A Pastor and People RememberBy L. Wayne Rogers

University Baptist Church100th ANNIVERSARY, 2012

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1………………………………………….Page 6Alumni Survey and Responses (In Their Own Words)To the Baptist Student Foundation’s Alumni Survey Questions

Chapter 2 ..............................................................Page 20Heroes of Faith (Remembered and Celebrated)Bob and Betty Sutton, Jim and Dorothy CassellsAl and Pam Fuson

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Chapter 1

ALUMNI SURVEY AND RESPONSES(in their own words)

To the Baptist Student Foundation’s Alumni Survey Questions

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Chapter 1

I have been curious for some time about what may have motivated the students who came to the Baptist Campus Ministries at the University of Illinois and how one or more of the ministries offered there may have impacted their lives as they look back upon their student days in Champaign-Urbana. So, after chatting with a few of the Alums I knew from the 1970's and 1980's, I developed the survey questions and instructions you will see below. During the summers of 2010 & 2011, I E-mailed them to those alumni for whom some of the office staff and I could find E-mail addresses at that time.

The report of their responses to the survey questions follows.

Date: Mid-summer, 2011To: BSF Alums from the 1970's and the 1980's (for whom we have Email addresses)

In preparation for our Centennial Celebration next year (2012), I have been asked to contribute some memories, reflections, stories or comments about the 17+ years my family and I spent in Champaign while I was privileged to serve as the Minister-Director of the Baptist Student Foundation (BSF). Also, I would like to ask each of you if you would take a few minutes to share some of your own memories, thoughts, or insights with us as well.

1. What first brought you to one or more of the ministries at the Baptist Student Foundation (BSF)?

Sharon (Dold) Behrend--I first learned about Stratford House from my sister, Carolyn.

Susan Blunier--I needed affordable housing. So, Sutton Place was my first contact with the BSF ministries.

Martha Jo (Eleam) Boland--I was put in contact with Stratford House by Charles Chandler, who was then the pastor of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, Urbana. He had also been pastor of my home church in Metropolis, IL, when I was growing up.

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Eric and Beth (Morrison) Cash--(We came) from an ABC church and knew others already there or going there.

Grady Coyle--I joined University Baptist in my first months of graduate study at UIUC. After the first year, I became the organist at University Baptist for the next two years (1974-76).

Larayne Dallas--My friendship with the family of Margaret Bateman, Stratford Alum, and Kathy Romine (St. Ledger), who was hoping to live at Stratford, made me aware of the opportunity to live at the house.

Vicki (Hall) Evans--My mother is an alumna of Stratford House. She always spoke so highly of the house and Uni-Baptist that I wanted to experience that for myself.

Julie (Coleman) Fosdick-- Looking for a homier, conservative living situation for a country girl going off to the big University.

James Hagen--In the Fall of my sophomore year on campus, my roommate in the dorms wanted to find a cheaper place to live. He saw an ad for Koinonia. We applied and moved in that next (spring) semester. He moved out after one semester (he was not a believer). I stayed for 4+ years! (Spring, 1971-December, 1974)

Patty (Barry) Hagen--I moved to Stratford House in 1970, the start of my junior year at the U of I and lived there until 1974. I had previously lived at home...a “townie.”

Marilyn (Yunker) Hausam--My older sister, Elaine Peppers, had lived at Stratford House during her years on the U of I campus and recommended living there while I attended the University of Illinois.

Brad Haywood--I heard about the BSF ministries from my youth pastor.

Karen (West) Hopkins--I was an international exchange student at the U of I and my Christian background in the UK was with the Baptist Church.

Jeff Hoyt--I knew about the Campus Ministry from my brother's living at Koinonia in the late 60's and early 70's.

David Jones-- I had heard about Koinonia House from friends. And I was looking for a cheap place to live.Mark Larson--My friend, Paul Manning, was a year

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ahead of me in school and introduced me to Koinonia House and then to the other guys who were living there.

Paul Litzenberg--As a beginning freshman at the University of Illinois in the fall of 1975, and as a Christian, I was looking for a Christian living environment on campus, conducive to a Christian life-style and to developing friendships with other Christian students. I learned about Koinonia and the BSF through my home church at the time (First Baptist Church of Taylorville, Illinois).

Paul Manning--I learned of Koinonia from my sister, Phyllis Manning, who lived at Stratford House in the late 60's.

Jackie (Feddersen) Mattheson--After being accepted at the U of I, I was looking for housing and found Stratford House. My uncle had lived at Koinonia. I was from a small community and thought I would enjoy the small community setting of the house and the positive influence of the Christian environment.

Kevin McGinnis--Koinonia was the draw...an opportunity to have a fraternity experience without all the temptations in some of the other housing options...and the chance to live among fellow Christians.

Bruce Strom--Prior to Law School, I had been a part of American Baptist Churches and I was aware of the housing ministry on campus. I grew up at First Baptist of Elgin and was, therefore, acquainted with University Baptist and Koinonia. So, I decided to look into Uni-Bap once I arrived on campus for my freshman year.

2. In which of the BSF ministries were you involved? (e.g. University Baptist Church, Koinonia House, Stratford House, Leeman Lodge, Sutton Place, Community Ministries, Internationals) and in what years?

Sharon (Dold) Behrend--I lived at Stratford House most of the time I was at U of I and also occasionally attended at University Baptist.

Susan Blunier—Sutton Place (Fall 1988-Spring 1989); On campus 1983-1989.

Eric and Beth (Morrison) Cash--UBC, Koinonia, and Stratford House.

Grady Coyle--The church was my only involvement with BSF (1973-76).

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Larayne Dallas--I lived at Stratford.

Vicki Evans--I lived at Stratford for two years until I transferred to another college. I also attended Uni-Baptist.

Julie (Coleman) Fosdick. Stratford House was where I was most active.

James Hagen--I moved into Koinonia House in the Spring of my Sophomore year on campus I stayed for 4+ years. I also attended worship services, from time to time, at University Baptist Church, across Fourth Street from where I lived.

Patty (Barry) Hagen- -I was a 'townie' living at home with my parents when I moved into Stratford House the year I moved onto campus. That was in 1970 at the start of my junior year.

Marilyn (Yunker) Hausam--I lived at Stratford House from 1970-74 and also attended some church services and Bible studies at Uni Baptist throughout my years at Stratford.

Jeff Hoyt--Uni-Bap and Koinonia

David Jones- -University Baptist and Koinonia. I was involved more at Koinonia House, but I also attended church at University Baptist.

Mark Larson--Koinonia House. I was on campus from 1988-1992, and was active with University Baptist for about 3½ years.

Paul Litzenberg--I lived in Koinonia from fall 1975 through spring 1979, and attended University Baptist Church all through that same time period.

Paul Manning--Koinonia, 1973-1977

Kevin McGinnis--Koinonia (1988-90). Attended University Baptist Church (1986-1990).

Jackie (Feddersen) Mattheson--I was at Stratford from fall 1984--Spring 1988, all four years! I was still a member at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church—but attended frequently at University Baptist (which was much closer!).

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3. Have you encouraged other students to become involved with the BSF? If so, How?

Sharon (Dold) Behrend--I have mentioned BSF and the housing ministry when I have met people who were planning to attend or whose children were planning to attend the U of I.

Susan Blunier--Sutton Place (Fall 1988-Spring 1989); On campus 1983-1989.No. After I graduated, I lived on the East Coast for 17 years. My opinion on housing was not sought. The church I currently attend doesn't really acknowledge that there are other Christian ministries doing good things apart from ourselves. I'm an outsider because of things like living in Sutton Place and joining churches of other denominations. I'm not thrilled to be part of that particular church, but it's where God wants me now.

Martha Jo (Eleam) Boland--I encouraged my sister to apply for residence at Stratford, and she lived there for two years while she was at U of I. After I graduated, I moved south, so I did not have much opportunity to speak with prospective UI students.

Eric and Beth (Morrison) Cash--(We)...tell students from the area (we) know to check it out but have not known of any getting involved.

Grady Coyle-- No

Larayne Dallas- -Yes

Vicki (Hall) Evans- -I have urged other kids going to the U of I to try Stratford and Koinoinia because it is a great environment for college kids.

Julie (Coleman) Fosdick--...yes, I have told other students about the house.

James and/or Patty Hagen--If we ever know of anyone looking at the U of I (not many do from Ohio, where we've now lived for 30+ years), we always speak highly of Koinonia and Stratford and Uni-Baptist.

Marilyn (Yunker) Hausam- -While on campus, I did encourage others to become involved in BSF ministries such as attending church services or Bible studies at Uni Baptist or living at Stratford House. If I had a friend or family member planning to attend U of I, I definitely would encourage them to

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consider BSF housing or their other BSF ministries!

Brad Haywood--No, but my sister has recommended Koin to a young man in her church and he is living there now.

Jeff Hoyt--I encouraged future college students from my home church in Quincy, IL, to check out Koinonia/Stratford if they were considering the U of I.

David Jones--Yes, by word of mouth, as I ran into them looking for a place to stay while going to school.

Mark Larson- -I helped recruit Koin members while I was a resident there and my first year after graduating.

Paul Litzenberg- -I left Illinois upon graduation and have not lived there since. I have often told others of my experiences at Koinonia, and strongly recommend this kind of a living option for Christian students attending a secular university.

