R.W. Davis donates 40-acres

The New Testament Christian Seminary Campus just got bigger! Today, R. W. Davis, founder of New Testament Christian Churches of America, Inc., donated a 40-acre parcel of land for the expansion of the New Testament Christian Seminary Campus in Graham, WA.  The land is located just south of the NTCS Campus along Orting-Kapowsin Hwy., and is earmarked for construction of additional housing for Seminary students and ministers. Title was conveyed to New Testament Christian Churches of America, Inc. this morning and, with the help of Leroy Surveyors and Engineers,  

the project has received final approval from the Graham Advisory Commission and the Pierce Country Hearings Examiner.

In the 1990’s the land was listed for sale by a company called Herbrand-McGowan Timber, but only after they harvested and sold the timber. Apparently, that was their reason for buying it. Though unsure what the future needs of NTCS would be, Pastor seized the opportunity to purchase it and, though he retained personal ownership, titled it to NTCCA. He has since personally paid all related expenses of development including applicable taxes and fees, labor and materials.

The State Dept. of Ecology placed a 6 year moratorium (temporary prohibition) on development of the property to allow recovery from the logging, and to protect the wetlands that cannot be used. The moratorium however, wasn’t the only obstacle; the properties between the 40 acres and the NTCS campus were acquired and developed by parties not connected with the Seminary, effectively ending any hope of having frontage all the way south along OK highway.

In addition, when attempting to acquire permits to build on properties adjoining the 40 acres, Pierce County demanded that the title first be transferred out of NTCCA’s name. In light of these circumstances, Pastor decided to retain ownership and financial responsibility for the land, and placed it in my name, even though it technically remained his. Legal counsel advised that, even if the land had been a gift to me, I had fulfilled any tax liability resulting from the change of title.

The project will add 8 lots to the existing 35 rental properties on Campus. The only tax-exempt properties are main church grounds, (no parsonages or housing allowances exist) and are approved by the State of Washington and the Dept. of Revenue. In accordance with the law, the properties are used strictly for the purpose of the mission of the non-profit organization and Seminary, and therefore generate no business related (outside) income nor personal benefit. Cost of rentals is kept way below market rental value, to provide affordable options for students and ministers.

Single students pay $65.00 per week for dorm residences, comparable to the 1979 price of $20.00! Seminary classes that cost $20.00 then, now average about $60.00 each. Not bad for 32 years inflation! Tuition is also kept very low, to make it affordable for students, especially in this economy.

It has been determined that the 40 acres will indeed be used for Seminary housing, which represents a giant leap forward for the work of God at the New Testament Christian Seminary, and we are excited about all that God is doing! I am thankful for the wisdom of Pastor Davis through the years, who has tried to teach all of us how to take care of ourselves financially and spiritually; the income from these properties is used solely for the Seminary and greatly helps to keep the work of God in motion. 

God bless you,

M.C. Kekel