Blair Scholarship Fund

103 Monmouth Rd., Oakhurst, NJ  07755

Phone: 732 531-1150                    Fax:  732 531-2638

Email: OAKHURSTUMC@OPTONLINE.NET

The Dr. John D. Blair Scholarship Fund was established in 1973 by the members and friends of the First United Methodist Church: Oakhurst, in honor of Dr. John D. Blair and in recognition of his 25 years as senior pastor for the church.  The Scholarship Fund was introduced at a testimonial dinner for Dr. Blair on May 20, 1973, on the occasion of his retirement from the full-time ministry after 45 years of service.  It represents a living tribute to Dr. Blair and his ministry.

 

Every year since 1973, scholarships have been presented to young persons from the Oakhurst Church.  First priority is given to students preparing to enter the field of full-time Christian service or church-related vocations, but all college students who have been active members of the Oakhurst Church are eligible.  The applications are reviewed and the recipient selected by a committee of trustees appointed by the Charge Conference, the governing body of the local church.  The presentation is made at a Sunday morning worship service.

 

The Scholarship Fund is self-sustaining and is supported entirely by gifts and donations.  There are no administrative costs and all donations are applied directly to the scholarships.  It is a fitting way to honor or remember a loved one while at the same time helping a young person just starting out on the road to realizing his or her dreams and ambitions.  It is indeed a living memorial.  The perpetuation of the Scholarship Fund as a reminder of the life and ministry of Dr. Blair is possible only through the kindness of our members and friends.  To achieve our dream of perpetuation of the Scholarship Fund, we rely on your continued support.  Donations may be made at any time and in any amount in honor or memory of a loved one or simply as a gift.  Your gift serves the dual purpose of honoring Dr. Blair while at the same time supporting our young people seeking to further their education.  Contributions should be directed to the John D. Blair Scholarship Fund at the church address.  In the case of a memorial, the family is notified and given a brochure about the scholarship and Dr. Blair.  All contributions are tax-deductible.

 

Each recipient of the Dr. John D. Blair Scholarship is reminded of what an honor and responsibility it is.  With the scholarship goes this charge: “Although the financial aspect of this scholarship is undoubtedly important, you should feel honored to be awarded a scholarship which bears the name of Dr. John D. Blair.  We hope that his lifetime of love and dedicated service to God and His church will be an inspiration to you as you seek to realize your own dreams and ambitions.  The only way you can repay this debt is by striving to develop in your life some of the fine qualities and attributes which have marked his.  It is indeed a high calling.”

 

Dr. Blair expressed his appreciation for this honor many times and his feeling that there could be no more meaningful tribute to his ministry than to help young people along the road to Christian service in his name.

First United Methodist Church: Oakhurst is wheelchair accessible.