Fort Wayne Bible College - Vine / Light Tower Yearbook (Fort Wayne, IN)

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41 ,I Xf 1 QQ' lgv ci V 'E as 410056 I' Q00 . 6' 1 M ev' ax we Administration i'Let the elders that rule well be eounled worthy of double honour, especially they ll'll0 labour in the word and doctrine. I Timothy 5:17.

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BIBLE INSTITUTE BOARD as-.za W Standing: C. E. Rediger. C. -1. Gerig, L. Shirl Hatfield, jared Gerig, il, Francis Chase, 1. Everest. Armin Steiner, M. N. Amstutz, S. Wood, ...J Seated: -I. E. Ramseyer, President, j. A. Ringenberg, Chairman, S. A. Lehman, Treasurerg W. H. Lugibihl, Sec l'tIL1I'y. THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS Nineteen thirty-nine is a year of unusual significa ice for the Bible Institute. Wfe may look back to the birth and infancy of our Alma Mater thirty-five years ago and we may look hopefully to the future. Our Alma Mater has a godly heritage. She was born of Spirit-imparted vision in the hearts of her founders, among whom were gl. E. Ramseyer, B. P. Lugibrhl, and D. Y. Schultz. We were reminded of the humble surroundings of her birth and early years at the anniversary celebration on March llst. lt was an experience similar to that of looking at the girlhood pictures of mother in the family album while she tells us of days long past. There was the lovely home in the midst of hedge and maple in Bluffton, Ohio, where the school was born. For some years Bethany Home had ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of the sick and oppressed under the capable and sympathetic direction of Rev. and Mrs. B. P. Lugibihl. To care for educational needs, it Bible school was conducted in the home from 1895 to 1901. In 1903, the lkfissionary Church Association took over Bethany Home and began making preparations for a Bible school in which to train workers for its growing ministry at home and abroad. Thus our Alma Mater came into being. The first term was held from the end of December, 1905, to the beginning of April, 190-1, with 5-1 students in attendance, But before the promising child was a year old, her parents began to think of moving. The Fort Wayne site was purchased on july 12, 190-4, and the new building was begun on September 16. While the building was being erected, our Alma Mater was boarded out to the City Mission and neighboring churches. The first semester in Fort Wayne began on january 5. 1905, and on February 7 the new building was occupied. Here our Alma Mater has since livedg her quarters were enlarged in 1929-50 with the construction of Bethany Hall. If space permitted, we would mention many other interesting items in the family album such as the picture of Charlie Bill -the horse that the first Business lvlanager drove to the city for supplies, and the pictures of South Wood Park in farmland. In 1939, we realize that our school has come to adulthood. Only last year she became of age and was given a separate legal existence. As a minor, she was managed as an auxiliary organization of the Missionary Church Association, but last August she was issued a charter by the State of Indiana and incorporated as a theological institute with broad educational privileges. And while the Institute continues under the management of the parent body, yet it does have a solid legal foundation for its structure. The new corporation is directed by twelve Trustces and the President, who constitute the Governing Board. The members of the Board were all present for the annual spring meeting which convened on March 20-21. Thus while we were celebrating our birthday the Board was laying plans for the future with a gracious sense of Gods presence that gives promise of greater blessing in the future. God bless our Bible Institute, Our Alma Mater, loved by alll Firm may she stand for truth and right, E'er holding forth the Word of light Until her task on earth is done, Her battles o'er, her vict'ries won.