Furman Magazine Volume 45 Article 4 Issue 1 Spring 2002 4-1-2002 Defining Moments A. V. Huff, Jr. Furman University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/furman-magazine Recommended Citation Huff, Jr., A. V. (2002) "Defining Moments," Furman Magazine: Vol. 45 : Iss. 1 , Article 4. Available at: https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/furman-magazine/vol45/iss1/4 This Regular Feature is made available online by Journals, part of the Furman University Scholar Exchange (FUSE). It has been accepted for inclusion in Furman Magazine by an authorized FUSE administrator. For terms of use, please refer to the FUSE Institutional Repository Guidelines. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. Richard Furman (1755-1825) James C. Furman, son of Richard becomes a leading Baptist minister Furman, is the dominant figure in and envisions an academy that, in university history from 1844 to 1879 time, will "grow into a fully organized and becomes the institution's first college should wise and liberal president in 1859. measures be pursued." Reflections on the people and events that have forged Furman's identity through the university's 175-year history. By A.V. Huff, Jr. 2 Furman closes during the Civil War, although the female college remains open. ROM THE VANTAGE POINT OF 175 YEARS OF FURMAN'S HISTORY, TWO CONCLUSIONS EASILY COME TO MIND. THE PROGRESSIVE VIEW OF THE PAST IS THE MOST COMMON AT CELEBRATORY MOMENTS LIKE THIS. LOOK HOW FAR WE'VE COME, WE MIGHT SAY, FROM THAT LITTLE ACADEMY IN EDGEFIELD. AREN'T WE - AND OUR FOREBEARS - GREAT TO HAVE MADE SO MUCH OUT OF SO LITTLE? THE OTHER CONCLUSION IS A MORE TRAGIC, DETERMINIST VIEW: WE ARE VICTIMS OF OUR HISTORY, NO MORE THAN PAWNS OF FORCES WE CANNOT CONTROL.