Christian congregations minister in many ways. One of the ministries of First United Methodist Church in Graham is a program of academic loans and scholarships developed by members and groups in our church. Over the years, a number of scholarships and one educational loan fund have been created.

This information sheet has been designed to answer your questions about our scholarship and loan programs. Unless otherwise requested, each applicant will be considered for all scholarships

The T. J. & Hilda Whitehead Scholarship

Reverend T. J. Whitehead was pastor of First United Methodist from 1954-1962 and later served as Minister of Visitation. He endowed this scholarship in 1981 as a memorial to his wife, Hilda, and others have contributed to build its permanent fund. Each year there are one or more awards presented with each award in the amount of $500.

This scholarship is open to members and/or participants of the First United Methodist Church of Graham, North Carolina.

The Alice Jean Roddy Scholarship

Members of the Gordon Painter Class created the Alice Jean Roddy Scholarship in 1989 as a living memorial to their teacher, Alice Jean Roddy. Alice Jean was a much beloved part of the class with a passion for missions.

Each year, the class works together on projects to provide the funds for this scholarship. Memorial gifts from the congregation are also accepted. At least one award of $500 is given each year. Any member of First United Methodist Church, Graham may submit an application for this scholarship. Additionally, the award is available to any descendent of Alice Jean Roddy.

The Young In Heart Scholarship

Young In Heart is FUMC’s fellowship group for senior adults. In 1990, they decided, as a part of their outreach ministry, to create this scholarship. The Young In Heart members raise the funds through special projects, memorial gifts, and honoraria. Group members hope that many lives will be touched through this ministry.

This award is available to a high school senior or college student who is a member of First United Methodist Church, Graham or whose family is affiliated with the church. This scholarship is to be awarded based on character, scholastic ability, and need.

The Myrtle Wilson Educational Scholarship

The Myrtle Wilson Educational Scholarship was established in 1998 by Mrs. Wilson, who spent her life teaching and understood the importance of a good education in today’s world. This scholarship is available to any high school senior or college student who is a member of First United Methodist Church and can be used at any college or university of his or her choice. It is to be awarded on character and scholastic achievement.

New Horizons Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established by the members of the New Horizons Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church in 2006 for students who are church members of any age or students who were active participants in the United Methodist Youth Fellowship/REFUGE Youth program (attended at least 50% of the planned UMYF activities the year of the award). One to four scholarships are awarded each year. The New Horizon class members raise the funds through spaghetti lunches, memorial gifts, and honoraria.

The Briggs Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of Mr. Hulon Briggs by his family to provide educational funds in the form of scholarships to high school seniors or college students who are members and/or participants of the First United Methodist Church of Graham, NC. In 2023, following the death of Gretchen Briggs, a career educator, the Briggs family changed the name of the scholarship to include both of their parents.  The scholarship is to be awarded based on character, scholastic ability, and need.

United Methodist Men Scholarship Fund

The United Methodist Men of First United Methodist Church-Graham was organized in 1949. In 1955, Reverend T. J. Whitehead stated, “We believe this organization will have a real opportunity for our church....” Fund raisers have included pancake suppers and hot dog luncheons. Proceeds go to capital improvements, helping the hungry, scouting, sending kids to camp, helping our own church family, and other great causes. During 2007 several members gave serious consideration regarding the establishment of an annual scholarship fund. In 2008, the United Methodist Men made this consideration a reality and voted on the annual $300 scholarship called the United Methodist Men Scholarship Fund. This amount was later increased to $500. The Methodist Men of First United Methodist-Graham take great pride in awarding this scholarship annually to a deserving individual within our church family. May each year’s recipient grow and soar within God’s great amazing grace.

T. J. Whitehead Class Memorial Scholarship

The T. J. Whitehead Class Memorial Scholarship was begun in 2011 and is funded by the T. J. Whitehead Sunday School Class.  It was established to honor T. J. Whitehead and in memory of members of the Sunday School class which bears his name.  One or more $500 scholarships will be awarded annually to a needy scholar who is a member of our church.

The Judith and M. M. Way Memorial Scholarship

The Judith and M. M. Way Memorial Scholarship was established by their sons Maxwell and Ferris Way in 2020 to honor the memory of their parents.

The Doris Crissman Educational Loan Fund

Dr. Clinton Crissman and his family established this endowment in 1981 as a living memorial to his late wife, Doris Crissman. Its purpose is to help students further their Christian education and develop tools which will enable them to serve Jesus Christ in whatever vocation they choose.

Any member of the church may apply for the loan during any semester/quarter. There are no interest charges while a student is in school. Six months after graduation or withdrawal from school, the student is expected to begin repayment of the loan at one-half the prime rate in effect at the time. It is hoped that the loan will be repaid in a period of time equal to the time the student was in school.

A student may borrow up to $1,000 per semester. This loan fund is available to students in church-related or private colleges or universities. Interested parties may contact the church office for further details.