Alumni win battle of cross at college

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., March 7 (UPI) -- An 18-inch brass cross will be returned to a glass display case in Wren Chapel at The College of William and Mary in Virginia.

According to a statement issued Tuesday by the college, President Gene R. Nichol and the college's Board of Visitors agreed to accept recommendations from the Committee on Religion calling for the return of the cross to a "prominent, readily visible place." The committee further recommended erecting a plaque explaining the college's Anglican roots and its historic connection to Bruton Parish Church. The committee also directed the chapel sacristy "be available to house sacred objects of any religious tradition ... for worship and devotion by members of the college community."

The Washington Times reported alumni had criticized removal of the cross for months, threatening to deny millions of dollars in donations, "including a $12 million gift."

William and Mary is the second oldest college in the nation, founded in 1693. The Times said four U.S. presidents attended the institution: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler.