Minute Monday!

As promised, I wanted to share with you some quick facts about the Seminary of the Southwest. So come along with me on a journey through the past!

Filling the Need
The 1950s were booming for the Episcopal church.  Growth was exponential and seminaries couldn't keep up.  In order to fulfill that need, Bishop coadjutor John Hines decided a seminary in Texas would be a perfect solution.  In 1951 the seminary received its charter from the state and the following year was recognized by the diocese as an institution.

Southwest has always had a history of adjusting to what the church is in need of.

• 1970s-Hispanic studies became a part of life at the seminary.  This was to effectively bring up clergy to minister to the Hispanic population of the church.  Later in the decade women ordinations were approved by the church and the seminary opened their doors to women seeking the formation

             fun fact-the first woman to graduate and be ordained from the seminary was Rev. Susan Buell, 1978

• 1980s-Lay formation came into focus and at this time a revised curriculum was created and approved; adapting to the needs of the church after prayer book revision. 
• 2000s-The seminary has expanded beyond just ordained and non-ordained formation.  They created programs for mental health and counseling.  This program has been recognized as one of the best in the state.  Out of this expansion, the seminary has expanded programs for chaplains; healthcare, school, and military.  All to fulfill the need of the church.

Stay tuned for tomorrows Trivia Tuesday!