Introduction
This booklet is a remarkable collection of memories, stories, and recollections that pay homage to the dedicated alumni, teachers, staff, and supporters who played an integral role in shaping the early days of Liberty University. Their unwavering commitment and dedication to the vision of Jerry Falwell Sr., to establish a world-class Christian university, were instrumental in making that vision a reality. These pioneers, with their steadfast faith and tireless efforts, helped transform Liberty University into a premier institution for Training Champions for Christ. This booklet serves as a testament to their enduring legacy and the impact they had on the institution’s development.
Within the pages of the Pioneer Booklet, you will find a treasure trove of remarkable stories, highlighting significant accomplishments, unusual office spaces, unique teaching environments, fondest memories, and poignant recollections of Dr. Falwell himself. The booklet offers a glimpse into the shared experiences and extraordinary moments that made Liberty University’s early years truly special. It also provides a platform for pioneers to share their personal accounts of miracles witnessed during their journey, showcasing the divine providence that guided the University’s growth. This collection serves as a heartwarming and inspiring tribute to those who laid the foundation for Liberty University’s success and continue to inspire future generations with their dedication to the Christian mission.
Table of Contents
Significant Accomplishments
Unusual Office Spaces
Unique Challenges
Fondest Memories
Favorite Dr. Falwell Memories
Miracles Witnessed
Other Memories
Significant Accomplishments
David Allison (1977-2018 [full-time], 2018-present [adjunct]) – Directed 19 mainstage plays and musicals for the Drama department and has been the director of Kings Players Drama Ministry since 1977.
Bob Bonheim (1973-96) – Started wrestling program in 1974 and coached five-time NCCAA Wrestling National Champions and 48 All-American wrestlers. Inducted into inaugural LU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009 and wrote five books and over 25 booklets.
Brenda Bonheim (1973-2001) – Started women’s basketball program in 1975 and women’s volleyball program in 1976. Appointed first Women’s Athletic Director in 1977 and inducted into LU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.
Barbara Boothe (1977-2018) – Wrote three books on Institutional Effectiveness Assessment.
Jim Borland (1977-2017) – Wrote three books – both Old and New Testaments and women of the Bible.
Vernon Brewer (1984-91) – Member of the first graduating class at LBC in 1973, Founder of World Help, and author of six books.
Lila Bruckner (1978-89) – Began program for learning assistance (Bruckner Learning Center, now CASAS) and related courses and developed courses (EDUC 100, 101, 102, 103, & 396).
John Cartwright (1973-77) – Assisted in starting the football program in 1973 and was the second head football coach from 1974-76.
Mary Columbus (1978-98) – Professional artist and interpreter for the deaf for 20 years.
Jani DeSaegher (1971-74) – One of the first speech teachers at LBC.
Tom Diggs (1972-90) – Adapted university policies to support distance education in the School of Lifelong Learning (LUSLL) in 1985 and trained all of the initial advising and admissions staff of LUSLL. Secured approval from all states that regulated out-of-state distance education programs that enabled LUSLL to enroll students from all states and territories. Collaborated with faculty in LUSLL to develop procedures to award academic credit for experiential learning.
Dane Emerick (1976-2021) – Started groups for male students – Dangerous Men, Man Up, Band of Brothers – as well premarital workshops.
Linda Farver (1977-2018) – Second coach of women’s basketball team from 1977-86, and a part of the kinesiology program revision from 2003-05.
J. Gordon Henry (1972-80) – After arriving in April of 1972, provided the organizational structure for Liberty Baptist College as a separate educational entity, not just an appendage of TRBC. With the assistance of June McHaney and support of Dr. Falwell, Liberty secured the approval by the Commonwealth of Virginia to grant degrees in 1973 and then led the effort to earn full accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Interviewed and hired many faculty and staff, including June McHaney, in 1972. Guided academic program development (1972-80) and wrote the first Faculty Handbook and The Liberty Way.
Ed Hindson (1974-87, 2000-22) – One of the first professors to be videotaped teaching courses for the online learning program. Wrote 40 books, with “Future Glory” published in 2021.
Kevin Keys (1977-85, 2005-present) – Assistant Sports Information Director (SID) while a student, 1975-77, and then became Head SID in 1977, first Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs in 2005, and First Licensing Manager in 2006.
Woodrow Kroll (1975-80) – Guided the Division of Religion in curriculum development and was named Poet Laureate for the state of Virginia.
Donald Leslie (1976-90) – VP of Finance; also led the separation of Liberty from other ministries to secure TRACS accreditation.
Dan Manley (1971-77) – First coach of men’s basketball team (1971-77).
Jake Matthes (1976-2007) – In 1976 started mathematics program and was two-time head of the department. Founder and head coach of men’s (1976) and women’s (1977) track & field teams, and men’s (1976) and women’s (1977) cross-country teams.
Sandra Matthes (1976-2007) – Created complete music theory and aural skills curriculum.
Garth McGibbon – Along with my wife, Rosemary, started the chemistry program. In 1987-89, collaborated with Dr. McGarvey, renowned organic chemist, on a research project at UVA examining dodecahedrane (C2OH2O), which, at the time, had the potential to be used medicinally.
