(IAiE.o.h:n n £lbQEand £ltEnanlf CoQQECfE .,. -~ '. 1- '; " ~ .. . . . -..... , " .. ...••. ;. ,··-t_ The realization of the need of a Bible school in the western states led to the opening of a Western Bible and Literary College at Odessa, Missoun in the fall of 1905. Dr. J. N. Armstrong, then on the faculty at Bowling position there to become president of the new school. The locating of the college at Odessa makes an interesting story. A. D Gardner, one of the founders of the school was interested in having the schae locate near Paragould, Arkansas. He offered thirty-five acres of land for the school's use. However, when the people at Odessa heard of plans for th school, they were willing to provide buildings already prepared. Consequently the second step toward Harding College began at Odessa, Missouri. In the fall of 1905 when the doors of the new school were first opened there were approximately fifty boarding students and fifty local students. R. C. Bell, B. F. Rhodes, R. N. Gardner, and Woodson Harding Armstrong were on the faculty of eleven members. Failing health caused Dr. Armstrong to resign as president of the schoo after the first two years. He was successded by R. N. Gardner, who was presi· dent for eight years. Doors were closed in 1916 and support was thrown to the next step toward Harding College which was at Cordell, Oklahoma.
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