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During Diocesan Council 2025, the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., called for the establishment of a general endowment to support the Camps + Conference Ministries of the diocese. In his address to Council, he stated, “I believe it is time for us to significantly expand the endowments which support the ministry of Camps and Conferences. The ministries which take place at Camp Capers, Mustang Island Conference Center, and Duncan Park are life-transforming ministries. Through summer camps, Cursillos, and retreats, people of all ages encounter our Risen Lord and have their lives transformed forever. Our Camp and Conference centers historically have been places where young adults tested calls to ordained ministry – including our last four diocesan bishops. For those ministries to continue to flourish for decades to come, their endowments need to be expanded. I am not looking to fully endow our camps so that the diocesan budget and our congregations no longer play a vital role or no longer have “skin in the game.” We will always fund these ministries through the diocesan budget. But an endowment of $10 million would provide income to continue to support these ministries and the maintenance of these sites for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren in addition to helping us reduce apportionments across the diocese.”
An update was provided during Council 2026 with Bishop Read reporting that the endowment had been established in the Diocesan Foundation and received its first gift of $500,000 and with other committed contributions and honorariums reached $1,000,000. Since that time, another very generous gift of over $300,000 was received, bringing the total committed funds to $1.37 Million.
Endowments to churches and ministries have long been a way for members and organizations to honor the gifts that God has bestowed them. A contribution to our Camps + Conferences Ministries through an endowment will ensure the beloved camps of the diocese thrive for generations to come. If you are interested in learning more about the Diocesan Camps + Conferences Endowment fund, please contact Anna Tarver, Diocese of West Texas Chief Financial Officer at Anna.Tarver@dwtx.org
