It is inspiring to read biographies of men such
as A. G. Freed and N. B. Hardeman, who have fought to overcome
obstacles, sacrificed their interests for noble causes, and have
made significant contributions to Christianity and the world.
Freed-Hardeman University's impact for good has been felt abroad.
When I was pursuing a full-time evangelistic work, I often heard
statements to the effect that since I was from Freed-Hardeman
College it was assumed I was also sound in the faith.
Nicholas Brodie Hardeman (NBH) was born on May
18, 1874, in the small town of Milledgeville, TN, where his father
was the town medical doctor. NBH began to study the field of medicine
but quickly decided this was not his field of interest. Eventually,
he enrolled at Georgia Robertson College in Henderson, TN. (This
school met in the building known as Milan-Sitka which was razed
in 2004.) He taught while studying for his M. A. degree, which
he obtained in 1899. On April 18, 1897, A. G. Freed was to preach
at Enville, TN. He decided that he was unable to conduct a service,
so he sent N. B. Hardeman in his place. Brother Hardeman attempted
to get out of the speaking but, ultimately, agreed to go in brother
Freed's place. Then, about six weeks later, stating he would be
along, hopefully, by Monday, Freed sent Hardeman to start a gospel
meeting in his place at Juno, TN. Hardeman began the meeting,
preaching day and night and eagerly waiting for Freed to arrive.
Finally, Freed arrived on Thursday and decided brother Hardeman
was doing so well that he insisted Hardeman finish the meeting.
So, brother Freed is to be largely credited for grooming N. B.
Hardeman as a preacher as well as a teacher. Brother Hardeman
states he "drifted into preaching" with "fatherly
propulsion" from A. G. Freed. N. B. Hardeman went on to deliver
a series of sermons known as "Hardeman's Tabernacle Sermons,"
which were printed in two prominent papers in the State of Tennessee.
Nicholas Hardeman had several debates, two of
which were printed: Boswell and Bogard. The story of his debates
is very interesting reading. Brother Hardeman's debate with Ira
Boswell over the instrument stopped the boastful offense of the
Christian Church in Tennessee. Perhaps a surprising fact about
N. B. Hardeman was that he once led singing in church while his
wife played the piano. The Hardemans and many of the Henderson
church studied themselves out of the error of using instrumental
music in worship. Indeed, leading people out of digression was
possible then, and it is possible now.
This biography provides a thorough view of this
great man's life and contributions to Freed-Hardeman University,
the church, the community, and abroad. It deals with the highs
and lows of brother Hardeman's career until 1964. Brother Hardeman
passed away in 1965.
E. Claude Gardner was president at Freed-Hardeman
College when I was a student there. I remember brother Gardner's
announcing the change of status of Freed-Hardeman College to University.
He then made the following statement, which should serve as a
reminder to our Christian College Presidents and Boards of Directors
that there are some things that should never be for sale. President
Gardner stated, "Freed-Hardeman College has not always been
the name of this institution. In 1908 to 1919, it was called National
Teachers Normal Business College. Predecessor colleges dating
back to 1869 had these names: Henderson Male & Female Institute,
Henderson Male & Female Masonic Institute, West Tennessee
Christian College, and Georgia Robertson Christian College. The
last name was given after Mr. Robertson made a gift of $5,000
to honor his daughter. The gentleman who works in acquiring funds
for universities and colleges recently told me that he had three
clients ready to give $50 million and one for $25 million with
the understanding the name of the institution would be changed
to honor the donor. In no wise would I entertain recommending
to our board the change of a name away from honoring two great
men, A. G. Freed and N. B. Hardeman, for any amount of
money." -29 Flora Dr., Bedford, OH 44146-2011. DRKenney@email.com
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