The Fund
The T. Russell Seminarian Support Fund was established September 2020 in memory of Reverend Timothy Lowell Russell (1957-2020). Tim Russell lovingly served among the congregation as pastor, preacher, teacher, mentor, and friend in two separate seasons of time.
In recognition of Tim’s adeptness at and love for reformed theological education, the purpose of the fund is to provide financial support for students who are accepted for enrollment at an approved seminary. Due in large part to the generosity of many donors, the balance now stands at $64,000.
Support under this Fund is specifically for African American or Hispanic members of our congregation or any member seeking a degree in urban ministry or any degree coupled with a clear calling for use of that degree in urban ministry.
The First Recipient
Bradley Morrow is the first beneficiary of the fund. He is a native of Jackson, TN, and graduated from the University of Memphis where he met his wife Bri Morrow. While in college, he was involved with Campus Outreach and began to suspect a future in vocational ministry. Upon graduating, Brad joined the Memphis Fellows Program, during which he worked part-time in youth ministry for the Binghampton Development Corporation. It was these experiences that aided in discerning his call to vocational ministry. Brad is now serving as a Pastoral Resident at Second and working towards his Master of Divinity from Memphis City Seminary. The Foundation also supports the Pastoral Residency Program at Second.
Brad states, “Even though I did not have a relationship with Tim, I admired him from afar. While I desired to attend seminary and pursue a calling in ministry, the idea of doing that in a majority white context was challenging for me in many ways. Getting to watch Tim faithfully serve in his role at Second was such an encouragement for me, and the Lord used his life to help me to trust Him in my calling to ministry.”
This fund continues in the tradition of a strategic mission of the Church and Foundation, while targeting support for an area that was close to Tim’s heart. Tim served as the Church’s pastoral liaison to the Foundation regarding seminarians. The fund is reflective of both Tim’s devotion to reformed theology and his love of counseling many young members of the congregation as they sought discernment regarding seeking a seminary education.
Church member and Director of Communications for Second, Robb Roaten, is a mentor to Brad. He said, “Tim Russell was passionate about equipping young pastors and spoke often about the importance of developing leaders for Gospel ministry. Being a close friend of Tim, it has been such a privilege to honor his legacy by getting to know Brad Morrow through serving as his seminarian mentor.”
The Future
The Foundation welcomes the receipt of funds from members of Second and the community at large for the purpose of providing support for this effort. If you would like to make a contribution, simply direct your gift to the attention of Second Presbyterian Church Foundation: T. Russell Seminarian Support Fund or donate here. If you would like to learn more about the Fund or discuss ways in which you can participate, contact Vicki Simmons at (901) 507-7898 or vicki.simmons@2pc.org.