Davis College History

Why Davis College?

2012-01-18T13:34:00.002-05:00

Here is a great group of current Davis students telling why they choose Davis College.

80th anniversary of Charles J. Davis' death

2011-11-22T07:54:00.001-05:00

Today marks 80 years since John and Etta Carr's youngest son Charles Davis died. To read an article from a few years ago about the circumstances surrounding his death click here.

Davis College History Timeline

2011-07-16T02:03:00.002-04:00

The History of Davis College on Dipity.

Something that I have been working on. Tell me what you think and also suggest other events that could be added.

Grace Fabian (Class 1959) shares Testimony

2011-04-30T10:10:00.002-04:00

The same month and year man landed on the moon, Grace and her husband Edmund landing in Papua New Guinea

Grace with a photo of her husband Edmund on the PowerPoint

Grace holds up a completed Nabak New Testament

Grace wearing the headdress given by the Sanau clan.

Grace (Jones) Fabian, PBTS class 1959, spoke in chapel on Thursday, April 28, 2011. She shared her testimony with the students, faculty, and staff. No matter how often I (Corey J. Adams) hear her testimony it still touches me. Grace shared about her journey to Papua New Guinea with her husband Edmund. If you have never heard her story I would encourage you to buy a copy of her autobiography: Outrageous Grace: A Story of Tragedy and Forgiveness. You will be challenged as the students were hearing the testimony.

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." ~ 2 Corinthians 2.14

A decade ago...(Thursday, February 22, 2001)

2011-02-22T00:00:00.002-05:00

John Terry (Class 1986) seen here at Homecoming 2009

Today marks one decade since Thursday, February 22, 2001. On that Pastor John Terry (Class 1986), a friend (Mike McCall), and I (Corey Adams) traveled down to Practical Bible College. It would be the first day I would step onto the campus of PBC. I was a sophomore at Southern Cayuga High School and Pastor Terry had invited Mike and I down to his Alma Mater. I had heard of Practical Bible College as several of the pastors I had known through the years had graduated from Practical. I still remember coming up to the campus from Riverside for the first time and getting the first view of the campus.

We pulled up to the administration building/admission building at that time, and met up with Suzanne Graham who was in admissions and she was going to take us on a tour of the campus. It was still in the early morning...like 9 AM...so the students were just waking up and getting ready for classes. As we were getting ready to go on the tour we met Dan Rathmell and Dr. George Miller III, the president of the college. The group of four of us walked over to the men's dorm, Patterson where the students were getting ready for classes and heading out. I saw a few of the guys I had attended with at Immanuel Baptist School in Auburn, NY.

The group of us heading to the Main Building and we were told there was a debate going on in the Acts Class over the Jerusalem Council. We decided that we would go to the bookstore before we headed to chapel in Lowe/Wagner Hall. There were two classes going on and the divide between the two class rooms had to be opened so there would be enough room for chapel.

After Chapel we sat in a class with Dr. Leigh Upchurch in Lowe Hall. Dr. Upchurch was speaking about Third Culture kids in a Missionary life class. We popped out of the class before it was done and headed down to lunch in the Klee dining hall and met up with some of the other professors and students. I remember I was very interested in the end times and I was told a good person to speak to was Dr. Parker in the Academic's building. It seems funny now, but I was getting lost trying to figure out how to find Academic's behind the Gym. The Cafe was under construction at the time and I remember seeing that being worked on during that visit.

I found Academics and asked someone where Dr. Parker's office was, turns out it was Dr. Parker I was asking. We had a good chat about Eschatology and he gave me a copy of a book about the Antichrist.

That afternoon before we headed back to the Finger Lakes I remember walking on sidewalk by the old administration building and knowing that God wanted me to go to Practical Bible College when I graduated from Southern Cayuga. I remember saying out loud to God, "So God this is where you want me to go? OK." One of best choices of life after accepting Christ as my Savior.

I would go to two Preview Days at the college during the next couple of years before finally going the college in August of 2003.

Thank You LORD for opening the doors to my Davis Family

Part 1--100 years on Riverside: Harrison and the White City

2011-01-13T18:18:00.010-05:00

47 Harrison Street Johnson City

The entrance to the White City Park

The fountain and Roller Coaster in the center of the White City

One hundred years ago when the midnight arrived on Sunday, January 1, 1911 the Practical Bible Training School was preparing for a move and transition. The transition had already begun the previous summer in 1910 when the White City had gone bankrupt. From the 1934 Theologue the events happened like this:

This brewery-backed resort was a separate organization for the purpose of selling liquors. As such, it had the backing of the brewery and liquor interests, and any effort to obtain the grounds for other purposes would naturally meet with the determined resistance of those financially interested.This resistance was felt keenly. There was many a struggle and many a prayer. For two years John A. Davis waited for the manifestation of the hand of God. It appears that some of the stockholders, desiring to obtain an advantage, started a fight within the amusement organization which resulted in finally throwing the “White City” corporation into the hands of a receiver. At this time Evangelist Davis was holding a campaign in one of the larger cities of central Pennsylvania.

Between 1907 and 1908 John A. Davis began to pray for the grounds of the White City as the next location for PBTS. The 47 Harrison Street location had been outgrowing its location since soon after moving into the grounds in 1901 (only a decade earlier). In the summer of 1908 John A. Davis went onto the ground of the White City. The 1934 Theologue records it like this:

Mr. Davis, always keenly alive to the needs of the School and realizing the possibilities of this place, if it could be secured, one day paid the admission fee through the gates and visited the grounds. He saw the beautiful oak trees, the elms and other trees, among them evergreens, and visualized the possibilities of the place as a permanent home for the Practical Bible Training School. As he walked about the grounds he happened to glance into the bar-room and saw the men and women lined up three-deep around the bar, some of them in an advanced state of intoxication. As he turned to leave, he vowed to himself, “With the help of God I’ll smash this place, “ and with that resolve in his mind, as he was outside of the gate, he knelt beside the high wire fence and prayed to God to give him this place for His work.

God answered John's prayer two years later with the park going bankrupt. As mentioned earlier he was at a campaign in Pennsylvania when the sale occurred. It was bought by "a Binghamton business man [From what I can tell this Binghamton business man was Mr. Kilmer (though it is unclear which Kilmer it was)] interested in the School, though not aware of Mr. Davis’ hopes regarding the park, secured a short term option on the property and wired Mr. Davis rushed back, and within three hours had called his board together and exercised their option, which gave them title to the property with all the buildings on it, one of the which was a large and roomy hotel" (1934 Theologue).

Thus began the change from The White City Amusement Park to Bible School Park, NY

To be continued in part 2 (100 years years on Riverside: The transformation and move)

Fall on Campus 60 years ago

2010-11-20T09:25:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture that was scanned from the 35mm slides that I was given over a year ago. It is a view of the campus from Riverside Drive in the 1950s. It looks to the Main Building and the Cross over the drive.

Fall on Campus Photosynth

2010-10-23T18:27:00.002-04:00

Some images taken on Saturday, October 23, 2010 of the campus of Davis College put together in a Photosynth. Enjoy.

Images of Fall on Campus

2010-10-22T23:22:00.003-04:00

It is Fall on the campus of Davis. The leaves are changing to oranges, yellows, and reds. The students were on Fall Break a couple of weeks ago and now they are back in the swing of things as the semester continues to plunge forward. Keep them in your prayers.

Homecoming 2010 and the Gala: Friday, October 1, 2010

2010-10-06T21:00:00.010-04:00

Registration Table for Homecoming

Pastor Mike Jayne (1994) and Mrs. Patsy Holmes (1952)

Worship team at Davis

Pastor Craig Hall (1994) manager of the Davis bookstore

Vince and Sue Griffis (1967)

Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967) President of Davis College

Dr. Dino Pedrone (1967)

Dr. Ron Hawkins (1963) Vice Provost for the Graduate School and Online Program at Liberty University

Dr. Ron Hawkins (1963)

Dr. Dino Pedrone and Dr. Ron Hawkins

Mr. and Mrs. George Whitman (class 1945)

Mr. Carl Silver (1953) and Mrs. Sally Silver (1951)

Mr. Bill Dykes, Gospel Singer and Trustee on the Board at Davis

Jerry Traister (1967) Chairman of the Board with Dr. Pedrone

Mr. Jerry Traister (1967)

Dr. Pedrone brought up the Board of Trustees and had the Pastors in the room pray for them

Several students sharing about their time at Davis and God's calling

Mrs. Eleanor Krooswyk (class 1937)

Class of 1965 Reunion

Classmates reconnecting after 30 years

Sally Silver and her classmate from 1951

Here is a crew from 1967 (L-R) Jerry Traister, Walter Schlundt, and Vince Griffis

The majority of Class Agents at Homecoming

Dr. Ron Hawkins at an Alumni Gathering

Dr. Ron Hawkins and his wife Peggy

Dr. Gilbert Parker and his wife Marolyn (both 1965)

The Gym transformed into the Gala

One of the place settings

The History Displays in the Gym

The lights come on for the Gala

Guests arriving and sitting down at the tables

While the guests were eating I presented the History of the College in Lowe

The History of Davis

There were torches lit up around campus

Homecoming 2010 was an amazing time this past Friday. It was quite the Historic day that was enjoyed by those who attended. Let me take you on the journey:

After a long rain that flood the street on Thursday the rain continued to come down in the early morning light. By 7:45 AM the rain had stopped and the sun started to appear and the clouds began to dissipate. Around 8 AM Alumni started arriving on campus to register for Homecoming. They were greeted as the first picture shows by Jenny Green, Roseann Melious, and Nikki Post. The first session started a little after 9:00 AM in the morning with a group made up of two students (Ben Tinsch and Levi Owens) and the adjunct professor of music, Scott Ladd (2008). Dr. Pedrone (1967) gave a welcome to the audience of students and Alumni and introduced the speaker, Dr. Ron Hawkins (1963) who is the Vice Provost for the Graduate School and Online Program at Liberty University.

Dr. Hawkins had a great message between his two sessions (Session 1: 9-10 AM and Session 2: 10:07-11 AM). He talked about the Christian life and the powers in a Christian life to make us more and more like Jesus Christ. He talked about the one goal we should striving for is to be an imitator of Jesus Christ. To do that we have three powers: The Holy Spirit, the Bible, and the Local Body of Believers (the Church).

Following the second session with Dr. Hawkins there was a break before Dr. Pedrone's Alumni Address. From around 11:30 AM -12:30 PM, Dr. Pedrone along with Jerry Traister and several others talked to the students and Alumni. Before they began we were all treated to Mr. Bill Dykes singing. Mr. Dykes is a former member of the Cathedrals and now is on the Davis Board. Several weeks ago I had written on his Facebook wall about the Hymn "God will Take Care of You" which was written at PBTS in 1904 and asked him to sing it if possible because of the of history of it. He sang a medley of the hymn and told the rest of the people about the history. It was great!

After he had sung the mini-concert, Dr. Pedrone had all the Board Members in Lowe come to the front and introduce themselves. After they introduced themselves he had all the pastors in the room to come up and pray over them as Dr. Ron Hawkins lead in prayer.

