Morehouse College News October 20, 2017 Church Mutual Donates $250,000 To Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Restoration Project The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Restoration Project has received a huge boost thanks to a $250,000 donation from Church Mutual Insurance Company. The multi-million-dollar restoration project is giving a needed facelift to the historic King Chapel, named after Morehouse's illustrious alumnus who was a member of the class of 1979. The Chapel, built in 1978, has hosted speakers such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, President Jimmy Carter, and many other luminaries. Church Mutual, founded in 1897, offers specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, as well as schools, camps, denominational offices, and senior living facilities. Their CM CARES foundation supports charitable, educational, and religious causes that improve the human condition. "At Church Mutual, we are committed to serving a higher purpose," said Richard Poirier, president and CEO, Church Mutual Insurance Company. "We call it protecting the greater good. And that protection extends far beyond the insurance products we sell. Ultimately, we're here to improve the human condition for everyone, regardless of color, gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. "We see the same spirit and higher purpose in Morehouse College and the distinguished alumni associated with this incredible institution," Poirier said. "In these times of racial division and strife, Dr. King's message and deeds are more relevant than ever. This gift is our humble way to honor his legacy. It will help restore the MLK Jr. International Chapel, a focal point at the college and an important resource for preparing leaders." Philip Howard, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Morehouse College, said the new partnership with Church Mutual is one based on shared values among two organizations that are leaders in their respective industries. "It makes sense for us to partner with someone who is at the top of the class in ensuring houses of worship," Howard said. "Our values are very similar, which is why we are so excited and thrilled to be partnering with Church Mutual." Howard said the new partnership will extend past the restoration project. King Chapel Dean Lawrence E. Carter Sr., and Vicki Crawford, director of the Office of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, are both slated to work with Church Mutual on projects promoting both Morehouse's and King's voice and values. "These are examples of us using our intellectual capital to help enhance what they are doing in terms of raising the visibility of Martin Luther King Jr. and other areas where our values are alike." SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/