Page 217 - 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

I think I can say without fear of contradiction that all of us were glad
when our educational interests were merged with Stetson University in

1918.

Stetson is our Baptist College and University and is honored and

beloved by our people from one end of the state to the other, and must
be supported by us in a larger way.

But to get on with our story which naturally must be very brief.

In the first place, Columbia College brought our people together as

nothing else had done up to that time. Not that we had any serious
divisions in the state, but something was needed to weld our hearts

together and challenge us to attempt something worthwhile in an

educational way.

The denomination needed a shaking up by some challenging

movements, such as grow out of that great Convention that met in Lake

City during the hottest month of the year, July, 1907. It was by far the
largest attended Convention ever seen in Florida. This writer, a new

pastor in the state at that time, can never forget the fine spirit manifested

at that meeting and the genuine good will that be prevailed, and the
overwhelming optimism expressed by everyone that the time had come

for Florida Baptists to really attempt something big in the way of

Christian education.

Of course, the magnanimous offer of Lake City to give that fine property

to the denomination and fee simple, together with $15,000 in cash,

coming at that particular time, created great enthusiasm, and was a
guarantee of immediate success.

Our people wanted a college and here was their opportunity. It was laid

in their laps so to speak. But cool and calculating heads were there to

209
www.LakeCityHistory.com LCH-UUID: 644B81FB-81A1-47B2-8D77-49DC2A1A0BE8