After the prayer for the Board Members Dr. Pedrone brought up 5 students to the front of Lowe Hall. They were: Junior Ben Tinsch, Transfer student Brad Zembower, Sophomore Mariah Britton, Senior Nate Benner, and Sophomore Brandon Grey. Each student talked about how God had been working in their life at Davis College. Ben has been working at his local highway department during the summer to be a testimony for Christ and also serving on a worship team at North Syracuse Baptist, where Dr. George Miller III is pastor. Brad has had his worldview changed and he has been able to do more preaching, though he is not sure if God is calling him to be a pastor. Mariah mentioned how Davis is like a home away from home. Nate met his wife at Davis and the college has been a place where he has been able to mature. Brandon is training to go back to his home in the Queens and minister to the families and people back in New York City.

After interview the 5 students Dr. Pedrone mentioned the three things that he is trying to stress this year:

1. Academics: Davis is a place of higher education. He wants the students to be students of the WORD, and students of the field they are studying to be in. That they do their best in their learning. Well prepared for the World.

2. Chapels: Importance of the Chapel, he wants the students to come to Chapel believing they might be called in a chapel. Receive what God has for them. Please Pray for the Chapels.

3. Victorious Christian Life: We are already given the Victorious life in Christ. Since we are IN CHRIST. It is not something we are striving to be, we are victorious in Christ. We need to live out that VICTORY!

Dr. Pedrone moved to what can the Alumni Do?

Pray for the College (Most important thing to do)
Give to the College (Many needs on the campus; we need to build on the scholarship fund.)

Dr. Pedrone stated that, "The future of this country will depend upon men and women trained for Gospel ministry. I believe that will all my heart. I would have never come here if I did not believe that."

Dr. Pedrone introduced Adrain Young of Ambassador Advisors. The purpose of Ambassador Advisors is to help Christians prepare for the future through Biblical stewardship. Later in the afternoon Adrain did a presentation about Biblical stewardship and mentioned that "17 of the 38 parables that Christ taught are about possessions; The topic of possessions is mentioned in Scripture more than any other:

- 3 times more than love

- 7 times more than prayer

- 8 times more than belief

About 15% of God's Word (2,172 verses) deals with possessions, treasures hidden in a field, pearls, talents, pounds, stables, etc."

He shared a lot of good information about how to use it for the Kingdom of God, since we cannot take it with us. How can each of us use what God has entrusted to us for His Kingdom? Great things to think and pray about.

Dr. Pedrone at the end of the Alumni Address had us turn to Psalm 19 which is a wonderful Psalm of the Revelation of the LORD.

Verses 1-6: These verses talk about the Revelation of God that we see in the wonders above.
Verses 7-11: These verses talk about the Revelation God in the Word within our lives
Verses 12-14: These verses talk about the Revelation God in His workers

After talking about Psalm 19 it was lunch time with Class Reunions. So many Alumni were there as the pictures above show. Alumni from the 1930 through the present day. I had a great time visiting with many of the Alumni for the brief time I was down there for lunch.

At 2 PM the Class Agents met in Lowe Hall while the rest of the Alumni continued to gather in the Dining Hall. We discussed different ways to reach our classmates and the classmates were are trying to reconnect with (Note: If you are an Alumnus or Alumna of PBTS/PBC/Davis and you have not heard from Davis in a while, there is a good chance we do not have your address and we would love to reconnect with you. Please use the form on the side and send a message to me). It was also discussed what day(s) of the week works best for Homecoming. We were able to get a group picture of most of the class agents as seen above.

After the Class Agent meeting there was a time of fellowship and reflection with Dr. Ron and Mrs. Peggy Hawkins and Dr. Gilbert and Mrs. Marolyn Parker. It was a time of prayer for different Alumni that are ill or hurting and also a time of reflecting on professors who have touched our lives in the past, many of which have gone home to glory.

As the day continued on the final prep for the gala was put into place. A History Display was put together by Jenny Green (Dr. Pedrone's Administrative Assistant) and Jeremy McGinniss (the College Librarian). Sharon O'Connor (Director of Marketing) had asked me several months before for a list of items that could go on display and they took that list and expanded upon it and created a wonderful display in the Gym for the Guests of the Gala. From around 5:30 until around 6:10 PM I was at the Gala as guests came in and talked to some of them about the history of college. It was great to see the gym fill with over 400 guests. As the guests were entering the Gala I went to Lowe Hall.

In Lowe I did my History Presentation in front of around 30-40 people as the guests at the gala ate their meal. After I finished my presentation I switched the feed over the Gala which was streaming from the Gym. A video made at the college was shown feature several students, professors, and Dr. Pedrone. After the video was finished Board Member Jeff Coghlan introduced student, Ben Kettor who shared about Davis and his desire to go back to his home in Liberia, Africa to help rebuild his war torn country. Jeff Coghlan once again rose up as the anticipation rose and he introduced Gov. Mike Huckabee to the stage.

Much cheering was heard in audience of the gala and cheers also rang out in Lowe Hall where it was being broadcast. Mike Huckabee is a very humble person with a great personality. He joked about some of the events on the campaign trail in 2008. One that stood out to me.

A lady walked up to Gov. Huckabee shaking her finger and said to him, "I heard you are a Baptist minister."

Gov. Huckabee replied, "Yes Ma'am I am."

"Are you one of those narrow minded Baptist Ministers that thinks that ONLY Baptists are going to Heaven?"

He replied back, "No, Ma'am I am more narrow minded than that, because I don't think some of the Baptists are going to Heaven."

He continued on later talking about his humble roots and how his parents were heard working people in Arkansas who wanted a better life for their children. He mentioned how he was the first male in his family to get a college education. He said it was because of scholarships and hard work. He was very thankful for the Christian education he received and how he was proud to support colleges like Davis that give a Christian worldview and train future leaders for the country. He mentioned how as governor the thing that disgusted him each year was how much money went into the prison system. He said that the cost to keep one (1) inmate in prison for one (1) year is enough to pay for one (1) person for four (4) years of college. Which one would be better? That is why he supports Davis College to train men and women for the ministry and be productive members of society. He challenged the audience to get behind Davis College and support them. He then went and sat down as Dr. Pedrone came up and closed out the very special evening that brought many friends and alumni to the campus.

After the evening of excitement there was a Hymn sing in Lowe Hall with Dr. Brent Young. About half a dozen Alumni stayed as we enjoyed some Hymns of Faith. After the Hymn sing several of us were out side praising God for the wonderful day. It was a great Homecoming and Gala.

Thanks to all who help put it all together

Last minute prep for Gala...

2010-09-30T22:44:00.003-04:00

The Gym has been transformed into the Gala for tomorrow night with Mike Huckabee.

Homecoming 2010 is in the Morning...

2010-09-30T09:31:00.004-04:00

Trailers setting up tents for Homecoming and for the Gala

A Mobile picture of the campus in the pouring raining

The Robb Gym is being transformed into the Gala

It is a rainy day in the Southern Tier of New York as the finishing touches are put in place for Homecoming 2010 and the Presidential Gala featuring Mike Huckabee. Keep the events in prayer and for the Alumni that are traveling today and tomorrow. I am looking forward to doing my History Presentation in the Evening in Lowe Hall and meeting up with Alumni. It is going to be a great day.

First Home Game Soccer Game on Labor Day

2010-09-05T20:17:00.000-04:00

The pictures above are from one of the early practices for the Men's Soccer team

Tomorrow (Monday, September 6, 2010) will be the first home game for the soccer season. The game starts at 4:30 PM against Roberts Wesleyan College J.V. If you are in the area stop by the former IBM Country Club on Harry L. Drive/Watson Boulevard and cheer on the Falcons. The Women's soccer team will be playing the Roberts Wesleyan J.V. Tuesday at 4 PM at the same location.

Go Falcons!

First Day of Classes and History Presentation

2010-08-31T09:42:00.001-04:00

The campus on the first day of classes for the 2010-2011 school year

Giving the History presentation in Lowe Hall

Presenting the rich History of Davis College to the Freshmen

Yesterday (Monday, August 30, 2010) was the first day of classes for the 2010-2011 school year. The campus was alive with activity as students headed to classes and began soaking up the Word. The Broadway Cafe also opened to the public and several people from the community came in to buy some of the first cups of coffee.

Yesterday, I also presented the History of the College to the Freshmen class. So much history and so little time to present it all. It was a great time and many freshmen said that they enjoyed it afterward.

Have you received the Alumnus...Let's chat

2010-08-29T00:26:00.002-04:00

Greetings Alumni of our Alma Mater that is "on the banks of Susquehanna." How are you doing? I have been getting a lot of great feedback from emails and phone calls about The Alumnus. I believe most of you that are located in the Continental United States have received the publication. If you have not we might have a current address on record at Davis. Use the form on the site of the blog and send me a message with an updated address so we can get the following publications out. This first edition at this time will only be in print format to protect the Class Agents from getting spam, as their email addresses are included for you to contact them. This coming Thursday, September 2, 2010 (7PM-8:30 PM EST) there will be an Alumni chat on the Alumni Forum: http://daviscollegealumni.ning.com/ If you have not joined please join today.

On another note keep the students in prayer as the new and transfer students have come to campus and the returning students will be coming to campus tomorrow. Classes begin on Monday.

I look forward to "Chatting" with many of you on Thursday.

Freshmen History Presentation on Monday

2010-08-27T22:04:00.007-04:00

Presentation 2 years ago (Monday, September 15, 2008)

This coming Monday (August 30, 2010) I will be presenting the History of the College to the Freshmen in College Life. This marks the 5th Freshmen class that I have done the History Presentation with. The first class the heard the presentation was the class that just graduated in May, back when they were Freshmen in September 2006. I presented it a second time on Monday, September 10, 2007, and a third time on Monday, September 15, 2008. Last year I presented it on Monday, September 14, 2009. Every time I present the history to a new class I have a great experience of sharing just a little piece of rich heritage they have come to.

See you all Monday

Visiting with 1951 Alumni

2010-08-22T22:24:00.005-04:00

Nancy Wildsmith and Sally Silver (class 1951)

Saturday I was on campus to see the RAs as the new school year begins and was pleasantly surprised to see two PBTS Alumni (Nancy Wildsmith and Sally Silver). Both were classmates in the class of 1951. Sally was the Vice President of the class and is now the class agent for the class of 1951. It was great seeing them and talking with them as we walked around the campus.

The 2010-2011 School year is about to begin...

2010-08-18T09:48:00.003-04:00

New Tile in the Basement of Patterson

A dorm room on the first floor of Patterson all ready to have student

The front of the campus

Alice E. Chatlos Library

William J. Chatlos-Gordon C. Davis Memorial (Main Building)

Kenneth C. Robb Activity Center

The Student Services Building (formally the home of Claire Patterson and also Walt Schlundt)

The Gazebo

Student Services and the Robb Activity Center

The Gazebo and Chatlos

The Main Entrance

The Gazebo

The Robb Activity Center

Academics Building (formally Gordon C. Davis' building)

Academics Building on the Knoll

New tile on the floor of Chatlos

It has been 110 years since the doors of PBTS were opened to students. Granted it was over a store on the corner of Main and Arch Streets in Lestershire (Johnson City) not on the current campus. It has been 99 years since the first students walked onto "God's chosen place" that is located "on the banks of Susquehanna." In a little over a week the campus will be filled with activity as new students and transfer students walk onto the campus of Davis preparing for their future in serving God. Keep them in prayer as they begin this new journey as many of you can remember your first days on the campus of PBTS/PBC/Davis. Classes begin on Monday, August 30, 2010.

Davis College Hope Tent Interviews

2010-08-12T22:15:00.005-04:00

Sharon O'Connor, Director of Marketing at Davis, did four different video interviews at the Spiedie Fest on Saturday. Below are the videos.

Dale Inghram (class 1983). Dale talks about the ministry he and his wife have Speaking Truth in Love (www.speakingtruthinlove.org).

