Page 21 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

Column April 22, 2007

THE DEATH OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Columbia College was a Baptist college located in Lake City for ten
years, 1907-1917. The small private college was excellent in every
respect except financial support. Ongoing money problems coupled with
the untimely death of their most effective president eventually killed the
fine school.

Columbia College had its best chance to succeed when the CC Board of
Trustees hired the “ resplendent” Dr. H. W. Tribble as school president in
1909. Dr. Tribble was an energetic, charismatic leader who convinced
everyone that in due time Columbia College would be up and running
“ right gloriously.”

He seemed to be right. An inspirational leader, he had people believing in
him and in Columbia College. The school seemed to be heading in the right
direction. Then, tragedy.

Dr. Tribble, also a minister, regularly preached throughout the
community. On February 4, 1912, he was scheduled to preach in an
area so remote it could be reached only by train. He rode the train part
of the way, then railroad maintenance workers tried to get him the rest of
the way by taking him on a motorcar that ran on the rails. As they neared
the church, the motorcar collided with a log truck crossing the tracks. Dr.
Tribble was injured and died two days later.

Dr. Tribble’s sudden, tragic death plunged the entire Baptist community
into “ a state of gloom” from which it never seemed to fully recover.
Although Columbia College continued valiantly for five more years, Dr.
Tribble’s death seemed also to be the death knoll for Columbia College.

Overwhelmed by debt, all the Columbia College land and buildings were
deeded back to Lake City in 1919, effectively ending Columbia College.

Dr. Tribble is buried in Lake City in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Marking his
gravesite is a 20-foot high monument. His epitaph is engraved with
these words. “ Henry Wise Tribble (1860-1912). Our President, Columbia

15
www.LakeCityHistory.com LCH-UUID: 644B81FB-81A1-47B2-8D77-49DC2A1A0BE8