1986-1987 Academic Catalog

The first faculty and graduating class. Six began in the class,jive graduated, with three becoming pastors, one a missionary, and the other a teacher. September 19, 1894. Cedarville opened classes for 32 students, each paying $20 for one yearof training. The local newspapers re– ported, "As this is nearly double the number they had anticipated, the enterprise can be considered as starting off splendidly." From that first day, Christian character and growth were emphasized, for Dr. David McChesney, the first President, stated, "Cedarville College believes that culture of the mind without the nurture and growth of spiritual life is a mistake. Education without morality is a menace to the state....accordingly, the Bible is the textbook of the College." The first building, "Old Main," was built. The first class, con– sisting of five students, was graduated. Three entered the pas– torate; one became a missionary, the other a teacher. Year after year, the College attracted a record number of students and soon gained a reputation not only for its Bible teaching, but also for its liberal arts program. Many of the teachers in schools in south– western Ohio came from Cedarville. The turbulence of the first fifty years of the 20th century - two world wars, the Great Depression - led to hard times for the Col– lege. Yet the trustees and faculty committed themselves to con– tinuing on for Christ. AfterWorld War II, the College purposed to become strong again, but found that it could not stand behind that commitment financially. Finally, in January of 1953, the Board of Trustees faced the most difficult decision in the College's his– tory. Enrollment could not support expenses, and further debt could not be incurred to continue rebuilding. Either the College would close its doors or seek another church group who would be willing to take over the operation. The trustees chose the latter and began searching. But they could not find such a group. Cedar Day, the oldest tradition ofthe College, is still observed today, although much differently than in 1923. Heralded as a Spring Homecoming, the weekendfeatured class plays, games, the crowning of the Cedar Day Queen, and the popular maypole exhibition pictured.