A Look Into the Past

Public Instruction even called Cedarville "one of the best small colleges in the stare." In spire of this academic success, the college's financial problems grew worse. In 1928, rhe General Synod of Reformed Presbyterian Churches gave up all control of Cedarville; thus, the college lost its sup- porting constituency. The Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. gradually filled the openings on the Board of Trustees, but the college was unable to win the support of that denomination in the students or dona- tions. In the midst of these financial problems, a dissident group of alumni seriously chal- lenged McChesney's leadership, question ing his ability to handle the college's funds. McChesney remained president after a narrow 6 to 5 vote of the Board of Trust ees, but this division in rhe board severely damaged his position. Then, in 1934, McChesney lost the sup port of McKinney, the friend with whom he had worked unceasingly throughout the history of the college. Following rhe death of his wife, McChesney officially re- signed as president in 1940, and Reverend Walter Smith Kilpatrick was chosen to fill his office. 24 History