Paul Manning- -Yes, my younger brother, Tim Manning, who lived at Koinonia from 1979-1983. Also Rusty Anderson who lived in Koin 1974-1978. My second son also lived in Koinonia in the late 1990's to early 2000's. Since my older sister, Phyliss Manning, had lived at Stratford House in the late 1960's, that makes “Five decades of Mannings!”

Kevin McGinnis- -I've recommended Koin to a few guys over the years.

Bruce Strom--Yes, I am on the Board of Trustees of Judson University so I am afraid I encourage students to attend there first, but those who want to attend the U of I, I strongly encourage to get involved in one of the houses and the church. Pastor Randy Gauger is a friend and so sometimes my encouragement is to attend First Baptist of Savoy but I know the ministries are interconnected. I always encourage graduate students to get involved!

Yes, I had a few friends that I was able to get involved, and reached several more through the outreach ministries.

4. Would you please write a couple of paragraphs describing how involvement with this U of I Campus ministry has impacted your life?

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Sharon (Dold) Behrend- -Stratford House was a wonderful place to live. I appreciated living in a Christian house, and we had a lot of fun. I made friends that I still stay in touch with. Over the years, I have found that this housing ministry is quite unique. Most campuses don't seem to have anything like it.

Susan Blunier--I really enjoyed living in a platonic co-ed environment with other believers. The biggest impact occurred when I came back to Champaign: One of my former housemates was the main person from whom I took over responsibilities at my new job.

Martha Jo (Eleam) Boland- -My four years at Stratford House taught me sooo much! I learned about being a true disciple of Christ as I learned from other girls in the house whose walk with God was much deeper than mine. I also learned about how ladies from differing denominations were all sisters in the Lord and could work through the differences in our worship styles. I learned many life skills that have served me well! All of those house chores have paid off! Living in a house with 36 girls and doing kitchen chores especially have prepared me for my current job as a housemom at a children's home where we have a cottage of eight girls ranging from 2nd grade to Sr. in high school. I cook and clean for 10 every day! I made friends at Stratford that I still have today. These meaningful friendships have sustained me in the difficult times of life because I knew that one and all were praying for me!

Eric and Beth (Morrison) Cash- -Like many others, it was through this ministry on campus that I met my (wife, husband). It provided a healthy social outlet and activities while on campus and great relationships, as well as living (in a co-operative house). Fond memories of my time at U of I.

Julie (Coleman) Fosdick- -First of all, I was a pretty shy, insecure kid heading into the big world of the University of Illinois. I gained lots of wonderful supporting friends in Stratford house and that gave me confidence and encouragement. It certainly made the adjustment from my small town, small school easier. When I came to Stratford, I believed in God, and considered myself a Christian, but had never given my life to Jesus. Through the witness of women there, I was saved and baptized during my first semester at the house. From there, I grew and developed leadership skills, organizational skills, people skills and great relationships. I developed an identification with the American Baptist denomination and continued to become involved with ABC churches in the various towns where my career took me through the years. BSF taught me "can-do."

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As I moved on, I took on things like leading a youth group, organizing VBS, and even starting a ministry on an Indian reservation, which I continued for more than thirty years later!

Grady Coyle, DM- -Univ. Baptist was only my third position as a church musician. After leaving Champaign, I had part-time jobs in churches in the Dallas area for three years, then moved into another part-time Organist & Director of Music. I have now been on the staff of that church for 31 years.

Larayne Dallas- -I made lasting friendships, had many horizons widened, and got a big economic assist in attending college. Also, I have to report on the remarkable coincidence of David Maidment being my house parent at Stratford and the two of us ending up working in the same building at the University of Texas at Austin (since 1987).

Brad Haywood--I can't imagine how I would have been able to make it through the U of I without the fellowship of fellow students from Koinonia and Stratford. I have very fond memories of the hard work and fun times I had in the house. I think about my time there quite often. I think housing ministries like these are needed on every public university campus.

Vicki (Hall) Evans- -I came to the U of I from a small town as a very shy person. A huge school like the U of I was very intimidating. I also started college on crutches due to a broken pelvis from a horse accident about 3 weeks before I was to start. I was petrified to start college and not know anyone. But from the very beginning I had 29 friends. I didn't have to start school alone, without help and encouragement. The girls were also great to help me and even protected me during a night time Koinonia raid. I can't begin to express how much my time at Stratford impacted my life. To have Christian "sisters" and "brothers" to help navigate this college life was wonderful. Uni-Baptist was great to offer a place to worship but also other activities to have fun and grow in Christ. The relationship with the church and the two houses was a very positive influence on many kids. We also had a lot of fun! I have very fond memories of pranks, candle lights, household duties, cold nights in the dorm, but most of all the people I met and became friends with. In a world that encourages ungodly behavior, BSF helped to give me a firm foothold to venture out into the world. I didn't have to deal with the peer pressure many kids face at college, because my sisters had my back.

