Ohio Valley College Lectures
From April Sixth through the Ninth Ohio Valley College (Parkersburg, W. Va.) conducted its first lecture program. All those who attended called it a great success. This success was caused in a great part by the cooperation of men from other schools. John Stevens of Abilene Christian College, Brad Brumley and Frank Van Dyke of Freed-Hardeman College, Harold Thomas of Northeastern Institute of Christian Education, and Homer Halley of Florida Christian College all had a part.
This spirit of cooperation is greatly appreciated and those connected with Ohio Valley College hope that it may continue and that we may show ourselves worthy of it. We also appreciate the publicity which has been given the lectures and other work of the school by various papers. However, some of us wish to say just a little about one article which has appeared in one publication.
The writer of the article has mentioned the fact that our by-laws provide that no funds shall be solicited or accepted from church treasuries. He uses this in a way that tends to drive a wedge between us and other colleges. Those whose names are signed below are on the Board of Trustees. We do not have time now to get the reaction of all the Board, but we feel sure that their reaction is about the same as ours. We do not appreciate being cast in this light.
The writer of the article in question also said that he hopes that we will not give in to pressures from the editor of the Gospel Advocate and his liberal minded friends.
We want it known that the editor of the Advocate has never tried to exert any pressure upon us. He has been very cooperative in every way. He was invited to be on our lecture program. We regret that previous commitments of his prevented his coming.
We do not feel that Ohio Valley College has any business trying to dictate the policies of other colleges. We feel that we and they are working toward the same goals. Though our philosophy of obtaining support may vary from them, we are not intending to start any crusade against those schools, but shall give them our prayers and blessings.
Most of us on the Board do not agree with those who contend that orphan homes should not be supported from the treasury of the churches. We believe that colleges and orphan homes fit into different categories. Moreover we believe that a nationwide radio program may be sponsored by one congregation and supported with funds from many congregations. We do not appreciate any effort which would cast us in another role.
The Board of Trustees of Ohio Valley College has not written a creed on these matters setting a standard which must be met by prospective members. We do not intend to. Neither shall we write a creed which must be met by a prospective president.
We are sure also that the Board will hire the president of the College without paying heed to pressure from some who speak against pressure from others. The recommendation of thoughtful and wise brethren shall be considered carefully and prayerfully. We will pay little heed to recommendations which first appear in some publication.
M. E. Newberry Clifton Inman