Christian Union: The Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 7

Originally on Nassau Street and across from the Bainbridge House, the building originally known as Beatty House dates back to about 1780. Jacob Hyer, a former colonel in the Continental Army and tav- ern proprietor, reportedly sold the house to Erkuries Beatty, a Revolutionary War officer, around 1815. bought it and moved it to its current lo- cation, according to a newspaper account. Over the years, the house functioned in a variety of capacities, including as a girls’ school, boarding house, and antiques deal- ership. The Historical Society of Princeton purchased the property in 1991 and leased it to commercial tenants until private own- The Robert L. Melrose Center for Christian Leadership ers bought it in 2005 for a stately residence. With Christian Union’s commissioning of the Melrose Center, the storied structure now will be “used for the glory of God on this campus,” Bennett said. | cu 2 Beatty, the son of a Presbyterian cler- gyman, was a member of Princeton’s class of 1762 and later a trustee of his alma mater. The edifice stayed in the Beatty family until 1875 when Jacob Vandeventer Learn more about the Melrose Center and see photos of the celebration events: www.MelroseCenter.org Enhance and preserve the strategic impact of the facility for generations to come by becoming a Friend of the Melrose Center: Give online: christianunion.org/melrosecentergift Contact Carol Fausnaught, Associate Vice President, Development, 570-326-3102 or [email protected] for more information. A few naming opportunities are still available. and his influential, brilliant, yet fun-loving sibling. “Robert’s Christian faith was very strong,” Ken Melrose told 110 attendees at the Nassau Inn. “He was a great role model for me. His love for Princeton helped shape my life and career.” Over 170 supporters raised $2.4 million for the Melrose Center’s acquisition and renovation. The facility features office space for ministry fellows, as well as meeting areas for Bible courses, mentoring, prayer, coach- ing student ministry teams, and alumni events. A reference room contains biblical commentaries and translations, biogra- phies, and other materials, while an im- pressive, state-of-the-art kitchen allows students to host dinners and other gath- erings. The Melrose Center provides Christian Union the ability to hold five Bible cours- es, totaling 50 students, simultaneously. The ministry expects that most of its week- ly Bible courses for the more than 400 students enrolled will be held at the Mel- rose Center. The spaciousness of the Mel- rose Center reduces Christian Union’s dependence on Princeton to secure min- istry space for its programs. In an era when many university administrations are mak- ing Christian ministry more difficult, this security is a great blessing. In addition to the dedication, the Mel- rose Center also was the scene for the min- istry’s annual Reunions celebrations. About 150 alumni attended a reception on June 3, and many marveled at the elegant but inviting ambience of the celebrated, his- toric home. Ultimately, the purchase mirrors Chris- tian Union’s goals of providing practical resources to believers at top universities. 5