Columbia Theological Seminary Bulletin, 44, number 2, August 1951

Bulletin of

COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Decatur, Georgia

*S|

Architect's Drawing of New Library

ENCOURAGING PROGRESS OF CAMPAIGN

GENEROUS NEW GIFT SPURS SEMINARY TO
EXPANSION OF PLANS

CONSTRUCTION OF LIBRARY BEGUN

LARGE ENROLLMENT IN PROSPECT

VOL. XLIV

AUGUST, 1951

No. 2

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED

Entered as second-class matter, May 9, 1928, at the post office at Decatur, Ga.,

under the Act of August 24, 1912.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY AT DECATUR, GEORGIA

ENCOURAGING PROGRESS OF CAMPAIGN

For the past ten months Columbia Theological Seminary has been en-
gaged in a quiet campaign to secure funds for the erection of a new library
and for the enlargement of its endowment. In recognition of both needs,
anonymous friends in Atlanta had promised a gift of $100,000 to the
institution upon the condition that $250,000 be secured from other sources
by October 1, 1951. Since it was estimated that the sum of $250,000
would provide for the cost of the library, a further condition was made
that at least $100,000 of the total secured must be used as an addition
to the endowment of the seminary.

This undertaking was heartily endorsed by each of the five supporting
synods, and commended to the support of the churches. Mr. H. Lane
Young of Atlanta, Ga., was appointed as chairman of the General Cam-
paign Committee and has rendered splendid service in that capacity. Par-
ticularly well organized efforts have been conducted in South Carolina
under the leadership of Mr. W. Herbert Smith of Clover and in Florida
under that of Mr. M. R. Smith of Orlando. Many other individuals in
each of the synods have also contributed much time and strength to make
the campaign a success. No professional assistance has been employed, and
the expense of the work has been kept at a minimum.

The general response to the seminary's appeal has been gratifying, and
a widespread interest has been manifested by congregations as well as by
individual friends, with a larger number of gifts being received than in
any previous campaign of this institution. As of July 20, 1951, a total of
approximately $240,000 had been raised. Thus the seminary will be
assured of success in attaining its original goal if the remaining $10,000
can be secured by October 1.

GIFT FOR ENLARGEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING SPURS BOARD TO EXPANSION OF PLANS

During the period since the campaign was originally envisioned, the
Korean War has further unsettled world conditions, and building costs
have advanced steadily. By early this spring it had become evident that a
building which would be adequate to meet the seminary's needs would
cost $350,000 instead of the $250,000 which had originally been esti-
mated. Hence it was evident that an enlarged effort would be necessary.

In the light of this unforeseen situation, the friends who had initi-
ated the campaign by their generous offer have agreed to go a "second
mile" with the institution. Upon condition that the constituency of the
seminary provide an additional $125,000 by January 1, 1953 in order to
complete payment for the new library and to add $25,000 more to endow-
ment, they have promised a further gift of $100,000 which is to be used
in enlarging the administration building.

When this building was constructed, its southern end was left incom-
plete because of the expectation that a tower would be erected there, and
the library connected as an additional wing. Since the projected library
will now constitute a separate building, however, the present plan calls
for the completion of the southern end of Campbell Hall in such a way

as to give it essentially the same proportions as its northern end. The
attractive plans which have been drawn for it envision the ultimate enlarge-
ment of the seminary's dining hall to seat 160 persons, and the provision of
space for an additional classroom, a ladies parlor, three faculty offices, a guest
room, five dormitory rooms for students and much needed storage rooms.
Thus it will not only add to the beauty of the campus, but will provide
needed facilities for the enlarged student body.

At its meeting in May, the Board of Directors of the seminary ex-
pressed hearty appreciation for this splendid gift, and set for itself the
task of securing the necessary funds in order to claim it. The offer means
that if the seminary can secure $375,000 by January 1, 1953, a total of
$200,000 in addition will be received. Thus, in addition to what has
already been received, the institution must raise at least $135,000 within
the time allotted, with $10,000 of that amount coming before October 1,
1951. Contributions are being sought both from individuals and from
churches. The time limits which have been set will make it possible for
congregations to raise funds through the next Every Member Canvass if
that method is desired. It will also enable individual donors to spread
their contributions over two tax years.

The Board is making an urgent appeal for all friends of the Seminary to
rally to its support and to contribute the amount required for this next
forward step in its service to the church.

CONSTRUCTION OF LIBRARY BEGUN

Because of the urgent need for additional space, and fear that building
costs may continue to rise, the Board of Directors decided at its recent
meeting that work on the new library should not await completion of
the campaign. Hence, in faith that the supporting synods will rise to the
occasion and provide the necessary funds, it instructed the administration
to go forward with the building immediately. In obedience to its in-
structions, the contract has been signed, government regulations have been
met, and construction of the building was begun during the month of June.

The contractors are assured of all necessary materials, and it is expected
that the library will be ready for occupancy well before opening of school
in the Fall of 1952. The new building will be modern, beautiful, and
adequate in all respects. It is designed to provide for a collection of
100,000 volumes, with reading rooms and study carrels to accommodate the
enlarged student body in comfort, as well as offices, seminar rooms, and a
room for audio-visual education.

The seminary would again remind its friends of the many opportunities
for memorials still available in connection with the new building. Dona-
tions of $250.00 or more entitle the giver to have a name inscribed on the
bronze roll of honor which will be prominently placed in the new building.
A carrel can be provided for 3500.00 ; a stack for $1,000.00; a seminar
room for $5,000.00; the lobby or the audiovisual classroom for $10,000.00;
and the reading room for 525,000.00. An appropriate bronze plate will
be provided in connection with each memorial given. Memorial endow-
ment funds for various departments of the library are also solicited.

LARGE ENROLLMENT IN PROSPECT
FOR COMING SESSION

The School Year 1951-52 at Columbia Seminary will open on September
18, 1951. New students are expected to register on September 12 and to
attend an orientation period covering the days prior to the beginning of
class work. Dr. Albert G. Harris, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church,
Macon, Ga., will deliver the first address of the new session.

Forty-five students received degrees from Columbia Seminary last May.
On July 20, fifty-eight new students had been enrolled for the coming ses-
sion. Hence it seems likely that last year's record enrollment of 207 will
be exceeded during the fall quarter. The seminary is very hopeful that it
will not have to turn away any qualified candidates for the ministry, and
every effort will be made to find space for those who apply. Because of
crowded conditions, however, the Faculty has decided that, for the present,
it cannot admit any new women students for work in its Bible Training
Course. It is hoped that at a later date this work can be offered again,
but for the present the institution must limit itself to its primary task of
training ministers.

GROWTH OF STUDENT BODY

200

I-
z

Ld

100

o

z

CO

'35

'40

'45

'50

YEAR

This graph, showing the growth of the seminary's student body from
1935 to 1951, dramatizes the urgent necessity for the new library and
for enlargement of Campbell Hall. The seminary's present buildings were
expected to provide for only 100 students.