GTS Commences Construction of New Tutu Desmond Education Centre

The General Theological Seminary (GTS) has decided to commence the construction of the new Desmond Tutu Education Centre in Chelsea, New York.

The Very Rev. Ward B. Ewing, Dean and President of the Seminary started the opening ceremony with a symbolic action of cutting the link surrounding the Seminary. After a dedication prayer attendees - the trustees, faculty staff and students gave a great applause.

The name of Tutu Desmond Centre was given after the Anglican leader and Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and is dedicated to be used for the educational needs of the Church, to serve "the church in changing the world."

For training the Church's lay leadership and its clergy, the Seminary found it critical that short-term educational programs be set up -- weekend workshops, summer programs, continuing education events, national and international theological conferences.

The Tutu Centre will contain four learning centres, a high tech conference facility, and sixty guest rooms.

After a long planning period, the US$23 million project of the Tutu Centre construction will begin in a several weeks and it is expected to be completed in 2 years time.

The Dean Ewing said, "In two years this wonderful new facility will enable GTS to bring our ordained and lay leaders back to Seminary at regular intervals in their ministry for the kind of training and spiritual exploration that we know is critically necessary for ministry in the 21st century."

Over the past six years, the Seminary has invested nearly US$9 million in renovating its historic buildings. To create the new centre, GTS trustees formally authorised renovation of the three buildings - currently known as Chelsea 8-9, Eigenbrodt and Hoffman Halls.