/. CHAPTER IV BIOLA FINDS A HOME
--~ -.::. -....-- '" ,,_,.=...--.::: .... --------- - - By the end of its third year Biola's success seemed assured. The third class had graduated, the curriculum had been greatly enlarged and improved, the enrollment had increased beyond all expectations, and the School's repu- tation had spread throughout the West Coast and to the regions beyond. All reports on its work and the enthusiasm and growth were encouraging. In ad- dition, through the Extension Program, Bible Classes were being held through- out the area. Many students had indicated their interest in entering the Gospel ministry and in going to the foreign mission field. Mr. Hurlburt, founder and Director of the African Inland Mission, was so :favorably impressed when he visited Biola that a District council of the Mission was formed in the Los Angeles area. Four Biola 1graduates had already been approved for work with his mission, and applications from several others expressed their desire to serve with the Africa Inland Mission . Also, at that time, Dr. R. A. Torrey, who had already had a profound impact by his wise counsel and had resigned as Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago to engage in international evangelism, had agreed to become Dean of Biola. This decision was a fulfillment of the desire of the founders of Biola, and his arrival on the scene was anticipated with much enthusiasm. The future of Biola was bright indeed. This good news had a reverse side, however. Because of the remarkable increase· in attendance and the bright prospects of the future, Biola had outgrown its rented facilities at Third and Main Street. Apparently the School had no option but to find a new home. the wisest plan appeared to be to purchase vacant land and erect buildings especially designed for a school rather than to purchase a large building and renovate it to meet the needs. As a result of this opinion , a search for __ a site began immediately. The first site considered was in Highland Park, a suburb between Los
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