Former president of Columbia College returns to Founders Day
By Rachel Haynie

Dr. R. Wright Spears

In an impromptu sermon given in the middle of a cold February night 33 years ago, Dr. R. Wright Spears, wearing a raincoat, not a pastor's robe, uttered his defining words.

Flames engulfing the Old Main building on the Columbia College campus sent students in thin bathrobes and hair curlers in search of refuge. They huddled together on smooth pews at College Place United Methodist Church and turned their tear- filled eyes up to their college president.

"Nothing has been lost tonight that can't be rebuilt," he prophesied. Now Spears, president emeritus of the women's college, in a rare acceptance will return to that pulpit to give a special Founders Day sermon. At 1 pm he will reveal again his perspectives on why Columbia College is "A Place of Hope."

The president had retired for the evening that Feb. 11 night in 1964. He had studied late in preparation for the Ash Wednesday service to be held the following morning. The fire alarm that woke him changed his life and the life of Columbia College.

Spears remained at the helm of the women's college for another 13 years, through the emotional and physical rebuilding that marked the institution's turning point. As Gov. Robert McNair wrote for the dust jacket of Spears' One in the Spirit: Ministry for Change in South Carolina , "Wright Spears played an unusual role in the life and history of South Carolina during the transition period of the '50s, '60s,and '70s."

McNair noted that the college's president "had the opportunity to lead its growth and development into one of the finest single- gender liberal arts colleges in the nation. In that role he was a great leader in the community and became a moving force in the state, bringing people of all political parties, religions, and races together."

Governor of South Carolina from 1965- 1971, McNair said Spears and "other religious leaders of that period were a tremendous resource in helping our State through a difficult transition period." He described Spears as "a unique individual who was a community leader, political leader, and religious leader, respected by all.

Since Spears retired in 1977, he has remained one of the college's most loyal supporters; however, acceptance of this invitation marks a rare opportunity for alumnae, and friends and neighbors, to hear him preach again.

Every year in February, the college honors its founders and leaders through special programs and events. This year, the Founders Day chapel service will reflect on achievements and renew its dedication to the mission defined by the College founders over 150 years ago.

The Founders Day chapel service is at College Place United Methodist Church, 4801 Colonial Drive, Feb. 7, 2007, at 1 pm.

For more information, contact Rebecca Munnerly, 786-3084.