PICTURED RIGHT: Rev. Josef Sorrells, Campus Minister, makes remarks at REW's Closing Worship
Texas College continues to remain rooted in its religious-based founding and emphasize the importance of spirituality. This is evidenced by the College’s annual hosting of Religious Emphasis Week (REW). The 2025 REW took place in February and carried the theme of Freedomville: Salvation, Education, and Liberation, inspired by Galatians 5:1: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." The passage underscored the College’s commitment to fostering a community where freedom in faith propels individuals forward in Texas College’s mission and core values.
“Texas College, founded by Christian ministers, has long recognized the transformative power of education,” noted Rev. Josef Sorrells, Campus Minister. “These early pioneers saw the ability to educate formerly enslaved Africans how to read and write as a pathway to liberation. Their vision was not just about academic learning, but about equipping individuals to find spiritual freedom through salvation and intellectual freedom through education.”
“A well-known saying of our former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, ‘Salvation, Education, Liberation’ speaks life and meaning to our commitment at the College.” said Rev. Sorrells.
Dr. Cindy Johnson, Division Chair for General Studies and Humanities, and Mr. Elijah Smith, freshman Computer Science and Music major, present a “Praise Break” for 2025 REW
REW kicked off on Sunday with a call to worship at Greater Miles Chapel CME Church as they celebrated HBCU and Greek Day. The week would progress with a gospel prayer brunch and then “Steer Sessions” with Rev. Dr. Valencia Edner, Pastor of Carter Metropolitan CME Church inFort Worth, Texas. The sessions focused on salvation, education, and liberation through music, mental health, and mediation.
Alongside the aforementioned activities, the College also provided virtual “Praise Breaks,” a take on National Public Radio’s (NPR) “Tiny Desk.” During these presentations, brief musical acoustic selections were performed by Mr. Elijah Smith, Freshman Computer Science and Music Major, while faculty and staff provided uplifting spiritual messages. The “Praise Breaks” included messages from Dr. Cindy Johnson, Division Chair for General Studies and Humanities, Ms. Sharon Dixon, Campus Nurse, and Ms. Ruby Smith, Business and Finance Cashier.
Religious Emphasis Week 2025 culminated with “Freedomville: A Worship Experience,” which served as a powerful closing worship service for the week. The service hosted a variety of impactful remarks from students, faculty, and staff, as well as President Dwight Fennell. Rev. Dr. Van Carl Williams, Pastor of Cedar Crest Cathedral CME Church in Dallas, Texas, delivered a dynamic sermon filled with energy and invaluable spiritual insights. Collectively, 2025 REW activities emphasized the importance of spirituality and reaffirmed the College’s dedication to the principles that have guided it since its inception.
