“Henrietta Mears: How One Woman Changed American Christianity”: A Film Screening and Panel Discussion with the Producers on Sept. 29
The evening will begin with a screening of the documentary film Mears: How One Woman Changed American Christianity, produced by Rob Loos and alumnus Tim McCalmont ’74. The pair will be joined by Whitworth Professor Emeritus of History Arlin Migliazzo, author of Mother of Modern Evangelicalism: The Life & Legacy of Henrietta Mears.
Educator, evangelist and author Henrietta Mears helped to define the modern Sunday school and is considered by many to be modern Christianity’s most influential woman. Mears served as director of Christian education at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood from 1928 until her death, where she built one of the largest Sunday schools in the world. She also played a key role in the establishment of Fuller Theological Seminary. Mears mentored many Christian leaders, including Bill Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ) and Billy Graham. Her influential book What the Bible Is All About has sold millions of copies worldwide.
The evening is made possible by a new Welch Foundation initiative at Whitworth.
“This event marks the beginning of many opportunities made possible through our partnership with the Welch Foundation,” says Amanda Clark, Ph.D., dean of the library & special programs. “Together, we will expand theology scholarships, grow the archival Welch Collection, and launch new lecture initiatives, beginning with this screening. We aim to cultivate thoughtful Christian leaders, steward a premier evangelical archive, and model a partnership that will inform future engagement and philanthropic vision within Christian higher education and beyond.”
The event is free and open to the public.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Amanda Clark, dean of the library & special programs, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4482 or amandaclark@whitworth.edu
Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