June McHaney (1972-92) – Selected Liberty’s Bible verse – 2 Corinthians 3:17; edited LBC/LU academic catalogs; and coordinated Graduation Ceremonies. Developed the Mace for Liberty primarily by researching the one used by the College of William & Mary and suggested the courtyard of state flags on campus.
Dan Mitchell (1976-2015) – Wrote 1 and 2 Corinthians Commentaries, edited the Annotated KJV Study Bible, co-edited, with Ed Hindson, the KJV Study Bible, and co-edited the Zondervan KJV Commentary (two volumes).
Phil Pantana (1972-99) – Started the Selah yearbook, and began and managed WRVL-FM. Started the praise and worship program and developed three new P&W courses to teach for the School of Religion. Secured Ronald Reagan (prior to his presidency) to speak at a Campus National Religious Broadcasters meeting at Liberty.
Jim Pickering (1974-2006) – Assisted with the Old Time Gospel Hour television broadcasts from 1974-80.
Maurice Stone (1977-95) – Director of External Degree Program (LUSLL) in Department of Education.
David Towles (1976-2022) – Founded the LU Spanish Institute in 1999.
Elmer Towns (1971-present) – Co-founder of Liberty in 1971 and was the only full-time faculty member during 1971-72 academic year; also served as Dean of School of Religion and Liberty Baptist Seminary. Wrote over 250 books listed in the Library of Congress, eight listed on the Christian Booksellers Best Selling List, and several accepted as college textbooks.
Amos Wipf (1972-82) – In 1973, $500,000 was donated to build the first academic building on the mountain campus. As head of the Science Division, was tasked by Ed Donald, student assistant to President Guillermin, to draw up plans for the building, and used a science facility at Clemson University (where he received a master’s degree) as a guide. Plans were refined with help from Dr. James Carpenter, and those plans were modified for the second, third, and fourth academic buildings on campus. These buildings served as the foundation of the gigantic, beautiful campus that Liberty is today.
Unusual Office Spaces
David Allison – In 1977, when the “C” building opened on the mountain campus, this very young speech and drama instructor shared an office with two sages of the Religion Department, Woodrow Kroll and Jim Freeksen. It was truly a year of blessed fellowship!
Debbie Benoit (1975-79, 2005-22) – Shared space in the Dean of Students Office with five other staff members in the Donald Duck building. First office on the mountain campus was in the building that housed the cafeteria, and then moved to an office on the first floor of Dorm 13 in 1978. Coached cheerleaders 1975-79 while serving as RD and Asst. Dean of Women.
Bob Bonheim, Brenda Bonheim, Linda Farver, and Pat Greenhalgh – Shared office in the enclosed back porch of small farmhouse near old barn (1977-79) on the mountain campus.
Barbara Boothe – Office in a room in farmhouse across from the old barn on the mountain campus.
James Borland – Had an office in a broom closet in old seminary building (6th St. downtown –1979).
Vernon Brewer – Occupied an office in the Mansion on the mountain campus.
John Cartwright – Shared an office with four other coaches in LCA building.
Tom Diggs – Had offices in a former TRBC preschool room, then dormitory room, and classrooms on mountain campus.
Dane Emerick – Office in Dorm 2 was so small that I had to crawl over my desk to get to chair. Harvey Hartman (1977-2019) – In 42 years of teaching, I occupied only three office spaces – the old “C” building, old School of Religion building, and new School of Divinity building. Blessed to have remained in same office for duration of the life of old School of Religion building.
J. Gordon Henry – Serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs, my first office was a small room in Donald Duck building, and first desk was a cardboard box.
Ed Hindson – During first year at Liberty, he shared office space with youth pastors in a house across the street from TRBC.
Kevin Keys – Shared an office with Harry Covert and his secretary on top floor of Donald Duck building –used mostly after business hours when I could get there. Also had offices in the Manor house on Treasure Island, mobile home on the mountain, and room in a small farmhouse near the old barn.
Woodrow Kroll – First office was in a tiny room in Donald Duck building, which I shared with a Biology professor.
Donald Leslie – Had an office in Dorm 17 when it served as the administration building on mountain campus.
Dan Manley – Shared an office with Brenda and Bob Bonheim, John Cartwright, Gay Davis, and Al Worthington in one room off the back gym at LCA.
Jake Matthes – Shared office space with my daughter’s future father-in-law, Ron Hopkins. Sandra Matthes – Had an office on the second floor of an old two-story farmhouse on the mountain campus that included a full-size organ console.
Garth McGibbon – First office was a storage closet off the chemistry lab in the science building on mountain campus.
June McHaney – At 618 Thomas Road, student files were stored in metal filing cabinets placed on plywood boards on top of bathtub. I stood on the commode to reach top drawer! First office on the mountain campus was a two-story house across from the old barn.
Dan Mitchell – Shared a 6’x9’ office with Gerry Kroll. We had to synchronize “Breathe in –Breathe out!”
John Pantana (1975-2020) – First office was in one of the mobile homes located by the old barn on the mountain campus.
Connie Pearson (1973-79) – First office was a room in Donald Duck building. Then shared office space on second floor of Manor house on Treasure Island.
Note: Jeannette Hogan (Dr. Falwell’s secretary) and her husband lived on the first floor of the Manor house.
Jim Pickering – First office on the mountain campus was in the student radio station WLBU-FM studio.
Maurice Stone – First office was in a trailer located near the old barn on the mountain campus.
