1946-1947 Baptist Bible Institute Catalog

History and Purpose In September of 1941, fundamental Baptist pastors of Cleveland were gathered for the sessions of a Bible Confer– ence at the Calvary Baptist Church. During a discussi.on period, Pastors David E. Luttrell and Wm. S. Ross, both hav– ing been previously impressed with the need, set forth the idea of a Bible Institute for the Cleveland area. The other pastors present were immediately in accord and all agreed to put forth effort for the establishment of such an institu– tion. By July, 1942, a course of study for the first year was adopted and officers were elected. The school was offered the use of the Educational Building of the Hough Avenue Baptist Church for class rooms, and on September 15, 1942, the Baptist Bible Institute opened its doors to Clevelanders. Two hundred seventy-four enrolled for the first term. Spiritually, scholarly, true-to-the-Bible pastors gave freely of their time to serve the School. Due to war conditions, long working hours and the general confusion of the times, the first four years of the Institute's life were fraught with difficulties. Yet God graciously gave blessing and victory, and, at the end of four years, over 400 students received credit for units of completed work. On June 4, 1946, nine splendid young people received diplomas, having satisfactorily completed the four years of required work in the Evening School. On August 1, 1945, Rev. Kenneth A. Amsler was called to serve as full time Dean and Director of Promotion. In the last year, the curriculum has been improved and enlarged, spiritual standards raised and the ministry and usefulness of the School greatly increased. During the past year, 50 churches and 18 different denominations have been repre– sented in the student body. The personal witness, gospel team ministry, services and conferences conducted by both students and faculty have been a great blessing to many and have resulted in the salvation and edification of many souls. -5-