Dr. Charles Colton is the Chair of the Organizational Leadership program at Davis College and the author of the book "Core Christianity". He is going into his second year as a professor at Davis.

Junior Ben Tinsch talks about what is happening at the Hope Tent and his ministry at North Syracuse Baptist Church.

At last but not least I was interviewed. I talk about the Hope Tent and The Alumnus publication (by the way you have received it today, and if not today then tomorrow).

Spiedie Fest 2010

2010-08-11T19:22:00.001-04:00

The Davis College Table in the Hope Tent

The FLN display in the Hope Tent

The Big Red Balloon for the Hope Tent

The Davis Table again (enter to win a $50 certificate to the Cafe--that's a lot of coffee)

So many great organizations helped to make the Hope Tent possible.

Dale (Class 1983) and Faith Ingraham (Class 1984) helping with the ministry at the Hope Tent

Denny Brownlee and Terese Main of FLN in the Hope Tent

Keli Copper being interviewed by FLN

Keli and Denny

Admissions Counselor Caralee Godfroy being interviewed by FLN

Caralee Godfroy

Caralee talking about Davis College to FLN

Three Class of 2009 Alumni of Davis: Matt Terboss, Josh Olmstead, and Andrew Zetterstrom

Alumna Kim Phillips (2008)

Professor of Organizational Leadership Charles Colton at the Davis table

Up, up, and away

A few of the more than 30 balloons that went up

Amazing to watch each year as they go up

This one looked like a Stained Glass window

Heading to the clouds

Matthew West preforming on the Main Stage

Matthew West

Matthew West and a band member

Another member of Matthew West's band

Matthew West's band

Jars of Clay on the Main Stage

Stephen Mason of Jars of Clay

Jake Goss of Jars of Clay

Matt Odmark of Jars of Clay

Lead singer Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay

Well another year, and another Spiedie Fest has come and gone. The weather was absolutely beautiful on all three days of the local Binghamton Festival. The Hope Tent continues to grow and the Word of God continues to spread. This year there were three tents put together with the big red balloon hovering over them. Family Life Network (FLN) used one tent for a children's carnival as well as broadcasting from it. One Tent was for the concerts put on by local groups and the third tent was used by churches and Christian organizations. Davis had a table in this tent. Several people came by and inquired about classes and put their name in for a free T-shirt or Cafe gift certificate. On Saturday, August 7, 2010 the 3rd annual "Pray for Davis College Day" took place at the table. Around 7-8 people came together and lift up the college before the throne of grace in the Hope Tent and many others lifted up the college from around the country. On Saturday also FLN broadcast live from the Hope Tent. Davis Board Member and Hope Tent Organizer Keli Copper and Admissions Counselor Caralee Godfroy were interviewed by the radio station. On Sunday, August 8, 2010 a church service was held with former New York Giant Lee Rouson. That afternoon Matthew West and Jars of Clay performed on the Main Stage to an audience of several hundred people.

Keep in prayer the seeds that were planted through the ministry of the Hope Tent that many will come to Christ!

Pray for Davis College Day (Saturday, August 7, 2010) Prayer Requests

2010-08-06T13:00:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow (Saturday, August 7, 2010) will be the 139th anniversary of our founder's birth

The Hope Tent at Spiedie Fest

Tomorrow (Saturday, August 7, 2010) will be the third annual "Pray for Davis College Day." Started in 2008, the prayer day is a chance to lift up the college for the coming school year. The date (August 7) was chosen due to it being a couple of weeks before the school year begins, but also because it is the birthday of our founder, John A. Davis. Here in this post are some prayer requests for the college. Whether you join us at the Hope Tent tomorrow (from 11-Noon) or just pray at your home or work, please keep the college and its mission in your prayers.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Administration:

President Dino Pedrone: Pray that God continues to lead and guide him as he leads the college. Pray that he will be able to share his vision of the college and that it will be God lead. Pray for him as he travels to different churches encouraging them in the Word of God and telling them about the college. Protect him from the evil one.

Chief Operating Officer Rick Cramer: Pray that God will use him as he works with the students and the daily operations of the college. Pray that God will give him discernment and wisdom in the choices that are made for the college.

Chief Academic Officer Gilbert Parker: Pray that God will guide him in the class choices and the final schedule planning for the following semester and school year. Pray that he will mentor and lead the faculty.

Chief Financial Officer Shelly Wilcox: Pray that God will give wisdom, discernment, and prudence when dealing with the finances of the college. Give her godly council when dealing with investments.

Administrative Assistants: Pray for the Assistants of these Administrators: Jenny Green, Jerri Parisi, and Naomi Saravanapavan. Pray that they have godly attitudes and show Christ in all that they do and glory Him.

Faculty:

Stan Baker
Sheila Flipse
Scott Ladd
Roseann Melious
Bonnie Novak
Christopher Seavey
George Snyder
Debbie Bates
William Berkheiser
Rachel Bourizk
JoAnne Casterlin
Larry Hendrickson
Walt Schlundt
Todd Luce
Harold Lewis
Peter Mason
Marieta McMillen
Brent Young

Pray that God uses these individuals (as they are the ones who interact with the students on a daily basis) to help train the next generation of men and women for ministry. Pray that God will equip them for the challenges of today. Help them be relevant to the students in the changing world, with the unchanging Word of God.

Staff:

Admissions:

Caralee Godfroy
Will Reichel
Sue VanDeventer
Larry Ellis

Pray that as they travel to schools and events that the light of Christ would shine through them. Give them wisdom and discernment with those who are applying to the college. Pray that the LORD would bring those students who need the training at Davis to spread His message. Pray for guidance as they help with the government financial aid forms.

Other Departments:

Church and Alumni Relations--Dan Rathmell: Pray that God would use Dan as he speaks to churches and interacts with Pastors throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and wherever the LORD leads.

Athletics and Fitness--Tom O'Connor and the other coaches: Pray that God would use the coaches at Davis to train men and women in sportsmanship and give a godly testimony when on the field or court.

Business Office--Sharon Payne and Laura Churchward: Pray that God will lead and direct with other financial choices at the college. Help them find errors when they occur in the books and help them correct them without problems. Give them discernment in their choices that it might glorify God.

Health Services--Joanna Johnson: Pray that God will help her with student's health issues. Pray that she will have wisdom in diagnosing student's ailments.

Library--Jeremy McGinniss: Pray that God will help Jeremy to find the books most useful for the college and that will be most helpful for the students.

Maintenance--John Groover and his team: Pray that God will keep safe John and his maintenance crew as they fix up the campus and in the winter as they plow and shovel.

Student Development--Nikki Post, RDs and RAs: Pray that God would work through Nikki as she prepares events for the students. Pray for the RDs and RAs as they have a lot that they do wiht the students in the dorm. Pray that the RAs will be able to balance ministering to the dorm and doing school work.

Bookstore--Craig Hall: Pray that the bookstore would continue to be a light to the Christian community in Binghamton. Pray that Craig will find books and items that will benefit the college bookstore.

Food Services--Keli Perry and team: Pray that God would help Keli and her team find the food for the Cafeteria and the Cafe that will be enjoyed by many. Pray that the Cafe would continue to be testimony in the community.

Academic Records--Spencer Key: Pray that God will help Spencer have clarity of mind when working with the records. Help him spot and correct mistakes in records to keep them accurate.

Marketing and Development--Sharon O'Connor: Pray that God will help Sharon with all that she does with the website and preparing for upcoming events. Give her the help she needs to finish the planning for events. Give her wisdom for the events and help her get connects that will benefit the school.

Students:

Pray for the incoming students of Davis both the Freshman and Transfers. Pray that they will adjust the changes and that they will feel at home. Pray that the Freshman learn to balance fun and school work and that they will not procrastinate. Pray that they will focus on Christ and grow closer to Him through their first year and that they will have a positive godly affect on the campus.

Pray for the returning students that they will continue to strive for God. Help them stay focused on the Word of God and that it will not become a textbook. Pray that they will be a positive and godly influence on the younger students. Pray that God gives direction to their life and that they will follow Him wherever He leads.

Overall:

Pray that through this school year that God would be glorified. "Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12.1b-2a). Pray that Davis would be a lighthouse in the Binghamton area and that men and women would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the testimony of those who go to the college and work at the college. Let Jesus Christ be praised.

2010 President's Scholarship Gala with Mike Huckabee

2010-08-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

Governor Mike Huckabee

Another event that will occur on the evening of Homecoming will be a President's Scholarship Gala. This is an event that will raise funds for the President's Scholarship which seeks to provide around $350,000 annually to students at the college.

Dr. Dino Pedrone is pleased to announced that the keynote speaker for this event will be the former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Nominee, Mike Huckabee. Mr. Huckabee a devoted follower of Christ has served as a Pastor at the Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas from 1980–1986 and then also at Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas from 1986–1992. During his time at Immanuel, he also served as the President of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (1989-1991). He came on the national scene when January 28, 2007 he announced his run for the White House. Though losing the Republican nomination to Senator John McCain, Mr. Huckabee continued to be a voice of Christians and Conservatives.

Details of the Event

Location: Robb Activity Center on the campus of Davis College,
400 Riverside Drive, Johnson City, New York, 13790
Time: 6:30 PM (Event will last until close to 9 PM)
Purpose: We will be raising money for the President's Scholarship Fund.
Cost: Currently table sponsorships are available for $2,000.
* $2,000 Table Sponsorship: One table, ten guests.
* Includes two tickets to VIP pre-event reception with Gov. Huckabee.
Individual tickets will be available after table sponsorships are released.
Tickets will be $200/person.
Register: Friends may sponsor a table, make a donation, or get information about tickets by Clicking Here.
Contact: Questions about the President's Scholarship Fund Gala? Contact Sharon O'Connor, Director of Marketing and Development, by email (soconnor@davisny.edu) or by phone (607.729.1581 x 313).

More details to follow.

In two months (Friday, October 1, 2010) Homecoming 2010

2010-08-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Dr. Ron Hawkins (Class 1963)

This summer marked 110 years since John A. Davis held the first classes of PBTS. 60 years ago was the Jubilee Class (Class of 1950) graduated and Mrs. John A. Davis (Etta) went home to glory. 50 years ago (1960) Patterson Dorm was built and the first students moved in the following Fall. This year we look back and celebrate our history at Homecoming 2010!

The tentative schedule:

Friday, October 1st:

8:00 - 9:00 AM: Registration

9:00 - 10:00 AM: Dr. Ron Hawkins, Session I

10:05 - 11:00 AM: Dr. Ron Hawkins, Session II

11:00 - 11:15 AM: Break

11:15 - 12:30 PM: Dr. Dino J. Pedrone, President's Address

12:30 - 2:00 PM: Alumni Luncheon & Class Reunions (Classes Ending in "0" or "5" Will Be Honored) ($7.00/person. Alumni in a class being honored are invited to enjoy the lunch at no charge. Pre-registration is required.)

2:00 - 3:00 PM: Class Agent meeting with Dr. Pedrone, '67, Rev. Jerry Traister, '67, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Rev. Dan Rathmell, '97, Church & Alumni Relations

3:00 - 4:00 PM: Alumni Fellowship with Dr. Pedrone and Dr. Hawkins

2:00 - 9:00 PM: Campus and Community Open House: History Exhibits, Live Music, Face Painting and Balloon Animals for Children, Evening Bonfire and Hymn Sing on the Knoll, and More! Concession food will be available for purchase (hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, slushies, etc.).

Saturday, October 2nd:

10:00 AM: Brunch and Fellowship ($6.00/person)

To register for this event click here.

More details to follow.

Spiedie Fest and Pray for Davis Day

2010-07-30T12:00:00.002-04:00

Do you know what starts a week from today??? Well it is Spiedie Fest in the Binghamton area. This summer marks three years that Davis has been at the Hope Tent. On Saturday, August 7, 2010 will mark 139 years since the founder of Davis College, John A. Davis, was born. Since 2008 August 7th has been set aside as a day to keep the college in prayer and to lift up the next school year. This year August 7th falls on the Saturday of the Spiedie Fest. If you are at the Spiedie Fest come to the Hope Tent from 11 AM-Noon and pray for the college. If you cannot make it to the Hope Tent pray wherever you are through the day for the college. I will try to post a list of items to pray for.

View the Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139758519368526

Summer cleanup

2010-07-14T22:00:00.005-04:00

A room in Patterson getting cleaned up and a fresh coat of paint

I was on campus the other day and saw the campus getting ready for the new semester in August. The above picture is from Patterson Hall where many rooms are getting a fresh coat of paint. This year not only marks 110 years since the college began, but Patterson Hall's 50th Anniversary. It was built in 1960 and the first classes moved into the rooms for the 1961-1962 school year.

Summer 2010: News and Upcoming events at Davis

2010-07-10T01:35:00.004-04:00

Scott Ladd (class 2008)

An exciting news item from Davis is that a couple of weeks ago the college hired Alumnus Scott Ladd. He will serve as the new professor for the Arts and Worship concentration at Davis. Scott graduated from Davis in 2008 and has just graduated from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester with his Master of Arts degree. Scott has been serving as the Director of Music for the Grace Evangelical Covenant Church in Clay, NY (just outside of Syracuse) since 2005. Scott will start at Davis officially on August 15. Welcome back to your Alma Mater Scott, you will do an excellent job.

The first edition of The Alumnus is getting ready to be sent off most likely next week. It has been an exciting experience and I am looking forward to working on new editions.

Another item for Alumni is that there will be the 3rd Monthly Alumni Chat on the Alumni Forum: http://daviscollegealumni.ning.com/ The date will be Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 7 PM (PST). Let me know what topics you would like to talk about for future chats.

Moving into the month of August, Davis will be at the 26th Annual Spiedie Fest (August 6-8). This will be the third year that Davis has been represented at the Hope Tent. Come by the table and say hi. At the Spiedie Fest on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 11 AM there will be a gathering to pray for Davis College. This year marks 3 years since I started the "Pray for Davis College" day on the birthday of our founder John A. Davis. If you cannot make it to the Hope Tent to pray with a group of Alumni/Friends of the College pray wherever you are on August 7, 2010 and lift up the needs of the college. I will put prayer items as we get closer to August.

At the end of August the new school year (2010-2011) will be starting. Continue to keep in prayer the new students coming and for the returning students. There is still time to register: http://davisny.edu/admissions/index.htm, and in fact Admissions is holding a registration day on Friday, July 16.

History continues to be written at Davis College as we serve God and prepare men and women for the ministry!

As an Alumnus of Davis College I have been blessed by the ministry of Davis College and the continuing blessing it will be in the future. If you have been blessed by Davis College (PBTS/PBC) consider and pray about making a donation to the college this summer. Remember it was only a dollar that started the school and one dollar given in faith to the college will help it continue to grow and serve the Body of Christ.

Corey J Adams likes

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110 years ago....The First Classes of PBTS

2010-06-11T10:44:00.006-04:00

The location of the first classes of PBTS

A picture of one of the first classes of PBTS (most likely not on Main and Arch)

It was 110 years ago that the first classes of Practical Bible Training School were held. Only months after receiving the dollar bill from Mrs. L.A. Crossan, John A. Davis held the first classes of PBTS over a store on the corner of Main Street and Arch Street in the city of Lestershire (Johnson City), NY. One of the first students was Harvey H. Wagner. Attending the first PBTS class sessions that summer, he studied in the classes of 1901 and 1902 and graduated with a perfect score [100 in all of his tests] in 1903.

From the 1934 Theologue about first classes of PBTS:

Between eighty and ninety people came to this first class. They all were believers, more or less interested in learning how better to study the Bible. The class was called together by Mr. Davis. After brief introductory remarks, he gave the first lecture. The succeeding sessions were carried on in much the same general way. Mr. Davis was the only teacher for the term. The attendance grew, until there were about one hundred and twenty students in the class.
The subjects taught were those in which Mr. Davis was a master, namely, “How to use the Bible”; “Personal Work”; and some introductory studies in Doctrine.

That summer some evenings were cool and pleasant while others were hot and sultry. However, the attendance never dropped nor did the interest flag throughout the whole period. God had need for a school and He inspired Mr. Davis to make this start; and He took care of the interest and the attendance and gave Mr. Davis students to work with from the very beginning. Mr. Davis’ teaching was so inspirational, so absorbing in every detail, that it mattered not whether the evening was sultry or pleasant; the students were attentive to the utmost degree, intensely interested in catching the words of life and power, coming from God’s servant.

During the closing weeks of that first term the class permanently organized and the feeling became general that the work must not be allowed to drop, but that a permanent school building should be obtained and a Bible school established which would give instruction for both day and evening students throughout the year.

It was from these first classes that the school grew to what it is today.

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Upcoming items for Alumni of PBTS/PBC/Davis!

2010-05-13T22:49:00.004-04:00

Greetings in the name of the wonderful name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

To the Alumni of Practical Bible Training School/Practical Bible College/Davis College:

There are several upcoming items for Alumni of our Alma Mater, which I think you will enjoy.

Firstly, on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 7 PM (EST) there will an Alumni Group chat hosted by me (Corey Adams) on the Davis College Alumni Forum: http://daviscollegealumni.ning.com/
If you haven't registered I would encourage you to join today and participate. It will be a chance to meet new Alumni and reconnect with old classmates.

Secondly, the college is bringing back The Alumnus publication and I will be the editor of it. I am very excited for this opportunity. The first two editions will be both print (mailed to home addresses) and digital (emailed). Included in the first two editions will be a card and envelope for any Alumni that would like to continue receiving it in print. For everyone else we will send it in a digital format. The first one should be mailed out in the middle of June so check your mail boxes (both physical and virtual).

Thirdly and Finally, the homecoming celebration this year is going to be great and I hope you all can attend. More details are going to follow, but we have some really exciting things happening for the 110th anniversary of the college.

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Commencement 2010: Saturday, May 8, 2010

2010-05-10T14:06:00.008-04:00

Graduates getting into their robes for Commencement

Tyler Rathmell and Benjamin Wilcox

The TESL grads with Bonnie Novak (TESL chair)

Dr. Pedrone and Dr. Parker about to walk down the aisle

The grads coming into the gym about to graduate

Dr. Gene M. Williams giving the commencement speech

Dr. Williams reading from John 13

William J. Chatlos the president of the Chatlos Foundation receiving an honorary doctorate

Dr. William J. Chatlos

Grace Fabian (Class 1959) receiving the honorary doctorate

Grace getting her doctorate

Dr. Grace L. Fabian

Ben Baker receiving his Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) Degree

Tyler Rathmell receiving his degree and having the tassel turned by
Chairman of the Board, Jerry Traister (1967).

The graduates singing the Alma Mater

The graduates being congratulated by the Board of Trustees

Darren and Kendra Maslin

Myself (Corey J. Adams) and my best friend William Deckert

Dr. Walter Schlundt and Jerry Traister (Class 1967)

Grace (Jones) Fabian (class 1959) with her sister Mary

Dr. Grace Fabian and Dr. William Chatlos

Grace and her sisters

Craig Hall (manager of the Davis bookstore) with Grace

Myself with Grace

The honorary doctorate

Grace with her honorary doctorate

This past Saturday (May 8, 2010) the 109th graduating class of Davis College received their degrees. Since the first diplomas were issued by Practical Bible Training School in 1901 (the year after the school began) thousands of men and women have entered into the ministry. Some have become pastors, some missionaries, some counselors, some Sunday School teachers, some Youth works, some TESL teachers, and countless others going into secular work with a Biblical worldview. As the saying goes, "The Sun Never sets on PBTS (PBC/Davis)," because the work of the LORD continues on in each class that graduates from the school, and this past Saturday was no different.

The weather forecast for Saturday was bleak with maybe a few minutes of sun here and there. High winds and rains were predicted for the Southern Tier of New York, but God had different plans for this commencement. It was amazing to see God work in the weather that day. I arrived on the campus around 8:10 AM to setup a video camera and make sure everything was all set and there was a light rain coming down. Only minutes after I arrived the light rain started to fade away and the sun started to come out. At around 8:45 AM Grace Fabian arrived on the campus to start setting up a table for her book signing that would follow the graduation. At around 9:15 AM the graduates, faculty, and Board Members assembled in Lowe Hall to adorn their robes and academic regalia. Soon the class of 2010 would be graduating from Davis College.

At about 10:04 AM the bagpipes started playing and commencement began. The American Flag (carried by student Evan Hickernell) and the Christian flag (carried by student Nate Benner) were walked down the aisle behind David Hall who played the bagpipes. Dr. Pedrone, the Board Members, and the member of the faculty followed and convened on the stage. The graduates followed and assembled in the front of the Robb Activity Center. Today was their big day! Do you remember your graduation day? Maybe you had it in the Robb Activity Center or maybe you had it in King Hall, but in either place your day of completion had arrived.

This commencement marks the second year in which we awarded Honorary Doctorates to two deserving individuals. This year the honorary doctorates went to William J. Chatlos, who the president of the Chatlos Foundation in Florida and Grace L. Fabian (PBTS class 1959). Both were overwhelmed with joy and excitement as they were presented with Doctor of Divinity Degree.

William J. Chatlos and his family have been involved with the college since the 1930s when his uncle (William J. Chatlos), and his aunt (Alice E. Chatlos) attended PBTS. In the 1960s the foundation was formed and donated a large sum of money to the college to build the current main building and also the library. Since then the foundation has continued to donate to college to help the college maintain the buildings on campus.

Grace L. Jones was born in Otego, NY and she had Practical Bible Training School in her blood. Both of her parents had attended PBTS in the 1920s. Her father (Clarence Jones) had graduated in 1927. Grace attended PBTS in the Fall of 1956 and graduated in 1959. Upon graduating from PBTS, Grace joined Wycliffe Bible Translators. She first served in Mexico assisting other Bible Translators. She went back to States to continue her training where she met her husband to be, Edmund Fabian. They were married in 1968 and went to Papua New Guinea in the summer of 1969. She and her husband had four children while they worked on translating the New Testament into the language of Nabak. On April 29, 1993 Edmund was murdered while translating 1 Corinthians 13. In the midst of tribulation God's Outrageous Grace shone through. You can read more about her life in her book called Outrageous Grace.

After both honorary doctorates were given the Commencement speaker, Dr. Gene Williams spoke. Dr. Williams is the President Emeritus of Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia and he gave a wonderful message from John 13. More specifically he read from John 13.5-11. The passage is about Jesus washing the disciples' feet and Peter being so offended that Christ would wash his feet. In these verses he made comparisons between the Greek word that is used for wash (in terms of the disciples' feet) and bathed (used in addressing Peter's request in John 13.9). For a person that has been "bathed" in the blood of Jesus Christ only needs to be cleaned from their sins that they committed after being saved (1 John 1.9). In essence you only need to have your feet washed. It is such a basic message, but very relevant for all of us.

