The William Jewell college story

Baptist History and Heritage, Summer-Fall, 1999 by David O. Moore

President Greene came to the college in 1892 from the Third Baptist Church of St. Louis. During his more than thirty years, he changed the physical composition of the campus and greatly influenced all other areas. Roads and sidewalks were laid, piped-water and sewers installed, central heating replaced wood- or coal-burning stoves, and electricity replaced coal-oil lamps. Nine permanent buildings were constructed. The college gained acceptance into the Association of American Universities and became a founding member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Through Dr. Greene's efforts, the endowment of the college also doubled, and women were first fully matriculated into the school.

President Greene had trained for the pastorate and loved preaching. He was the stated and regular speaker at the required chapel services. Former President Gordon Kingsley reports an alumnus's memory of those addresses. One address had four points--stated firmly:

1. "Keep your mouth shut"--that is, be teachable, be silent and learn. 2. "Keep your bowels open"--that is, stay healthy. 3. "Trust in God." 4."Work." The college latinized the last two points into the college motto, "Deo Fisus Labora"--trust God and work.

President Green's leadership covered several important events. He had a prominent role in setting forth what became known as The Missouri Plan for the denomination. This consisted of churches dividing their mission gifts between Northern Baptist Missionary Societies and the Mission Boards of the Southern Baptist Convention. The Missouri General Association adopted this plan in 1889. As Southern Baptist work grew stronger over the years, many churches seriously objected to such division. Therefore, on 23 October 1919, the dual alignment practice was ended with each church being expected to determine which of the denominational groups it would support.

Engaging W. D. Johnson, trustee in 1909-49, proved to be Greene's greatest contribution. Johnson, a Texan, had come to Kansas City in the late 1800s. His business prospered, enabling him to give large sums to the college after he became associated with it. A consecrated Christian layman, he sought to make education possible at William Jewell for young ministers. Hence, his gift brought the first endowed department, Religious Studies. As a cattleman, he controlled large acreage in the west where oil was discovered on his land. With this "black gold," he was able to establish a trust with the college that supported much of its activity in the depression days.

In some ways, Charles Haddon Spurgeon and William Jewell have become synonymous. This grew from President Greene's encouraging the purchase of Spurgeon's personal library of 7,000-volumes for the fabulous cost of 500 pounds or $875 American dollars. The library stresses Puritan literature, over 3,500 printed sermons, a classic collection of Bibles and hymnals, a full collection of Spurgeon's own works, and the Genevan "Breeches" Bible of 1583.