At AdventGX, we have been blessed to work alongside remarkable people whose wisdom and friendship shape who we are.
Dr. Carson Watt was one of those rare individuals—a mentor, colleague, and friend who taught us to meet challenges with courage and to “bring the light” wherever we go. As we remember Carson’s life and legacy, we invite you to read the story of one conversation with Carson that has guided our work for more than 15 years.
Over the last several weeks, Jose and I bid farewell to a dear friend and mentor. For us, Carson Watt was a wise counselor, colleague, and, very often, a father figure. He also had an uncanny ability to make us laugh at ourselves without an ounce of shame or indignity. He was good and we already miss him.
Today, as I reflect on the gift of Carson Watt’s life, I’m struck by his ability to deliver profound impact in a single conversation. One in particular comes to mind.
About 15 years ago, Carson and I were sitting in our then-new office in historic downtown Bryan.
We had recently moved our business incubator to the downtown scene, but soon encountered a lot of what I might call resistance to our presence. As I was sharing this with Carson, I told him it felt dark.
He listened like he always did…quietly. I shared how I’d been personally mocked and attacked for my faith. I explained that I’d encountered similar attacks before, but never had I struggled so to tread dark waters. Everything in me wanted to get out.
I’ll never forget Carson’s response. He leaned further back in the conference room chair, smiled, and said something like.
“Yeah. It’s dark…And we don’t leave dark places.”
Then Carson leaned in, smiled his big, tender smile, and reminded me.
“We bring the light.”
The Beginning of Many Beginnings
Carson was never one to tell you what you wanted to hear. Rather, he found a kind way to help you hear what your soul needed. Often, he had you laughing through the enlightenment.
The funny thing is, we never again discussed the darkness downtown. But after that conversation, Jose and I, together with our AdventGX team, expanded our presence one historic revitalization project at a time.
I started working most days downtown. We opened an art gallery, then a live music venue. Our company facilitated efforts to secure the Cultural Heritage District designation from the State of Texas for Historic Downtown Bryan. Years later, we led the effort to secure Bryan’s designation as a Music Friendly Community.
More importantly, Jose and I have both had the opportunity to get to know, love, and employ many young men and women as well as fellow entrepreneurs. And, when the opportunity presents itself, we delight in bringing international artists and friends to our beloved historic downtown Bryan.
We invested in the restoration of three buildings and developed programming to bring them to life while promoting our own and other downtown businesses. After many years, and at the city’s request, we added a fourth to the list.
We took on the restoration of the 1912 ice house, our biggest project yet. It was an enormous undertaking. We quite literally prayed circles around the building, trusting God would carry us through the project He brought us to.
In this World, You Will Have Trouble
God brought the Ice House on Main to life once, and so we have no cause to be surprised that He’s doing it again after another difficult season.
All those years ago, Carson encouraged us to press on. By the grace of God and with the help of many friends, we’ve had the joy of creating amazing experiences and contributing to the vitality of our community, all while learning a great deal and helping others with similar efforts.
So I cannot help but smile as I sit here in our newly renovated event space at the Ice House on Main reflecting on the ways the Lord brought us through.
We could have retreated when things were at their worst. We considered it. But Carson taught us better. So, we waited on the Lord, and He made a way.
I know our dear friend Carson is looking down from heaven with a smile and a nod. The words he shared all those years ago have stayed with us through both the joyful and trying moments of our journey. Even as we mourn, we find great joy and inspiration in reflecting on his life and influence. And as we begin a new chapter, we do so with renewed hope and in honor of Carson Watt.
Because Christ overcame the world, we will bring the light.
Dr. Carson Watt was the founding director of the AdventGX Board of Advisors. He served as a professor in Texas A&M University’s Department of Recreation Parks & Tourism Sciences and was known for his advocacy and promotion of nature and heritage tourism.