David Towles – Shared office space with 8-9 colleagues in a large classroom on the second floor of the old Brookville High School. First office on the mountain campus was in one of the first four academic buildings and then moved to first floor of DeMoss Hall.
Amos Wipf – My first office was located on the lowest floor of the LCA building. Stephen Witham (1977-2017) – Had office space in early years on the mountain campus in several different dormitory rooms.
Unique Challenges Teaching Classes, Administrating, and Coaching
David Allison – Without having completed a single art class, I was assigned to teach a desktop publishing course — and my department chair assured me, “You’ll do fine; you use a Mac!”
Bob Bonheim – Teaching and coaching without a gymnasium on the mountain campus.
Brenda Bonheim – Conducting volleyball practices on the grassy lawn next to the small farmhouse near the old barn that housed the Physical Education and Athletic Departments.
Barbara Boothe – The Registrar’s Office was still located at Thomas Road when students were on the mountain campus. During difficult financial times, there was no postage to mail student transcripts from Registrar’s Office.
James Borland – Teaching in a first-floor classroom of DeMoss Hall when a worker was working above me wiring the second floor during construction of floors 2-4.
Lila Bruckner – Having to release part-time staff of Learning Assistance Center due to limited finances.
John Cartwright – Practicing football on Treasure Island — a very uneven turf field. If an “out pattern” was overthrown, it ended up in the James River. For first football scrimmage, food service prepared pregame lunches consisting of tuna fish sandwiches, cartons of milk, and other food items. For the first few games, some offensive players shared helmets with defensive players. One of my seminary classes was taught in the upstairs lobby of TRBC and another was in a very small LCA classroom in which all of the students barely fit.
Mary Columbus – Taught first art class at Liberty, “Art for Elementary Teachers,” in spring of 1975, using her personal art supplies.
Jani DeSaegher – Taught speech class in a foyer of TRBC.
Tom Diggs – Projecting the number of students who would accept offers of admission to residential program from 1976-87 and for LUSLL from 1985-90. Recruiting students on a limited budget. Starting LUSLL when distance education programs were uncommon. Determining how many sets of videotapes to produce for each LUSLL course.
Dane Emerick – Took a student missions team Nigeria. We were arrested when we entered the country; however, God blessed our ministry while there.
Linda Farver – Practiced and played basketball games at LCA, Brookville, and VES (1977-79). On a women’s basketball trip to Emory & Henry College, we traveled in one of the green and white school buses used for the TRBC Sunday School ministry. As we boarded the bus, the snow started falling, and we also had engine problems. So, we exited I-81 at Chilhowie, Va., and pulled into a motel to stay for the night. The owner happened to be a faithful supporter of the OTGH, so he provided rooms for the team and fed us breakfast free of charge the next morning while we waited for another bus to arrive to transport the team back to Lynchburg. Obviously, God took care of the team in our hour of need!
Pat Greenhalgh (1977-99) – Coached the first women’s softball team in 1978 with no softball field and no budget.
Pat Greenhalgh, Linda Farver, Brenda Boheim, and Bob Bonheim – Taught physical education activity classes on the grassy slope near small farmhouse across from old barn, 1977-79, on mountain campus.
J. Gordon Henry – When SACS staff member Dr. Grover Andrews made first visit, his last words were, “Your biggest challenge will be to teach Dr. Falwell what an accredited college is.”
Ed Hindson – Taught Old Testament Survey in the circus tent on the mountain campus in Fall 1978. Some of the athletes sitting on the back row would sneak out during his opening prayer, so he stopped praying at the beginning of class.
Kevin Keys – Finding ways to accomplish things with no budget. Because of that, I had to start the athletics sponsorship program from scratch to raise funds for equipment, postage, ticket stock, sport brochures, game programs, etc.
Woodrow Kroll – It was challenging to stay warm in the old Brookville school and also teach over the roar of salamanders in the hallway.
Donald Leslie – Accounting and budgeting of the ministries.
Dan Manley – Had no budget and shared LCA gym to practice and play men’s basketball games, 1971-73, and local high schools, 1973-77. No practice allowed on Wednesdays and Sundays. Served as sponsor of cheerleaders, 1971-72!
Jake Matthes – The first calculus classes I taught were located on the stage of the gymnasium of the former Brookville High School while physical education classes were simultaneously occurring on the gym floor with only a stage curtain separating the two. Needless to say, that was quite challenging. Six students were in the first Calculus I class, three of whom didn’t pass. Six students were in the first Calculus II class, including three who had never completed the Calculus I class! To teach these calculus classes, I only had a 4’x4’ blackboard available for writing calculus problems that typically require 30 linear feet of blackboard space!
Sandra Matthes – Taught in a classroom in the lower level of TRBC with a spewing sewer line. Additionally, I would miss two classes/month due to conflicting church activities, making it feel like a Christian day camp!
Garth McGibbon – No research facilities and only 30 chemicals when I arrived at Liberty in 1977.
June McHaney – Before moving to the mountain, classes were held in the TRBC sanctuary lower level, balcony, stairs leading to the balcony, choir room, etc.
Dan Mitchell – In my first theology class in the cafeteria of former Brookville High School, Mark Lowry was one of my students – need I say more!
