New preaching studio to be unveiled graduation weekend
The Oglesby Preaching Studio will make its debut at a formaldedication ceremony on the Harding University campus Friday, May 13.
In June 2010, Waterview Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas, made a
commitment to the University to donate $200,000 over a period of four
years toward the construction of a state-of-the-art preaching studio.
Their initial contribution was made in September, and the church has
included the facility as part of its domestic ministry budget within
their regular contribution.
“We are very impressed with the commitment that Harding has made to
aggressively deal with the crisis of a shortage of preachers,” says
Danny Hawk, an elder at Waterview. “We believe that many have had an
awareness of the crisis for years, but Harding is stepping out to
offer a solution. This will give student preachers a wonderful
opportunity to watch and learn from their own presentations and later
film sermons that can be sent to churches when they begin the
interview process.”
Designed by Mike Steelman and built by the University’s physical
resources department, the studio is reminiscent of Cone Chapel,
trimmed with the same dark woodwork lining the walls and round,
saucer-shaped light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. The room is
housed on the first floor of the McInteer Bible and World Missions
Center and seats 34 people. The facility features two video cameras
and other audiovisual equipment, including three flat-screen monitors
mounted on the side and back walls, and a control room. According to
Hawk, the room “provides the atmosphere and feel of a church
auditorium.”
The studio is named for Robert K. Oglesby, whose has been a mentor for
preachers throughout the world with a ministry spanning 57 years, 48
of those years as minister at Waterview. A dedication plaque in the
studio will read “This facility honors the lifetime commitment of
Robert Oglesby to preaching the gospel and serves as a testimony of a
congregation’s love and respect for its beloved minister.”
The room will primarily be used for filming student preachers,
allowing them to see themselves and review their sermons with
professors. In addition, it will be used for teachers to film classes
they would otherwise miss and for preachers who want to come and film
sample sermons to help them in their interview and resume process.
“It will obviously be a great blessing to student preachers as they
develop their skills,” says Dr. Bruce McLarty, vice president of
spiritual life at the University. “In addition, we think it will say
to prospective students and their parents that Harding takes a very
high view of preachers and preaching.”
The construction project was completed in March.