Our Story

  • A man and a woman are smiling and standing indoors in front of a beige wall. The man is wearing glasses and a striped button-up shirt, and the woman is wearing glasses and a red striped shirt with a decorative pin. There is a framed landscape painting on the wall behind them. To the left, there is a table with a kettle and some items on it.

    1968

    Rev. Daryl Richman begins evangelistic work at the University of Virginia, which results in a number of students converting to faith in Jesus Christ.

  • A group of four young adults sitting in a classroom or meeting room, engaged in conversation and smiling.

    Early 1970s

    Under Daryl Richman’s leadership, a group of faculty and townspeople rent a house on Elliewood Avenue where they hosted lectures, fellowship meetings, and other events for UVA students.

  • A multi-story house with brown wooden shingles, multiple white-framed windows, a stairway leading to a side entrance, and a car parked on a driveway in the background, surrounded by trees and greenery.

    1975

    The organization formally incorporates under the name University Christian Ministries, Inc. (UCM) and buys a 1920s house on Chancellor Street.

  • Four men in suits smiling, two shaking hands, standing in front of a decorated fireplace with potted plants on the mantel.

    Mid-1980s

    The Center continues under Executive Director David Turner (far right) through his development of both summer and year-long programs designed to educate lay people in theological training. Additional founders also pictured: Deryl Richman, Drew Trotter, and Ken Elzinga (left to right).

  • A man with dark brown hair, wearing a striped polo shirt, holding a microphone, speaking at an event. He has a name tag that reads "Drew J Trottier."

    1987

    Drew Trotter, an early leader of University Christian Ministries, returns to the Center for Christian Study as the Executive Director.

  • Interior of a room under construction with windows along the walls, construction tools and materials scattered on the floor, and a metal chimney pipe connected to a wood stove.

    1996

    The Center expands their building with a 5,000 square-foot addition.

  • A group of eight young people standing close together indoors, smiling for a photo.

    Early 2000s

    The Center for Christian Study begins the Elzinga Residential Scholars Program. Initially an undergraduate male residential program, it expanded to add women in the Yellow House next door to the Study Center.

  • People standing in line outside a red brick house on a rainy day, holding colorful umbrellas.

    Late 2000s

    Rush Hospitality begins at the Study Center as a way to minister to its Greek neighbors on Chancellor Street and care for women upon their return to Grounds for sorority recruitment.

  • 2022

    The Study Center hosts a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the expansion project at 128 Chancellor Street. Pictured: Drew Trotter, Bill Wilder, and Drew Turner (left to right).

  • Fall 2024

    The Study Center opens its newly renovated and expanded home, marking the completion of the 3-year project.

  • Spring 2025

    The Study Center celebrates 50 years of ministry. The April gathering reunites almost 300 friends of the ministry at 128 Chancellor Street to celebrate the Lord’s faithfulness to the ministry.

  • Red-brick building with white trim and a small balcony, surrounded by trees and outdoor seating with white chairs and tables.

    Today

    The Center for Christian Study remains focused on training the new generation in historic, biblical Christianity, in wise discussion of Truth, and in the juncture of culture and faith.