DR. JAMES TAYLOR PASSES

Well known as a leader in Christian Education, a professor at Oklahoma City Southwestern College in the 1960-1970's, and an innovative leader and educator, Dr. James Taylor passed away Friday November 19, 2010 in Oklahoma City.

James Edward Taylor, PH.D., was born July 21, 1933 in Austinville, Virginia, and graduated to his heavenly home November 19, 2010, in Oklahoma City. He was the son of C.R. Taylor, Sr. and Annie Hazel Fisher Taylor, and was one of their ten children. He met his bride, Mary Bly McMillion, while holding a tent revival in her home town in 1954, and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his father and five siblings. He is survived by his mother; his wife, Mary; and his four children: J. Mark and Virginia Taylor, of Edmond, OK; Melody and Todd Smith, of Bedford, VA; Michael and Melodie Taylor, of Georgetown, SC; and Marty and Kari Taylor, of Orlando, FL; and seven grandchildren, whom he adored: Chance, Daniel, Graham, Abigail and Molly Bly Taylor; and Caleb and Luke Smith. He is also survived by two sisters, two brothers and their families. James was a consummate "seeker of truth," and as such, he pursued and earned several degrees, including an Associate degree from Emmanuel College; a Bachelor of Divinity from Asbury College, a Master of Theology from Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Education from the University of Pittsburgh, a Specialist in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Administration from Golden State University. He also completed doctoral studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Elgin, IL. In his early years, he served as a pastor in churches in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and as President of Ambassador Bible Institute in London, OH. For over two decades, he was a leader in the field of Christian Education in Oklahoma. He served as the founding chairman of the Christian Education Department at Southwestern Christian University, and enjoyed a long tenure as the President of the Oklahoma Christian Education Association. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23

Viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Monday at Mercer-Adams, with family present from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at River of Life Church, 6901 N.W. 150th Street, in Oklahoma City. Burial will follow in Wytheville, VA.

Obituary

LabanWest 2010

Mrs. Iaquinta at her Reception, 2010

1970's Alum

Feast of Ingathering 2010

Mrs. Hudson with alum the Rev.Emma Crouch.

Alums and Friend Weekend 2010

Past president Hugh Morgan.

Chrismon Service - A Long Time SCU tradition

This image is dated circa 1990. This tradition has been a high point of SCU since it the school began it in the mid 198o's under the leadership of Mrs. Iaquinta. For years alums have returned to participate in this special time of rejoicing and worship in the sacred season. Some have even brought back children and grandchildren to enjoy this event.

The History of the Chrismon ® service at SCU, 1985 -Present

In 1985, a new faculty member, Charlotte Iaquinta, sought to enrich the meaning of the holiday season for her students at Southwestern in Bethany, Oklahoma.

In this special service the historic and traditional symbols of the faith (the Chi-Rho and many others) were part of a lovely and reflective liturgy, inspiring music, and personal creative effort, all combined to make an impact in the lives of staff, faculty, and students. A tradition was born.

Every year since then, SCU students have taken the challenge to create an ornament of deep personal significance to them. These creations are deeply personal, significant and faith based objects that create a memory. It became such a vital memory Alums come back each year to add their special item to the tree once more, some even bringing their children to participate. They gladly share tales of how they have shared the custom in their families and churches. With moving words they share how it has enriched their family and their church each holiday season.

Over the years, graduates in many disciplines requested copies of the service to use in their own homes and church settings.

The concept of using symbols to convey meaning dates to the early days of the Christian church and the term ‘chrismon’ is based on the ‘Christ Monogram’ from those ancient days.

“Chrismons”™ is a trademark of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. In the United States the Ascension Lutheran Church holds a copyright/trademark on the use of the word “Chrismons.” ™ It was created by Mrs. Frances Spencer, who originated the concept and brought it to reality in that church in 1957. The Ascension Church has specific limitations as to use: no Chrismon ™ is to ever be sold or bought but must be hand crafted, colors used must be white and gold. Pattern books may be purchased from the links below:

A small booklet of symbols (.pdf):

http://www.uncs.org/chrismons/booklet.pdf

Ascension Lutheran Church site: http://www.chrismon.org/site/

Clipart images: http://www.hasslefreeclipart.com/clipart_christian/page1.html

‘CHI MOSTRA: Spirit of Christmas Symbols’

SCU developed some independent features, such as adding elements to reflect the Triumphant and Victorious aspects of Christ and the use of purple, green, red and blue along with the white and gold. If these elements are used please refer to the service as the SCU CHI MOSTRA: Spirit of Christmas Symbols.

May then the true “Spirit of Christmas” enrich, expand, and enthuse each heart this Holy Season.

Dr.Frank G. Tunstall

The only SCU president to serve two separate terms as President.

1980's Class Officers

Son of W.R. Corvin Passes

Douglas Rayford Corvin passed away unexpectedly November 5, 2010. Southwestern Christian University is deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend and son of W.R. Corvin, former SCU president. Doug graduated from Southwestern High School in 1968 and then attended Oklahoma City Southwestern College from the Summer of 1968 to the Spring of 1970.

He was born March 3, 1950 in Beloit, WI to William Rayford and Geneva Leenora Corvin. He was a loving husband, son, father, poppie, and great-grampie, brother, and uncle, cousin and friend. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; father, W.R. Corvin; his daughter and son-in-law, Melodye and Evan Klassen, and children; daughter and son-in-law, Chaney and Mark Satterfield, and children; his sisters, Nita Tryman and Geralon Ore, and their families; his stepchildren, Shele Hobza and David Simpson, and their families. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., at Eagle's Crest Fellowship, 5956 N.W. 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK. The service will be led by longtime friend, Rev. David Oxley, Sr. "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8. Condolences may be made at www.chapelhill-okc.com