Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 20
January 16, 1969
NUMBER 36, PAGE 6-7a

Shenanigans At Ohio Valley College?

Wm. E. Wallace

The following newspaper feature was written by Larry V. Murphy, newsman, under the headline "OVC Financial Dilemma Appears Solved." Over the headline appeared the expression, "College May Eat Cake, Have It Too." The news story follows:

Things are looking brighter now at Ohio Valley College, which last summer received a bill for $76,000 from the federal government along with a ruling that unless it were paid the college no Ionger could teach religious subjects, or sing hymns or "God Bless America," and couldn't even pray in the attractive auditorium which was partially financed with Government funds.

But now, if things work out as planned, OVC may be able to eat its cake and have it, too — or, to put it more plainly — the college may be able to continue praying and also keep the $ 76,000 "federal" money, on which appears the U.S. Motto — "In God We Trust."

They're starting to build another chapel on the OVC campus, and this new structure will be financed without any assistance from the federal government — with no grants or leins from Washington, D. C., which seemingly carry with them the "no religion, no prayer" restrictions.

"Works In Mysterious Ways"

If the plan works out as expected, OVC's President J. M. Powell, along with other officials and friends of the college, will be more convinced than ever that "God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform."

Powell now is inclined to believe that last summer's painful dilemma, which received nationwide publicity, and brought messages of sympathy and support from many parts of the nation, may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

The new chapel will be more than just that.

The structure, which it is hoped will be completed and ready for use by about next Jan. 1 — in time for the beginning of the Spring Semester which starts Jan. 3 — will be tentatively known as the college's "New Assembly and Student Activity Building."

To Be "Functional Building"

The front part of the building will be used as a chapel or assembly area, which by means of movable partitions can be converted into extra needed classrooms for the college's anticipated future expansion.

The rear part of the 52-by-142-foot "StranSteel" structure will be used as a student activities area, or a Student Union.

"That's something we've been needing for a long time, a student union building, a place for the students to assemble informally during breaks between classes and in the evenings, and for student social events," Powers said. "We really don't have a suitable place for such activities at the present."

Have "Enough For The Shell"

Powell disclosed that since the news "broke" last summer about the federal "no prayer" ruling, many small contributions, ranging from a dollar to five or ten dollars, and some for greater sums, have been trickling in from friends, supporters and sympathizers from throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.

"Just this week," Powell said, "I received a nice letter and a $10 check from a woman who lives in California and who just heard of our predicament."

When the contributions started coming in, Powell pointed out, it was the college's intention to "repay" the approximately $76,000 to the federal government.

At that time, spokesman for the U.S. Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare had ruled that the Federally-funded OVC auditorium could not be used as a chapel or for any type of religious services — "not even a prayer" — this fall unless the money had been repaid to the Government.

Suddenly, OVC officials realized that the contributions already received would be "almost enough" to build a suitable prefabricated steel building which would supply a definite need at the college.

"We have just almost enough for the shell, the building itself, but not enough for furniture or furnishings of the interior, such as tables and chairs, air-conditioning, or for refrigeration and other equipment needed for the student union or student activities area," Powell revealed.

"Why Not Keep The Money?"

Karl Summers, president of Premier Photo Service who along with Mrs. Summers has been a friend of Ohio Valley College since it was established in 1959, and who has made the largest single contribution the college ever has received — $50,000, which was given about two years ago, and is being held in reserve to help finance a physical education building on the campus — suggested to Powell:

"Why send the money back to Washington? You already have the auditorium, and the federal government isn't going to tear it down and take it away now. If you can raise $76,000, why not keep the money and use it to build a new building for use as a chapel? Then you can quit praying in the auditorium which was partially built with federal funds."

Summers indicated that if OVC would keep the money and apply it toward the cost of a new chapel building, he might make a substantial contribution toward the new building, Powell revealed.

Can Pray Another Year

Powell thought about Summer's suggestion for a couple of months, and finally decided that the idea was a good one.

The OVC president told federal officials about the plan, and, unofficially, at least, Government spokesmen tentatively have agreed that the college can continue using the present auditorium until the new building is completed.

"The federal government has been very cordial, friendly and understanding in relation to our problems, and they're being most cooperative," Powell commented.

For another year, at least they'll still be able to pray at Ohio Valley College, it now appears.

And by this time next year they'll be praying in their own building, not subject to federal regulations frowning on religious activities or prayer.