Henry - A History of Biola University Since 1908

173 stated that if they were unwilling to purchase the lot, he would purchase it and later sell it to Biola for much more. This stimulated the Board to action and they purchased the lot. Of course, the problem still remaine-cr-" , -~-·"" concerning the cost of a building adequate to meet Biola's needs. It was estimated that it would cost a million and a half dollars to erect the type of building they had in mind. As predicted by Dr. Sutherland, the influx of students began to mater- ialize after the end of World War II. At the same time there was consider- able growth in the Church of the Open Door, and since the two institutions shared many of their facilities, it was becoming increasingly difficult for both of them to live within their crowded conditions. It became obvious to· all concerned that the time had come when the School had no other alternative but to expand its facilities, and plans began to develop accordingly. With this problem in mind, Drs. Talbot, Sutherland, and Myers were having lunch together to discuss some preliminary plans for the proposed building. As was characteristic of Ray Myers, he had his writing pad and pencil, and as the other men talked his mind was occupied with thoughts and figures. After some time, he came up with the statement, "I could build a whole campus away from the downtown area with all the facilities we would have here for a million and a half dollars.'' This statement sent Dr. Suther- land's mind into orbit. When he was sure Ray Myers meant what he had said, he exclaimed, "let's go." Dr. Talbot who had been listening with intense interest, said, with his · Australian drawl, "Yeah, let's go." From that relative insignificant luncheon came the beginning of Biola's move from Los Angeles to La Mirada. When this information was relayed to the Board, there was considerable discussion because they remembered that after the threatened forclosure and pub~ic auction Biola had experienced, the Board had passed a resolution never to go into debt again. It appeared otherwise now to carry out such

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter