stories by Shiva Rahimi
photography by Scott Harvey
Many students and faculty at the University of La Verne know little about the founding of the University and its relation to the Church of the Brethren.
Then there are students and faculty who are not aware of the fact that there is even any relationship with the school and church to begin with. There has never been a strong emphasis of religion at the University. It has been kept strictly optional as compared to some other religious affiliated schools. Therefore, there is a small percentage of students, staff, and faculty who are members of the denomination. This report will answer questions, and be informative about the past, present and future of the church in relation to the history of the University.
A Foundation
It all began in Germany in the late 18th century with members of a small denomination known as the German Baptist Brethren. Many of the Brethren soon moved to American before the American Revolution. They were settling in Pennsylvania and moving westward “in search of better lands and greater freedom.” Their move westward landed them in California not because of the discovery of gold, but because of the fertile land and resources in the state.
The Brethren moved in groups and settled in colonies at first, because they were German-speaking. This created language and custom barriers with other communities. The Santa Fe Railroad reached the Pacific Coast in 1887 and towns like Azusa, Covina, Glendora, Lordsburg (which later became La Verne) and Claremont were formed. The Brethren saw Lordsburg as an investment and wanted to transform a hotel into a college for its educational and economical benefits.
Beginning an Education
In April of 1891, it was announced that Lordsburg College would be opened that September.
Lordsburg College eventually turned into La Verne College and finally resulted in the University of La Verne. Since the founding of the University, there has been a large decrease in the number of people involved with church activities.
“As the years have gone on and the students, faculty and staff have expanded, then there is a smaller percentage of students, faculty and staff that have become involved,” said Dr. Stephen Morgan, president of the University, in reference to the subject matter.
–Source: “The University of La Verne. A Centennial History: 1891-1991,” by Herbert W. Hogan and Gladdys E. Muir.
Adapting to the Mold
The University of La Verne has not been as involved with the Church of the Brethren in a manner similar to that of the past. When the University was founded in 1891, a majority of the student population was affiliated-either directly or indirectly-with the Brethren tradition.
“The Church of the Brethren nurtured the school for quite a while,” said Dr. John Gingrich, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
In agreement with Dr. Stephen Morgan, president of the University, Dr. Gingrich said that the key points of the mission statement are adapted from the value systems of the church.
“We choose to be in a relationship with the church because it is mutually beneficial,” said Dr. Gingrich. “The traditions, values and mission statement of the school come partially from the Church of the Brethren.
Among ULV’s current student body, Dr. Gingrich believes the University has become a model for religious diversity. In fact, “it would be against what the University stands for to force the religion onto the students. We want them to be open to other traditions. We want to provide opportunity,” he said.
“In 1891, when Lordsburg College was first founded, there was a close link with the church, because a majority of the faculty were members of the Church of the Brethren,” said Dr. Morgan.
“The Church of the Brethren is a small denomination, and the size has decreased in the last 25 years. I estimate that fewer than 1 percent of students here are members and not more than 10 percent of faculty,” Dr. Morgan said.
Since the foundation of the Church of the Brethren was established in Pennsylvania, it has grown and developed in a westward direction. Universities such as ULV are not the only institutions affiliated with the Brethren, however. Juniata and Elizabethtown Colleges, both in Pennsylvania, Bridgewater College in Virginia, Manchester College in Indiana, and McPherson College in Kansas are also products of this denomination and its system of values.
In addition, there are a total of nearly 1,100 different Church of the Brethren congregations throughout the United States. Some of those congregations which are most local are La Verne’s Church of the Brethren on Bonita Avenue and E Street, as well as Pomona Fellowship Church of the Brethren on Orange Grove Avenue.
“The Church used to have a direct influence on the University, but now it is more subtle,” said Dr. Morgan. “I don’t see more people becoming involved with the church in the future, but I do see us continuing to foster the values of the church.”
Boyer talks of bond between church, school
Chuck Boyer is the pastor of the Church of the Brethren in La Verne. He has lived in La Verne for 10 years and has worked 19 years in the denomination.
Boyer explained the strong beliefs and value systems that are held by the church. Brethren hold and have held strong beliefs in pacifism, the opposition to slavery, infant baptism, obeying God rather than the government and living honestly.
Boyer said that the movement was first created when war arose in the country.
“The Brethren strongly oppose war and thought that the movement would be disciplined group, more like Christ wanted.
“The Church has benefited from having the University close by to get involved with the activities. We share back and forth,” Boyer said. “The University gives us educated faculty and staff and they receive spiritual support,” he said.
Boyer mentioned names of students and faculty that regularly attend services at the church. It was a small percentage, but he said, “The relationship between the University and the church is very open.”
As for the future relationship with the school and the church, Boyer said, “I don’t see much change in the immediate future. Although ULV is growing from the population, not too many Brethren people come from the area. However, I don’t see students and faculty turning their backs on the church.”
Shiva Rahimi
