Inspire, Summer 2003

Inspire 7 Cedarville Marks 50th Anniversary of Presbyterian-Baptist Transition I n early 1953, tough times and circumstances pressed upon Cedarville College. The Presbyterian school, which had been chartered in 1887, faced the bleak prospect of closing its doors. Providentially, the Baptist Bible Institute (BBI) of Cleveland, Ohio, was searching for a larger campus. Through a series of God-ordained events, the BBI was able to move to Cedarville and accept ownership of the institution in March 1953. Cedarville University commemorated the 50th anniversary of this transition with a special chapel program on January 29. The program looked back on the Presbyterian-Baptist transition through a blend of drama and music. A cast of 32 students donned 1880s and 1950s attire to portray the visionaries who believed in what Cedarville could become. Musical groups, such as the brass choir and a men’s quartet, added great songs of the faith. Called “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness,” the program was written and directed by Dr. David Robey. David serves as professor of communication arts and director of theatre at the University. A luncheon was held after the program to honor the alumni who made the transition from classes in Cleveland to classes at Cedarville. D r. Bill Brown, president of Cedarville University, was the guest speaker for the Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Program February 11-13. Dr. Brown spoke on “The World of Worldviews,” describing what a worldview is, what types of worldviews currently exist in our culture, and how Christians should approach worldview in order to best engage the culture for Christ. “Thinking ‘worldviewishly’ is what Christianity is all about,”Dr Brown recently explained. “Everybody has a worldview. We [Christians] know the biblical worldview to be true. Knowing that, we can evaluate and compare all the other worldviews. Doing so gives us a chance to share truth — to engage the world instead of withdrawing from it.” A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and a prolific author, Dr. Brown is a nationally-recognized expert in worldview. One of his main emphases at Cedarville will be developing students’ biblical worldviews in order to heighten students’ effectiveness as Christians in today’s culture. Dr. Brown most recently served as president of Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. In his 10 years as president there, he led the school to new heights in spiritual, academic, physical, and financial vitality. Dr. Brown also served the college as an assistant professor for biblical studies and academic vice president and provost. The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecture Program at which he spoke is funded by the Thomas F. Staley Foundation of Larchmont, New York, a private, nonprofit organization. The Foundation seeks to support men and women who truly believe, cordially love, and actively propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ in its historical and scriptural fullness. For tapes or CDs of one or all of Dr. Brown’s messages, call CDR Radio at 1-800-333-0601. President Speaks at Staley Lecture Series Did You Know? The national Best Christian Places to Work Survey, commissioned by Christianity Today, recently named Cedarville University the fourth best workplace in the “large colleges, universities, and seminaries” category. Did You Know?