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Lindsey Wilson University Celebrates its United Methodist Heritage

At Church & University Celebration, students encouraged to discover their purpose.

by Duane Bonifer

COLUMBIA, Ky. (09/24/2026) — The Rev. David Graves planned to be in the baseball business -- either as a professional baseball player or the owner of a professional baseball team.

But nearly 50 years ago, while standing alone at the pulpit in his church's sanctuary, Graves heard a calling for a different kind of career path.

"I heard a voice say, 'This is what I call you to do -- to proclaim the good news of Jesus,'" Graves told a standing-room-only audience of Lindsey Wilson University students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the university's V.P. Henry Auditorium.

Graves -- who is now the bishop of the Kentucky, Central Appalachian Missionary and Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church -- delivered the message at Lindsey Wilson's Church & University Celebration.

"I want to encourage you that God has a purpose and plan for each of you, and God speaks through many forms and fashions," Graves said in his afternoon message, titled "Generation to Generation." "This university is a great place to get an education, to play athletics but also to get to know what is your purpose in life."

Church & University Celebration is an annual event held at Lindsey Wilson to commemorate the university's deep connection to Methodism. Lindsey Wilson was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which evolved into the current United Methodist Church.

As Graves noted in his message, Lindsey Wilson has educated about eight generations of students since its founding in 1903.

"You're going to go out, and you're going to be another generation that's going to change things," Graves told the students. "I pray that you can do a lot better job than my generation has done. And I believe you will do that. I have great faith in that."

As a reminder of the generations he represents in his daily work, Graves wears a cross around his neck that is more than 150 years old. The cross was given to him by the bishop who ordained him as a bishop, having been passed down from three earlier prior generations of Methodist bishops.

"My prayer today is that from generation to generation we will continue to be all that God calls us to do be a hope for those that have no hope, and a voice for those that don't have a voice," said Graves.

Family gathering

Lindsey Wilson Chaplain the Rev. Tyler Brumfield said the university's annual Church & University Celebration is a kind of gathering of the "extended Lindsey Wilson family." And church leaders reminded those gathered in the auditorium that day is also an affirmation of the university's 123-year affiliation with the United Methodist Church because both institutions welcome and foster inquiry.

"The United Methodist Church, I am proud to say, is a place where all of us are encouraged to think; a place where it is OK to have questions and doubts; where disagreements can coexist; a place where you do not have to check your brain at the doors of the church before entering," said the Rev. Jay Smith, who is superintendent of the South District of The United Methodist Church Kentucky Conference.

Lindsey Wilson President William T. Luckey Jr. told the assembled that the university "strives to be the model United Methodist university" by creating "a community of scholarship and learning which facilitates social justice" and "respects and honors religious practice" on campus.

Echoing Graves' words, Luckey said that Lindsey Wilson also aims "to expand the impact of our faith and service beyond the boundaries of this campus and into this community, across this country and around this world."

Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 30 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university's 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.

Media Attachments

Lindsey Wilson University Chaplain the Rev. Tyler Brumfield, center, gives the benediction at the Church & University Celebration, held Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the university’s V.P. Henry Auditorium.

The Rev. David Graves, who is bishop of the Kentucky, Central Appalachian Missionary and Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church, delivers the message at Lindsey Wilson University Church & University Celebration, held Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the university’s V.P. Henry Auditorium.

Lindsey Wilson University President William T. Luckey Jr. speaks at the Church & University Celebration, held Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the university’s V.P. Henry Auditorium.

Lindsey Wilson University Director of Choral Activities Jennifer Bersaglia, left, leads a song at the Church & University Celebration, held Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the university’s V.P. Henry Auditorium.

Lindsey Wilson University President William T. Luckey Jr., left, talks with the Rev. David Graves, bishop of the Kentucky, Central Appalachian Missionary and Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church, following the Church & University Celebration, held Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the university’s V.P. Henry Auditorium.

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