Press Release

The Baptist College of Florida

Office of Information Services

April 8, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The newest addition to The Baptist College of Florida’s historic Heritage Village was dedicated in a ceremony featuring college family and friends Friday, April 4. The addition of the Clark-Wall House marks the eighth structure to be added to the quaint village which brings together turn of the twentieth century churches, homes, and other structures in effort to keep history alive for BCF students.

The home was donated to BFC in 2000 by the Clark-Wall family in memory of Olan Clark, a long-time resident of Graceville. Olan Clark served as a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Graceville for over 30 years as well as Sunday school director and was instrumental in the development of the facilities of the First Baptist Church through service on the building committee. Before being moved to Heritage Village, his home was located only a few blocks from First Baptist Church and was a center activity for visitors in its day. Speaking in memory of his father during the ceremony, son Bill Clark recounted numerous memories from the home including the birth of he and his three siblings. Other family members on hand for the event shared memories of hunting, quilting parties and other activities in the home which they described as often resulting in wall-to-wall pallets in the large center hallway at night for the many children gathered. The family was honored with a resolution of appreciation by the Florida Baptist Historical Society for their donation.

The Clark-Wall house, a fixture in the Graceville community, was renovated through a generous anonymous gift arranged by Dr. Walter D. Draughon III, son of Dr. Walter D. Draughon Jr., in addition to a charitable donation from the B.R. Chamberlain Foundation of Orlando, Florida. Restoration now complete, the dwelling houses the offices of the Florida Baptist Historical Society and the Draughon Center for Baptist Studies.

The Draughon Center for Baptist Studies was established by Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen, BCF president, in honor of Walter D. Draughon, Jr., who served at BCF for over 32 years. Affectionately known by students simply as Dean Draughon at his retirement from BCF, Dr. Walter Draughon, Jr. was instrumental in the work of BCF. A resolution of appreciation presented by the Florida Baptist Historical Society noted Dr. Draughon’s dedication to the causes of Jesus Christ, his exemplary kingdom service “rendered in large measure through The Baptist College of Florida and other Florida Baptist and Southern Baptist institutions,” his service in teaching and preparation of generations of leaders among the denomination and his influence in the arena of Christian education in Florida. Speaking during the event Dr. Kinchen expressed his gratitude to Dr. Draughon for his life-long work stating, “You have served with me. . . not only as a colleague, but as a brother and a friend.” Walter D. Draughon III also addressed the crowd gathered for the dedication telling of the many important lessons his parents instilled in their family of which he said most importantly included the necessity of sharing the gospel. Speaking to his father and mother, Jackie Draughon, he said, “We honor you [with this dedication] and in doing so, we honor all that is Baptist, and in doing so we honor the Lord himself.”

The board of the Florida Baptist Historical Society was on hand for the dedication ceremony and offered their gratitude to both families for their contributions.

For more information about Heritage Village call (850) 263-3261, ext. 446 or e-mail lltice@baptistcollege.edu

CUTLINE (clarkwall_dedication1_0403):  Following touching memories shared by members of both the Clark-Wall family and the Draughon family, Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen, right, unveils two plaques recognizing the contributions of both families. Also pictured, from left, Annette Clark, Bill Clark, Walter Draughon, and Jackie Draughon.

CUTLINE (clarkwall_dedication2_0403):  Twenty-seven members of the Clark-Wall family or Graceville gathered at BCF for the dedication of the home.

CUTLINE (clarkwall_dedication3_0403):  A large crowd gathered at BCF’s Heritage Village for the dedication of the Clark-Wall house, the newest edition to the village. The dwelling houses the offices of the Florida Baptist Historical Society and the Draughon Center for Baptist Studies.

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