Connie Pearson – Dean of Students’ staff were thrilled when we got automatic electric typewriters with correction tape. Assisted the Admissions Office during the summers by typing acceptance letters to send to students.
Jim Pickering – Taught in upstairs lobby of TRBC, 1974-77, which meant dealing with people traveling through this space. From 1977-80, I taught in studio of student radio station WLBU-FM.
David Towles – Changing student perspective from professors as beloved authority figures to students as paying customers. This shift reduced the freedom in decision making that professors once enjoyed. The resulting impact on my perspective was that from 1976-2019, I had an amazingly joyful teaching experience. However, from 2020-2022, I had a tolerable teaching experience.
Stephen Witham – Reading students’ handwriting on essay tests.
Fondest Memory from Years at Liberty
David Allison – Was blessed to teach 24 different subjects, design six new courses, and develop a new concentration in professional communication in the Strategic Communication Department in my 46 years at Liberty. I simply loved designing courses and teaching, especially freshman speech and theatre courses. I loved teaching athletes in the Summer Bridge program. I loved teaching practicums, both on campus and at our LU Jacksonville, Fla., campus.
Bob Bonheim – Teaching and coaching with colleagues who shared the same Christian values and opportunities to minister to both students and athletes.
Brenda Bonheim – Thoroughly loved teaching her students and coaching her female athletes. On one occasion, she taught a male student to swim who needed to pass a swimming test prior to joining the summer mission team with the Christian Youth Ministries of Hawaii that she and her husband, Bob, directed.
Barbara Boothe – The “pioneer” days were tough, but determination and vision kept us going. Registrar’s Office transitioned from mimeograph to copy machine and from keypunch cards to online registration. Liberty grew from college to university — step by step God led us all the way.
Vernon Brewer – My fondest memory occurred on November 24, 1985, when 2,400 students held a Miracle Day of Prayer, asking God to heal me from cancer.
John Cartwright – Coaching football became a ministry as I worked with these young men. It was my preparation for becoming a pastor — preaching, teaching, counseling, and soul-winning with my players.
Mary Columbus – The chapel services with Dr. Falwell and all the wonderful preachers that spoke, such as John R. Rice, Jack Van Impe, Chuck Milhoff, and James Robison; and hearing exciting reports of building progress and funding the Liberty vision.
Jani DeSaegher – Seeing students excited to be at “Lynchburg Baptist College.”
Tom Diggs – Jim Moon demonstrated how to live a confident life in Christ. His humility was contagious. Gordon Luff demonstrated how to persevere until our work is done. He also showed the importance of helping those in need, even when they did not recognize their need.
Dane Emerick – My first daughter was not expected to live. The night before she was to have open-heart surgery, the students had an all-night prayer meeting. When we took her to the hospital, she was healed.
Linda Farver – Dr. Falwell’s steadfast faithfulness to fulfill God’s vision of Liberty through challenging financial situations.
J. Gordon Henry – Held faculty together during a crisis in early years when U.S. government pursued an effort to close Liberty. Dr. Falwell had an “open” vision, so the great challenge was to develop an academic program to prepare many students for college level work.
Ed Hindson – Teaching the adult Sunday School class in the main sanctuary at TRBC. He often did research for Dr. Falwell and had to explain that Francis Schaeffer was a man, not a woman!
Kevin Keys – Being a part of the earliest days of Scaremare and winning NCCAA National Basketball Championship in 1980 at Tennessee Temple. Promoting Liberty’s first All-Americans. The students who worked for me in sports information were the best, and I still stay in touch with them 50 years later!
Woodrow Kroll – My years at Liberty allowed me to spread my wings, grow in leadership, and learn from personal travel with Dr. Falwell.
Donald Leslie – Attended the first meeting on Liberty mountain with Dr. Falwell to celebrate the building of the campus.
Dan Manley – During the “pioneer years” the lack of resources was not an issue. Rather, it was an opportunity to see how and what the Lord would do. Coaching young men on basketball teams who have gone on in serving the Lord.
Garth McGibbon – Working with great Christian faculty and students. Enjoyed playing practical jokes on my colleagues!
June McHaney – The summer before moving to the mountain, Dr. Falwell was on TV every week telling students to come to Liberty. So, the student body is growing and all I see is red dirt and shells of buildings slowly going up – no finished classrooms. As the students arrived, the carpenters were putting finishing touches on the dorms. They worked at night to complete some classrooms in time for the 1977 fall semester.
Dan Mitchell – Learned that the prayers of faith can indeed move mountains.
John and Phil Pantana – The Pantana Family (John, Linda, Phil, and Joy) sang on the OTGH for over 10 years; sang at TRBC and OTGH Banquets and Rallies; and made numerous recordings. They also traveled with Dr. Falwell on his plane to various locations, including the Bahamas for a week, and sang at Moral Majority meetings. In 1977, they traveled to Washington, D.C., to a Phyllis Schlafly Eagle Forum event where they sang and performed a comedy routine in which Joy and Linda were dressed in military attire.
Jim Pickering – Meeting and knowing Dr. Falwell.
Connie Pearson – Since the school was small in the early years, the Dean’s staff knew the students very well. If it snowed, I would walk across Perrymont Avenue and operate the TRBC switchboard.
Maurice Stone – Enjoyed having my youngest daughter curling up under my office desk after school had ended for her at LCA.
