Class of 2007 Graduation at Trinity Temple College of Religion

By Edith Anderson
Correspondent
Posted: July 16, 2007 10:54 a.m.
Updated: July 16, 2007 10:54 a.m.


The time had come. Excitement was evident. Long, studious nights of burning the midnight oil were now a memory.
Trinity Temple College of Religion in Hinesville hosted its annual graduation June 16.
The class of 2007 reached a milestone and they were ready to receive their diplomas. The students hail from Liberty County and surrounding areas.
In addition to Trinity Temple College of Religion, students from the Ekklesia School of Ministry in Gainesville, Fla., also participated in the commencement exercise.
The class had shared many experiences. Some students had to withdraw because of illnesses, but returned to share the special moment with their classmates.
Delphine Durant of the Ekklesia School of Ministry underwent surgery the week prior to graduation, but still participated in the ceremony.
Larry Latson, also from the Ekklesia School of Ministry, had suffered a stroke, but had a desire to continue his education. Many sacrifices had been made just to complete all of the course requirements. Most of the students came directly from work to class.
The school term was now behind them. The students had spent many long hours in class on Thursdays and Saturdays listening to lectures from their instructors and guest speakers.
They also presented lectures and sermons, participated in role-play, completed case studies, book reports, exercises, quizzes, and tests. When they were not in class, they found themselves swamped with many books to read and complete tests that were enclosed and papers to prepare.
Probate Judge Nancy Aspinwall (who received an honorary doctorate from Trinity in October 2005) and Dr. James Evans (president of the Trinity Temple College of Religion Alumni Association) gave greetings. Juanita Johnson, Walthourville city clerk, and Inez Shanks (registered nurse with St. Joseph Hospital) were selected from among the students to speak on “Bridging the Gap.”
These two students would not be returning to class for the 2008 school term. They had completed their requirements for their doctoral degree.
The commencement speaker, Dr. L. V. Williams (chancellor of the International Overcoming College of Religion in Columbia, S.C.) delivered an arousing commencement address.
“Satan wants a refund. You have graduated and the enemy is angry,” he said.
Dr. Jimmie L. Smiley, chancellor of Trinity Temple College of Religion told the students they were “trailblazers.”
Bishop John Lockett, pastor of Pillar of Zion Church in Walthourville, received an award for having the highest grade point average.
Others students receiving awards for their high GPA were: Artis Carswell, pastor of St. Philips Baptist Church in Reidsville; Josephine Walthour of Jesup and Juanita Johnson. Dexter Andrews of Hinesville received an award for being the most outstanding student, Matthew Joyce of Reidsville received the most punctual and enthusiastic student award; and Gary McBride of Hinesville and Matthew Joyce received most improved student awards.
Students received associate, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Eliseo J. Vasquez, chancellor of the Ekklesia School of Ministry, gave the “new beginning blessing” and the students proudly sang their class song, “Lord Lift Us Up.”
Returning students are already looking forward to the next school term that begins in August.
Anyone desiring to attend Trinity Temple College of Religion, may contact Drs. Jimmie Smiley or Lucile W. Smiley at 369-6082/369-5363.
Educational programs are available beginning with a Bible diploma to a doctoral degree.
The school is at 1016 Live Oak Drive in Hinesville.