By Brian Blackwell
Message Staff Writer
PINEVILLE – On the stage at Guinn Auditorium, Don Wilton turned and pointed at Louisiana College President Rick Brewer and offered him a charge. He told him to carry on a trait of famed evangelist Billy Graham, a member of Wilton’s church.
“What he says he does and what he does he means,” said Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC, and a friend of Brewer for more than 20 years. “Are you ready to do the same with Louisiana College?”
Wilton, who gave the message during Brewer’s inauguration as the school’s ninth president on Sept. 18, said Louisiana College is needed in today’s culture.
“You have to lead us,” Wilton said. “We need you. America really needs you. Louisiana really needs a Christian college.”
He then challenged Brewer to provide a distinct Christian education at the school through five ways.
Wilton encouraged Brewer to continue to pray, teach so others will “get on fire,” demonstrate by keeping on “living it out,” commit to not stopping despite obstacles that may come and expect results to happen.
“God has sure smiled on Louisiana College by calling you to be its president,” said Wilton to his friend.
Wilton was among a number of friends, pastors, students and colleagues at the school, in the central Louisiana community and throughout the state and world who were on on the program for Brewer’s inauguration.
Throughout the two-hour ceremony, Brewer’s vision for the school since he officially came on board April 7 was echoed through speeches, prayers and music, including remarks using his three trademark Rs – relevant, relational and rigorous – and his “and then some” philosophy, which is about going the extra mile, he spoke about during LC’s May commencement.
Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields, said Brewer is the kind of leader LC needs “for such a time as this. … He is the ninth president of Louisiana College and then some.”
Roxie Goynes, president of the LC Alumni Executive Board, told Brewer she had three Rs for him – rest, relax and renew his body, mind and spirit.
“Because without those, you are going to run out of battery and you won’t be able to lead us into this vision,” she said.
Goynes then told of three Rs she had for alumni, faculty, staff, board of trustees, pastor and others who are part of the Louisiana Baptist Convention – rejoice in where the college is headed, restore and reconnect with LC and give of their resources.
Randy Harper, chairman of the search committee for Brewer, said the new president is beginning a new chapter in his ministerial career, after spending more than 30 years at Charleston-Southern University in a variety of roles.
“Dr. Rick, you are not done,” said Harper, pastor of Bellaire Baptist Church in Bossier City. “You are just beginning a new birth, a new era in your life in ministry and Ms. Cathy. And it’s a new day at Louisiana College. And to God be the glory as He leads this university through President Rick Brewer.”
Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director David Hankins thanked Brewer for embracing Louisiana Baptists.
“You have already met them, from Shreveport to New Orleans, from Tallulah to Lafayette, and our capital city of Baton Rouge and in the rural parishes around central Louisiana,” Hankins said. “In fact, your non-stop energetic schedule these first few months would impress Donald Trump. And from everything I hear from Louisiana Baptists, and I hear a lot, Louisiana Baptists have embraced you.”
Michael Joe Harvell, pastor of Grace Place Community Church in Greer, SC, spoke not only during the inaugural ceremony but the evening before, when he delivered a sermon at the inaugural worship service that also featured music by the choir and praise team from Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.
“We know and affirm the unanimous decision of this fine board that you were created and called to this great honor and are looking forward to your leading this fine institution to become all that it was created for,” Harvell said. “Thank you for being a mentor, encourager, challenger and friend. I love you my brother. So I leave you with the words that I learned best from you – God bless and press on.”
Students also shared how Brewer has impacted campus life since his arrival.
Stephen Marsalis, president of the LC Student Government Association, expressed excitement for Brewer coming to a school he says he known as academically rigorous and Christ-centered.
“Such a college deserves a great president and Dr. Brewer has answered that call,” he said. “We here at LC look forward to the future with Dr. Brewer here to help lead the college and students.”
Paige Dubois, during her prayer from the students, echoed Goynes thought.
“We have seen so many changes, a fresh start, a new era for Louisiana College, in just the few short months he has been here,” Dubois prayed. “And we pray under his leadership that Louisiana College will grow and continue to be a place where Your children can come and rest, knowing they are loved by You.”
A God-sized task
Near the end of the ceremony, LC Board Chairman Tommy French officially administered the investiture and introduction of Brewer as president. After receiving a standing ovation, Brewer thanked everyone who have served during his transition.
“What a joy it’s been for me to come here and find a group of people who were ready, willing and waiting and receptive in leadership and love,” Brewer said. “And they’ve loved me and I hope I’ve loved them back. We’ve worked together and they know we’re a team. They know I’m human. I share my heart. I’m that kind of person.
“They know we’ve got a gargantuan task before us,” he continued. “It’s a God-sized task. So we trust in our heavenly father to help us as we work as a team moving ahead.”
Brewer said LC staff, faculty and administrators remain committed to the maturity of both scholarship and Christian character.
“Because if we fail here, we have failed,” he said.
Brewer added LC personnel must continue to create an atmosphere that acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord and he encourage them to walk worthy of the calling for which they are called.
“From the classroom to the athletic arena, Louisiana College must constantly pursue excellence for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom,” he said.
After Brewer spoke, the inaugural prayer was delivered by David Brooks, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.
“O Sovereign Lord, creator of the heavens and the earth, you knew this day would come,” Brooks said. “For such a time as this, you have created President Rick Brewer and Cathy Brewer. For such a time as this, you have called President Brewer. You have given him the giftsets, the leadership ability, the training, the life experiences, the relationship skills and the vision. He is in the right place at the right time and with the right people.
“Empower the leaders and faculties of this great institution, beloved LC,” he continued. “Help them to hold true to the sacred principles and purposes upon which this college was founded. May young people from across the world come here and find care and hope that so many have found in year’s past.”