Throwback Thursday: Christianity Across Campus by: Delani Bauer
- HSU Brand
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Hardin-Simmons University has always remained committed to its Christian values with its statement of purpose, reflecting a strong focus on service and community.
The University seeks to, “Encourage individuals to lead lives of service through active involvement in intellectual, cultural and religious life, both on the campus and in the larger communities of Abilene and the world.” This mission is reflected through HSU’s long-standing Christian allegiance.
The Alton Christian Award for Outstanding and Exemplary Christian Service was established in 2000 and was first presented to Bill and Janice Altom for their Christian service at HSU.
In 2011, during a Tuesday morning chapel, the late Terry Minami was surprised with the honor of receiving this award. Terry exemplified Christian service through her commitment to the International Student Fellowship, becoming a mother figure to many HSU international students through her selfless support and generosity.
HSU’s Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) has a longstanding tradition of hosting Night of Worship. In 2011, Night of Worship was introduced as “an occasion of fellowship and food on the last Tuesday of every month.”
BSM students promoted the event through sidewalk chalk drawings, encouraging their peers to attend. Each month featured guest speakers with dinner and coffee provided, and the worship and message focused on a different topic.
This student-led worship provided students with a unique opportunity to build a stronger Christian community and a new time to worship together. “The purpose of Night of Worship is to allow students a chance to have extra worship time outside of chapel. Some may want to sleep in on Tuesday morning and miss out on Chapel, but not want to miss out on the opportunity to worship in the evening.”
HSU has also consistently sought to serve the Abilene community. In 2011, students earned extra chapel credits through various community service opportunities.
They served with Love and Care Ministries, feeding the homeless and witnessing to its attendees. Students also volunteered at Haven House and Friendship House, helping to provide comforting environments for neighborhoods across Abilene. In addition, students worked with the Abilene Boys and Girls Club and BSM missions.
(The Brand (Abilene, Tex.), Vol. 99, No. 14, Ed. 1, Tuesday, April. 12, 2011)
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