When Siloam Baptist Church in Marion opened its doors to Marion Academy, Pastor John Nicholson didn’t realize what a difference the school would make to the congregation.
Last February the academy sold its building and needed to relocate. That’s when they were invited to share space with Siloam Baptist, a congregation that normally runs between 100–125.
Marion is a small town about 28 miles from Selma with a population of about 3,000. Many underserved families live in the area.
“We didn’t expect so many positive things to happen when we invited Marion Academy to share our space,” Nicholson said. “Now our building is being used throughout the week, which makes us good stewards of our space. People pass by and there are cars in the parking lot. About one-third of our student body and 80% of our faculty are members of Siloam Baptist. About two-thirds of students and 20% of the faculty live in the community and surrounding area. This gives us a connection with the community that we didn’t have before.”
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, there often is something going on at the church.
Shared efforts
“There is no line-item budget, but what the church provides is free space,” Nicholson noted. “They have their own insurance, and we share in the utilities. What was unexpected is that the heat and air expense hasn’t changed much. Now the building is cooled or heated daily. Before it was mainly Sunday and Wednesday night or for special events.”
The academy has its own janitorial and cleaning service. The church and academy share space for Sunday school and classes, and the fellowship hall is used for lunch.
Another way the two work together is church members volunteering — the fall fundraiser was combined, and all funds collected went to the academy.
Latin has been added to Marion Academy’s curriculum, and Latin phrases often are posted throughout the educational space. The congregation is picking up a few phrases and words, which Nicholson said is “something we never thought of before. It’s a bonus for us!”
Rebecca Watford, president of the board of directors for Marion Academy since 2020, says the academy and Siloam Baptist working together is an excellent partnership.
“I’m reminded of the story of Jesus feeding the crowd from the five loaves and two fishes from Matthew 14:13–21,” Watford said. “We want to disciple children and share the gospel, not only in Alabama but wherever the Lord leads these children in life. We are planting seeds that will produce fruit.
“Whatever our students study — algebra, Latin, biology — we want the curriculum to have an effect on their Christian life,” she added.
Teaching life skills
Watford noted what makes the academy special is the small classes, individual learning, one-on-one contact with teachers and each student knowing they are loved and accepted.
“Diversity in our enrollment teaches students to be accepting of other cultures and to realize that we are all God’s children,” she said.
One of the most valuable classes is the farm-to-table program, Watford said. Plans are to involve most of the students as they prepare vegetable beds, select seeds, plant and take care of the vegetables. They hope to have a small farmer’s market where the students learn business skills and financing.
Through the program the academy is teaching students to enjoy work and make a living, Watford noted, along with how to live in today’s world.
“Looking forward, sharing space with Marion Academy has been a very positive learning experience for Siloam Baptist Church and the community of Marion,” Nicholson said. “Learning to think in a Christian way and to put these teachings in the hearts and minds as students go forward in life is a tremendous opportunity.”
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