I Am Wilshire – Gwin Morris.
Hometown: Denton
Education: B.Mus., Baylor; Master of Religious Education, Southwestern Seminary; M.S. in History, University of North Texas; Ph.D., History, Texas Tech
Profession: College history professor and higher education administrator
Present city: Allen
Tell us about your family.
I am married to Brenda Moore Morris. In September we will have been married 60 years. We have two sons and two grandchildren.
Tell us about your work/volunteer life.
I taught history at Wayland Baptist College and East Texas Baptist University for 20 years, then served as a development officer for Baylor University for 13 years, followed by eight years as chief advancement officer for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. I finished my professional career as a development consultant with the Baptist Foundation of Texas and the Buckner Foundation. Brenda and I retired in 2012. I have taught graduate history courses online since 2013.
What are your favorite hobbies?
I read several books per week and collect first editions and rare books.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
We have traveled extensively, but our favorite is still Montana.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I have served as a deacon (now emeritus) and teach occasionally in Compass Class.
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
Over the years Brenda and I have been Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist. Wilshire is the only Baptist church where I have felt truly Baptist. I applaud our diversity, openness and freedom.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
I believe God is ever present and at work for good in God’s world, even when it is hard to believe that good will prevail. We are the kingdom of God on earth and our task is to bring God’s kingdom to pass on earth as it is in heaven.
Tell us about your faith journey.
I made my profession of faith in the First Baptist Church of Munday, Texas, when I was 8. I believe I have moved from that basic profession to a more complete sense of wholeness within God’s universal, unconditional and eternal love for me and all of God’s creation.
What’s something interesting most people wouldn’t know about you?
I played Curly in Oklahoma and Billy Bigelow in Carousel when I was in high school.
- If you’d like to be featured in “I Am Wilshire,” email Carolyn Murray at cmurray@wilshirebc.org.