Henry - A History of Biola University Since 1908

49 Angeles and Pasadena. Mr. Stewart had sought the opinion of Dr. A. J. Gor- don, President of Occidental College, who had offered to sell some lots he o-W:ned=T~Hlghland Park at a reasonable price provided they would be used . exclusively for such a school as Biola. The Highland Park location was de- sirable in some respects, but the two main objections were its limited size and its location. Mr. Stewart, in explaining this to Dr. Gordon, said, "The dream I have had involves the building of a large auditorium where con- tinuous evangelistic services can be held, with rooms for Bible training classes connected therewith, and for obvious reasons this should be in the central part of the City . " Although not mentioned at that time by Mr. Stew- art, but which he realized as a necessity, was space for dormitories, kitchen . dining room facilities, offices, and so forth. After investigating several possible sites, the Board finally signed papers July 30, 1911, to purchase two lots, measuring 80 X 116 feet, at the corner of Eighth and Los Angeles Streets. The rationale for this . site was its nearness to the center of the City from which all streetcar lines radi- ated. Also, it was only two blocks from the Sixth Street Suburban Railroad station. The suburban lines served numerous cities in Southern California. This would enable those living in the suburban cities to attend evening classes without having to pay an extra fare after arriving in the City . Later Biola was able to purchase another adjoining lot, 80 X 116 feet. It was assumed the three lots would be sufficient space for buildings to ac- comr:iodate at least 700 students and would provide room for a good sized audi- torium, plus all the classrooms needed . It was anticipated that these fac- ili ties would also be used by the Fishermen's and Lyceu.rn Clubs . However, it was agreed that the three lots were not large enough to provide space for dormitory facilities for the men students after their first year. This would necessitate the provision of a separate dormitory in a different location, . an arrangement which some thought might be better in the long run .

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