Amos Purnell Bailey lived from 1918 to 2006. He was a Virginia Conference pastor who served for 68 years, including the time he spent as the senior pastor of Reveille, 1967-1970. While serving as an Army chaplain during World War II, he began writing a daily syndicated column titled “Our Daily Bread,” which he continued for over 54 years.
In 2002, a significant endowment was given to Randolph-Macon College in Dr. Bailey’s name to fund scholarships for students in pre-ministerial studies. This program provides students half-tuition scholarships for their freshman and sophomore years and full tuition for the junior and senior years. In return, Bailey Scholars commit to earning a Master’s level degree from an ATS accredited theology school following college.
An important part of being a Bailey Scholar is completing two pre-ministerial internships while at Randolph-Macon. Interns are placed in a wide variety of settings, including placements in churches and non-profits, as well as international service opportunities.
This year, Reveille was asked to host a Bailey Scholar as a summer intern. I can think of no better place for a Bailey Scholar to spend a summer than here. In addition to our historical connection with the program’s namesake, we are able to offer multiple perspectives on lay and ordained ministry in a setting that maintains its mission in such vital ways over the summer months.
Our 2019 Bailey Scholar intern will be Katie Wax. Katie is a native of Chesapeake and is completing her junior year at Randolph-Macon. I first met her last summer when she helped to facilitate a program at Randolph-Macon called Convergence which helps high school students learn about the intersection of science and faith. My daughter Ellen participated in this program.
Katie is bright, energetic, and enthusiastic about her summer with us. I know you will enjoy getting to know her, beginning in June. She loves the church and is passionate about ministry.
I am so proud that Reveille is a congregation who is able to give back to the broader United Methodist connection in this way. Reveille has been blessed throughout its history by strong lay and clergy leadership, and our participation in the Bailey program will enable us to help raise up a new generation of church leaders who will benefit congregations near and far.
Grace and peace,
Doug