History of Evangel's Klaude Kendrick Library

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Klaude Kendrick Library Ribbon Cutting, Oct. 10, 1962

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Begins

Two organizations of A/G laymen and lay women, the Council of Evangel College and the Ladies Auxiliary, had taken responsibility for fund raising for the library. In recognition, a special Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held on October 10, 1962, during their annual meetings.

Rediger and Ashcroft Cutting the Ribbon

Council President Al J. Rediger (left) and Evangel University President J. Robert Ashcroft (right) hold the cut ends of the ribbon after the deed has been done.

J. Robert Ashcroft, President 1958-74, speaks at ribbon-cutting ceremony

President J. Robert Ashcroft speaks at the Ribbon Cutting. The building was substantially finished, but some interior scaffolding could still be seen through the opening in the exterior wall.

Ribbon cutting ceremony theme "Key to progress"

Theme for the Ribbon Cutting was "Trained Christian Youth - Key to Progress." With Evangel President J. Robert Ashcroft (left) are Al J. Rediger and Mrs. Charles W. H. Scott, presidents of the Council and Auxiliary respectively.

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Klaude Kendrick Library Dedication, February 23, 1963

1963, February 23rd Ralph M. Riggs at the dedication of the Klaude Kendrick library.

Reverend Ralph M. Riggs was featured speaker at the dedication of the Klaude Kendrick Library in 1963. Evangel University was founded during Rev. Riggs' administration as General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God (1953-59). He had played the leading part in the successful movement to establish Evangel University as the national university of arts and sciences of the Assemblies of God. This had taken years of effort on his part, beginning with his election as assistant superintendent of the Assemblies of God in 1943.

Al J. Rediger at the library's dedication

Recognized at the Library dedication was Al J. Rediger, a Christian businessman from Burbank, California. Mr. Rediger was a member of the Evangel University Board of Directors in addition to serving as President of the Council.

Carl I. Erickson Reference Room

The Library's north wing served as the University chapel auditorium from Spring, 1963 through Spring, 1966. Chapel services were then moved into a larger (but still temporary) building, and the vacated north wing of the Library became the Reference Room. It is named the Carl I. Erickson Reference Room in memory of a deceased reference librarian. See the Reference Room today.

Architects and Contractor in Front of the Library

Architects George Hicks of Texas (left), Roxie Young of Springfield, Missouri (right) and contractor: Richard L. Chapman (middle)

 

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