John Hines Legacy Society
Founder of Seminary of the Southwest, the Rt. Rev. John Elbridge Hines was the primary influence in the establishment of the seminary in 1952 while he was Bishop Co-adjutor of the Diocese of Texas. He saw the need of the church to have a seminary of its own in the Southwest and established Seminary of the Southwest to equip people to proclaim the gospel in the world in which they live. Bishop Hines went on to become the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and led the church with courage and prophetic vision during some of the most difficult years of the century. Calling for the rights of all Americans during the tumultuous civil rights conflicts, he is known as one of the finest Episcopal preachers of the 20th century, exhorting the church to a vision of social justice.
We honor and pay tribute to John Elbridge Hines, the founder of Seminary of the Southwest, each year on John Hines Day. This celebration of his life and the life of Southwest includes chapel, fun and festivities for our friends, faculty, alums and students. Our 2010 celebration was particularly special as it marked the year of Bishop Hines’ 100th birthday. In 2012 we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of our founding by the Rt. Rev. John Elbridge Hines.
Bequests and other planned gifts increase the seminary’s endowment, grow scholarship funds and provide ongoing support, thereby ensuring the continuance of the Southwest mission—to prepare mature Christian leaders for ministry in all walks of life. The value of this particular gift grows with each generation of seminarians who are well prepared to do God’s good work. Such a gift is truly a legacy.
Touch Lives without Touching Your Income
Become a Member of the John Hines Legacy Society
Do you want to support Seminary of the Southwest but find it daunting because of your every day financial obligations?
Consider a Planned Gift
Planned gifts are donations made through your long-term estate or financial plans and have several benefits: they are deferred until after your lifetime so your current income or assets are not affected, and you have the right to change your mind at any time.
A Bequest Puts Your Family’s Needs First and then Supports Southwest
Include a gift in your will or revocable living trust. You may choose to leave a percentage of your estate, so that no matter how the size of your estate changes over the years, gifts to your family and charities remain proportionate.
Bequest Language
Simply include one sentence in your will or trust to make your gift. That one sentence and your legacy will support Seminary of the Southwest for years to come. The official bequest language for Seminary of the Southwest is: “I, [Name], of [City, State, Zip], give, devise and bequeath to Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest (aka Seminary of the Southwest) [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”
Life Insurance Gifts
- A gift of life insurance to Southwest is a simple way for you to make a difference. Ask your insurance professional to help you.
- Change an existing policy to name Seminary of the Southwest as owner and beneficiary.
- Purchase a new policy and name Southwest as owner and beneficiary.
- Designate Southwest as beneficiary for all or a portion of the policy proceeds.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust allows a gift of assets to be made now while retaining the right to retrieve those assets later if it becomes necessary.
Life Income Gifts
A charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust or gift annuity can provide income for you and your spouse for life and make a major gift to Southwest. These trusts, particularly when they are funded with appreciated property, often provide donors increased income as well as favorable tax benefits. For gifts in smaller amounts, a charitable gift annuity or a pooled income fund gift provides similar features and benefits.
Gifts of IRAs and Other Tax Defferred Savings
Persons with tax-deferred funds such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k) plans, or other qualified retirement plans, may find tax advantages in bequeathing these assets for their charitable giving. Tax-exempt organizations are not subject to the income tax that individuals are and are able to benefit from the full amount of the gift.
Real Estate Gifts
Real estate can be a source of your gift to the seminary. By establishing a remainder life estate, you can deed a house, farm, ranch, or condominium to the seminary and retain the right to live on the property and/or receive income from the property for as long as you live.
Support of Southwest
The seminary’s policy is to add bequests and other planned gifts to the endowment. However gifts may be directed toward established scholarship funds, professorships or faculty chairs, as well as general operating expenses (see Major Giving). Planned gifts may also be used to establish endowed funds in memory or in honor of beloved friends or family.
Southwest is deeply committed to grow all endowments to ensure the long term stability of the institution. Further details about management, asset allocation and spending rate are available from the office of Administration and Finance.
John Hines Day
An Annual Celebration of our Found and Legacy Society Members
Friends, members of the Hines family, seminarians and faculty gather on campus each year to celebrate John Hines Day around the anniversary of his birth. Bishop John Elbridge Hines (1910-1997) was many things: former dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, diocesan bishop and builder of congregations, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and also the visionary leader who founded Seminary of the Southwest.
Each year all John Hines Legacy Society members are acknowledged at the annual John Hines Day celebration.
For More Information:
While we cannot provide legal or tax advice, the Office of Institutional Advancement is available to answer questions. For more information about making a planned gift and becoming a member of the John Hines Legacy Society please contact Charley Scarborough, Vice President, Institutional Advancement: Email: [email protected]
