Henry - A History of Biola University Since 1908

92 Dr. White became the first President of Biola, effective June 14, 1929. Little is recorded about the life and background of Dr. White except that he was graduated from Monmouth College iri Illinoi:·s -"and--of- -Zenia Semi- . nary, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Later, Monmouth College conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. Also, he held three pastorates, spanning a period of thirty years, twenty of which were as pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Albany, Oregon. Despite Dr. White's interest in training young people, his tenure as President was a time of extreme unrest and difficulty at Biola. The Mac- Innis Controversy had borne its fruits, resulting in the loss of many of Biola's friends. This, coupled with the Great Depression, almost wrecked the School; and Dr. White's administration suffered greatly as a result of these conditions and the fact that the new position of President had no "job description" for him to follow. Dr. White tendered his resignation on September 16, 1932. The Board of Directors accepted it, effective October 16, and then voted to keep him on the staff with the title emeritus and editor of the King's Business. Relinquishing both titles after six months, Dr. Nhite then was appointed Biola's representative in the Pacific Northwest, a position which he held for eight years, with headquarters in Portland Oregon. After Dr. White's resignation as President, the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Louis T. Talbot, the new pastor of the Church of the Open Door, as Acting President, with the authority of the President. Ten months later, in September 1933, a fund-raising campaign was launched to improve Biola's dismal financial condition. Because Dr. Talbot was to make a direct appeal for funds on the radio, the Board thought it wise to appoint him the President. 191 18891 Louis Tablot, the second President of Biola, was born October DR. LOUIS T. TALBOT

Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter