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FATHERS AND THEIR SONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2008
BCF Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Dr. Mark Rathel, David Rathel, Dr. Alex Kinchen and BCF President, Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen celebrate graduation at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
Graduation ceremonies are exciting enough but recently several faculty and administrators from The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville, Fla., had the unique opportunity to participate in their son's graduations.
BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen was able to place the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) hood on his son, Alex Kinchen, during the graduation ceremony held at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) in Wake Forest, NC. Alex is currently serving as the lead pastor of Master's Church in Lexington, KY. "Often I have heard the comment 'like father like son' in a derogatory way pointing out some weakness in both men," noted Dr. Kinchen. "At this time for my colleagues and me this statement is a wonderful compliment. I know of no man I admire more than I do my son. We like to think that we are making some contribution to the lives of our students, but when we see our efforts magnified in the lives of our children it is a double blessing."
During the same graduation exercise held at SEBTS, Dr. Mark Rathel, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy at BCF, was able to participate in the service as his son, David Rathel, received his Master of Divinity in Christian Apologetics degree. David currently serves as pastor of Fork Baptist Church in Scottsburg, Virginia. David plans to apply for the Ph.D. program at Southeastern Seminary and start his next degree in Fall 2009. "One of the greatest joys in my life has been to observe the call of God in my son's life," commented Dr. Rathel. "Being able to participate in his commencement service was truly lagniappe, a Cajun word descriptive of an extra blessing."
BCF Professor Emeritus, Dr. Wiley Richards, with his son, Dr. Roger Richards, immediately following FSU's graduation exercises.
One day later, BCF Professor Emeritus Wiley Richards was able to present the Ph.D. hood to his son, Roger Richards, at commencement exercises held at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee. Roger serves as the Chair of the General Education Division and Assistant Professor of History and Christian Studies at BCF. As the FSU President made his welcoming remarks during the graduation ceremony, both father and son were asked to stand to be recognized for having earned their second doctorates from FSU. The elder Richards received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from FSU in 1984.
It was a proud moment as each father participated in the graduation ceremonies with their sons. Graduation not only marked a major milestone in the lives of the sons but also the joy of following in their father's footsteps.