172 With the sudden increase in enrollment from 400 to 900 following World War II, which doubled that of the 1930's and the War years, the ·Administr- - ation found itself with only half enough housing and classrooms facilities. In 1953, the lease on the north dormitory expired and Biola took control of the building which relieved the situation womewhat. However, it was still not enough to meet the School's post war needs. With the tremendous increase in enrollment, the needs for the School of Missinonary Medicine, the requirements for the Education Major, and many others, it became obvious that something must be done to provide more facili- ties. Set against the need for more facilities was the vivid memory of the public auction signs on the buildings a few years before. Consequently, the thought of wrestling with such problem was frightening to the Board. Yet, the needs continued to knock at the door of caution. Dr. Sutherland, there- fore, recommended to the Board that they purchase the small "postage stamp' lot, as it came to be called, across the street from Biola on which would be erected a twelve-story building with space for two Gymnasiums, one for the Church of the Open Door and one for Biola, an adequate kitchen and din- ing room, a library with ru~ple space and volumes; and several other rooms for classes and offices. Dr. Sutherland's suggestion sent a shock wave through the Board be- cause the members were just beginning to relax from the crises experienced during the Depression decade. Kadesh-Barnea was being reenacted to some extent, but, fortunately, there were the Joshuas and Calebs on hand who had faith to trust God to deal with the valid cities and the giants. From the many ideas and suggestions, objections, fears, and doubts did come in due tline a plan. Dr. Ray .Myers, Chairman of the Board, after much thought, prayer, and practical suggestions, discovered that the lot belonged to a member of the Club California, an exclusive men's Club across the street from Biola. Eventually, the owner agreed to accept the offer of $65,000.00, Because of the hesitancy of the Board, Dr. Myers made to him by Ray Myers.
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