Inspire, Fall/Winter 2011

Dr. Paul Dixon leading the University for 25 years, and other well-loved faculty like Dr. Dan Estes ’74, Dr. Al Monroe, and Ed Spencer. It is unfair to mention some and not all, but you can add to my short list from your own memories. Their work was and is valuable. Some of them are still working here doing what they have always done. An institution needs to remember its people, both past and present, who have given it its character. They deserve to be honored for what they have done, but more importantly, they need to be remembered. This generation of young faculty and staff needs their example for Cedarville to continue fulfilling the call God gave it back in 1887. For me, personally, the prospect of working on the history of the University was more than just an opportunity to preserve a proper understanding of the past; it was an occasion to honor a man who has had a profound impact on my life. Dr. Murray Murdoch wrote the centennial history of what was then Cedarville College in 1987. He was my advisor and professor as a student, and he hired me in 2000 to teach United States History alongside him. Since then he has continued to mentor me, and I owe him a significant debt of gratitude for the guidance and care he has shown to me over the years. This project is in part an opportunity for me to honor him for his commitment to Christ, and his dedication to Cedarville, as I picked up where he left off. Lessons From History All of these reasons to reflect on Cedarville’s past are part and parcel of the conclusions to which Ockham’s Razor leads us. We must understand Cedarville’s foundational history to effectively move forward into an unknown future. While that history may seem as varied and complex as the number of people who have passed through our doors, the history of the institution is really rather simply summarized. Perhaps Dr. Paul Dixon put it best: “The only way to explain Cedarville is God and the people He has brought here.” When we examine the goals of those who founded Cedarville 125 years ago and those who continued its work in 1953, we realize anew what should be our focus in this momentous year. We also recognize how understanding our history can help us maintain that focus. All the elements of the Cedarville experience are focused on the teachings of God’s Word. The doctrinal statement, daily chapel, Bible minor, integration of faith and knowledge, campus standards, and more are driven by the recognition of those who have come before us on this campus that biblical principles must drive all we do. The joyful remembrances of those like me who studied here are a product of sharing class, work, worship, and fun with fellow members of the body of Christ. The debt of gratitude that I and thousands more owe is a product of men and women who were sold out to Christ and committed their lives here over the years. We see in Scripture that God regularly used history to teach His people how they ought to live and to remind them of all He had done for them. As we celebrate 125 years of Cedarville University, let us dedicate ourselves to remembering and maintaining what has defined Cedarville historically; and let us move into the unknown future confident in the Lord’s continued faithfulness. Dr. Thomas Mach ’88 is a professor of history and chairs the history and government department. He received his doctorate in United States History from the University of Akron. You may contact him at macht@cedarville.edu . “An institution needs to remember its people, both past and present, who have given it its character.” “We must understand Cedarville’s foundational history to effectively move forward into an unknown future.” The 125th history book will be available for purchase by spring 2012.  They Now? Where Are A Legacy of Service Continues It was Mrs. Pat Dixon’s profession that first brought the couple to Cedarville. In 1971, Dr. James T. Jeremiah sought her help to develop the English education program. During her 32 years as a professor at Cedarville, she also was the yearbook advisor for 16 years, visited China four times with the Education Resources and Assistance Program, and designed the interiors of several campus buildings. After many years as an evangelist, Dr. Paul Dixon became the University’s president in 1978. He oversaw great growth at the University during his 25-year tenure. The Dixons now split their time between Tennessee and Florida. They also spend six weeks each year in Cedarville as Dr. Dixon fulfills his role as chancellor, preaching in many places and telling the Cedarville story. They also enjoy spending time with their son Scott ’84, associate professor of Bible at Cedarville, daughter-in-law Sara (Beattie) ’84, and five grandchildren. Since 2003, Dr. Dixon has served as a consultant for various universities and Christian organizations. Dr. Dixon has begun biblically based men’s fellowship groups at several country clubs in Florida and one in Tennessee. Last year, the Dixons focused their ministry at Charleston Bible Center in Charleston, West Virginia, where Dr. Dixon served as interim pastor. Dr. and Mrs. Dixon celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2010. Although they miss regular interactions with Cedarville students, they occasionally receive calls from former students who remember Dr. Dixon’s invitation to call him collect. You may contact Dr. and Mrs. Dixon at dixon@cedarville.edu or dixonpat@cedarville.edu.