The Life and Times of John Nelson Armstrong 1870-1944 The Life and Times of John Nelson Armstrong 1870-1944

The Evolution of the Christian College Ideal Among The Life and Times of John Nelson Armstrong 1870-1944 The Evolution of the Christian College Ideal Among Churches of Christ 1896-1944

Read Sear’s account of Armstrong’s assessment of Harding Born January 6, 1870, Gadsen, TN His parents embraced the “Ancient Gospel” when he was young-he later joined them in the faith. He started his education in 1887– West Tennessee Christian College, Henderson—later would become Freed-Hardeman College (University) 1893- Enrolls at Nashville Bible School to study under Lipscomb and Harding-- Read Sear’s account of Armstrong’s assessment of Harding J N Armstrong 1870-1944

His 2 favorite classes were Bible and Greek. In his 3rd year at NBS he taught Greek in exchange for room and board. He took over Harding’s Classes One of his students was Woodson Harding, daughter of JA Harding. –Her reaction to Armstrong teaching Greek He married her in 1898-they had one child (1899) -Pattie Hathaway Armstrong– who married L C Sears

1901- Harding left NBS to start Potter Bible College in Bowling Green. Armstrong was head of Dept. also taught Latin and Bible. While at Potter, he took classes in Hebrew from M C Kurfees from Louisville.

1905-1918 1905 He and 3 other men, R C Bell, R N Gardner and B F Rhodes left Potter to establish Western Bible And Literary College in Odessa, MO-Use Sear’s quote about the school This was located in an area where Daniel Sommer exerted great influence. Sommer was opposed to Bible Schools— He held oral debates with B F Rhodes and written debate with Armstrong on the issue. 1907-had to resign due to health issues

1908-1921 Cordell, OK to Harper, Kansas 1908– he takes over the Presidency at Cordell Christian College in Cordell, OK-- he would stay there till 1918 He came with stipulation that the students have a required Bible class each day. 2nd year Rhodes and Gardner joined him; 3rd year S. A. Bell and W. T. Vaughn Refer to events that caused the school to close. “Kingdom Come,” P.146ff 1919--became President of Harper College in Harper, KS 1921-it became an accredited Junior College

Educational Endeavors-Harding College (1924-1944 1924 Harper College merges with Arkansas Christian in Morrilton, AR Name was changed to Harding College to honor J A Harding who died in 1922 School moved to Searcy in 1934

Read some of Armstrong’s remarks in the GA and FF Harding College- 1934-1944 April 22, 1936- Armstrong stepped down from the Presidency at Harding– he was 66 years old; his wife was 57. He recommended George Benson, missionary to China as his replacement. Read some of Armstrong’s remarks in the GA and FF He remained at Harding as Dean of Bible till his death in 1944 He gave himself to writing, teaching and preaching.

Post-Presidency Days 1936-1944 He wrote for both Gospel Advocate and the Firm Foundation. Conducted a weekly radio broadcast till his death Spent summers in evangelistic and pulpit work. Death came to John Nelson Armstrong, August 12, 1944 Pattie Cobb Harding died in Atlanta in 1945. Woodson Armstrong died in 1971 in Searcy, AR

Schools that J N Armstrong taught Nashville Bible School (Taught) Potter Bible College (Taught) Western Bible And Literary College (President) Cordell Christian College (President) Harper College (President) Harding College (President) Refer to tribute in October 1944, Word and Work by R H Boll