The columns stretched toward the vaulted ceiling as if upholding heaven, a picture of the greatness of God manifest in stone. The pregnant silence spoke volumes of the great cloud of witnesses. It was as though all the saints of heaven were worshiping. The hush, the sacredness of the moment enveloped me. God was there. His presence overwhelmed me. I was at the Holy Name cathedral, celebrating noon mass with the faithful. It was the first time I had ever been inside a catholic church.

There is really no way to talk about the Chicago trip without it being personal. You know exactly what I’m talking about because you’ve been there. The Chicago trip, or the Bible & Culture trip, began by Dr. Reinhard, has been a crucial developmental experience for every student since the 1970’s. A spiritual journey through Greenville College wouldn’t be complete without it.

Students spend a weekend in Chicago visiting a Protestant, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Islamic and Jewish site. Students are introduced to those within their own faith that worship differently and are also exposed to the devotion of those in other faiths. After returning from the trip students have debriefing class sessions in which they discuss what challenged them, their epiphanies, what they disagreed with, agreed with, and enjoyed.

“It not only teaches in that moment, but it is a reference point for so many years,” said Dr. Rick McPeak director of the trip and associate professor of Ministry at the college.

“God comes in a variety of ways. Instead of looking suspiciously at another denomination, this trip opens us up and enriches our own faith,” said trip leader and Religion professor Ruth Huston.

Due to the school’s financial reductions and the large cost of the project, the college cut the Chicago trip from the budget. McPeak has started fundraising for the trip, which costs $30,000 per year. McPeak’s long-term goal, endowing the trip, would take $1 million.“My vision is to see us affirm the value of this experience to the heart of our education,” said McPeak.

So far, McPeak has raised $18,000 primarily through faculty, administration, and recent graduate’s donations. Even some current students have gotten involved. Plans are being made for a fundraising dinner as well as a Chicago trip during the first week of August for those who give at least $500 to the trip.

“The Chicago trip is an opportunity to integrate everything that we stand for and to do it across the whole campus,” said McPeak. “This is one thing that is curricular, social and religious. It embodies every aspect of the Greenville College ethos.”

For each of us the milestone of the Chicago trip has meant something deeply personal and yet it has also stitched our community together in a way unique to Greenville.