1. The Life and Times of
John Nelson Armstrong
The Life and Times of
John Nelson Armstrong

2. The Evolution of the Christian College Ideal Among
The Life and Times of
John Nelson Armstrong
The Evolution of the Christian College Ideal Among
Churches of Christ

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6.
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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Read some of Armstrong’s remarks in the GA and FF
Harding College
April 22, 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.

10. 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

11. 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