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THE BEALL STUDY CENTER Robert P. Mills Theologian-in-Residence The Lorraine and Harper Beall Study Center is located in a lovely Southern estate, affectionately known as Fairfield in Lenoir, North Carolina. The Center was established in 1999 through the generous gifts of the Beall family to the First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir. The purpose of the Beall Study Center is to renew the Church by refreshing and invigorating its leaders as we host a center for study, reflection, writing, teaching and planning in such a way that Jesus Christ is glorified, the Scriptures are respected, and the historic Nicene faith is advanced. To help fulfill its purpose, the Center has recently started offering online theological resources from its theologian-in-residence, the Rev. Robert P. Mills. These resources currently include doctrinal and confessional studies as well as devotional reflections. The devotional Look Up and Live is a Holy Week meditation prompted by a sixth-grade band concert. FAIRFIELD Another facet of the Beall Study Center’s mission is to invite evangelical scholars from around the world to utilize Fairfield as a place for rest, research and writing. This is an ideal place to finish a book or article away from interruption, to reflect on a new project, or simply recharge in a sabbatical atmosphere. Fairfield offers research technology, including an extensive library of theological software and internet access, in a setting of spacious elegance. Large bedrooms, full kitchen, peaceful grounds, and generous sitting areas make Fairfield an ideal place for fruitful study. Fairfield holds an historic place in the history of Lenoir and has a longtime connection with Lenoir’s First Presbyterian Church. The first elder of the church built the original house in 1829, and Fairfield was most recently the longtime home of Lorraine and Harper Beall, active leaders in church and community. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The church is noted for both its strong commitment to ministry in the town and a robust love for the scriptures and Reformed theology. In recent years, Lenoir has become a center for theological discussion and writing which ripples far beyond the bounds of this small town. The Jean Alexander Bernhardt Lectures in theology bring in a world-class
theologian every spring. Recent lecturers have included Alan Torrance,
Elizabeth Achtemeier, Jeremy Begbie and J. Alec Motyer. In addition, pastor
Gerrit Dawson, is engaged in an active writing ministry, producing books
and articles of spiritual theology.
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