Logsdon Seminary

Logsdon Seminary is a private Baptist seminary in Abilene, Texas associated with Hardin-Simmons University. The seminary offers the Master of Divinity degree, the Master of Arts degree, and the Doctor of Ministry degree.[1] The university is experiencing financial troubles and announced a plan in early 2020 to close the seminary.

Logsdon Seminary
MottoHumility, Compassion, and Courage.
TypePrivate seminary
Religious affiliation
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Academic affiliation
ATS
SACS
DeanRobert Ellis, PhD
Location
Abilene, Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth, Lubbock, McAllen, and San Antonio
,
Texas
,
United States
Websitelogsdonseminary.org

History

The Logsdon School of Theology was named for Charles and Koreen Logsdon of Abilene. Mrs. Logsdon made the largest gift in the university’s history to that date to establish the Logsdon School of Theology in memory of her husband. Construction for the school was completed in 1989 and it is located on the southeastern corner of Hardin-Simmons University's campus. The complex features classrooms, a distance learning and preaching facilities, and the Logsdon Chapel. In 1995, Logsdon School of Theology began offering seminary programs and by 2004 the HSU trustees officially established Logsdon Seminary.[2]

Hardin-Simmons University publicly experienced financial challenges in the late 2010s continuing into 2020 as the state and the Baptist General Convention of Texas reduced the funding levels of programs in which the university participates. In 2018, the university ended 9 undergraduate and 4 graduate programs and closed 5 campus extensions including Logsdon Seminary campuses in Coppell, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, and McAllen. These changes also included terminations of staff and faculty.[3] Two years later, in 2020, the university announced that it would close Logsdon Seminary and end an additional 22 academic programs with accompanying terminations of staff and faculty.[4][5]

Deans of Logsdon School of Theology and Logsdon Seminary
  • H.K. Neely, Jr., first dean (1983-1998)
  • M. Vernon Davis, second dean (1998-2003)
  • Thomas V. Brisco, third dean (2003-2011)
  • Donald D. Williford, fourth dean (2011–2017)
  • Robert R. Ellis, fifth and current dean (2018–present)[6]

Logsdon Chapel

The focal point of the school is the Logsdon Chapel. Construction for the Logsdon School of Theology began in 1988. It is located on the southeastern corner of Hardin-Simmons University’s campus, just seconds from Interstate 20. The 350-seat chapel space is illuminated by a breathtaking stained-glass window at the front and at the back, l treasure: a Vissar-Rowland Opus 93 pipe organ inscribed with the words: 'Soli Deo Gloria.'

Dr. H.K. Neely, Logsdon’s first dean, consulted with the Byrd Glass Company of Lubbock, Texas to design and construct the Logsdon Chapel stained-glass window. Constructed of 60 individual panels, the 30-by-41 foot wall creates a magnificent kaleidoscope of light. A magnificent piece of Christian art, the window symbolizes the purpose, mission, and vision of Logsdon School of Theology: a cross, an open Bible, and a dove. Centered in the window, the cross signifies the centrality of the living Christ. The open Bible represents the authority of the Bible as the essential and trustworthy guide for life and faith. The dove represents the Holy Spirit’s presence in the global mission of the church. These elements are encircled, representing the students call to serve the world.

The Grace Katherine White Organ, named for Mrs. Katherine Logsdon White, sister of Mr. Charles Logsdon, was constructed in 1992 and likewise warrants a sense of grandiosity. The Vissar-Rowland Opus 93 pipe organ was based on a conventional North German-Dutch design.[7]

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gollark: I just experience monitor wobbling. It isn't very problematic.

References
  1. Logsdon Seminary - Degree Programs
  2. Logsdon Seminary - History
  3. Chipp, Timothy (October 15, 2018). "Hardin-Simmons University president announces layoffs, program closures in Monday email". Abilene Reporter News.
  4. Hollingsworth, Joey (February 7, 2020). "HSU to cut Logsdon Seminary programs". KTAB/KRBC. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  5. Hollingsworth, Joey (February 14, 2020). "Hardin-Simmons cutting 22 programs, more than 31 faculty & staff positions". KTAB/KRBC. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
  6. Master, Web. "Dr. Bob Ellis Named Dean of the Logsdon School of Theology | Logsdon Seminary". Retrieved 2018-07-31.
  7. Logsdon Seminary - Building and Chapel History

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