Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2017

Most certainly, the Lord Himself has been the founder and architect of Cedarville University. But one of His most dedicated workmen in that cause has been James T. Jeremiah. Jeremiah came to Cedarville as a board member after Cedarville College merged with the Bible Baptist Institute of Cleveland. During a time of great upheaval and transition, Jeremiah assumed the responsibilities of president while continuing to serve as pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio. The outlook was bleak at first. Cedarville had no endowment and struggled to meet operating expenses. But Jeremiah’s fiscal stewardship and willingness to work as unto the Lord in any endeavor — pouring cement blocks for construction, digging ditches, delivering milk from a local dairy for the dining hall — provided the example and thrift that steadied the institution through trying times. When he was appointed president on September 11, 1954, Cedarville boasted a student population of 103, served by nine faculty members. Within 10 years those numbers had grown to 501 students and 33 faculty members. And by the time he stepped down in 1978, the student body had expanded to 1,250; 29 new administrative, residential, and instructional facilities had been added; and the school’s acreage had increased from 15 to 180. But more than that, 2,840 graduates were living for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ as pastors, missionaries, worship leaders, teachers, and many other roles. As Jeremiah noted in his final report to the Board of Trustees, “To all who have been such a vital part in my life and labors here, from the depths of my heart I say thank you.” And Cedarville thanks God today for the steadfast devotion and unwavering focus of His faithful servant James T. Jeremiah. DR. JEREMIAH’S MARK Cedarville Magazine | 11