October 21, 1978 The majestic prelude performed by the College Brass Ensemble under the direction of Charles M. Pagnard echoes through the James T. Jeremiah Chapel as the anxious guests waited for the inauguration service to commence. After the processional Pastor Mitchell Seidler from the Grace Baptist Church of Decatur, Alabama,gave the Invocation. A welcome address was presented by Dr. Clifford Johnson, Cedarville's Academic Dean, and Don Lewis, Student Body President, participated in the ceremony with a scripture reading. Dr. Joseph Stowell briefly summarized Cedarville's foundational purpose in his speech "Cedarville College, Our Legacy." A highlight of the inaugural service was the "Charge to the President" delivered by Dr. Warren Wiersbe of Chicago, Illinois. The conferral of Office was initiated by J. Dale Murphy, the chairman of Cedarville's Trustee Board,and graciously accepted by Paul Dixon, who becomes Cedarville's eighth president. Dr. Paul Dixon graduated from Tennessee Temple Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 and received his Master of Divinity from the Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in 1964. Throughout his college career he was an active participant in the various evangelism programs of the school. After graduation he embarked upon a successful career as an evangelist. His ministry strongly emphasizes the entirety of the family, reflected by his authorship of A Guide to Successful Family Devotions. His work has encompassed a variety of special ministries including professional sports chapel programs. Dr. Dixon and his family have been residents ofCedarville since 1971.He is married to the former Pat Landers of Chattanooga who is an Assistant Professor of Language and Literature at Cedarville College. They have one son, Scott. PICTURES ON PREVIOUS PAGES: 1. Guests and professors on the platform listen to the inaugural address. 2. Many people of all walks of life attended the inauguration. 3. The gymnasium was the sight ofa scrumptious banquet after the ceremony. 4. Professors in their Academic Regalia lead the procession from the Chapel. 5. The photographer captures the emphatic moods of the new president. PAGE 23: J. Dale Murphy, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, confers the office of president to Dr. Paul Dixon. 24
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