Amos Wipf – The Lord leading Dr. Falwell and administration to build a great Christian university.
Stephen Witham – My first look at the mountain campus during my job interview when the first two academic buildings were not even completed.
Favorite Memory of Dr. Falwell
David Allison – Dr. Falwell was great about attending every drama production, often multiple performances. In the 1982 production of Brigadoon, a live pig was used, and Dr. Falwell became a fan of the pig. Hearing some noise in the theatre scene shop after Chapel one day, I opened the door to find Dr. Falwell engrossed for at least 10 minutes in a conversation with the pig about its prospects for the future. It was absolutely hysterical!
Debbie Benoit – His vision and positive attitude, even though there were many critics speaking out against him in the early years of Liberty.
Bob Bonheim – One day Dr. Falwell grabbed me from behind in a wrestling-like hold and said, “What you gonna do now Bonheim?” Doc was always friendly and personable.
Barbara Boothe – Dr. Falwell never faltered from the vision God gave him to start Liberty and never lost his heart for people.
James Borland – Giving a Sunday evening violin concert at TRBC and meeting with Dr. Falwell for an hour after wife divorced me.
Vernon Brewer – When Dr. Falwell and Ed Hindson laid hands on me, anointed me with oil, and prayed for my healing.
Lila Bruckner – When approval was granted to bring Kappa Delta Pi to campus, Dr. Falwell asked “Which ‘pie’ am I in?” Even had fireworks for first meeting of KDP.
John Cartwright – Dr. Falwell was our #1 football fan taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the “Revival at City Stadium,” which he often called the games. By his example, Dr. Falwell taught me that with God all things are possible.
Mary Columbus – Watching Dr. Falwell be excited over the many great miracles God provided to finance Liberty; how he rejoiced each time a person came to Christ; his undying enthusiasm and hard work to make the God-given vision become a reality; and his smile!
Tom Diggs – I have many memories of Dr. Falwell, but my first may be my favorite. In 1971, I was in my first semester at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo. During the late fall, Dr. Falwell spoke at High Street Baptist Church. Following the service, I chatted with him. During that short conversation, as he conveyed his vision for Liberty, the Holy Spirit made it clear that I should transfer to Liberty. I applied, was accepted, and enrolled the next semester.
Dane Emerick – Several young ladies from RMWC were in a class I was teaching at TRBC. They asked if Dr. Falwell could come to campus and have lunch with them, so I contacted Doc’s secretary about this request. Before I knew it, Doc called and said he was on his way to pick me up. We had a great time!
Linda Farver – Dr. Falwell found time in his busy schedule to attend several Lady Flames Basketball home games. Prior to a Homecoming parade one year, Dr. Falwell stopped to speak to me, and I noticed he had a breakfast biscuit from Hardee’s on the passenger’s front seat. Even though Macel chided him regularly about his eating habits, he was reluctant to “alter his Southern roots” by following a heart healthy diet!
Pat Greenhalgh – I met Dr. Falwell in 1974 when he spoke at a church in my home state of Rhode Island. He remembered my name when I met him again the next year in Lynchburg.
Ed Hindson – Dr. Falwell was always so kind to our children and grandchildren. He met us at Lynchburg General Hospital when our daughter, Linda, husband Andy, and their children Jen and Josh were injured in a terrible auto accident in Oct. 2006. As a result of this crash, Jen suffered severe brain injuries.
Kevin Keys – Playing basketball with Dr. Falwell in the old LCA gym. He was very physical under the basket!
Woodrow Kroll – Dr. Falwell often called me to sub for him when he was overbooked. One night he called about 10 p.m. and said, “Don’t go to class in the morning. I need you on a plane to Pierre, South Dakota.” I don’t know what happened to my class! Once, Ed Hindson and I were in Dr. Falwell’s office when his secretary came in and said, “Francis Schaeffer is on the line.” Jerry looked at me and asked, “Who is she?” Dr. Schaeffer was in Rochester, Minn., after visiting the Mayo Clinic and was told he was dying of cancer. The reason he called Dr. Falwell was because he had been watching Jerry on TV. Even though he didn’t agree with his politics, he watched because Jerry was the only pastor on TV who gave the Gospel pure and simple. He wanted Jerry to come and pray with him. Dr. Falwell took Hindson and me along with him – I guess to translate Dr. Schaeffer to him! Jerry was to speak at a Sword of the Lord conference the next day. So, Dr. Falwell and his “two translators” boarded the Lear jet and flew to Indiana whereDr. Falwell was the keynote speaker that morning. After the session ended, the “big wigs” at SOTL invited us to lunch, but Dr. Falwell begged off saying we already had lunch plans. So, we flew to Rochester and spent the day with Francis and Edith Schaeffer. We then flew back to Indiana in the afternoon where Dr. Falwell spoke that night. Afterward, we boarded the jet and were home in bed by 11 p.m.
Donald Leslie – When our second son was only a few months old, my wife, Joyce, took me to work at the LCA building on Thomas Road. As I was getting out of the car, Dr. Falwell drove up to drop off his kids for school. I went over to his car to tell him about our new son. He said that he could not get out of the car, so he asked me to bring my son over to his car. The reason he could not get out of his car was because he was still wearing his pajamas!
