Abstract

Dr. David Otis Fuller was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 20, 1903. He graduated from Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) and Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Fuller was an adamant defender of the King James Version of the Bible. He served as pastor of the Wealthy Street Baptist Church from 1934-1974, and was one of the founders of the Baptist Bible Institute (Cornerstone University). He served as the first president of the school until 1944. Dr. Fuller passed away February 21, 1988.

Related Collections

• 003 School History Collection
  • Wealthy Street Baptist Church
• 013 Related Associations Collection
  • Grand Rapids Association of Regular Baptist Churches
  • General Association of Regular Baptist Churches
• 009 Publications Collection
  • Baptist Bulletin
• Multiple books and pamphlets written by David Otis Fuller are in the CULN catalog.

Abstract

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rev. Norman F. Douty was born on January 14, 1899. He was president of Cornerstone University for only one year (1944-1945). One of his major influences on the school was the sale of his personal book collection that helped start the school’s library (Hauck, 2002, p. 66).

Abstract

As one of the founders of the Grand Rapids Baptist College, Gerard Knol was the third president, serving from 1946-1953. He attended Wealthy Street Baptist Church under Dr. Van Osdel and became the pastor of the Reeds Lake Mission in 1927. He continued his leadership there all the while he was presiding GRBC. Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary awarded him an honorary degree of Doctor of Dvinity in 1952. Dr. Knol went to be with the Lord on November 23, 1974.

Related Collections

013: Related Associations: GRARBC

Scope

This collection contains many notes, sermons, papers, and articles written by Dr. Knol. There are also a couple of articles related to his personal life.

Abstract

Dr. Walter Wilbert Welch was president of what is now Cornerstone University from 1959-1983. Upon his retirement, he was elected chancellor of the school and served as interim president in 1991. Dr. Welch helped bring the school from the Wealthy Street Baptist Church to the campus on the East Beltline.

W. Wilbert Welch was born February 7, 1918. He graduated from Brown City High School in 1934 and Cedarville College. In 1942 he married Meryl (Ball) Welch. He served as pastor of North Casanovia Baptist Church, and Calvary Baptist Church in Rome, GA and Muskegon, MI before becoming president of Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and Bible Institute. 

In his 24 years as president, Dr. Welch lead the school through many changes, always considering what was best for the school and the students. The University dedicated the iconic clock tower in the name of Dr. and Mrs. Welch and continues to be grateful for all they have done. 

Related Collections

• School History (East Beltline Campus, Welch Clock Tower)
• Anniversaries (40 & 50)
• Messenger
• Victor Matthews (Study on Demonism)
• Other Associations (GARBC)

Scope and Content

The Dr. Welch collection contains items from Dr. Welch's personal and professional life. There are many published papers and books as well as unpublished articles and notes. The collection also contains correspondence within the university and the community. There are scrapbooks from the beginning of Dr. Welch's career to his retirement, as well as personal memoirs written by Dr. and Mrs. Welch. It also contains photographs and recordings of Dr. Welch.