104-Year-Old Divinity Student Honored During Award to Amend Wrongs Done During Segregation
"I don't see color. I just see God's people. However many years I have left, I just want to be a blessing."
(Fort Worth, Texas)—BP news reports that rarely has there been a time when 104-year-old Eugene Florence did not hold two full-time jobs in addition to juggling family responsibilities, odd jobs when they became available and ministering whenever God provided an opportunity."
"As long as He keeps me living, I'm going to trust Him and preach the Gospel whenever I can," said Florence. (Photo by: Glen E. Ellman)
Because of segregation, when he was young Florence wasn't allowed to attend classes at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary during the day. He didn't give up though, and attended a Negro Extension program instead. He reportedly completed the same courses as the daytime students, but "after eight years of tirelessly studying God's Word," notes the report, he received a diploma in theology, while the white students received master of divinity degrees.
Continues the report: "In 2004, Southwestern faculty and trustees determined from Florence's records that his coursework qualified him for a master's degree rather than a diploma, so SWBTS President Paige Patterson invited Florence back to campus to receive an M.Div. in the fall 2004 commencement 43 years after his studies."
Subsequently, Florence was named one of three 2008 Distinguished Alumni recipients. President Patterson expressed his gratitude and respect during the ceremony, saying, "I marvel at this wonderful man of God.... To give you this distinguished alumni award is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life."
For his part, Florence is as forgiving as he is humble. "I don't see color," he said. "I just see God's people. However many years I have left, I just want to be a blessing."
