Torch, Fall 2000

Formal notification of his selection as president of Cedarville College had come to James T. Jeremiah in a letter penned by Board Secretary Norman B. Chappell. In that letter Chappell stated: “As you know we are anxious for the Lord’s will for ourselves and for you, and we believe that your acceptance of this position would do more to strengthen and ensure the future development of Cedarville than any one thing that this Board can do.” 1 Future events proved the Board was absolutely correct in this assessment. Jeremiah began leading by example. His dedication and hard work became a model for those around him. He was “a very frugal person about spending for himself or the college.” 2 With careful planning and hard work, the college gradually stabilized financially, although tremendous needs remained. Jeremiah aggressively petitioned Ohio Regular Baptists for funds. He constantly urged the churches to get behind the college with their financial support. In taking inventory of the progress of the college for the readers of the Ohio Independent Baptist , Jeremiah reported in 1956 as follows: “From January 1st, 1955 through December 23rd, 1955, $43,087.52 has been given by churches and individuals for the support of the school. This does not Editors’ note: Although Cedarville College was founded in 1887, a turning point in the institution’s history came when the trustees of the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland assumed institutional control. It was in 1953 that James T. Jeremiah, a young pastor in Dayton, began his long association with the College. For 47 years, Jeremiah served as “Mr. Cedarville.” He assumed the office of acting president somewhat reluctantly, but once the position was his, he committed himself totally to the task of providing Christian students, especially those from Baptist homes, a place to gain their education from those who shared their worldview. The following is an extract from “Cedarville College: A Century of Commitment,” a history of Cedarville College, published in 1987 by Dr. J. Murray Murdoch. We pick up Dr. Murdoch’s narrative in 1953, just after the transition from Presbyterian to Baptist leadership was finalized. As the narrative shows, the challenges faced by James T. Jeremiah and his administrative supporters were formidable. The legacy of leadership Jeremiah provided during this early period of Baptist administration is one of ardor, dedication, and perseverance.