As Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) president/CEO Michael C. Blackwell looked out onto the pews at Mills Home Baptist Church, he took a moment to collect himself ––every seat was filled –– adults who couldn’t find a seat stood along the back wall.
“For as long as I can recall, we have been known as ‘North Carolina’s largest family,’ Blackwell said. “Seeing the church nearly overflowing, in that moment, my heart was completely full.”
The celebratory day on June 19 was filled with many emotional high points as every child, resident and staff member came together at Mills Home in Thomasville for Family Gathering: Special Edition. The theme for the event was One Heart.
“Each person represented a different BCH ministry,” Blackwell explained. “From our children and family-centered ministries to our ground-breaking North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry, all are different facets of BCH and share the same compassionate heartbeat of hope.”
Family Gathering began in the morning with outdoor games, music and great food. It then moved into the church for a time of worship. During the program, Blackwell was recognized for his 35 year tenure as BCH president. Multiple staff members were honored for their service and achievements as a part of the BCH family.
The “Heartbeats,” a choir of BCH staff members from every ministry and from around the state, perform during the worship service.
Children unveil “One Heart,” artwork representing BCH’s many ministries created by Jim Edminson, Special Assistant -
Executive Administration. The art is a gift to Blackwell in honor of his 35 years
Blackwell leads the entire “BCH family” in a march.
Children and staff members pray during the worship service
William Johnson, a musician from Pinehurst, leads boys from Cameron Boys Camp in a custom-arranged percussion piece that the group performed during the afternoon worship program at the church.
BCH president
/CEO Michael C. Blackwell and BCH chief operating officer Keith Henry unveil a monument honoring Linda Morgan’s 45th anniversary. The marker proclaims an area of property at Mills Home as “God’s Canopy,” a name Morgan decreed in 2005 for the tree-covered area that provides a cool, shaded spot for Family Gathering and other events.
BCH president/CEO
Michael C. Blackwell, with his wife Catherine, is moved by children sharing “thank yous” for his 35 years of service.
Weekday Education girls cool off eating ice cream provided by Trustee Jim Jacumin.
NCBAM’s Samantha Allred watches residents play one of the many outdoor games.
BCH resident Cruz holds
the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Linda Morgan, BCH’s current longest-tenured staff member, cheers
for the children.
Julianna Johnson, daughter of Broyhill Home cottage parent Tim Johnson, performs on the outdoor stage.
In 2023, Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina scored 932 ones ("one" is the highest rating you can score) and 119 twos out of the 1,051 standards that were evaluated as part of the reaccreditation process. Reaccreditation is conducted by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services.
