About Our Space
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas moved into our new building in November 2018. The 10,000 square foot space, designed by Roark Perkins Perry Yelvington Architects of Little Rock, and has nine offices, a conference room suitable for committee meetings, a reception area, two patios, and two work areas.
A $1 million gift from John and Becki Lusk of El Dorado has funded the Lusk Training Center in the building. The training center is used for large gatherings of up to 60 people, such as the Foundation’s Investment Forum and Endowment Conference. Included in the center is a kitchen and state-of-the-art video communications equipment.
The Board of Directors of The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas voted to name the new headquarters building in honor of the late Jim Argue, Jr. who served the organization as President and CEO for more than 35 years.
The James B. Argue, Jr. Stewardship Center was formally dedicated in January 2019.
Jim Argue’s Legacy of Giving Lives On
Jim Argue, Jr. completed his work on Earth May 3, 2018. His legacy lives on in 37 years of service to the Church as the leader of the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas (now The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas). His call to generosity still echoes through our halls.
When he began his journey as leader of the Foundation in 1981, assets were just $67,000. He had no office, so Bishop Kenneth Hicks shared a space and assistant so that the Foundation could operate.
Under his leadership, Foundation assets grew from $67,000 to more than $164 million. The Foundation is one of the largest Methodist Foundations in the country and is responsible for more than 800 funds that support Methodist ministries.
“Jim was a visionary,” said past Board President The Honorable Beth Deere. “His feet were firmly planted in reality, but he was somehow able to imagine possibilities. More than that, he had the intellect, drive, and heart to turn possibilities into reality. He leaves a profound legacy.”
David Freeman, senior pastor of First UMC, Little Rock, said in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Our church’s endowments are held at the Foundation, and he’s worked very closely with our congregation and with our leaders throughout the years to grow our endowments, to manage them and perpetuate our church well into the future and give us financial security. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for the work he’s done.”
Because of the relationships Jim nurtured and the experienced staff he built; the Foundation today is stronger than ever. The Foundation expects to make more than $5.5 million in grants to enhance United Methodist ministries in the coming year.
“Jim’s career goes far beyond his years of service at the helm of the Methodist Foundation,” said Clarence Trice, Senior Vice President and CFO. “His national leadership on education issues, his long-term leadership in the Arkansas General Assembly, and his local board leadership with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families are marks of his commitment to Methodist principles.”
Jim lived a life of generosity of spirit. It shone through his every pore. We thank God for his life and his vision.