After Dr. Williams spoke the diplomas were handed out. It was wonderful to see so many friends being honored by graduating from Davis. These were the Freshman class my Senior year at Davis. It was wonderful to see the smiles and tears as they shock hands with Dr. Pedrone and Jerry Traister. Their time at Davis was coming to a close.

The singing of the Alma Mater occurred soon after the conferring of the degrees. It is always sad hearing them sing the final verse of it:

We must part now, for He calls us
To a wider field;
And though we are loath to leave you,
For His sake, we yield.

After the singing the Alma Mater the prayer of dedication was prayed by board member Rudy Holland and the Seniors headed out of the Robb Activity Center. The LORD blessed the day with sunshine for the time they went outside. As mentioned earlier the day was suppose to be full of rain, but God had other plans. There were many tears and hugs as parents and friends snapped photos and wished God speed. Grace stayed in the Robb Activity Center and signed copies of her book.

It was a wonderful Commencement at Davis.
All glory and honor to God.

Opposite: The musical

2010-05-05T11:00:00.002-04:00

Some of the homeless people at the mission

Derek Ledbetter (Cameron), Bekah Havens (Rachel), and Deborah Ward (Sam)

Big Daddy (Josh Rathmell) and Jay (James Pine)

Sam and Rachel talking about the Rescue Mission

The character of Lizzie (Jeannine Snyder) blames the mayor for her problems...

...and is shot by the body guards of the mayor

The Mayor's family invites Jay over for saving Rachel's life

Cameron (Derek), T-Money (Andrew Ryckman), Jay (James Pine), and Downtime (Phil Chapman)

Sam and Rachel talking about the Rescue Mission

Sam is freaked out by Downtime and T-Money

But soon they are working together

Rachel and and Jay share a meal at the mission

Looking sharp there boys

Jay and Rachel talk about their future

Big Daddy giving some wisdom to Jay

This past weekend several students put on a musical entitled Opposite. It was a great musical. It is about a recently unemployed man named Jay that goes to a Rescue Mission for a meal and finds eternal life in Jesus Christ. He meets two guys "T-Money" and "Downtime" who mentor him and help him do things opposite than what he did in the past. While he is at the mission he meets Rachel whose father is the mayor of the city. Rachel and her boyfriend Cameron visit the mission and serve and soon Rachel brings her friend Sam along. The musical was a great reminder that the Christian life is not easy, but with Christ and godly friends you can live Opposite to your sin nature.

Great job to the Cast and Crew of Opposite!

Ruth Graham and Friends

2010-04-24T22:41:00.005-04:00

Ruth Graham speaking to YNN

Ruth Graham

Ruth before the opening of the conference

Dr. Pedrone speaking to YNN

Ruth beginning the conference

Dr. Pedrone speaking at the beginning of the conference

Worship leader Jason Catron

Ruth introducing her friends

Several of the audience members

Ruth asking questions of her friends who did the sessions

Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 Ruth Graham, the daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, came to Davis College to host her Get Growing Conference. Friday night she started off the conference by introducing her friends. They were the ones that were going to do the sessions on Saturday. Saturday the sessions were held for several hundreds. The purpose of the conference was to help Christians deal with life controlling issues. Some of the topics were abortions, abuse, and pornography.

Thank you Ruth for coming and bringing your friends

Upcoming Events: Ruth Graham and Commencement 2010

2010-04-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

Billy Graham's daughter Ruth will be hosting her Get Growing Conference at Davis

William J. Chatlos- president of the Chatlos Foundation

PBTS Alumna Grace Fabian's book Outrageous Grace

There are a couple of exciting events coming to Davis soon.

To start off with at the end of this week Bill Graham's daughter Ruth Graham will be on the campus to host her Get Growing Conference (Friday, April 23, 2010-Saturday, April 24, 2010). It is for both men and women is designed to provide practical teaching and tools to equip you and your church to better understand life-controlling behaviors and how they affect our society today. It is a free conference and a love offering will be taken. To learn more click here.

Only two weeks after Ruth Graham it will be Commencement 2010 and the class of 2010 will be graduating from Davis. On Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 10 AM the Seniors will begin the march down the center of the aisle in the Robb Activity Center. The Commencement speaker will be Dr. Gene M. Williams who the President Emeritus of Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia, Georgia. During the Commencement there will be two honor doctorates given by the college as was last year. This year two very special people will be honored and I personally as the writer of the blog am looking forward to it.

The first one that is getting honored is my good friend Grace (Jones) Fabian (Class of 1959). Grace who has just published her autobiography Outrageous Grace about her time in Papua New Guinea where her and her husband Edmund translated the New Testament into the Nabak language. Her story is a story of forgiveness in the midst of her husband being murdered. I encourage everyone to read her book. You will be challenged.

The second person who is getting honored is William J. Chatlos who is the current president of the Chatlos Foundation Inc. The Chatlos Family has been part of the history of Davis College going back to the 1930s when two of William F. Chatlos' children attended PBTS (William J. Chatlos* and Alice E. Chatlos). William J. Chatlos only attended a short time and died at an early age, while Alice E. Chatlos graduated in 1935 and continued to teach at PBTS for many years. In the 1960s Mr. William F. Chatlos donated to PBTS to have the Main Building constructed and he named it after his son (~the William J. Chatlos-Gordon C. Davis Memorial Building). He also donated to the library and named it after his daughter (~Alice E. Chatlos Library). Over the years the Chatlos Foundation has continued to provide funds to the college to help it improve.

Along with these two honorary doctorates around 50 students will be graduating. If you are in Johnson City on May 8, 2010 I encourage you to come by and see this wonderful ceremony. In any case say a prayer for the students as they go out as sheep among wolves. Pray that they will be as wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

Congratulations to all in the Class of 2010

*Note: The William J. Chatlos receiving the honorary doctorate this year was named after the William J. Chatlos that attended PBTS in the 1930s.

110 years ago today....(Part 2 of 2): The Confirmation

2010-04-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Only five days had passed since God had laid on John A. Davis' heart the need for a Bible School on the East Coast. John had left Hazleton, Pennsylvania and after a brief stop in Binghamton had traveled onto Elmira, NY to continue to preach the word. Now it was Tuesday, April 10, 1900 and John would be preaching in the Elmira Tabernacle out of Matthew 7:24-27, it was the sermon that he had entitled The Two Foundations. John had preached this sermon on a few other occasions over the years as many traveling preachers and evangelists would do. Tonight however the fountains of the school would be laid.

Mrs. L.A. Crossan

As John A. Davis was arriving in Elmira to prepare for the revival meeting, God had already set into motion events that would confirm the creation of the Bible School. Days earlier, as God was laying the Bible school on John's heart, a poor wash-woman by the name of Mrs. L.A. Crossan was given a dollar bill. She thanked God for it upon receiving it and she prayed that she could use it to the glory of God. Soon the LORD was going to give her an opportunity to use it in a mighty way.

1899 Silver Certificate (most likely the kind given to Mrs. Crossan)

Now it was the late afternoon of Tuesday, April 10, 1900 and Mrs. L.A. Crossan went to hear the 28 year old evangelist John A. Davis at the Elmira Tabernacle. She was ready to soak in the word with many others that attended. John A. Davis stood up and in his rich powerful voice resonated throughout the church as his enthusiasm for the Word of God vibrated the windows of the church and the souls of the people. He began by reading from Matthew 7:24-27.

Matthew 7:24-27~

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

The beginning of that sermon from A God Enthused Man:

This parable is recorded by only two of the writers of the gospels, Matthew and Luke, and are words from the Savior's own lips in that memorable sermon on the mount. The truth is here put in a nutshell; simple, practical, and easy to be understood, and ought to have a greater power over each one of us, and I sincerely hope that the Holy Spirit will carry home to each heart the truth that God would have them to learn. May I say at the very beginning that I believe that the message was given to me from the Lord and I hope that our hearts may be in a receptive condition, and that God will help us to profit by the words of the message, for this work of building (character building) is something we all are or at least ought to be interested in.

Later on in the sermon...

We must Build on Something. That is common sense. We cannot build on air; we all know that we must build on some foundation. It is true that at times all build what they call “air castles,” but they do not amount to anything. So then, if all are building and must build on some foundation how very important it is to know what we are building.

As Mrs. Crossan listened to the sermon she was moved by God to give Mr. Davis the dollar bill. She wrote out a quick note and slipped it into an envelope with the dollar bill and continued to listen to the powerful message beginning delivered by this young man.

Where are you building? Where art thou? Is the question God asked Adam. Do you hear God's voice asking you the same question? You know where you are. Perhaps you are hiding away behind some excuse that was manufactured long years ago in hell and furnished yon by Satan. Are you trying to cover your nakedness from God's eye with that fig leaf apron of your own works? Rom. 3 :10, 23, says: "There is none righteous, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Oh, then, begin to build on Christ.

He continued on bringing the word of the LORD to the people. Many turning over their lives to Him or dedicating their lives to Him. John A. Davis finished by praying Psalm 23.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Amen.

John A. Davis finished the prayer and several people came up to the front of the church and began to shake hands with him and talk with him. Mrs. Crossan worked her way up to him and handed him the envelope. He thanked her as he put it into the pocket of his suit coat. John continued to shake hands and pray with others for another hour after the meeting, before heading out.

He walked back to where he was staying and removed his suit coat when the envelope fell from his pocket to the floor. It had been a busy yet wonderful evening preaching the word that he had completely forgotten about it. He opened it and out fell a one dollar bill. Inside the envelope was also a note. He opened the note and read the following words:

I am a poor washer-woman but God has laid it on my heart to give you this dollar to help you carry out the plan He has revealed to you.

John read the note then looked back at the dollar bill and then back to the note. God had confirmed in this small way that He wanted John to start a Bible School on the East coast. That dollar bill had become his Gideon Fleece. No more confirmation was needed though. He soon was preparing for the first classes of the Practical Bible Training School.

A Dollar and Dream

2010-04-06T14:57:00.006-04:00

Today in President's Chapel I spoke briefly about the history of the College and beginnings in April 1900. I mentioned about L.A. Crossan's one dollar gift, which will appear on this blog in more detail on April 10. It was a great time and I am very thankful for Dr. Pedrone for inviting me. Along with the challenge I made below the college has launched a similar campaign which you are more than welcome to donate to also. You can view it here. Now Facebook only allows for $10 or more to donated. If you would like to donate just a dollar or $5 you can use the Davis website link in that same post.

Something that I found only recently is that Mrs. L.A. Crossan that donated the dollar on April 10, 1900 died a year later. She donated all her earthly goods to the school. It is amazing to see how God can use something so small and use it for His glory and honor. 110 years after that one dollar gift God is still blessing this school.

110 years ago today....(Part 1 of 2): The Vision

2010-04-05T00:00:00.016-04:00

It was 110 years ago today that something wonderful happened. Alone in a room in Hazleton, Pennsylvania the 28 year old John A. Davis sat studying the Word of God. He had been conducting a revival meeting in Hazleton and now was preparing to head back to Binghamton, New York to his wife Etta and two young sons, Gordon and Charles. Soon after returning to Binghamton he would head west to Elmira, NY for another revival meeting. As he sat reading the words of life that had forever transformed his life, the LORD laid on his heart the need of a Bible school in the northeast. Davis had attended the Chicago Evangelist Society/Chicago Bible Institute (now known as the Moody Bible Institute) in 1893 where he had been trained and his gift for evangelism had been nourished and put into practice. He wanted to bring the kind of education and training he had in Chicago to the east coast. "He was wonderfully moved in which the message from God, which seemed to set forth the Lord’s plan for his life. But he was just “the Boy evangelist” and he could not understand how God could use him to establish a school. He prayed much about it but little did he know how the answer was to come"(1931 Theologue: What a Dollar Bill did). Only days later God was going to give conformation for the creation of the Bible School.

