but the group that would ultimately become the Conservative Baptists preferred to leave the question of affiliation in the hands of the individual churches. Jeremiah recognized that the theological controversies of the day were very real. He knew the sensitivity of Regular Baptist people to those issues. He realized that a new direction for the Bible institute would require the support of the pastors and people in the G.A.R.B.C. in order to succeed. He was not at all sure that a merger would be supported. His own theological commitment and the commitment of those in the Association he loved were fresh in his mind as the discussion of "merging" began. He leaned toward Harold Engle and whispered, "1 don't think Regular Baptists can merge." Engle smiled at his young pastor and replied, "Preacher, you had better wait a minute and see what they mean by 'merge.' "11 As the discussion developed, the love that the Presbyterian trustees had for their institution became obvious. They had no desire to bring about a merger for personal or selfish gain. If they had wanted that sort of thing, the property could have simply been sold outright. What they really wanted was a continuation of the school's ministry in the lives of Christian young people. These men were willing to turn the campus over to someone who had the strength, desire, and burden to carryon for the cause of Christ. Consequently, they devised a plan by which the Presbyterian trustees would gradually resign, allowing representatives from the new group to be elected. By exchanging the Boards in this manner, it would be possible for Cedarville College to continue functioning under its charter, and the ministry could go on uninterrupted. When he understood the selflessness of the Presbyterian trustees and the wisdom of the plan they ·had devised, Jeremiah recognized the unique opportunity available to B.B.I. This was clearly a "merger" that even Regular Baptists could accept! 1. Marturian, 1953, p. 12. 2. Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland Catalog, 1952-53, p. 9. Here- aFter referred to as B.B.1. Catalog. 3. Marturian, 1953, p. 12. 4. B.B.1. Catalog, 1951-52, p. 12. 5. Ibid. 6. B.B.1. Catalog, 1952-53, p. 10. 7. B.B.1. Catalog, 1951-52, p. 13. 8. Gerald Smelser, Taped Reflections, October 1985. Smelser was one of the original group of pastors who organized Baptist Bible Institute. He is still an active member of the Cedarville College Board of Trustees. 9. Ibid. 10. james T jeremiah, personal interview, August 1985. II. Ibid. The Hough Avenue Baptist Church, the educational facility oE Baptist Bible Institute, soon became inadequate Ear the number of students enrolled, leading to a search for another location. Chapter 1/11