Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University holds dedication service for the praying hands

Campbellsville University holds dedication service for the praying hands

05/05/2015

The praying hands sculpture

The praying hands sculpture was dedicated during Campbellsville University’s Earth Day Celebration. The sculpture was made possible by donations from Dr. G. Ted and Sheri Taylor. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

 

                                                                                                                                                                  May 5, 2015
For Immediate Release

 


By Hanna Hall, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University held a dedication service April 22 at the pergola for the praying hands in honor of the week long Earth Day Celebration.

Jeff Sheppard, Big Blue Nation legend, MPC Promotions and CU corporate sponsor, led this service with scripture Psalm 27 and a prayer of dedication stating “Lord, thank you for the privilege of prayer.”

 

Jeff Sheppard giving address
Jeff Sheppard, former University of Kentucky basketball star,
gave an address at the dedication. (Campbellsville University
Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

Sheppard said, “I pray every time that a student, a staff member, a faculty member, a parent, a visitor would see these hands that you would convict our hearts, that you would remind our minds, that you would immediately put something in us that will lead us to prayer.”

Everyone gathered for the portrait unveiling of the praying hands composed by I. Lee Jackson, artist.

Jackson said, “People come into my house and see my art work, things that I have framed on the wall, and they say ‘Did you do this? Did you paint these' and I just say ‘I just held the brush, the Lord did the painting.'”

He thanked Tim Heilman, director of development, for giving him the opportunity to paint these hands and that he was honored to do so.

The Rev. Eric Gilbert, pastor at 3Trees Church of Russell Springs/Campbellsville, discussed the important place that prayer has in preparing servant leaders.

“Campbellsville University is ordained of God to help people to find their calling, to enable students to become servant leaders on behalf of Jesus Christ,” he said.

“I believe that there are students on this campus, students that have been on this campus, and students who will come to this campus that perhaps these praying hands will become a symbol to them to truly surrendering their life to God.”

Gilbert discussed how prayer changes our perspectives and realigns our priorities in life.

Heilman sang “One Pair of Hands” by Glen Campbell.

Dr. John Hurtgen, dean of the School of Theology, recognized Rob Peterson, woodcarving and scrimshaw artist, who sculpted the praying hands that are located between Stapp Hall and the Administration Building.

Peterson said, “It really has been a great opportunity and pleasure for me to be able to do this sculpture.”

Attendees joined hands at the end of this dedication service to join Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, in prayer.

 

Dr. G. Ted Taylor, Jackson, Dr. John Hurtgen and Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University
The praying hands was depicted by Lee Jackson, second from left. At the dedication were:
from left: Dr. G. Ted Taylor, Jackson, Dr. John Hurtgen and Dr. Michael V. Carter, president
of Campbellsville University. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey)


The praying hands sculpture was made possible by donations from Dr. G. Ted Taylor, and his wife, Sheri. Taylor is director of FIRST CLASS, Church Outreach and parent relations at Campbellsville University.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.