Next Part Two: The Confirmation

The One Dollar Challenge: April 10, 2010

2010-04-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

1899 Silver Certificate

I would like to challenge Alumni/Friends of the college, because of my love for the History of Davis College. This year marks 110 years since John A. Davis started PBTS (now Davis College). In April there will be a 2 part series about the beginning of PBTS. A post will appear on this blog at midnight on April 5 and midnight on April 10. On April 5, 1900 John A. Davis was lead by God to start a Bible School and on April 10, 1900 John A. Davis received a dollar bill that confirmed it was from God. The gift the dollar was from a poor washwoman who included a note with the gift, which read, “I am a poor washer-woman but God has laid it on my heart to give you this dollar to help you carry out the plan He has revealed to you.” John A. Davis took that dollar bill and with it started PBTS in Lestershire (Johnson City), NY only a few months later in the summer of 1900. While many of us don't have much money at this time I think most of us can spare one dollar. God took that one dollar and used it to His honor and glory. That one dollar has given us 110 years of history.

I as the Historian of Davis College would like to change any Alumni or Friends of the College to donate a dollar on April 10, 2010 or anytime in the month of April to Davis College. If would like to send more you are more than welcome. You can send in check or donate online or drop it off in person to the business office on campus. While you are at it write a note of what PBTS/PBC/Davis has meant to you.

If you would like to mail in a gift mail it to:

Davis College
c/o Shelly Wilcox
400 Riverside Drive
Johnson City, NY
13790

Or online you can donate via PayPal or Credit/Debit Card: http://davisny.edu/development/giving.htm

Photosynth of Davis: March 2010

2010-03-22T11:32:00.002-04:00

Here is a photosynth of the Davis College campus from Saturday, March 20, 2010. It is wonderful to see that spring is in the air.

This uses Microsoft Sliverlight which can be downloaded for PC or Mac here.

Faith and Family Night: Binghamton Senators--Friday, March 19, 2010

2010-03-22T09:00:00.002-04:00

Scapegoat (Jared Ingraham, Will Reichel, and Jeremy McGinniss) preforming before the game

Sharon O'Connor at the Davis Table with student Teri Miller

Alumna Emily Wilcox singing God Bless America

Senators playing the Rochester Americans (Amerks)

Several Davis students enjoying the game

Alumna Steph Hight and Mrs. Marolyn Parker

Watching the game

Mega Force

Mega Force giving testimony of what Christ has done for them.

Mega Force

Several people coming forward after an invitation

Friday, March 19, 2010 was Faith and Family Night with the Binghamton Senators. Davis College and Andrew's Good News Ministries sponsored it. Several faculty, staff, students, and Alumni came to the game. The evening began with Scapegoat preforming on the concourse. Alumna Emily Wilcox sang God Bless America before the game began. The game was the Binghamton Senators vs. the Rochester Americans (Amerks). In the end Binghamton won 4-2 with the last goal being made by the goalie (Chris Holt) with 20 seconds left on the clock. During different breaks Mega Force preformed different acts like breaking cinder blocks and tearing up phone books while talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the end of the night one of them shared their testimony and several people came forward to accept Christ or rededicate their lives to Christ. It was a great night.

The 76th anniversary of John A. Davis' homegoing

2010-03-17T00:00:00.005-04:00

Today (Wednesday, March 17, 2010) marks 76 years since Dr. John A. Davis entered glory.

John R. Clement put the death of John A. Davis in this way:

They tolled the bell when he slipped away;
The bell that had called to school each day;
They tolled the bell and the campus knew
That the Leader with all earth's tasks was through;
For him no more the heavy load
He had borne adown a stony road;
No more the worry, the fret, the care;
All these are unknown in "the Over There."
For him the day of a deathless song,
And the streets of gold, and the ransomed throng;
For him the joys of a ceaseless day,
Where the ills of life have all passed away;
For him the clasp of the Nail-pierced Hand;
And the untold bliss of Immanuel's Land.

John A. Davis who less than 34 years earlier had been lead by God to start a Bible Training School had entered into glory. The founder had went from the pain and stress in this life to the eternal kingdom of God.

Pastor's Conference: March 9, 2010

2010-03-09T20:55:00.003-05:00

The weather was beautiful today on the campus of Davis

Dr. Snyder speaking to a Pastor

Pastors talking in the cafe and drinking coffee

Dr. Pedrone meeting the Pastors

Several Pastors in the Gym

Over 160 pastors came. Some from as far as Connecticut

The worship team singing in Chapel

Dan Rathmell introducing Dr. Pedrone

Dr. Pedrone speaking to the Pastors on Spiritual Depression

Today (Tuesday, March 9, 2010) was the Spring Pastors Conference at Davis. Dr. Pedrone spoke on Spiritual Depression, and several pastors came very far to hear about it. Some pastors from as far away as Connecticut came to this years conference. Over 160 pastors and ministry works were in attendance. We began in the Cafe and Robb Activity Center were the Pastors could get some coffee and donuts. At 10:20 AM we all heading to Lowe Hall were the students were also. It was great to see all the Pastors, Professors, Students, and Preview Students in there.

After singing two songs Dr. Pedrone was introduced by Dan Rathmell. Dr. Pedrone spoke out of two passages of Scripture: 1 Peter 5.1-4 and Psalm 42. He addressed the changes of ministry and how sometimes the greatest strengths in ministry can cause depression in ministry also.

After the sessions there was lunch in the cafeteria. It was a great day and a lot of great encouragement to me, and the other leaders as well.

Pastor's Conference this Tuesday (March 9)

2010-03-04T19:01:00.005-05:00

This Tuesday is the Spring Pastor's Conference at Davis. Our speaker is President Dino Pedrone who will be speaking on the subject of Spiritual Depression in Ministry.

Schedule:

9:00 AM: Registration in Robb Activity Center
10:15 AM: Welcome
10:30 AM: Session 1, "Inner-Core of Your Spiritual Life"
11:40 AM: Session 2, "Inner-Core of Friends in Your Life"
1:00 PM: Lunch

Cost of $10 includes conference and lunch.

To Learn more or Register click here.

Obituary of Pastor Carl Wheeler

2010-03-03T17:36:00.004-05:00

As I wrote a few days ago, Pastor Carl Wheeler went home to glory on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at around 9 AM. The funeral will be held in California on Friday. Here is the link to the obituary. Feel free to read/sign the guest book.

Thank you for serving Christ all your life Pastor Wheeler.
You will be missed. See you in Glory!

Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-27T12:08:00.002-05:00

New York has received over 20 inches of snow in the past few days. I was on the Davis campus this morning and snapped a few pictures of the snow that has been covering the campus.

Happy Birthday Dr. Pedrone!

2010-02-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today marks Dr. Dino J. Pedrone's 65th Birthday! He was born on Monday, February 26, 1945 (facebook.com). On Monday, January 14, 2008 he was introduced to the Faculty and Staff of Davis as the next president of the college, and the next day he was introduced to the students and media. He officially took on the role of President in April of 2008. Just a few months ago Dr. Pedrone and his wife Bobbi moved back to the Binghamton area. Thank you Dr. Pedrone for being here at Davis and for serving the Lord Jesus Christ!

If you are friends with him on Facebook or
just want to send him a birthday message click here.

Pastor Carl Wheeler has gone home to glory

2010-02-21T06:42:00.002-05:00

Pastor Carl Wheeler in his senior picture for the 1934 Theologue

Lunch in the Cafe at Davis on Friday, October 20, 2006
Myself (Class 2007), Pastor Wheeler (1934), and Don Hall (1950)

Yesterday (Saturday, February 20, 2010) I received an email that informed me that Pastor Carl Wheeler (class 1934) had gone home to glory around 9 AM (PST). He was a dear man of God and he will be truly missed by me and by his family. He just celebrated his 98th Birthday exactly one month ago yesterday. Now he is having a bigger celebration with the King of kings and Lord of lords that he has been serving for 9 decades. He is back with his wife Florence as they sing praises the Lamb who sits on the throne.

See you in Heaven Pastor Wheeler, thank you for all the wonderful memories. You will be missed.

Gladiator Preview Days at Davis: Thursday, February 11- Friday, February 12, 2010

2010-02-14T00:05:00.001-05:00

Preparing for worship in the evening

Alumnus and Admissions Counselor William Reichel dresses student Ben Tinsch in armor as he does a devotion from Ephesians 6.10-18

Gladiator games in the Gym

Even the COO Rick Cramer got in the action

He had a great time doing it too.

Several students started singing worship songs around the piano in Lowe Hall during the Ice Cream soical

A Preview student getting a free T-shirt from Will

Dr. Pedrone speaking in Chapel

The preview students receiving a tour of the campus.

The Preview Students getting an information session in the cafe.

The preview students started to arrive on campus around 6 PM and registered in the foyer of Chatlos. After registering they went to Lowe Hall for music and pizza. At around 7 PM three students (Ben Tinsch, Levi Owens, and Justyn Palmatier) lead group of Davis students and Preview Students in praise music.

After a time of praise and worship, Alumnus and Admissions Counselor William Reichel did a devotion out of Ephesians 6.10-18. Since the theme was gladiators Will spoke of the Full Armor of God and used Ben as a soldier "model." "The devil doesn't play fair," Will spoke when talking about the arrows. Arrows are the cowardly way of doing battle and so the devil attacks us in that way. We need to put on the armor every day. It was a really challenging message even though many have heard it before.

Following the devotion everyone went over to the gladiator games in the Gym. There were inflatables setup. One was a gladiator ring and the other was an obstacle course. Several students, previewers, and even a few faculty and staff went up in the ring. It was great to see Chief Operating Officer Rick Cramer doing battle up there. Everyone seemed to have fun with the activities which ended up being a dodge-ball game.

After the adrenaline rush everyone went back to Lowe Hall for an ice cream social. It was a time of fellowship and several students started singing around the piano. At around 11 PM the students and preview students headed back to the dorm for the night.

The next day (Friday) the students had breakfast in the Klee Dining Hall followed by classes with Dr. Snyder and Dr. Colton. At 11 AM Chapel was held in Lowe Hall. Dr. Pedrone spoke out of Romans 12. He read through the chapter and gave the context of Romans up to that point. The main verse he focused on was Romans 12.2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." We as believers need to let our minds be transformed by Christ and His Word. Using this verse he encourage previewers and students alike to keep their mind on Christ.

After Chapel the preview students had lunch in Klee. They enjoyed a tour throughout the campus and then spent the last part of the day in the cafe with other students. The admissions answered questions they had and students shared testimonies.

Keep these preview students and other students planning on coming to Davis in the Fall or maybe later. Some will come as students others will go to other colleges, but keep them in prayer that they do the will of God.

Overnight Preview Day for High School Students

2010-02-10T10:14:00.003-05:00

The first Preview Day of 2010 is going to be great! If you are in High School and thinking about coming to Davis there is still time to register for the Preview Day that takes place tomorrow night through Friday Afternoon. Read about it here.

When I was in High School I very much enjoyed Preview Days. The more I saw of Practical Bible College, the more I knew God wanted me to go. Come check it out.

