sistant director, while Mrs. Hooker handled the Children's Hour. The same year, 1926, Mrs. Hooker became a Bible Woman and remained one until 1935, when she began teaching Bible and Christian Education courses at Biola; Dr. Hooker had begun his Biola teaching ministry three years earlier. Hundreds of Biola students will not soon forget her words, “Oh, if I could only tell you!” as she proceeded to empty her heart of another treasure of a story, hoping that her pupils would see the glory of God through it. Very few people can look at practically anything and make a spiritual object lesson out of it as Mrs. Hooker does! In 1931, Mrs. Hooker was appointed editor of the Junior KING’S BUSINESS page. Her price less stories can still be read in some issues of the magazine. Through the help of Dr. Maunsell of Cannon Beach Camp Children’s Special Service Mission, Dr. and Mrs. Hooker founded the Children’s Sea side Mission, a special beach ministry to children. Many times money miraculously arrived as the Lord continued mightily to bless the mission and the Hookers’ faithfulness in returning to it year after year, including 1967, which marked their 36th year in this ministry. If asked about the mis sion, no doubt they will recall many miracles, espe cially one summer during the war when absolutely no houses were available along the shore. After prayer was offered concerning the matter, the Lord not only provided them with a house, but also one which possibly was the most beautiful on the beach. In many parts of the world today people have been found who have participated in the Sea side Mission at one time or other. The Hookers have been two delightfully happy Christian people who have shied away from public recognition. When forced to tell something about themselves, they have been quick to add these words of gratitude, “The Lord has led all the way! It is all His doing!” Theirs has certainly been a prosperous Spirit-led life! Their lives have influ enced thousands around the world. The vision that made Biola great was her interest in the foreign missionary enterprise. Over the years the school has been in operation, thousands have gone to the unevangelized lands of earth. They were equipped with practical Biblical and m usica l knowledge acquired from the Hookers as well as other Bible-taught men and women of God. The evidence of this is in the enthusiastic appreciation of hundreds of missionaries on furlough whose first inquiry is about the Hookers. These children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren in all lands “rise up and call them blessed.” 31
Looking at their Seaside Mission scrapbook. "1967 marks their 36th year in this ministry.”
At his home piano. “ Dr. Hooker has written hundreds of hymns, published two books of songs, and written numerous pieces of band music.”
Studying God's Word to gether. “The Lord has led the way.”
by Gary R. Williams
known Dr. Hooker through these years almost in evitably recall his 34 faithful years of playing the Biola and Church of the Open Door chimes in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Chimes music ringing through the L.A. streets has been the means of the salvation of a number of people. It has been said that only Dr. Hooker was able to play those first chimes. Others tried, but only Dr. Hooker could make them “sing” so beautifully. Dr. Hooker was uniquely led to Biola. Be cause of a maritime strike, he was unable to return to Tasmania for Christmas, so he attended the Upwey Convention. He met a Moody Bible Insti tute graduate who advised him to enroll at Moody. Dr. Hooker planned to do this, but as he explained it, “Six reasons decided me on Biola.” Today, hav ing known Dr. Hooker, we would have no diffi culty thinking of six reasons why God led him to his Biola ministry. It is no wonder that God joined Dr. and Mrs. Hooker in marriage! Together their ministry has been most unique and prosperous. In 1926, after teaching one year at John Brown College, the two returned to Biola, where they had met. Biola radio station KTBI had the privilege of using the Hook ers' talents. Dr. Hooker became the pianist and as- JUNE, 1968
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