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News Release


Long-time Southern Baptist pastor
honored with ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø degree

Jackson, Tenn. – ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø honored 93-year old retired Southern Baptist pastor R.C. Ryan with a doctor of divinity degree at graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 20.

R.C. Ryan receives the doctor of divinity degree during ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø's spring 2000 commencement ceremony.
Ryan, who planted several churches across the country and over the years, began his ministry at age 15, though he did not begin actively pastoring churches until he was ordained in 1935, while attending college and seminary part-time. His ministry eventually took him to five different states and eighteen churches.

A wise steward of his resources, Ryan has been a long-time supporter of ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø and recently donated $600,000 as part of a $1.2 million total gift commitment to fund ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø's Center for Biblical Studies, which will focus resources for helping individuals learn to more effectively study the Bible.

"Brother Ryan's gift is an incredible demonstration of generosity and sacrifice on behalf of ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø," according to ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø President David S. Dockery. "He is a marvelous friend of ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø's students and a strong supporter of ÃÈÃÃÉçÇø's Christian mission, and we are proud and excited to honor him in this way."

The Center, scheduled next fall for completion, will be named after Ryan.