The Center is a living room for Fredericksburg and the Mary Washington campus. It’s filled with memories of mission projects, study sessions, and home-cooked meals. We got our start in 1948 when Mr. and Mrs. William Chesley gave their home to the Fredericksburg Baptist Church for use as a center for students at Mary Washington College. Over the years, the ministry known as the Baptist Student Union grew and the house was expanded. In December 1981, the doors of a new student center opened creating more space for events and interaction. In September 2012, we began experimenting with ways to help young adults intentionally connect in a new era of mission as The Center for Faith and Leadership. This new focus led to projects and collaborative partnerships with The Washington Arts Group, Fredericksburg City Schools, The Fredericksburg Start-Up Community and a local English Language School for international students. Today, we’re seeking the transformation of the city and the university through deep relationships in collaboration with churches, campus ministry groups and community organizations. The world is changing. The future is uncertain. But we’re creating the future as we believe it will be by following Jesus, who is at the Center of it all.