Dan Manley – Starting point guard Ed Gomes and center George Sweet were not available for a road basketball game because Dr. Falwell had taken them to Memphis to share their testimonies at an “I Love America” rally.
Jake Matthes – I remember when Dr. Falwell would drive over the future campus on Liberty Mountain on the gravel roads. He would scatter the cross-country team as he literally drove through the mass of runners, laughing all the way!
Sandra Matthes – When Jerry skipped part of a Liberty baseball game (his favorite sport) in May 2007 to speak at my and Jake’s retirement celebration with both the mathematics and music departments present, only to have him retire to Heaven less than 72 hours later.
Garth McGibbon – As a joke, Dr. Falwell picking me up from behind in DeMoss Hall!
June McHaney – While watching Dr. Falwell call on the Lord to provide the needs for each school year, my faith grew. He was great at leading by example.
Dan Mitchell – Jerry was a walking telephone book. We were in Ed Hindson’s basement watching a ball game when Ron Godwin started bragging about Doc’s memory. As if on cue, Jerry started around the room naming the phone numbers of each person. Well, I had recently been assigned a new number and expected to hear him say my old number. But when he pointed at me, he said my new number! It wasn’t God, but I think Jerry might have been omniscient!
John Pantana – When my mother passed away in 1987, my sister, dad, Joe, and I were talking to the funeral director who had been a customer of my dad, who was a barber. He said, “Joe, where was Alma’s church membership, TRBC?” Since my parents lived in Lynchburg for a few years, they had joined TRBC while living there before moving back to Lima, Ohio. So, the funeral director said, “Well, Jerry Falwell should do her service.” Then I said to my Dad, “Do you want me to call him?” and the funeral director replied, “Wouldn’t that be something!” So, I called Dr. Falwell and he flew up to Ohio bringing my wife, Linda, our three older children, and Eddie Dobson with him. Doc performed a wonderful service, which was such a special blessing for our family.
Phil Pantana – When my wife, Joy, was pregnant with our second son, Andrew, she became very dehydrated and was admitted to the hospital. Dr. Falwell was in the hospital at the same time for headaches, so I would stop by his room to say hello on my way to see Joy. One day while visiting Joy, her gynecologist was there and shocked both of us by asking if we would consider an abortion. We said absolutely not and asked him to leave her room. Joy became very upset over this, more so than she already was. I said I would be right back and walked down to Jerry’s room. I knocked on the door, went in and shared with him what has just happened. I then asked him if he would come down and pray with Joy because she was very upset. He said he didn’t have any clothes with him and “that all I have is a robe and slippers.” I replied, “That’s okay nobody is in the hallway.” So, we walked down to Joy’s room which was quite a long distance. He entered her room, sat down in a chair, held Joy’s hand, and prayed with her. Then I walked him back to his room and thanked him. Andrew was born on Aug. 14, 1979, and a few months later Jerry and Macel came by our house after church one Sunday evening. Jerry held Andrew and prayed for him.
Jim Pickering – Wednesday evening prayer service — when Dr. Falwell prepared for Wednesday services nobody on campus could surpass his ability to preach. Dr. Falwell’s memory of knowing faculty members’ names and his ability to be a knowledgeable broadcaster.
Maurice Stone – Driving onto campus in my large yellow taxicab at the same time that Dr. Falwell “playing chicken” as he was leaving in his Suburban. While eating dinner with my family at Morrison’s Cafeteria at the mall, Dr. Falwell would visit us and lay a $20 bill on the table to help cover the cost.
David Towles – Dr. Falwell conducted the wedding of our youngest son, Luke, and his now wife, Faith. During rehearsal, he asked Faith where she wanted him to stand. I was impressed by the joy with which this great man of God honored her request.
Elmer Towns – Dr. Falwell was my friend — a great man of God with great faith and vision.
Amos Wipf – Dr. Falwell was a great preacher of the Bible, leader of people, and a member of Moral Majority. He also had a fantastic memory!
Stephen Witham – Dr. Falwell attending a College Republicans meeting where one of my former students was a speaker. On one occasion, running into Dr. Falwell at the Sheetz gas station in Madison Heights.
Miracles Witnessed
David Allison – In Fall of 1990, The King’s Players performed for 1,800 soldiers at Fort Lee in Virginia, and 720 of them prayed to accept Christ as their Savior. Soon afterward, all 1,800 soldiers were deployed to Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War. To date, over 500 Liberty students have participated in the King’s Players Drama Ministry, serving in over 2,500 churches, schools, prisons, rehab centers, and military bases. Over 20,000 people have given their lives to Christ after seeing the drama productions. To God be all the glory!
Debbie Benoit and Linda Farver – God providing the finances for Liberty to “keep the doors open” because Dr. Falwell was faithful in fulfilling the vision God had given him.
Bob Bonheim – Through witnessing and tract distribution by Liberty wrestlers, many opposing wrestlers, coaches, and spectators were saved.
Vernon Brewer – God healed me from cancer in 1986.
John Cartwright – The foundation of Liberty was laid in the early years, including starting the football program in 1973.
Mary Columbus, Linda Farver, and Pat Greenhalgh – God sparing the lives of Charles Hughes, Mark Lowry, David Musselman, and Richard Burnier after van crash in March of 1978. Dr. Falwell vowed that Charles would preach at graduation even though he was in a coma for long time — and he preached!
