Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2017

LYNN BROCK THE HISTORIAN If you have a question about the history of Cedarville University, Lynn Brock ’68, Dean of Library Services, is a good place to start. “I love history,” he explained. “You have to understand how we got where we are today, and the people who helped us get here, to truly understand Cedarville.” And Brock’s history with Cedarville is long. “This place was a part of me before I even got here,” he said. His father, William Brock, was a trustee, so it was only natural for him to attend Cedarville. After receiving his master’s degree, he returned as a reference librarian in 1969, and worked his way up through the library, eventually being appointed Director in 1975 and named Dean in 2006. The library is naturally about serving others, and it’s a role that Brock takes seriously. “If we do our job well,” he explained, “it helps our students and faculty be successful.” Each year, he chooses a theme verse for his staff. This year’s verse, 1 Corinthians 15:58, underscores the importance he places on the contribution of each staff member. “There is nothing too small to be done,” he said. “Everything we do matters to God. No one here is more important than anyone else. It’s what has made this a great place to work.” Brock credits the variety of his responsibilities for keeping him engaged in his work. “There’s always something else to do that takes advantage of your skills and abilities, even outside your normal job,” he explained. “I’ve never gotten in a rut here.” He served as Director of Planning for the University from 1988 to 1996 and played an integral role in developing several buildings on campus. In 2006, he led the building program for the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies, including creating the Biblical Heritage Gallery, where six exhibits showing the Bible in history rotate every six months. Brock personally created each of these exhibits — depicting the history, preservation, and influence of the Bible — which highlight the importance of God’s Word to Cedarville. “It defines everything we do,” he said. “Without Scripture, there’s no reason for us to be here.” Perhaps Brock’s favorite role is University Archivist. In 1996, he took a sabbatical to begin the long, careful process of organizing Cedarville’s archives. “It’s been a lot of fun to trace the history and the heritage of the University,” he said. “To be able to see God’s hand — his blessings, provisions, direction. We’ve only survived because of Him.” And he enjoys sharing the archive with others, especially students. “I always end by asking them what their role will be in continuing the legacy,” he explained. “I’m always amazed by the introspection I see.” He’s a bit introspective himself as he begins his 49th year at Cedarville. “There’s just something about this place, looking back at all the Lord’s done,” he commented. “Now as I’m nearing the end of my career, my hope is that I’m able to leave something behind.” There seems little doubt of that. 14 | Cedarville Magazine