Over 10,000 hits on Davis College History

2010-01-29T23:40:00.003-05:00

Today (Friday, January 29, 2010) the Davis College History blog reached 10,000 hits since I started tracking them on November 3, 2006. Thanks to all that have been on the blog over the years. I hope to hear from more of you. God Bless.

Help for Haiti Games at Davis (This Friday and Saturday)

2010-01-21T20:31:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow (Friday, January 22, 2010) and Saturday, January 23, 2010 there will be basketball games at Davis that will benefit the Haiti effort.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2010
6 PM

Davis College Falcons Basketball Coach Dan Rathmell challenged the student body this week to get involved in a fundraiser, in addition to the "Help for Haiti" below. His challenge? "Come to Friday night's 6 PM game and see Coach Schreiber and I coaching barefoot." The organization, Samaritan's Feet, came up with the idea and started an outreach to supply children with shoes and the Word of God. There are several ways people can contribute to this effort. One of the most important ways is by spreading the word of this need, and showing up to support Samaritan's Feet. Another way is by purchasing a pair of new children's shoes and bringing them to the game on Friday night in Robb Activity Center at 7 PM. Coach Rathmell will gather the shoes and drop the moff at one of the several drop houses.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2010
1 PM and 3 PM

The Davis College Falcons basketball teams have organized a fundraiser to benefit victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

Both teams will compete against Valley Forge Christian College of Phoenixville, PA. Donations will be accepted during the games to be held in Robb Activity Center on the campus at 400 Riverside Drive, Johnson City, New York.

Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for students. Children age 5 and under are free. Make a Secure Donation to Samaritan's Purse for the Haiti Relief Effort Today: Visit Samaritan's Purse

To learn more about either of these events click here.

Happy 98th Birthday Pastor Wheeler!

2010-01-20T00:00:00.002-05:00

Happy 98th Birthday Pastor Carl Wheeler. Pastor Wheeler is one of the oldest Alumni of the College. He came to Practical Bible Training School in the Fall of 1931 and graduated in the spring of 1934. To read the interview I did with him a few years ago click here. Today he celebrates 98 years! Keep serving Christ Pastor Wheeler!

Classes begin in the morning

2010-01-10T23:28:00.003-05:00

The Spring 2010 Semester begins in the morning (Monday, January 11, 2010). Keep the students in prayer as they continue or finish up their education. For some this will be their last semester and will be graduating in May to head out into the world. Pray that they will keep their focus on Christ in every aspect of their education.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.003-05:00

When I think about New Years (other than being amazed that it is 2010 already) I think of new beginnings and passing on a bit of wisdom to my generation and to the next generation. I think of how amazing that this year marks 110 years since John A. Davis was challenged by God to start a Bible training school to train men and women in ministry. I am reminded of Joshua 4 when Israel had just crossed the Jordan river. In Joshua 4.4-8 it says:

Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

Amazing isn't it? The people of Israel made a memorial on the banks of the river Jordan. And the reason for it? It was going to be sign to the children and grandchildren. When your children or grandchildren see you reading your Bible do they ask, "what does this book mean to you?" Use your life as a witness not just to the unsaved, but to your children, grandchildren, and peers.

I wear items with Davis College on them and use them to talk about why I love my Alma Mater so much. I love the college, because I love that the College is a Biblical Center place of learning that I am very grateful for. If you are an Alumnus or Almna of PBTS/PBC/Davis keep the college in your prayers this coming year, and if you can support it financially.

While the college has changed locations, names, professors, and presidents over the 110 years it still remains committed to Gospel of Jesus Christ, because He is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, and the ONLY Life. He is the ONLY WAY to Heaven!

Merry CHRISTmas: A different look at Christmas

2009-12-25T00:00:00.007-05:00

"When they heard the king [Herod], they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

~ Matthew 2.9-11

I want to look at a different view of Christmas, and that has to do with a godly legacy that lasts much longer than us. The Magi from the East prepared and journeyed to find the Messiah for close to two years. Some believe that the reason that the Magi went to search for the Messiah was because of the prophet Daniel.

While we do not know this for a fact there is a good possibility. Now Daniel lived a good 500 years before Christ came to earth, but he himself became a Magi in the land of Babylon. As you remember Daniel was to be killed in Daniel 2 when no one was able to tell King Nebuchadnezzar the dream and then the interpretation. He continued to serve God into his later years where he was thrown into the den of lions after the Medo-Persians took over Babylon. After Daniel was in the den of lions he was honored by Darius. As Daniel 6.28 states, "So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian."

The legacy of Daniel appears to have made an impact through the centuries down to the Magi that saw the star in the East and came to find the new King. Daniel had access to at least some of the scrolls of the Torah and the Prophets. Some believe the Magi had read Numbers 24.17 where it says that, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come out of Jacob; A scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult."

Daniel made an impact on the wise men in the land of Babylon that they recognized the signs of the Messiah more so than the people Jesus came to minister to (John 1.11). His legacy and dedication to God made an impact for centuries.

This Christmas I want to thank those who from Davis made an impact on me. There are four Alumni of College that stand out in my mind that lead me to Practical Bible College in 2003 and many, many more that I met since going to Davis.

The first Alumnus I met of PBTS I met was Pastor Keith Knauss (class 1950) who is now in glory. Pastor Knauss was the pastor of Second Baptist Church in Auburn, NY. He and his wife Nellie (class 1949) were so great to my family. My grandparents, now both in glory also, would have them over several times.

The second Alumnus was the pastor that came in after Pastor Knauss and Nellie went to serve with JAM (Jewish Awareness Ministries), that was Pastor Ron Park (Class 1984). Pastor Park baptized me on Sunday, February 26, 1995.

After my family moved farther from Auburn, NY we attended Scipio Baptist in Union Springs, NY. The third Alumnus was the pastor of Scipio Baptist Church, Pastor John Terry (class 1986). Pastor Terry was the first to introduce me to Practical Bible College. In February of 2001 he, and another prospective student, and I headed to down Practical. It was a great experience and I knew at that time that God wanted me to go to Practical.

About a year later I met an Alumna of PBTS while at the missions conference at Scipio, Grace (Jones) Fabian (Class 1959). Grace's testimony really challenged me about Papua New Guinea and the need of Bible Translation. In the summer of 2005 I went to the island nation to work with Bible Translators.

So I want to say thank you to all Alumni both in the past, in the present, and in future that have, are, and will challenge me to be what God wants me to be.

Let me challenge you this Christmas: What legacy are you leaving to the younger generations? I am very grateful to how Davis has helped me through the years (both knowingly and unknowingly). If you are an Alumni of the college I would encourage you to challenge the young people in your life. As Daniel left a legacy that brought the Magi to Bethlehem, maybe your legacy will challenge young people to enter ministry. I am thankful for the legacy of my family and the Alumni of Practical that encouraged me in ministry.

ALL PRAISE and GLORY to GOD!

Merry CHRISTmas

Tuesday, December 22, 1931: A day that changed lives

2009-12-22T00:00:00.019-05:00

Exactly one month after the death of Charles J. Davis another tragedy occurred for those at Practical Bible Training School.

As the Great Depression edged on the LORD took care of the needs of the school in different ways. One way was that farmers would give food from the previous harvest to help the school, but someone from the school would need to go to the farms to pick up the food. On Tuesday, December 22, 1931 a group of guys from the school went down to Pennsylvania to collect some potatoes from a farmer. After an afternoon of loading the food on the vehicle they headed back as before it got too dark. Without warning one of tires blew out, and the students had to pull over to change it.

The Freshman class of 1934 in the 1932 Theologue (G. Arthur Woolsey is the 2nd from the right top row)

The student in charge of changing the tire was freshman G. Arthur Woolsey of Evergreen, PA. G. Arthur was born on November 30, 1913 and had just turned 18 years old less than a month earlier. Ten years earlier G. Arthur's mother had passed away and only shortly after he had graduated from High School his father passed away. Before his father died he promised him that he would attend Bible College for one year. So in 1931 he headed to Practical Bible Training School though he really did not want to.

On that same trip to and from Pennsylvania was another freshman by the name of Steve Ritz. Steve was a little bit older than G. Arthur as he was born on September 8, 1910. Steve was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and had accepted the LORD at the age of 16 in late 1926 or 1927 and had joined Johnson Avenue Baptist Church in Hazelwood, just outside of Pittsburgh. Over the next 4 years he grew in the word of God and in his faith in Christ. He loved the Word and had a burning desire to study for the ministry which came to pass in the fall of 1931, when he came to the Practical Bible Training School. He was always a young man of prayer and hard work, it was not long before he had touched the lives of most of the students in a spiritually helpful manner.

Both of these men had completely ideas of what their futures held, but God had a different idea as Isaiah 55.8-9 says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."

G. Arthur got out of the truck and started to jack it up to change the tire. It was starting to get dark out and started to crawl under the truck, but Steve Ritz pushed G. Arthur aside to change the tire. It was in that moment that everything changed. As Steve was under the car for only a minute or so the lights of an approaching car appeared quickly and there was a crash. The car slammed into the truck and dislodged the jack. The truck came crashing down on Steve sending him face to face with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial page to Steve Ritz in the 1932 Theologue

The grave of Steve Ritz in Oakmont, PA

The death of Steve Ritz sent ripples through PBTS and many individuals. For some faculty members it could be seen as one of the straws that broke the camel's back in the split from PBTS that created Baptist Baptist Seminary.

It is a fact that it was a turning point for G. Arthur Woolsey. He was determined to be a lawyer after finishing his one year at PBTS, but after the death of Steve Ritz (a death that could have been his own) he went into the ministry. The death affected him that he left PBTS and joined BBS when it started in 1932, and graduated from BBS two years later in 1934. G. Arthur Woolsey became Dr. Woolsey served as President of BBS from 1960-1970. It was during his time as president that the College and Seminary moved to Clark Submit, PA from Johnson City. In total Dr. Woolsey served 70 years in ministry before going home to glory on February 8, 2004.

A brief bio of Dr. G. Arthur Woolsey after his home going

Another person that the death of Steve Ritz affected was Steve's younger brother, Samuel Ritz. As a result of his brother's untimely passing Sam wanted to continue where his brother had left off. He wanted to go in the ministry and share Christ with others. Sam Ritz attended a Bible school in the Pittsburgh area, while not finishing the schooling, worked as a Baptist lay minister for 65 years before he entered the gates of Heaven to join his brother in 1997.

In total between these two men, that on Monday, December 21, 1931 had no desire to enter the ministry, over 130 years of serving the LORD was put into action. God has a way of changing plans and lives in an instant and only eternity will tell how many lives were changed, because of this one death of a young man who was devoted to God.

=====How God brought these two stories together=====

It has been amazing to see how God can use technology to bring people together. Since starting this blog in 2006 I have received emails from several people (many of whom are not associated with the school directly). The story of how I learned of the following story came from Aleta Ellington filling out the form on the side of the blog on Monday, July 21, 2008. She is the daughter of G. Arthur Woolsey. We corresponded over the summer months of 2008 as I learned about death of "another student" that had impacted her father's life. I had never heard of this event, but it definitely a major event for the school and so I archived it on my computer.

