The Billings Society
For more than a century, Pacific School of Religion has attracted the support and interest of visionaries. Many of these people make gifts that contribute significantly to the long-term financial stability of the school.
Membership
Membership in The Julia and Frederick Billings Society is open to those making commitments to the endowment at PSR through bequests or other deferred gifts. In addition, an outright gift of $50,000 to the endowment or multiple endowment gifts with a cumulative value of $50,000 qualify one for membership. There are a variety of deferred gifts available which may fit your personal financial situation.
The Julia and Frederick Billings Society honors the memory and spirit of two visionary individuals in the history of PSR. Though their gifts came to us generations ago their legacy of generosity and commitment live on today.
History
Frederick Billings served as attorney general of the young state of California and established the first law office in San Francisco. When the small town across the bay needed a name, he chose his favorite philosopher, Bishop George Berkeley. He eventually returned to the East to manage his growing railroad interests and became president of the Northern Pacific. His commitment to the church ran deep and led to friendship with and support for PSR's early leaders.
After his death, Julia made her first gift to PSR as a memorial to her husband. Her generosity continued through the years and at the time of her death in 1914, Julia Billings had given to PSR the sum of $95,000. She was a donor with vision, a commitment to theological education, and an understanding of what gifts to the present can mean to future generations.
After the 1906 earthquake seriously damaged the school, she sent $15,000 for repairs, writing that she hoped her gift would be a "blessing now and to coming generations standing now and always for the truth."
Goals
- Increase the endowment which provides resources to carry on the school's mission
- Encourage and foster active interest and support of the school among its graduates and friends
- Provide a framework within which tangible and lasting gifts and bequests may be made to make the best use of the resources of the institution.
- Establish a free exchange of ideas with its members through meetings, publications and other means of communication.
- Assure appropriate and deserve recognition of those whose participation will mean so much in creating the promise of a bright future for Pacific School of Religion in its service to the church and world.
Do you have the means to bless future generations with a substantial gift?
Do you have a vision for progressive theological education?
Do you desire the kind of bold leadership in the world we are cultivating?
For more information, please phone or write the Office of Institutional Advancement at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley CA 94709, 510/849-8274.