Biola Broadcaster - 1973-12

Bible Institute. In 1912 Stewart wrote his broth­ er Milton: "I did not suppose that you were ready to say that you would go 'havers' with me in the Bible Institute work at present. What I have been anxious about, in view of the uncertainties of life, is that some direction be given by you to Kellogg in reference to an appropriation to these trust funds in his hands for this purpose. . . . This would be simply an instruc­ tion based upon possible contin­ gencies." The Kellogg Trust Fund, to which Stewart referred was a fund established by his brother Milton with Giles Kellogg, Secre­ tary of the Union Oil Company, as trustee. The fund was to be used in Christian endeavor, and it was Stewart's opinion that his brother should instruct Kellogg to use some of the fund in the financ­ ing of the Bible Institute. To this appeal, Milton Stewart replied by telegram: "As to Bible Institute, will say, as heretofore, will help, but cannot say 'havers' until I see how matters pan out." Later, after the construction of the buildings at Sixth and Hope Streets were under way, Stewart, due to financial reverses, was forced to appeal for additional help to carry on the building. In his appeal to his brother he stated: "Work on our Bible Institute build­ ing is pretty nearly at a stand-still owing to lack of funds for pushing it. To have the work stop means a great waste because it would not only break up our organization, but it would delay the time for utilizing the property in the active work of the Institute. This in itself means a great loss. I have won­ dered whether, if you had some

ever be welcome to its privileges." One of the greatest misconcep­ tions in connection with the Bible Institute of Los Angeles is the idea that immediately upon the deci­ sion to establish the school, Stew­ art came forth with all the neces­ sary funds to erect the buildings, and that until his death the Insti­ tute had only to call upon him at a moment's notice and he would supply all the funds needed to carry on its work and to complete its buildings. Nothing could be further from the truth. On the con­ trary, although he was a very rich man, Stewart's wealth was always tied up in investments and he never at any time had many liquid assets. Consequently, on many oc­ casions he had to borrow on tem­ porary or short-term loans to carry on his business, and frequently he had to borrow even to carry on his personal affairs. Upon the establishment of the Bible Institute of Los. Angeles, Stewart was prepared to give very liberally. However, he was well aware of the great expense that would be incurred and that the burden would be far greater than he would be able to bear alone. Further, it was his opinion that it would not be to the best interest of the school to have a patron who would pay all of its bills thus leav­ ing it without any reliance upon the Lord. With these thoughts in mind, he sought at the very begin­ ning to interest many men of wealth in the work that was be­ ing undertaken. Foremost among these men was his brother Milton, and throughout the remainder of Stewart's life he was constantly calling upon his brother for help in the financial support of the

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