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December graduation brought
historical milestones at NGU
 TIGERVILLE,
SC - Rev. Paul Fleming, Executive Pastor of Forestville Baptist Church in
Greenville, delivered his commencement address before family and friends of the
largest December graduating class in North Greenville University history in
Turner Chapel on Thursday, December 7.
Fleming delivered the keynote message,
challenging the 120 graduates to know the person of Christ, the purpose of life
and the pentacle of importance.
“Life is about Jesus Christ, not you,” said Fleming. “Are you going to be
faithful?”
Fleming was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree at the conclusion
of his address and was hooded by NGU President, Dr. Jimmy Epting.
“I asked Dr. Epting if he was really doing this to honor me or to make me
wear this hat,” said Fleming referring to the tam he was wearing.
While Fleming was humbled and said that he wanted to be a representative of
the university. He gave all the credit to God.
“All praise, honor and glory belong to Him,” said Fleming.
Fleming is a 1979 graduate of Hampton Park Christian School and earned his
Bachelor of Science degree in Pastoral Science in 1982 from Liberty University.
He was later awarded an honorary doctor of divinity from Emmanuel Bible College
& Seminary in India.
He is an author and founder/speaker for “The Scripture Hour” radio broadcast
since 1978. He has preached and conducted hundreds of evangelistic crusades
across the U.S. and overseas including: Haiti, Trinidad, Ecuador, Brazil,
Venezuela, Russia, Romania, India and Puerto Rico.
 In
addition to Fleming, Rev. James Williams Crocker, Sr., of Boiling Springs was
awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity. Crocker is a 1943 graduate of North
Greenville Academy.
“I could have never gone to school without North Greenville. I love this
place,” stated Crocker.
As he finished speaking, Crocker blew a kiss and said, “This is for you,
Vera” referring to his wife who had passed away earlier in the week.
Crocker is a retired pastor where he served churches in North and South
Carolina. He served 32 years combined at Boiling Springs First Baptist Church in
Boiling Springs and Fairview Baptist Church in Greer. He previously served on
the school’s board of trustees and received the Distinguished Alumni of the Year
Award from North Greenville in 1978.
Crocker continued his education at Furman University and received his Master
of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
 Along
with the record graduating class, another historical milestone was achieved.
Joseph Kendall Moore of Clinton was the first to complete the graduate program
earning his Master of Christian Ministry. He currently serves as pastor at
Davidson Street Baptist Church in Clinton.
The T. Walter Brashier Graduate School began classes in February. Moore had
earned credits from other extension programs and instead of moving out of state
to complete his degree he was able to transfer his credits to North Greenville
and remain in the area.
After graduation, Moore plans to continue working with his church. He
hopes to continue taking at least one class each semester, “just to keep up,”
said Moore, who also earned his undergraduate degree from NGU.
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