. Talbot! first pastor of the Church of the Open Door, was the “ George Washington” of the two institutions, Dr. Louis T. Talbot was. the “Abraham Lincoln” , who had pro claimed liberty to the captives of debt, and by God’s grace had lifted the overwhelming burden which had so greatly hindered advance • in the missionary enterprise. The church membership grew to nearly 5,000 and the number of missionaries supported in full or in part to 50. Two honorary D. D. degrees and one LL.D. were bestowed upon him in recognition of his labors for Christ. Louis T. Talbot always set prodigious tasks for himself. For a greater part of his term of seventeen years as pastor of the Church of the Open Door, he also served as president of the ever-growing Bible Institute. During that same time, he wrote ten full-length books, many of which are used as textbooks in Bible schools and seminaries; he wrote dozens of articles on Christian themes; he served as editor-in-chief of The King’s Business; he spoke at prophetic conferences in many parts of the country; and he conducted a daily verse-by-verse Radio Bible study. Ever at his side stood his loving and faithful wife, a true helpmeet in every respect, who kept “ the home fires burning” and furnished the quiet, restful background he needed “ to come home to” , which has made such an invaluable contribution to his ministry. At the present time, Mrs. Talbot is seriously ill, and prayers of our readers for her recovery are requested. The Talbots have six cherished grandchildren, three boys and three girls. On Jan. 1, 1949 Dr. Talbot finally persuaded the church that it was time for him to retire, and very reluctantly his resignation was accepted, after a last strenuous effort on the part of the church to induce him to remain as
interim pastor for at least another year. The genuine sorrow of the members at his leaving was very moving and attested to the affection in which he and his family were held. But the work of the Bible Institute was ex panding and a new facet of service was added to his ministry. The school asked him to visit all the mission fields where BIOLA graduates were laboring and to bring back a photographic record of their work. This he did in four strenuous round-the-world journeys and the mov ing pictures thus secured have never been surpassed for realism, brilliance of color, and missionary appeal. These travels gained an F.R.G.S. for Dr. Talbot, but that did not mean to him what the dedication of hundreds of young lives for full-time service did, as the pictures were shown in churches all over the country. In 1953 Dr. Talbot took a further step of laying down some of his responsibilities by resigning as president of the Bible Institute. But, as Chancellor, he is continuing his daily radio ministry and preaching in evangelical churches nearly every night. At 70, he looks 55, and acts 45; and his listeners declare that his preaching and teaching are “ better than ever” ! What the church of Christ in general, and the Church of the Open Door, and the Bible Institute in particular, owe to Louis T. Talbot cannot be measured. Only in eternity will the results of his untiring and sacrificial labors be revealed. It is no exag geration to say these two institutions he has served so faithfully are in existence today only because he set himself to the God-given task of lifting their indebtedness. Thousands who have benefited rise up today and call him “ blessed.” Happy, happy birthday, Dr. Talbot, and many more useful years!
In a familiar pose. Dr. Talbot carries on a daily half hour radio broadcast. He has done this for nearly 30 years.
Dr. Talbot checks over some of his many inspirational missionary motion Dictures.
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker