The Story of William Gibson
In 1891, Cedarville College was still a dream, waiting to become a reality. The state of Ohio chartered the school in 1887; however, due to lack of any meaningful monetary support, Cedarville still existed in name only. The trustees' anxieties from the lack of support for the school climaxed, their hopes faded, and eventually, it looked as though they would have to abandon the entire project.
Then they received word that the late William Gibson, an influential businessman from Cincinnati, had designated a $25,000 estate gift to Cedarville. Mr. Gibson made the gift in memory of his father and business partner, Peter Gibson, who died in 1884. The news of this estate gift revitalized the trustees and spurred a renewed promise for the young college.
Consequentially, the trustees passed a resolution to revive interest in the College and encourage support from local churches. By September 19, 1894, Cedarville College formally opened with an enrollment of 32 students. Through his estate gift, William Gibson enabled Cedarville to purchase the original campus site, construct the building now known as Founders Hall, and pay operating expenses from 1892 to 1896.
In 1910, Dr. David McKinney, first president of Cedarville College, remembered Gibson's gift when he wrote, "...it was as if Providence had determined that this ministry should go on..."
Mr. Gibson's gift amounted to less than 2 percent of the total value of his estate. Today we cannot calculate the eternal value of his estate gift. Many people, given the opportunity, would like to feel that they have made a lasting contribution toward a better world, that their lives have touched others-perhaps for many generations to come.
In the same way that God used William Gibson, he can use you. Your gift can help to secure the future of Cedarville University. Estate gifts are as essential to the ministry of Cedarville today as they were in 1891. Many different gift options are available. You can make an estate gift through your will, living trust, retirement plans, or life insurance policy.
We are grateful for those who have elevated Cedarville to "family status" as an heir in their estate plans. If you are one of these special individuals, we invite you to join The William Gibson Society, allowing us the opportunity to say "thank-you."