Following Dr. Steele's recommendation of May 20, 1885, that a college be established, work began immediately through a committee composed of Rev. J.F. Morton, Mr. Thomas Gibson, Mr. R. Park, Mr. Hugh McCollum, Jr., and Mr. H.H. McMillan. It was their task to find a site for a college "in or about the town of Cedarville" as quickly as possible. They were to be joined by the remainder of the members of the Synod in securing funds for the fledgling institution. On January 20, 1887, these five men banded together and became a corporate body in keeping with the laws of the State of Ohio; and on the 26th of January 1887, they obtained a certificate of incorporation for Cedarville College. 8 These were exciting days as the five men anticipated seeing the college become a reality. With the charter in hand, the same five men whose names appeared on the incorporation papers met on March 11, 1887 at 11:00 a.m., at the home of Rev. Morton. Thomas Gibson was chosen temporary chairman, with Morton serving as temporary secretary. The group was led in prayer by Rev. J.G. Kendall before naming themselves to the original Board of Trustees to accomplish the initial work of the college. They organized themselves and outlined their responsibilities, then proceeded to formulate articles of regulation to submit to the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church for approval in their meeting of May 1887. In subsequent weeks the trustees carefully evaluated several possible properties in the Cedarville community, finally settling upon a location on the north edge of the village that was owned by Mr. ].R. Orr. Though the trustees settled on the Orr location as early as June 1887, negotiations dragged on for over a year. In May 1888, the Board refused to accept an offer made by Orr because it was "filled with conditions that are objectionable."9 By this time the men were becoming frustrated by the problems that kept interfering with their dream. Finally, the objections were resolved through the work of Richard Park and Hugh McCollum, and the purchase was finalized. Having land increased their anticipation of the college becoming a reality, but there was much yet to be done. In the meantime, the five trustees worked tirelessly to raise funds. By June 10, 1887, they announced that a total of $8,419 had been pledged to Cedarville College; however, only $463 of that money was cash on hand. By May 10, 1888, the total amount pledged was 3O/Chapter IV The interior of Alford after it was renovated and wings were added For bleacher seating. $9,729.35, but the treasury showed only $549! At this time Treasurer McMillan discouragingly reported that "he had written to different ministers and members of the church, soliciting subscriptions for the college, but had met with little encouragement."lO One year later no further contributions had been received, and the college dream seemed to be turning into a nightmare. In spite of all their efforts, the committee was receiving little support. In frustration they issued the following threat: In different parts of the church, so little of interest has been manifested in this matter that the Board is discouraged, and unless greater interest is awakened, and more done in the en– suing year, the Board will recommend that the whole enterprise be abandoned I1 Another year passed and a disillusioned band of trustees met once more. In their minds this was to be their final session. No further contributions had been received, and nothing had been done to advance the cause of the college for the entire year. They were