NEWS

Capital Campaign Proceeds to Support Affordable Housing and Campus Ministry

Davidson College Presbyterian Church (DCPC) announced today the church has exceeded the original goal for its Opening Doors Capital campaign, raising more than $6.5 million against a goal of $5.75 million. The funds will be used to improve entrances to the building, renovate and add technology to the church’s worship spaces, and create gathering space for informal meetings and social interactions between services and throughout the week.

“We said throughout the campaign that Opening Doors was about more than money—it was about welcoming, connecting and serving,” said DCPC senior pastor Rev. Dr. Peter Henry. “Thanks to the generosity of more than 350 families—members, visitors and friends—we look forward to welcoming more people, connecting with students, and serving our community in new ways in the future.”

A large component of the campaign was DCPC’s service to the community, including creating an endowment for a full-time, permanent campus ministry position to support Davidson College students and students of DCPC members. Half the funds for the $1.5 million endowment were raised by the church, with the other half raised by a committee of Davidson College alumni and friends.

“We are especially grateful to the William F. and Betty G. Mulliss Foundation of Charlotte for leading the way with their $375,000 matching gift, which inspired many Davidson alumni and friends to partner with DCPC and fund Presbyterian ministry to the Davidson campus in a sustainable way,” added Henry.

With the affordable housing crisis in the Lake Norman area remaining a growing concern, DCPC will contribute approximately $575,000 to area nonprofit organizations addressing housing needs. Information about specific projects will be announced this summer.

Right now, DCPC is embarking on the design process, starting with a series of listening sessions to seek feedback from members. Renovations of the Sanctuary and Lingle Chapel are expected to begin this fall, with additional construction projects to take place in 2023.

Opening Doors Campaign committee members include Chris Ahearn and David Houle, cochairs; Ann Browning, Rebecca Chaffin, Karen Fesperman, Jay Harris and Ed Wadsworth. Campus Ministry Endowment committee members are Ann Browning, chair; John Griffith, Marya Howell, Sarah Jenest, John Kuykendall, Cissi Lyles, Heather McKee and Cambria Nielsen.

Davidson College Presbyterian Church is a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive faith community where all are one in Christ. We are a Matthew 25, Earth Care, and Stephen Ministry congregation on the corner of campus and community. Our congregation celebrates partnerships in Christ with the Signona Presbyterian Church in Kikuyu, Kenya; the Kilambe communities in Jinotega, Nicaragua; and Blythe Elementary School in Huntersville.

For more information, contact Chris Ahearn, [email protected], 704-252-3031