Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary // Giving from the Heart

Giving from the Heart

"Southern Seminary has been the focus of my life for more than ten years," exudes William E. Taylor, affectionately known on campus as "Ole Bill." He has been called a "living link" between the seminary and Region 9 congregations and was officially designated as Volunteer Development Associate in 1998.

His association with the seminary started out with air conditioning. He loves to tell the story: "My wife Virginia and I were visiting Cecelia and Bob Walker [who was chair of the Board of Trustees]. Because of what he told us about the seminary, Ginny and I decided to stop at the campus on our way home. We met with President Mack Branham and Vice President [for Development and Seminary Relations] Jim West. They laughed when we asked if the seminary had any needs we could help with and presented a laundry list. One item was the air conditioning of two faculty homes. I looked at Ginny and she nodded her head."

Since then, the Taylors (Ginny died in 1998) have funded many projects including retreats, faculty salaries, financial aid for students, and publication of the seminary's journal, Taproot. They have arranged that, in life and in death, their "generosity is approaching the fantastic level!" as Pastor Walker once observed.

A member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Tallahassee, Bill, who is 91 years young, has visited the seminary twice a year since1993 to attend classes. He has the highest regard for the faculty and a deep respect and fondness for students; he feels strongly that congregations have a role to play in easing the amounts of financial debt many seminarians carry with them when they enter public ministry.

Bill has been an exceptional spokesman and volunteer. In regard to one of several fundraising initiatives he oversaw, Bill proclaimed, in his booming voice, "The story [of the seminary] is gonna get told across the South because I'm gonna tell it!" Bill Taylor's gifts to the seminary are dear and precious, indeed, because of his joyfully giving heart.

"Bill has many gifts and much experience. All of this, coupled with a great love and appreciation for the seminary and its mission, makes Bill and exceptional spokesperson for Southern Seminary. We are grateful for his volunteerism on our behalf." – Fred Reisz, May 6, 1998

William E. "Ole" Bill" Taylor Fund for Faculty Support

"…you have been so generous in sharing your life experiences and the measure to which God has blessed your lives. Such experiences speak with more clarity and power than any sermon. Thank you for your sharing."
…"dedicated, spirit-led people such as you…We are so grateful for your gift and the leadership it offers to others." – James West, former VP for Dev. & Sem Rel.

"Your leadership has been contagious! It is good to know that your giving is making an important impact on the preparation of future pastors…You empower each of us who work here with your ministry on our behalf." – Reisz, Dec. 92

"…[your gifts] undergird the work of the Council for Stewardship Education." – Branham, June '92

"Your gifts create a ripple effect that you would have no idea in Chuluota is happening."

"Yes, the Lord has blessed both of you…with material things, but also with a fervent desire to serve…"—West, Jan. 91

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Giving from the Heart

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