Episcopal School of Texas surpasses $12.8 million development goal

September 24, 2008 [Episcopal News Service] TMI-The Episcopal School of Texas, now in its 115th academic year, has successfully completed the $12.8 million first phase of an ongoing capital development program to help meet the needs of a 400-member student body. More than $15 million was raised, exceeding the fundraising expectations of the "We're on a Mission" campaign.

Launched in 2005 by the school's board of governors and the Rt. Rev. James A. Folts, retired bishop of the Diocese of West Texas, "We're on a Mission" began the effort to build a new sanctuary and implement other campus improvements, such as three new residence halls, improved technology, faculty development and endowment for facilities and scholarships.

The school dedicated and consecrated the new 500-seat All Saints Chapel and Ewing Halsell Residence Hall on September 7. The chapel will provide a venue for daily student chapel services as well as house three classrooms. Ewing Halsell Residence Hall, made possible through a generous donation from the Ewing Halsell Foundation and other benefactors, has become home for 13 of the 54 students enrolled in the TMI residential life program. 
 
In addition, the General Douglas MacArthur Permanent Endowed Scholarship Fund established during the campaign and named after an alumnus from the Class of 1897, received an anonymous $1 million gift from another alumnus to help seed the program.

"It was a conscious decision of the board to build a sanctuary -- not an all-purpose hall, which also might embrace the chapel service, but one with a fixed altar as a true place of worship," said Tom Frost, TMI's Class of 1945 and member of the school's board of governors. "I have fond memories of my time as a TMI student, participating in chapel services. God's role in life was emphasized each day with the entire student body and faculty present. That has a significant and lasting impression on me to this day."

The new chapel, according to the board's vision statement, "will be the central focal point of our campus and will stand as tangible evidence proclaiming the commitment we have to TMI's Mission Statement."

"This building will be the inescapable 'bricks and mortar' manifestation and truth of our mission statement: to provide an excellent educational community with values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ," said Folts. "It will be that holy place on the campus where spiritual lives will be refined for generations to come."

The design and construction of the facility incorporates invaluable input from the TMI family. The structure was designed by architect Chris Carson, Class of 1951 and the team from Ford Powell and Carson Architects. The construction of the building was managed by Browning Construction, an enterprise of Jamie Browning, Class of 1961.

In addition, one of the classrooms was donated by The Tobin Endowment in memory of another alumnus, Edgar Tobin, Class of 1914 and a member of the prestigious Flying Aces.

In a tribute to the school's 115-year history in Texas and the campus' picturesque location, the chapel is crafted of indigenous Texas limestone. Its roof, with its wooden trusses, is designed to appear as though it is "floating" and induces a cascade of light from all sides of the worship space.

The TMI community will be seated on stately wooden pew chairs with kneelers -- many bearing the names of generous donors -- that can be configured several ways to accommodate a variety of appropriate events, such as worship services and concerts.

The chapel boasts an array of audio/visual equipment, including two projection screens, 15 speakers, an assortment of microphones -- both wired and wireless -- as well as assisted listening devices and a CD recorder so microphone audio can be recorded. The chapel is also outfitted with directional lighting and house lighting. The three classrooms located under the main sanctuary are also wired with similar technology.

According to Dr. James A. Freeman, headmaster, the campaign reflects the legacy of service that TMI has long endeavored to instill in its students. "Part of our mission at TMI is to create servant leaders," Freeman said. "We are blessed by the servant leadership displayed by so many of our board members, alumni, parents and friends to help make this campaign the success it is. The building of All Saints Chapel represents our conviction that spiritual maturity is essential not only for personal growth but also for equipping our students with the wisdom they will need to become effective servant leaders in our community and the world."

Founded in 1893, TMI is a private, co-educational, college-preparatory school for grades 6-12, with optional Junior ROTC and boarding programs.

Further information is available here or by calling 210-698-7171.

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