The Gray Center has had its share of challenging problems for decades, but this year the Board of Managers faced unprecedented financial losses due to the advent of COVID-19, which forced the cancellation of all conferences and all sessions of Camp Bratton-Green during the spring and summer of this year.
Adding to the stress was the uncertainty of resuming business for the last six months of 2020. On July 6, the grim turn of events forced the Board to adopt a corporate resolution for the closure of what many call the heart of our diocese.
“It was with very heavy hearts that the Board of Managers adopted this resolution. The ministry of Gray Center has been formational for all of us who serve on the Board, and for so many around the diocese and beyond. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, we feel that suspending operations and engaging in a phase of visioning and discernment for the future of the conference center property is necessary at this time. We trust that this process will consider a wide range of possibilities, and we will look forward to summer camp at Camp Bratton-Green in 2021,” said Scott Davis, president of the Board of Managers.
Davis also thanked executive director, Susan Merrill, and the Gray Center staff for their diligent efforts since coming onboard, particularly over the last few months.
“They have been loving stewards of Gray Center, and I thank them for all of their hard work,” Davis said.
As required by canon, the diocesan Executive Committee met July 8 to consider the resolution submitted by the Board of Managers. The resolution was affirmed with amendments by the Executive Committee to suspend all services on July 31, 2020.
The Executive Committee's decision follows its work to amend the diocesan budget, which was passed last February at Annual Council in Tupelo. An article about the amended budget and the budget itself is printed in this issue.
Bishop Seage said that there would be “continuing discernment” in which all possibilities will be considered regarding a plan for the 550 acres of the conference center property on Way Road's north side. This process will involve the trustees of the diocese and Standing Committee input.
“However, I envision a full 2021 spring and summer Camp Bratton-Green schedule to take place,” the bishop said.
It is planned that security and upkeep of buildings and grounds will take place by a small staff. The bishop noted that all other camp and conference center personnel would be offered severance packages after July 31.
The bishop also addressed The Seeds You Sow capital campaign for Gray Center that was launched over a year ago.
“Currently, The Seeds You Sow campaign has a positive balance in a restricted deposits account. This money will be used for maintenance and rebuilding for Camp Bratton-Green. The Executive Committee asked for an evaluation of the campaign in Dec. 2019. We were disappointed with the initial results, but we are grateful for the gracious gifts that will make the needed rebuilding and remodeling possible at the camp,” said Bishop Seage.
The bishop noted that Gray Center never had reserve funds to handle emergencies like; however, for decades, the center has benefited from unwavering diocesan support every year to maintain budget expenditures.
"This year, COVID-19 losses in the diocesan budget forced us to cut many programs and ministries. Unfortunately, that included a cut to Gray Center. Again, the plan for the north side of Way Road will be in the discernment process, but for Camp Bratton-Green, we envision a strong future,” Bishop Seage said. “Please keep the staff and leadership of Gray Center in your prayers as we all work for a way forward in this difficult time.”
The Rev. Scott Lenoir is the editor of The Mississippi Episcopalian.
