History of BJU

Greenville, SC (1980s)

Dr. Bob III with the Reagans front fountain War Memorial Chapel snow sculpture

After a twelve-year legal battle with the IRS, the Supreme Court removed Bob Jones University's tax-exempt status. What some thought was certain to be a deathblow only increased the school's growth and effectiveness for the cause of Christ. Dr. Bob Jones III continued to emphasize the need for outreach both locally and worldwide. He became instrumental in church planting ministries across the country and the world through both preaching and financial support from the school. As part of this effort, the University established the WORLD (Workers Of Righteousness Lending Dollars) Fund to provide financial assistance to foreign students who planned to return to their homeland. In addition, the University sent out student summer mission teams, led by various faculty and staff members, that assisted preachers and missionaries in a variety of ways, including evangelism, building projects, and church ministries. Today, there are approximately ten mission teams that minister throughout the world each summer.

Greenville, SC (1990s)

Dr. Bob III in FMA Gustafson Fine Arts Center Jones Family Seminary

In the mid-1990s, Bob Jones University launched its BJ LINC and BJ HomeSat satellite programs, which benefit thousands of students from homeschool families and Christian schools everyday. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Bob Jones Jr. went home to be with the Lord on November 12, 1997. In remembrance of his zeal for preaching the Word and seeking the salvation of souls, the Bob Jones Jr. Memorial Seminary and Evangelism Center was built in his honor. With the assistance of Bob Jones faculty and staff, the Museum and Gallery launched the first Living Gallery on April 9, 1998. Still a highlight each Easter, this unique production presents the gospel through music, drama, and live works of art.