Tom Diggs – Students began living in buildings on Treasure Island in 1972. The Treasure Island fire occurred in 1973 or 1974 when students were attending service at TRBC. This timing prevented loss of life and physical injury. Additionally, the winds were so low that the fire did not spread to the barn or the dorms. During the first year, students were using dorms on Treasure Island, and the operators of the Coleman Falls Dam had either not been advised of this use or had not updated the list of parties to notify when they opened the gates. I noticed one day in 1973 or 1974 that water was rapidly rising, and it stopped just after covering the parking lot in front of the barn. God kept the flood waters from sweeping away or harming students and damaging the bridge or buildings. Of course, in 1985, massive flooding of the James River eliminated future use of Treasure Island, but again God kept anyonefrom being injured. During the time that TRBC was involved in the SEC’s bond litigation in 1972 (TRBC charged with fraud and deceit and cleared in 1973), Liberty was able to increase its enrollment by about 166% thereby obtaining approval from the state of Virginia to issue degrees. Neither could have happened without God’s intervention.
J. Gordon Henry – Building foundations for the institution on all levels, including academic affairs, student affairs, and financial affairs — bringing order out of chaos.
Ed Hindson – (As reported by Donna Hindson) There were many financial miracles! My husband almost died after serious heart surgery in 2008. He was in Lynchburg General Hospital for 100 days, and the doctors said they knew God healed him. He lived 14 more years, and these were some of his best!
Kevin Keys, John Cartwright, and Jani DeSaegher – The 1974 campus revival with Life Action Ministries that went on for days beyond scheduled dates.
Donald Leslie – In the early years of Liberty, everything was a miracle!
Dan Manley – Many lives won to Christ as a result of basketball players witnessing to opponents on road trips.
Jake Matthes – The men’s track & field team won two National Christian College Athletics Association championships in the first four years of the program’s existence with no facilities, no track, and minimal budget. In the early 1980s, 85% of the men’s cross-country team went on to work in foreign missions.
Garth McGibbon – Both the growth of Liberty and students spiritually.
June McHaney – The greatest miracle was meeting all the requirements of SACS accreditation. Without that approval, there would be no Liberty. God put the right people in the right positions and gave them the wisdom to bring this about. The leading man, in my opinion, was Dr. J.G. Henry. My first office on the mountain was in a two-story house across from the barn, which was used as a maintenance building. During the night of April 6, 1982, I received a phone call that the old barn was on fire and there was a possibility that the house would burn. When my husband and I arrived, the wind was sending sparks over the house. At that time, student records were still paper (no backup). We joined in prayer with others who had gathered on the mountain, and within minutes the wind shifted, thereby sparing our office. As a result of the fire, the barn was totally destroyed, and all the mice that escaped took up residence in our building. Maintenance came to spread chemicals, which caused the mice to crawl inside the walls and die. For over a month, our staff had to endure that horrible smell. It should be noted that there were few “dull” days at Liberty!
Dan Mitchell – In the year prior to Jerry’s death, I was being treated for pancreatic cancer. Jerry told me he was praying that God would “Take that away! Do you believe that?,” he asked. I said, “Yeah, but I have Whipple surgery scheduled because of ‘shadows’ found on my pancreas; and the doctor has told me that I maybe have 2-3 years to live.” Jerry scolded me, “No! I believe God will take it away.” Five days before the surgery at UVA hospital, Esther Morrison came up to me after church at TRBC and said, “God gave me a verse for you: ‘You shall not die but live and proclaim the mighty works of the Lord’” (Ps. 118:17). I was stunned. Two days later the doctor called to say that he was calling off the surgery because the shadows on the pancreas were gone! The message from God was two days ahead of the doctor’s call. To me, there is no question, God did it — He performed a miracle!
Phil Pantana – In 1980, there was a lot of opposition to get WRVL-FM on the air, but through Dr. Falwell’s help, we were able to overcome this resistance!
Connie Pearson – Moving to present Liberty campus from the TRBC campus.
Jim Pickering – Growth of the Liberty student body — 1,000 to 10,000 by year 2000. Development of campus buildings — four academic buildings, DeMoss Hall, and the Multipurpose Building.
David Towles – In the summer of 1996, I shared the Gospel with a toothless man in El Salvador. At first, neither my Salvadoran colleague nor I could understandhim. But, from the moment I started sharing Scripture until he bowed his head and accepted Christ, he and I both understood each other perfectly.
Stephen Witham – God saving Liberty from financial collapse after the Jim Bakker scandal.
Other Memories
Brenda Bonheim – Enjoyed playing the French horn in the orchestra at TRBC.
James Borland – In December of 1977, Woodrow Kroll and I led a seminary class of 18 to Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Dr. J. Gordon Henry was also on the trip. When we returned, Dr. Henry advised the Committee on Faculty Promotions to reevaluate my application for full professor, and I was granted the promotion.
James Borland and Linda Farver – President and Mrs. Guillermin hosting the entire faculty and spouses for a Christmas party at their home in 1977.
Lila Bruckner – When Macel Falwell was a student, I would use her as a conduit straight to Dr. Falwell.
Jani DeSaegher – Meeting students who were excited to be at “Lynchburg Baptist College.”
