June 12, 2017
Over the past few years, the Terra Alta Presbyterian Church’s congregation had been decreasing. The church’s
parishioners made the difficult decision to close their church.
It was the desire of the parishioners to give their remaining assets back to the community and keep with the spirit
of their church. Parishioner Tim Parrack contacted Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc.
(YCF) to learn more about the community foundation.
“Our church had always been a supporter of worldwide as well as local missions. Once the decision was made to
close our church it fell on the congregation to decide how to distribute our remaining assets. It was agreed upon
by our Elders to keep the money locally. Also, we didn’t want our gift to be a onetime donation,” said Parrack.
The parishioners had obtained some information about YCF. After speaking to YCF President Patty Showers Ryan, it
was decided that they would create two endowment funds with a $120,000 donation. One of the funds will benefit
the Preston Memorial Hospital Foundation. Their mission is to raise, receive, and apply funds for facility
improvements, equipment, technology, and expansion of services.
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“PMH Foundation is pleased to accept the $60,000 gift from the Terra Alta Presbyterian Church,” said Melissa
Lockwood, President and CEO of Preston Memorial Hospital. “This initial gift has created an endowed fund to
which other donations will be added. Our goal is to continue to grow this fund to serve the needs of Preston
Memorial Hospital and its patients.”
Kimberly Colebank, PMH Foundation Director, added, “As a gift to our Building for a Healthy Future Campaign, the
Terra Alta Presbyterian Church has selected the Acute Care Waiting Area as their naming legacy. A sign will be
placed on the wall of this area commemorating the space as donated by the congregation of the Terra Alta
Presbyterian Church.”
The other fund created is the Terra Alta Presbyterian Church Scholarship, which will provide scholarship funds to
students graduating from Preston High School pursuing secondary education. This $60,000 endowment will grant
an annual scholarship to one eligible applicant.
To be considered, applicants must meet these criteria:
– A graduating senior from Preston High School
– Enrolled full time at an accredited college, university, technical or trade school for the upcoming academic
year
Applicants with financial need will receive priority. The scholarship amount will be determined annually by the YCF
Board.
YCF Board Chairman Steve Decker expressed his thanks to the church parishioners. “We are grateful to the
parishioners of the Terra Alta Presbyterian Church for establishing these two endowment funds through Your
Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. YCF will carry on their important philanthropic efforts
as this gift provides a lasting legacy of their passion to give back to the Preston County community.”
