Synod Establishes Scholarship
in Honor of Jane Hines

by Janet Hilley

Following dinner at the January 30th Synod meeting there was a special program honoring Jane Hines and her 25 years of service to the Synod of Living Waters. The high note came when outgoing Communications Committee Chair Morris Taylor announced that the Communications Committee, wanting to thank Jane for her work as Director of Communications, had decided to establish the Jane Hines Communications Scholarship. When pondering what they could do for her as she retired, wanting to do something for her that reflected her gifts as a communicator and her dedication in keeping members of the Synod connected, they came upon the idea for the scholarship. This announcement came at the end of the festivities for the evening and was a welcome surprise to Jane.

Interviewing Marj Carpenter

With Marie Neal and David Snellgrove

The program began with warm and welcoming words from new Communications Committee Chair Emett Barfield who was the master of ceremonies for the evening. Emett pointed out that Jane has worked through the tenure of four Synod Executives and took the paper from a small newsletter to an award winning newspaper with a circulation of 65,000. In 1981, the Synod of the Mid-South was aware of a need to communicate with Presbyterians in the four state area which it served. Jane Hines seemed to be the right person to establish the communication in the Synod. And so she has proved to be. After reunion, the Mid-South Presbyterian became the Presbyterian Voice and Jane has kept the many Presbyterians in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi in the know since. For 25 years, Jane has traveled countless miles, listened thoughtfully to the stories of southern Presbyterians, and written them up with loving care so that the Synod might understand the continuing ministry taking place in its midst. Emett expressed heartfelt appreciation for Jane’s work and introduced Betty Meadows, General Presbyter of Mid-Kentucky Presbytery, to make a presentation.

In the General Assembly News Room with Dee Wade

Betty came forward with a large and festive package, asking that Jane join her at the lectern. As Jane opened the ribbons she found a lovely platter from Louisville Pottery inscribed, “Jane Hines, Voice Editor, 1981-2006”. With words of thanks Jane held up her gift for all to see.

Next Emett called upon former Synod Associate Executive and current Executive Presbyter of North Alabama Presbytery, the Rev. Warner Durnell. Warner spoke fondly of his time working with Jane at the Synod, noting her ability to find the story, traveling countless miles over the years to do so. With that he continued the Synod tradition of awarding the retiring staff person with the keys to their car. Jane has put many miles on her 2003 Ford Taurus in search of the story and will drive it into her retirement as a gift from the Synod.

Jane in Scotland

Finally, Emett called upon Morris Taylor to present the big surprise of the night, the establishment of the scholarship in Jane’s name. Jane was surprised and delighted at the announcement. In response she said, “The scholarship blows my mind and I really feel that it shouldn’t be in my name but in the name of all the columnists and page editors who have written for the paper over the years.”

As to what comes next, Jane will stay busy serving on the board of Manna, a Nashville area hunger ministry; continuing to edit the Northern Ireland Journal for the Presbyterian Committee on Northern Ireland; and will serve on the board of the Friends of the Presbyterian Historical Foundation. She will also spend time with her three grandsons in Richmond, VA, and of course, take her annual journey to Scotland in August.