Several months after getting the message from Aleta on December 7, 2008 I received a form from a Gene Ritz. He mentioned that he had been looking for information about his late uncle for around 40 years. He said his uncle Steve Ritz had died on on December 22, 1931 and that he had been a student at PBTS. At first I couldn't find anything about him as I scan through some Theologues. I sent him back an email and found out some more information of when he was born and in that second email Gene gave me enough information that made my mind go back to the story Aleta had told me several months earlier. Gene mentioned that "he was killed in an accident while allegedly changing a tire along the road (in NY state or PA)." I immediately found the information about Dr. Woolsey and sent it to Gene. He replied back, "I am almost speechless Corey. I am quite taken aback by the actual, accurate explanation of the accident. I never expected to read words like these."

Over the next several weeks/months I was able to learn more about Steve and was able to put Gene in touch with Aleta. It is amazing how God is able to brings things to pass. Through this tragedy God was able to bring at least two men into the ministry that otherwise would not have, and countless souls were reached as a result.

As 2 Corinthians 2.14 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." Steve's death was a still a sweet smelling aroma to God. It was through his death that Christ triumphed in the lives of Dr. G. Arthur Woolsey and Pastor Samuel Ritz.

3rd Annual Andrew's Good News Christmas Party (2nd at Davis)

2009-12-13T17:09:00.001-05:00

The front of Chatlos-Davis

Student Ben Tinsch on the guitar and student Evan Hickernell on the sax

Dr. Dino Pedrone about to share the Gospel in Robb Gymnasium

The Robb Gymnasium with people enjoying themselves

Dr. Pedrone giving the Gospel message in the Robb Gymnasium

Dr. Walter Schlundt serving as one of the Counselors

The story of Jesus from birth to resurrection

Student Ben Baker sharing the Gospel in Robb Gymnasium

A group of students and volunteers singing Christmas carols outside as visitors come on campus

A Church Choir singing in Robb

Kids had a lot of activities in Lowe Hall which included shows with Puppets and Clowns

Student Nate Benner sharing the Gospel in the Broadway Cafe

Families having their pictures taken in the Klee Dining Room in Chatlos-Davis

Dr. Pedrone sharing the Gospel in the Cafe using John 3.16

A musical group singing in the cafe.

Jared Ingraham and Evan Hickernell preforming in the cafe.

My girlfriend and I in Chatlos-Davis

Yesterday (Saturday, December 12, 2009) was the 3rd annual Andrew's Good News Christmas party. This was the 2nd year it was held at Davis College and it was a wonderful event. This year the event was divided into two separate parties to help with the congestion that was an issue last year. There were still a lot of people that attended and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. The kids were entertained in Lowe Hall by Clowns and Puppets, while Adults could enjoy a cup of coffee in the Broadway cafe. Games and Family pictures were taken in the Klee Dining room in the basement of Chatlos-Davis and food was served in the Robb Gymnasium. Several students, Alumni, local groups, and local churches provided a wide range of music in the Gym and Cafe. Most importantly and the reason for the whole event the Gospel message was shared. It was shared by Dr. Dino Pedrone and several students. Several people got saved last night and several seeds were planted, which makes it worth it all. It was a great event. If you were not able to make it this year we encourage you to come next year.

Andrew's Good New Christmas party at Davis this Saturday

2009-12-09T19:56:00.004-05:00

My favorite picture from last year's Andrew's Good New Christmas Party

This Saturday (December 12, 2009) marks the third annual Andrew's Good News Christmas Party. This will also be the second annual Christmas party at Davis. Last year we had over 4000 people attend. This year there will be two separate parties to help with congestion.

The first one will be from: 3 PM - 5:30 PM
The second one will from: 6 PM-8:30 PM

Feel free to Register here or learn more about it from the Andrew's Good New Christmas Party website.

Andrew's Good News Ministries as created in 2007 for the Franklin Graham Festival. The name comes from John 1.40-41: "One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ)." Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to meet Christ, and that is what Andrew's Good News Ministries is trying to do, bring others to Christ through different events.

Come Join us on Saturday and Celebrate the true
Reason for the Season...the birth of Christ

Merry CHRISTmas

Lucky, Lucky Jim: Mr. Elliott E. Ackerly

2009-12-05T17:31:00.010-05:00

This video is quite funny. In September of 1996, former professor of music, Elliott E. Ackerly performed Lucky, lucky Jim to students at Practical Bible College. The film was converted from VHS to digital in 2006 after Mr. Ackerly went home to glory and one of the classrooms in Patterson Hall was dedicated to him.I am unsure where the song Lucky, lucky Jim came from. I think it was created by a student or staff member of PBTS, because I have not found anything on the web about it. The earliest reference I see to it is on page 70 of the 1932 Theologue where it says in a section called "Do you Remember"....""Lucky, Lucky Jim"? Do any Alumni remember the song or where it came from? Enjoy the video.

Update: I was looking over a letter I got back from Mrs. Ackerly back in 2007 and it looks like Elliott Ackerly received it from George Carr or Ralph W. Carr (one of Etta Carr Davis' [Mrs. John A. Davis brothers]. Now I know the song was around at least since 1931-1932, but I am not sure how much earlier it is than that.

Outrageous Grace: A Story of Tragedy and Forgiveness by Grace L. (Jones) Fabian --Class 1959

2009-12-04T08:05:00.001-05:00

Alumna Grace L. (Jones) Fabian, class of 1959, has finished her autobiography about tragedy and forgiveness. Grace just celebrated her 50th class reunion at Davis College in September. Grace and her husband Edmund went to the island nation of Papua New Guinea in 1969 and had four children there. In 1993 her husband was murdered. This book is about Grace's journey leading up to the death of her husband and how God lead her to forgiveness in the days, weeks, months, and years after his death. The book is due out by Christmas time and it can be pre-ordered both from the publishing house and amazon.com

Ambassador International Publishers
Amazon.com

Order your copy today and be challenged by a story of tragedy and triumph in Christ!

Update 12-5-09: Outrageous Grace is now available. Pick up your copy today or order it. It will challenge you!

78th anniversary of Charles J. Davis' death

2009-11-22T06:50:00.004-05:00

Today marks 78 years since John A. Davis' youngest son Charles, died. Sunday, November 22, 1931 was the date when Charles went down to make a cup of tea in his house and died of Asphyxiation from the gas of the stove. A few years ago on the 75th anniversary of his death I looked into what happened. To read that post click here. Some believe that it was just an accident as he might have been suffering from insomnia and others believe it might have been suicide. Either way it was one of the factors that lead to his father's death a little over 2 years later.

Thursday, April 9, 1959: Ground breaking of Patterson Dorm

2009-11-17T22:08:00.007-05:00

Ground breaking of Patterson Dorm (it is hard to tell who this is, any Alumni pin point who it is)

Even Mrs. Hazel Davis, with her husband watching, broke some ground.

The interior of one the dorm rooms in Patterson around 1971 or 1972

Going through some the 35 mm slides I acquired I ran across some more treasures. The top two slides that were scanned are from the ground breaking of Patterson dorm on Thursday, April 9, 1959, a little over 50 years ago. Next year Patterson Dorm will celebrate 50 years since it was finished and dedicated. It is great to see all the fun that they are having during this ground breaking to replace the Inner Circle that had been decaying.

Thank you to all the Alumni (and current students) of PBTS/PBC/Davis who are also Veterans

2009-11-11T06:12:00.008-05:00

A Big Thank You to all Alumni and current students of the College that have not only served their LORD and Savior, but also have served the United States.

THANK YOU VETERANS

83 years later an extension site is finally in Florida

2009-11-07T10:04:00.007-05:00

Taken from the Binghamton Press Evening Edition
Tuesday, July 27, 1926

The Binghamton Practical Bible Training School management has received definite offers for the removal of the Riverside Drive institution to three points competing for its location, and these, offers are under discussion looking toward decision before the close of the present summer Bible conference now in session at [the] Bible school next Sunday night.

The city of St. Petersburg, Fla., offers $250,000 for the school and a competing offer has been received from a place which is described as “the greatest Bible center of America." The officials of the school are guarding the name of this place jealously, but it is said to be in the Middle West.

The city of' Jacksonville, Fla., definitely asks that a branch of the school be opened in a new Sunday school building in that city. The management must decide whether to remain in Binghamton or accept one of the offers by next Sunday, it was said today.

I found this article in April of this year and I have been using it in my History presentations since May. I found it fascinating that only 26 years after the school was created it had made such an impact on the country, that two sites wanted the school to move from Binghamton to Florida or somewhere in the Mid-West (referred to as Middle West in the article). But the thing that interested me the most was Jacksonville, Florida. They didn't want the school to move to Florida, but rather they wanted a branch opened there. Now days we would call them extension sites.

Started in January of 2009 we now DO have an extension site in Florida. Not in Jacksonville, but in Miami. It was not God's will at the time that we move or open an extension site, but 83 years later a branch was opened in Florida.

Treasure Trove of History

2009-11-03T21:18:00.008-05:00

The taking down of the Inner Circle Men's Dorm to prepare for Chatlos-Davis

Dr. Patterson putting the "Last" Brick into Chatlos-Davis 1965

The tearing down of Davis Hall (Old Main Building) after the building of Chatlos-Davis

I was given a treasure trove of History yesterday related to the History of PBTS. I had a great time going through the items last night and tonight. They were donated from Richie Robb (son of Ken and Esther Robb). The all the items are great, but my favorite are the 35mm slides. So many great pictures I have never seen. The images above are just a taste of what I have been taking in. I have a device for scanning these to digital form. These images show the work to build the current Main Building on the campus of Davis College, Chatlos-Davis.

Thank you Richie!

Autumn on the campus of Davis

2009-10-28T06:57:00.006-04:00

The leaves have been changing on the campus of Davis College and tumbling to the ground. It was great to see the colors on campus the other day. It is so amazing, that the same God that we serve and worship is the God that has a wonderful imagination to create trees that change color.

What memories do you have of autumn on the campus of PBTS/PBC/Davis?

Dr. Pedrone officially announces moving back to New York

2009-10-26T19:24:00.008-04:00

Dr. Dino Pedrone and Bobbi at Homecoming

Today (Monday, October 26, 2009) in chapel during the opening of International Week, Dr. Dino Pedrone announced that he is moving back to New York. He resigned from New Testament Baptist Church yesterday saying that he "was heading back home." Keep him and Bobbi in your prayers as they move back to New York.

Happy Birthday Dr. Woodrow Kroll!

2009-10-20T21:32:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow (Wednesday, October 21, 2009) will be Dr. Woodrow M. Kroll's birthday. Dr. Kroll who graduated from PBTS in 1965 and served as the 6th president of the college.

From Davis College History, we wish you a great Birthday tomorrow

What does Columbus have to do with Davis College?

2009-10-12T12:00:00.001-04:00

Chicago presented the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893

In honor of Columbus Day today I thought I would do a post on Columbus and Davis College. So what does Columbus have to do with Davis College? The answer is: Not very much directly. Apart from the obvious answer that his "discovery" brought many European Settlers one of which would have been the ancestor of John A. Davis. The real reason for this post is a tribute that was paid to him in 1892-1893 in Chicago. The dedication of the fair was on October 21, 1892 in honor of the 400th anniversary of Columbus' landing in the New World. The fair didn't officially open until May 1, 1893 and continued until October 30, 1893.

It was during this time that John A. Davis at the age of 22 was at the Chicago Evangelism Society or the Chicago Bible Institute, better known today as the Moody Bible Institute. During his time there his gift of evangelism was trained and used in the grounds of the fair.

So the Fair that honored Columbus and his voyage was the training grounds for John A. Davis the founder of Davis College.

To read more about this time in John A. Davis' life click here for the 3rd part of the Life of John A. Davis from the 1934 Theologue.