I could go on and on about all I experienced there. Many of the people I haven't seen since I left, but they still hold a special place in my heart. I was very sad that I had to leave after only two years. Thank you for the memories and the

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ministry to my life.

Jackie (Feddersen) Mattheson- -I lived in a town of 2,000, so the University of Illinois campus was a bit intimidating. Stratford House became more than a place to live for me. It became my home. When my parents moved from Illinois to Iowa right after my freshman year, I did not move with them because I could not consider leaving my friends at Stratford House (and Uni Bap, Koin, etc.) It is impossible to put into words what Stratford meant to me, and my church family at Uni-Bap during those times.

I think I served in every office, including President of Stratford, and I was in many programs at Uni Bap, and even worked in the office there. Those positive influences and learning opportunities were invaluable in shaping who I became as an adult—and ultimately who I am today. How can you ever put into words what people like the Suttons meant to your personal growth and development, not to mention all of the friends who encouraged and supported you?

I learned to cook for 30, laugh a lot, demonstrate responsibility, meet and appreciate other cultures and denominations. I also learned to sleep in the cold, and most importantly how to serve God first and foremost in all I do!

Marilyn (Yunker) Hausam- -This campus ministry has greatly impacted my life because it was in Stratford House's basement where I prayed with my roommate, Beverly Short, to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life. As a new Christian, I had many Stratford House friends who helped me in my growth as a Christian and discipled me by encouraging me to participate in Bible studies and prayer meetings at Stratford House, Uni-Baptist, and to become involved in Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship. At Stratford House, I realized that my relationship with Jesus should always be the most important thing in my life.

In my junior year, I attended a Koinonia-Stratford exchange and met a fine Christian young man, Gerry Hausam. Our relationship continued and after a couple of years Gerry and I felt God was bringing our lives together and we married in 1975. We've been married over 35 years and have served in several ministries in three different churches throughout our marriage. Due to such a good Christian foundation at Stratford House and Koinonia, Gerry and I desired for our children to also have a solid Christian foundation. We home schooled our two daughters in order to provide them with a Christian education. Our daughters are both adults now and are married to fine Christian men. They, too, are serving the Lord and teaching their children about the Lord. I am so grateful for my relationship with Jesus which began and was nurtured during my years at Stratford House and Uni Baptist. I have a wonderful Christian heritage to pass on to not

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only my children but also my four grandchildren. Yes, BSF ministries impacted my life and my family's lives for eternity!

Paul Litzenberg- -I am very grateful for the opportunity and the experience of living in Koinonia, and Illinois. Koinonia, Stratford and University Baptist Church provided some of the benefits of a small Christian college or university even while I was attending the very large and secular University of Illinois. I was able to build lifelong friendships with other young Christian men and women, and develop close friendships I expect can only be formed by living and working together in such an environment as a Christian cooperative living arrangement. Being an only child, I learned how to get along with, and share with, other Christian brothers and sisters (28 brothers!). I learned Christian leadership skills through several positions I held during my stay at Koinonia. I learned practical life skills such as home maintenance, cooking, cleaning, etc. The old Koinonia building provided endless opportunity for repair, maintenance, and even construction. (The poor guys in the new house have no idea what fun they are missing!)

As a college freshman, I had a great desire to study the Bible in more depth, and the teaching ministry of University Baptist Church, through Wayne Rogers and Joe Mathis, helped fill that desire.

It is hard to capture the complete impact of Koinonia and the BSF on my life. The four years I spent earning my BSEE degree at the University of Illinois, living and working with 28 other Christian young men in Koinonia, engaging with the Christian young women of Stratford, and with the people of University Baptist Church, have greatly influenced my outlook on life, and my skills for living a Christian life that I pray is pleasing to our Lord. I know that God would have shaped me into the person He wants me to be, even if Koinonia and BSF had not been there, but in fact He did choose Koinonia and BSF to teach and develop me during that time in my life. I remain tremendously grateful for that experience!

Paul Manning- -Koinonia taught me how to be a Christian leader; how to live in Christian community; how to encourage, correct, edify, and love the brethren. My wife, Karen Zebruski), and I have four grown married children and 11 grand kids with more on the way.

Kevin McGinnis- -As all of us know, college is such a growing and challenging time...and a time that can launch someone in either a positive or negative direction. For me, Koinonia and friendships formed there, served as a great way to stay grounded in my relationship with Christ, and it kept me walking

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with Him through my last two years of college. I was then ready to go overseas, study Russian, serve with a Christian mission in Moscow, and then return to the US to attend seminary where, today, I'm the Associate Pastor at my hometown Presbyterian Church in Quincy, Illinois.

Mary Rose (Fabish) Cottingham--The best part of my undergraduate years at the U of I were spent in Stratford House. I learned so very much about how to run a house and how to repair a house, and particularly how to cook! I met my two best friends at Stratford. Mostly, I remember walking home with joy every evening, looking forward to dinner with everyone. I truly did feel I was “going home,” a feeling you might not have going to your dorm room.

My favorite memory: a Holy Thursday dinner that Koinonia cooked for us, with Greek food and togas donned by our servers, and the “tubbings” that went on at Koin during the warm weather.

Jeff Hoyt- -As an undergrad, Uni-Bap and Koin always gave me a feeling of connectedness with my spiritual roots in the midst of exploring new opportunities, both educationally and socially. (They) made me remember what's really important during an impressionable part of my life.

David Jones--Made some good friends, some lifelong.

James Hagen- -I'm not sure where to start. Koinonia was pivotal in my discipleship. I'd become a believer in High School through Young Life. And, I'd been pursued on Campus by Navigators my freshman year, and had been in one of their Bible studies. But, until I moved into Koinonia, I was walking with a foot (or two) squarely planted in the world. The relationships, Bible studies and accountability the house provided had an absolutely HUGE impact on my life. It gave me a vision for Christ in everything I do (not just when I am in church or a Bible Study). The everyday routine of life in the house (sports, the business of the house-prep, cleanup, house chores, finances, organizational offices, etc.) helped teach me that Christ wants us to live for him 24/7.

In addition to the impact Koinonia had on my faith, I met my wife through Stratford. And we had opportunity to learn and explore how God's plan for our lives included every aspect of our lives (including things like sports, co-ed relationships, dating relationships, etc.).

Patty (Barry) Hagen--The most important impact for me was when I accepted

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Christ as a result of God placing me at Stratford. I had been brought up in a church, but did not read or know much of the Bible. The relationships with others in the houses, Bible studies, and friends sharing their relationship with Christ and taking me through scriptures resulted in my personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. I'm sure some of my housemates were praying for me as well. So, that would be a significant impact on my eternal life!!

Beyond that, I think of Stratford as some of the happiest days of my life, sharing everyday life, playing together, praying together, working together...It was a blast! There was always someone to hang out with...just wonderful fellowship that has resulted in lifelong friends many of whom I do not see often, but I still feel very close with, all as a result of the bonds formed by living in that type of community at a crucial stage in my life. I think college is a very foundational time of life when students are making decisions that will impact them for their futures. I know that God provided that experience for me and I am grateful for His blessing me in this way.

Additionally, I met my husband there...we are a Koin-Strat merger. We spent lots of time playing cards, volleyball, Bible studies etc. through the housing ministries. Our common experiences at Koinonia and Stratford surely impacted the paths we sought after leaving school...always seeking to be involved in a Bible-believing church, small group, Bible studies, Christian fellowship...and seeking to point our three, now grown, children to accept Christ as their Savior as well. So, the impact is multi-generational!

Mark Larson--Four years as a resident at Koinonia House made a significant impact on my life. I learned some practical skills such as cooking and ordering food in bulk and how to make minor household repairs. With changes happening every semester, I learned to adapt to living with fellow Koinonians having diverse backgrounds, personalities and quirks. Holding different offices, including House President, gave me experience in leadership. Through the Little Sister exchange with Stratford, I began to overcome some of my fear of the opposite sex. We had tons of good clean fun that I still chuckle over from time to time. I met some great brothers, including BSF staff and board members, some of whom I remain in touch with. Most importantly, it provided an atmosphere conducive to growing my young Christian faith.

Bruce Strom- -Uni-Bap changed my life by providing a solid respite amidst the challenges of University life. The friends made through the ministry have been life-long friends, including my best friend and wife (a Stratfordite, Helen Lopez)!Dave Towner- -I was active in SMC (Student Ministry Committee) for three

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years. This was the best part of my college experience. We formed a close knit group of friends, with a common purpose of serving the Lord. Several of these friends are still close friends to this day. I learned how to study the Bible and to critically examine the Bible and my faith. It really was the guidance and growth that I needed at that stage of my life.

I served on the Board of Deacons at the church for two years. I was able to see the inner-workings of the Church and learned quite a bit about what it takes to run a ministry.

My freshman year I attended the Habitat For Humanity trip during Spring Break. The next three years I was part of the leadership team for these trips. They were fantastic! I still have wonderful memories from those events. I was able to get to know others at a deeper level, minister to families in need, and grow in my faith. Not to mention the fact that I learned construction skills! These trips were better than any other Spring Break opportunity available.

Additional Comments:

“I am also grateful to you, Wayne. Without people like you, keeping BSF going would be much more difficult.”--Julie (Coleman) Fosdick

“And thank you for your ministry, (Wayne)! Say hello to your daughter for me.” -- Kevin McGinnis

Thank you, Wayne, for taking the time to do this project. It was special to have a chance to talk with you on the phone and actually get to know you a bit...since we were kind of ships passing in the night in Champaign. God's blessings on you and your family!

It was great to be able to attend the 2008 Homecoming, my first one since 1978. I hope I won't have to wait until 2038 for the next opportunity.- -Mark Larson

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Chapter 2

HEROES OF FAITHRemembered and Celebrated

Bob and Betty SuttonJim and Dorothy Cassells

Al and Pam Fuson

Chapter 2

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DR. ROBERT AND ELIZABETH SUTTON

Bob and Betty Sutton came to the University of Illinois campus as graduate students in the late 1930s. Then, following the end of World War II, in 1946 they returned to campus, joining the flood of young people and many young couples who were eager to begin their higher education, to have their families and to begin their working careers. Classrooms would fill up that year and adequate housing would be scarce indeed. Bob and Betty

would smile like pioneers in later years when they would describe the housing conditions that met them in their first year back on campus. Their apartment consisted of “a sun porch and a garage in an old house. We had to go outdoors and around the house to go to the bathroom,” Betty would remember.

It was in that year, 1946, that the Suttons joined the University Baptist Church, located at 314 E. Daniel St., Champaign, about a block away from their apartment, and there began many years of leadership within the church and within the Christian Cooperative houses that the church would introduce shortly thereafter. Stratford House for undergraduate women opened in 1948, and Koinonia (Greek word for “Community”), for undergraduate men, in 1952.

The Suttons had four children over the next few years (Sarah, Bill, Betsy and David), and moved to a few different houses to accommodate the family's changing needs. They often employed students to babysit their children, to mow their lawn, or to do minor maintenance jobs around their property. They liked joining Bible Study groups, including students, where all could share their different experiences, insights, or questions. They were so welcoming and loving, especially to new students, that, over the years, there developed several generations of students who looked up to Bob and Betty as their University Baptist parents or grandparents and, also, as their good friends! Investing their lives into the lives of so many students, as they often said, “helped them to stay young” as well. But, it was their spiritual maturity and thorough-going Christian lifestyle that seemed to speak more loudly and more deeply not only to students at the University but to other members and attenders as well.

Dr. Sutton, a history professor, had a special interest in Illinois History and he hada special, special interest in the history of railroads. While visiting Bob and Betty

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in their home in the late 1970's, this writer was once shown Bob's extensive personal collection of railroad passenger-train time schedules that he had saved. Each schedule displayed the printed times of the departures and arrivals of a certain train. For example, currently, Amtrak's time schedule for 'The California Zephyr' shows the route between Chicago and San Francisco, and all the expected times and stops in between.

Bob also seemed eager and ready to draw upon his expertise in Early Illinois History to further explain how the railroads had influenced farm and land development in the late 19th century movement of U.S. populations from East to West.

In the first half of the 19th century, industrialists, states and the U.S. Government had been seeking ways to link the interior of this nation closer together. Political maneuvering and economic necessity combined to help pass the first of several “land grant” bills in Washington, D.C. These land grants resulted in government gifts of public land to the railroad companies in exchange for laying track in planned, designated areas. In 1850, for example, the Illinois Central received a land grant of several million acres. The usual procedure was to distribute land by alternate sections along the proposed railroad line, one section (one square mile) going to the railroad company and the next kept by the government. Of course, as land values increased, both the railroads and the government gained revenue. Railroad companies then sold their newly profitable lots and used the proceeds to pay for materials and labor to continue the Westward expansion. Also, since that section of land of one square mile equaled 640 acres, this encouraged farmers to settle the Midwest, drain the often wet grasslands, cultivate and harvest their crops and have ready access to railroad transportation for getting them to market.

In the history of this church, it is doubtful that any couple or any persons have remained members of the church for more than half a century, except, of course, perhaps Harriet Bryant, wife of the founding pastor, Martin S. Bryant. Harriet later blessed us, in 1962, with the enormous gift of a written history of the first 50 years of the church that Martin and she and 37 students formally organized as the University Baptist Church at Champaign, Illinois, early in the fall semester, 1912.

So it was, that in 1996, the church leaders and leaders in the Housing Ministries wisely planned for November 2-3, a weekend Celebration of Bob and Betty's 50th Anniversary of membership at University Baptist Church. All but two of those years were also associated with the Housing ministries.Reviewing a large (white) scrapbook (Bob and Betty Sutton: 50 Years of Memories

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and Ministries) that was developed for that 1996 weekend, one soon realizes the wide variety of adjectives of appreciation that came in for them. And, if one reads every note and every letter that was submitted from sixty-four households, twelve states in the U.S., and six nations, it is certainly an impressive (if not an exhausting) list indeed!

