Chuck Colson, infamous because he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in the Watergate era, has become famous during the past three decades for his Christian evangelism and as founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries. On Tuesday morning, as guest speaker at the second annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, his message was that of redemption.
He was the first person in President Richard Nixon's administration to go to prison in the Watergate era and served seven months in prison.
A self-described overachiever, Colson had been a captain in the U.S. Marines, an assistant to the assistant secretary of the Navy and a congressional assistant. He went to law school and passed the Bar exam. By age 38, he was special counsel to Nixon, "sitting next to the president of the United States."
"How fleeting are the things of this world," he told an audience of about 900 people at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg. "I learned so much more from the underside of life."
He founded Prison Fellowship Ministries in 1976 and has headed the organization for the past 25 years.
"All through history, God has used ordinary people to do extraordinary things," he said.
Mayor Rick Baker welcomed Colson, who was introduced by Dr. James P. Gills, director of the St. Luke's Cataract and Laser Institute.
Other speakers at the event, presented by the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, included Dick Crippen, executive director of the Rays of Hope Foundation; Doug Linder, YMCA board chairman; and Bill McQueen, president of Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes, which sponsored the event.
Additional sponsors were Graphix Solutions, the city of St. Petersburg, United Way of Tampa Bay and Orange Blossom Catering.
Retired Col. Frederick D. Terry, Dr. Alan H. Bachert, the Rev. John G. Tapp and Dr. Johnnie Lee Williams offered prayers.
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As a cooperative effort between the Christmas Toy Shop and Great Explorations, the children's museum is offering a 20 percent discount on items purchased in its gift shop to be donated to the toy drive.
Great Explorations, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday; telephone 821-2992.
The Christmas Toy Shop, 550 16th St. N, St. Petersburg, is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; telephone 898-3962. The toy shop accepts new and used toys, except stuffed toys. In particular, it need toys appropriate for adolescent boys. (No weapons or militaria, please.)
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The Queen of Hearts Ball, which raises money for two worthy and different charities each year, is seeking applications from charitable organizations that serve the St. Petersburg area and are listed unter Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. They are eligible if they have not received money from the Queen of Hearts Ball for the past five years.
Applications, due March 1, may be received by calling 526-7592.
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Kitchen and patio fans, please note: Tickets for Saturday's Florida Orchestra Guild Holiday Kitchen and Patio Tour are $10, and hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Incorrect prices and times appeared in the Nov. 26 On the Town column. Kitchens and patios of seven homes in St. Petersburg's Northeast section are on the tour, and holiday and food items will be sold. Tickets are available from guild members or by calling 866-5097 or 866-0202.
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday
CHRISTMAS SEAL BALL: Benefits programs, research with American Lung Association. 6:30 p.m. St. Petersburg Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. $150. 347-6133.
Sunday
HISTORICAL CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Museum of History Guild event. 6-9 p.m. Private home. $75. 894-9394.
