a safe place,” Holcombe said. “It’s very accessible, and it’s really a sacred place where people can look at where they are and where they are going.”
Even with the new distinction of being placed on the Register, the ECM has set its sights on new renovations to the building. The ECM has set a goal of raising $826,000 for various improvements to the building’s inner workings, which include the kitchen, parking lot and a broken central air conditioning system. The ECM hopes to accomplish this in two phases of fundraising.
“We’re currently in a ‘quiet phase,’ or a point where we go out to talk to individuals about contributions,” Holcombe said. “Later we’ll have things like major events, dinners, and benefit bands.”
Holcombe said he thought the more active phase of fundraising would probably start in January. Approximately $230,000 has been pledged. Holcombe noted many students were looking to help out immediately with the fundraising, but the ECM’s goal was to hold off on the larger events until the “quiet phase” was complete.
Though it has been in existence for only 50 years, the ECM has been a valuable piece of the University. Its addition to the Register proves that it will be around for a long time, and renovations are necessary to help the building become even more valuable than it already is.
There will be many opportunities to help with fundraisers and donations, and the ECM will welcome all the assistance it can get. Students should duly note the building’s importance to the University, respect its history and become a part of its future.
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