In terms of value to the rest of us, the list below could well serve as “Guidelines for a Christian Lifestyle” or “Qualities Found in multi-gifted Christian Churches or multi-gifted Christian individuals.” According to those who replied, Bob and Betty Sutton were surely two such individuals!

ADJECTIVES OF APPRECIATIONFOR

BOB AND BETTY SUTTON

OVER HALF A CENTURY, CALLED TO BE LOVING FRIENDS OF STUDENTS AND

FAITHFUL SERVANTS OF THEIR LORD

'beacons of light''caring'/caring spirits' (2)

'compassionate''consistency of purpose'

'constants''dedicated/dedication'

'encouraging'faithful/faithfulness' (14) 'friend/friendship''gentle/gentleness'

'generous/generosity' (4)'gracious/graciousness' (4)'inspiring/inspirational' (2)

'influence/influential''kind/kindness'

'leader/leadership''living lessons (in churchmanship)'

'living a life of love' (2)'nurturing'

'parent models' (3)

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'called to a personal ministry' (of being 'friends to students')

'welcoming (new students & attenders)'

Note: 1. Numbers in parenthesis equal the number of times this quality was repeated in describing the Suttons.

2. It is obvious that the adjective “faithful,” or the noun, “faithfulness,” with its count of 14, was the term chosen most often to honor the memories of this much loved couple. On page 1 of the October, 1996, issue of “Alumni Notes,” in his 'Note From the Pastor, Rick Gibbons wrote: “This year at Homecoming we will celebrate faithfulness and challenge each of us to live faithfully,' before he added these prophetic words: “God has a great work to do through us.”

AN ADDED PERSONAL NOTE (From Wayne Rogers)

As the Minister-Director of the Baptist Student Foundation, 1974 – 1992, I, personally, learned a great deal from observing how Bob and Betty Sutton conducted themselves in living out their love and commitments to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That love was transparent, it was appreciated by many others, and was a special blessing to my wife, Doris, to me and to our four children as well.

On one occasion after I had been serving on campus about a dozen years, as I recall, Bob had made an appointment to come in to talk with me about “some concerns” he had been having about the future of this ministry. I listened; we both exchanged questions for clarification and focus; then he shared an analogy I will never forget! He said, “Now, I know that we may not see the picture of everything here in the same way, but I have prayed about this and I needed to share these things with you; thank you for listening. Also, I want you to know that I hope this does not come across as irritated criticism of you, personally. It is more akin to what happens in the Parliament of the United Kingdom where the leader of the party with the second largest number of seats in the House of Commons is known as 'Her Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition.'”

Oh, if only I can learn this lesson better! My lesson? If I have a different view or opinion than a brother or sister in Christ, “O Lord, help me to respect the dignity of that person and the position he/she holds enough to humbly identify myself as their

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“loyal opposition.”

I am truly grateful to Bob Sutton for teaching me this principal from parliamentary history, as well as from my observations of his and Betty's Christ-Centered lifestyles.

Also, selected here are a couple of summary statements addressed to the Suttons from U of I alumni:

Doris Marti, Stratford House alumna, “Only God can count all the lives you've touched and influenced, in His name, in your 50 years as members of University Baptist Church.”

Pat and Bob Kern, who met as U of I students at University Baptist Church and, later, went on to become well recognized as American Baptist leaders and benefactors: “....over all these years, our paths crossed off and on and each time it was a distinct joy. We each have wonderful memories of our time at the University Church and we are convinced, absolutely, that churches like this on campuses are a very important link in our American Baptist Convention. ... I see that (at your 50th anniversary service) the choir will be singing “Find Us Faithful.” This anthem brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it—it has so much meaning. The words, “O may all who come behind us find us faithful; May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave--lead them to believe--and the lives we live inspire them to obey. I find you inspiring, Bob and Betty- -you have certainly been faithful and your lives have been inspiring to many students. We salute you! ….Love, Bob and Pat Kern.”

Robert (Bob) Mize Sutton Elizabeth (Betty) Blair Sutton

Born: Dec. 15, 1915 June 3, 1918

Died: 6:45 P.M. May 2, 2005 Age: 89 June 21, 2008 Age: 90

Buried at: Upper Alton Cemetery, Alton, ILJuly 16, 2012

JAMES AND DOROTHY CASSELLS

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Jim and Dorothy Cassells met at the Emerson Baptist Church, Emerson, Ohio. They had grown up in that church and each had been baptized in their mid-teenage years. A few years later, they would travel a few miles east to be married in Glen Robbins, Ohio, at the parsonage of the Rev. Leroy Jones. That was on August 16, 1941.