Linda Farver – On several occasions during the 1976-77 academic year, Brenda Bonheim and Pat Greenhalgh gave me tracts and witnessed to me about salvation. On Sunday evening, April 17, 1977, I walked the aisle of Thomas Road Baptist Church to accept Jesus as my personal Savior. In that service, Dr. J. Harold Smith preached his now famous sermon, “God’s Three Deadlines.” The Holy Spirit prompted more than a hundred people to accept Christ when the altar call was given at the end of that service. During the spring of 1977, Liberty had an opening for an additional physical education instructor, and Brenda Bonheim also wanted a female to coach the women’s basketball team. So, I applied for the dual-role position and was hired to begin my long tenure at Liberty. In reflecting on how I came to Liberty, I realize that the path was laid out by God in His ultimate plan for my life. Liberty has truly been a significant blessing in my life!
J. Gordon Henry – Exit interviews concluded team visits for both Virginia approval for granting degrees and SACS accreditation. With the Liberty representatives “on pins and needles!” a conversation ensued. Dr. Young, VP at Radford, chaired the Virginia visit to Liberty and shared the following after the interview: “You have problems . . . but we have identified no problem that you also recognize and are working out. And you, Dr. Henry, are a graduate of Berea College. We know that kind of work you will do. So, the team will recommend approval.” Several years later, the very same conversation was repeated with SACS – “So the team will recommend approval.” Additionally, one thing is for sure. The progress that was made during the early years stands out and speaks for itself. A team of educators was brought together with many evidences that the Holy Spirit had orchestrated the arrival of just the right person for the task at the right time. With the help of June McHaney, our beloved Registrar, and the students who worked with her, mountains were leveled and impediments removed. She was my right hand. Frankly, I could not have done what needed to be done without her able assistance. The agent for much of the progress was the Council for Academic Affairs, which I organized. As far as Dr. Falwell was concerned, his support was there step-by-step — in being approved by both Virginia to grant degrees and becoming an accredited institution with SACS. We are in for a remarkable treat when we get to Heaven and have a reunion that will enable us to learn how all the pieces came together to get Liberty University (earlier known as Lynchburg Baptist College and then Liberty Baptist College) on solid ground.
Garth McGibbon – A female student was performing a chemistry experiment involving a heating reaction. She was making a compound similar to TNT. I cautioned her to reduce the heat; however, before she could do that, it exploded like a roman candle and blackened the ceiling! Fortunately, no injuries occurred. The faculty were asked to perform a skit during a Chapel service in the Multipurpose Building. My arm was inserted into a cardboard box with my hand, which was wearing a fake rubber hand, protruding out the opposite end. Dr. Amos Wipf was holding a machete; and, when directed to do so, he cut off the rubber hand, surprising all the students who thought my hand had just been severed.
John Pantana and Linda Farver – During the Fall 1978 Semester, Liberty erected a canvas circus tent in which Chapel services were conducted. This tent was borrowed from George R. Brunk, a Mennonite evangelist from Harrisonburg, Va. In each corner of the tent, an electric heater was hung on a pole which did little to warm the air! The Gymnasium, finished in March 1979, held Chapel services until the Vines Center was completed in October 1990.
Maurice Stone – Coming to Liberty from Cedarville, everyone at Liberty was always very kind to me. My family played musical selections with our violins for numerous services at TRBC — and Jeanne Falwell was key to these invitations.
David Towles – In 1976, I met with freshman Steve Kearns, a tough-minded Liberty football player, in the large office I shared with several colleagues in the former Brookville High School. During this meeting, he started crying because he was scared to write an English paper! After graduating in 1980, Steve played for the British Columbia team of the Canadian Football League. Around the same time, during the early years of teaching at Liberty, personal finances were a little tight, so my wife, Carolyn, cut my hair. After teaching one of my classes, a student commented on my haircut, indicating that it looked as though it had been done by a weed eater!
Amos Wipf – In 1971 my wife and family were living in California, and our daughter was to start her four years at Bob Jones Academy. We met with Vern Hammond, a Bob Jones University graduate, who told us he was going to Lynchburg Christian Academy to be the principal. He shared with us about Jerry Falwell, the TV ministry, and his plans to start a Christian college. We moved to Lynchburg in June of 1972, and I became the chairman of the Science and Math Division. My wife, Joyce, was hired to head up the Communications Division, which included English, Speech, TV, and Radio. Dusty Rhoads from the nearby General Electric plant installed the electronics for the OTGH television ministry, and I helped in the TV control room. The Lord brought many qualified faculty and administrators to assist in placing Liberty on sound academic ground. The key person was Dr. J. Gordon Henry, who became the organizer of the LBC Council on Academic Affairs. June McHaney, Registrar, provided significant assistance to Dr. Henry in securing SACS accreditation. After leaving Liberty in 1982, Joyce and I were asked to join the Board of Regents in serving as advisors to the Chancellor of Liberty University, and we attended several annual meetings. Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful buildings on Liberty’s campus! But most of all — thank you, Lord, for blessing Liberty’s fantastic administration, faculty, students, athletics, and Dr. Falwell! His goal: to reach the world for Christ!!
“From the beginning moments of this university, my dad knew one thing: man cannot do it, but God can. We sit here today, and we recognize and see all the things that God has done on this campus. God built this university.”
-Jerry Falwell Sr.
