Letters to the Editor

My, how things have changed ... and for the good, I might add. The article "'Hole' other course provides campus fun" (p. 33) in the September/October Baylor Magazine brought back wonderful memories of my days on campus. But back in "those days," we played a slightly different version of the same game: Frisbee golf. ... It was a much-needed diversion from the afternoon studies with numerous good memories as the result ... the main difference was the disapproval of Baylor administration in the Frisbee version on campus. I am glad to see that the current administration now allows innocent and harmless on-campus activities. Keep the spirit alive!
Tom Anderson, BBA '85, Austin, Texas
 

I enjoyed the article about campus golf in the September/October issue of Baylor Magazine. I used to play it quite frequently while I was at Baylor, and I'm glad that it is finally getting formal recognition. However, Jon Rolph and Nick Martineau cannot be credited with bringing the sport to campus. While I admire the fact that they have promoted campus golf's popularity among students, they were not the first ones to play it at Baylor. I played campus golf as early as 1996 and continued to play until I graduated in '98. The first time I played was with Jason Medlin (a music major from Cabot, Ark.), who I would have to credit with the idea. ... The game soon caught on with many of our friends, eventually prompting us to hold a four-day tournament, won by Craig Laubacher (an engineering major from Deer Park). ... I congratulate Rolph and Martineau for promoting campus golf, but I also must 
commend Jason Medlin for bringing the sport to the Baylor campus.
Pete Garcia, BSEE '98, Pflugerville, Texas
 

While reading your recent article "The Wars of Worship," I was saddened again by the decades of strife over music in the church. I see the whole issue as a result of two things. The first is the problem all of us have -- pride. As musicians, professional or nonprofessional, we have huge egos. We are either too proud of our skill, education and experience to be humble about worship, or we are intimidated by every youngster who comes along with more talent than we possess in our little finger. The second problem is dominant in American culture -- rebellion against authority. We simply don't want to submit to our head pastor's vision for our particular part of the body of Christ. We can't all worship under the same roof, and our taste in musical styles is as different as each of us is created. The most important thing, which the article failed to represent, is the object of our worship. Beautiful music may be created in the depths of hell. If Jesus is not high and lifted up, it's not worship at all. If he is, then all men will be drawn to him.
Sarah Heinze Williamson, BSN '83, Amarillo, Texas 
 

While I certainly enjoyed the Darden article ("The Wars of Worship," p. 24), I am still extremely concerned and puzzled by the fact that the issues raised were seemingly all "European," with no mention of the rich worship of African-Americans. 
Lorye Carter-Reed, BMEd '81, MMus '96, Hewitt, Texas
 

I really enjoy Baylor Magazine, Baylor Line and all other communications from good ole Baylor. I am 95 and remember well church in the '20s. My parents opened our home to the revival team, and my two brothers and I learned three things about church music. First, it must have the Gospel in it. Second, it should be sung so that it can be understood. Third, it must have good melody. During revival, people from area churches would help fill the choir loft and, without rehearsing, raise the roof of the tabernacle. Thanks and God bless all of the Baylor family.
Marvin Northern, Shreveport, La.
 

I truly enjoyed your article on the residential campus. Many of the stories brought back some of my fondest memories at Baylor, memories that can only be experienced in the dorm setting. My sophomore year, a very large group of girls -- all in sororities -- decided to live on campus. We were allowed to create a block of rooms in one wing of Memorial. The idea caught on, and before we knew it, most of our pledge class and many other Greek girls did the same. If those directing on-campus residency will encourage residents to "personalize" their experience, popularity will increase. 
Leigh Walker Bowman, BS '92, Shreveport, La.
 

Congratulations! This is the first Baylor publication that I have read cover to cover since I graduated in 1980. I like the variety, short but concise articles and overall format. I plan to pick up the first issue, which I still have, and read it cover to cover, too.
Regarding the article about creating a residential campus, I think Baylor is on the right track but may be unrealistic in thinking that 50 percent or more students will want to live on campus. While I agree that the old dorms need a face-lift and modernizing, I would hate to see the charm of the older dorms, like Memorial, destroyed. ... The architect who built North and South Russell must have had a prison in mind when he designed those buildings. They are an eyesore to the campus' established charm. 
... Before Baylor invests millions in new residential buildings, a new survey of the entire student body should be done to be sure there will be students to fill those rooms, and careful consideration should be given to the architectural style of the building.
Allison Smith Fowler, BSEd '80, Houston, Texas
 

I would like to congratulate you on a great job with Baylor Magazine. The magazine has a great design and I find it very user-friendly. This publication makes me feel connected to Baylor and inspires me to support the University in a way that other communications have not. Great job.
Mari Woodlief, BA '90
Dallas, Texas