Inspire, Winter 1993

InSPire WINTER 1993 A A News Publication for Cedarville College Alumni D uring Homecoming 1993, the college family and friends honored Dr.James T.Jeremiah for his 40 years ofservice to Cedarville College. Born in Corning,New York,he grew up in Johnson City and graduated from Baptist Bible Seminary in that city. He married Ruby Lathrop in 1936 and pastored churches in Panama,New York, and Toledo and Dayton,Ohio. In 1953,Dr.Jeremiah was instrumental in the transfer ofCedarville College to the Baptist Bible Institute board oftrustees. The following year he left a successful pastoral ministry in Dayton to become the seventh president ofthe small college that was struggling to survive. During those early days,the Cedarville "family" concept was firmly set in place as administrators,faculty, staff, trustees,and students worked together to keep the College going. In addition to his administrative and teaching James T.Jeremiah Shapes Cedarville's Culturefor 40 Years responsibilities,Dr.Jeremiah could be found digging ditches, making concrete blocks,or driving a truck. Resources were sparse,and he spent much time telling the Cedarville story to the GARBC churches to gain their support. During Dr.Jeremiah's 24-year administration,Cedarville gained stability and respect. Enrollment increased from 100 to 1,250 and buildings from eight to 37.The College added many new academic programs and gained accreditation from the North Central Association ofColleges and Secondary Schools.The chapel bearing his name was constructed in 1976.Dr.Jeremiah saw to it that thousands of young people received an education grounded in Scripture,equipping them to take Jesus Christ into a multitude of vocational opportunities. He stepped down from his office when he sensed that Cedarville,on the verge ofa new upswing of growth,needed a younger leader. Dr.Paul Dixon reflects,"No incoming president ever had a greater friend or confidant than I had in Dr.Jeremiah." Dr.Dixon often states that it has been his privilege to build on the excellentfoundation laid by his predecessor. Since becoming chancellor in 1978, Dr. Jeremiah has continued to promote the College in churches and conferences nationwide.For many years his devotional broadcast"Lightfor Living"encouraged listeners. More recently he began"The Senior Advantage"radio program and his ministry with groups ofseniors across the country. He has authored six books on biblical themes.