Following.......they would move a few times, have four children James Francis Cassells, Jr. (and his wife Mae) currently living in Florissant, MO; Carmen Maria Cassells, currently living in Lombard, Illinois; Cathy Ann Cassells, currently in Los Angeles; and Nancy Ann Cassells who lives in Van Nuys, CA.

After moving to Champaign, near to where Jim had been stationed at Chanute Airfield, Rantoul, Jim was employed at Collegiate Cap and Gown Company, on North Neil Street. They lived at 305 E. Hill Street, about 12 blocks north of University Baptist Church, when they began attending services there. And, it was to this home that this new pastor was so graciously welcomed while he was still getting acquainted with the community in the late 1970s.The Cassells would later request church membership and would be extended the “Right hand of Christian Fellowship” on Sunday, November 28, 1978.

Jim would go on to serve University Baptist Church on its Board of Deacons for many years. He was always there to help and to direct other volunteers in caring for their church building: cleaning it, repairing it, or making other building improvements for the 1912 structure or grounds. “A soft spoken man of faith who was dedicated to his own family and to his church family,” that was Jim Cassells!

Dorothy Cassells “enjoyed singing in the choir, helping with dinners, and being church clerk.”

As a couple, they enjoyed the worship and social activities. They always enjoyed getting together with other church members and the different students that attended University Baptist. They seemed very pleased at how many of the students had visited with them at church and in their home, and they were especially pleased that several students chose to correspond with them after graduating.

ALBERT AND PAM FUSON

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Albert (Al) Fuson enrolled at the University of Illinois as an engineering student from Peoria, and moved into Koinonia House, while it was still a very recently organized Christian Cooperative, and began attending the University Baptist Church just across Fourth Street. Pam Gillespie, from central Illinois, enrolled at the University of Illinois a year later, in 1953, and moved into Stratford House Christian Cooperative. Right away, she began attending the University Baptist Church next door, and she remained active in both until she graduated four years later.

They started dating while they lived with the Church building between their two houses at the corner of Fourth and Daniel, and eventually would marry and have three children, Paul, Jennie and Lincoln. Each of their children would also one day enroll at the University of Illinois and each of them would also live in one of the Christian Cooperative houses .

Pam and Al would, years later, write to Walter and Betty Cutchins, friends who had been among the adult leaders they had first met at University Baptist: “We are a unique Koinonia and Stratford family and we believe our family is a testimonial to the Lord's work at Uni-Baptist and through the residence program there. Our family began there and now continues with second generation Stratford and Koinonia members. We offer you our sincere gratitude, and we hope we can repay your personal interest, active participation, and long years of dedication by doing for others as you have done for us....may the Lord hold you always in the palm of His hand.”

That commitment must have continued to take shape in their minds, because, in the early 1990s, as they were planning for Al's retirement, they met with and corresponded with this Pastor at University Baptist Church. They wanted to explore the possibility of them moving back to Champaign, in their retirement, to work as volunteers at the ministry and the University that had meant so much to them and their family. It was agreed that Al had gifts of administration, planning, and financial management and that Pam could be very effective in helping with the newsletter, publicity, and alumni relations. Of course, the 1992 move they made back to Illinois also located them closer to their families as well, and it also led to Pam and Al discovering other areas of service where God could use them in thechurch, in the houses, and in the community.

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Al lived with crippling MS with courage and tenacity for one half of his eventual 68-year lifetime. He and Pam would faithfully serve as volunteer staff for another decade. Al served a number of positions on the BSF Board of Trustees, from Treasurer to President. BSF Executive Director, Dave DeMott, wrote that Al “can be credited with the success of Rebuild 94, the project to build a new Koinonia House at 308 E. Daniel Street.”

After Al's death in January of 2003, Dave would also say, “I will deeply miss Al Fuson. While I was president [of the BSF], we struggled together for months over the direction of this ministry, even as we celebrated the joys of God's Kingdom working at the university. He was a mentor, a colleague, a cherished friend.”

Later, before Pam moved to live closer to her children in the Chicago area, she was presented with the following plaque during a University Baptist worship service:

The Baptist Student Foundationat the

University of Illinoisrecognizes the sacrificial service of

Mr. Albert Fuson

Al joyfully served the Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the students and Alumni of the BSF, upholding a

rich tradition and envisioning a hopeful future. We thank God for his life and proudly live in the

shadow of his legacy.

Al served the BSF asPresident of the Alumni Association of Koinonia

CooperativeA member of University Baptist ChurchA staff member of the Baptist Student

FoundationA member of the Board of Trustees

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With encouragement from the Director of International Student Ministries at the time, Dr. Charles E. (Chuck) Warwick, over 50 international students and family members gathered with pastor Wayne Rogers (shown in the center of the above picture) on his final Sunday, January 26, 1992, prior to his family’s move to DeKalb, IL where he assumed the position of Area I Minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region.

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WAYNE AND DORIS ROGERS

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