July 28, 2006 - The Ryan Center has been pleased to receive significant book donations recently from two area businessmen, Robert Caldwell of Jackson and Lee Simmons of Lexington. This was the second donation from both men. Caldwell donated a large number of books valued at thousands of dollars. As he gave the books, Caldwell stated, “These books are my friends.” This was not merely a collection but books that had nurtured and encouraged him over the years. Although he hated to part with these “friends” of his, he believed that the Kingdom of Christ would be better served if a broader audience had ready access to them.

The collection included centuries-old classics such as the complete works of Jonathan Edwards in library-quality hardback, numerous books by Charles Spurgeon as well as a magnificent portrait of Spurgeon, and numerous recordings of sermons and lectures by a variety of evangelical giants. The theological richness and fine condition of the books have already caught the attention of visitors to the Center. The Spurgeon volumes will be used to start a specific Spurgeon collection and the Spurgeon portrait already hangs prominently in the Center.

Ray Van Neste said, “Spurgeon is an appropriate figure to be highlighted by the Center for Biblical Studies. As a Baptist pastor he brought the bible to the common person in a remarkable way. His sermons had theological depth as well as pastoral warmth and evangelical fervor. He stands as a model of communicating the bible to the people, which is what the Ryan Center exists to do as well.”

Simmons also noted that he felt he wanted to pass on the richness of his books. His donation, valued at several hundred dollars, included a number of key texts on pastoral ministry such as Lloyd-Jones’ Preaching and Preachers and other classic works such as J.I. Packer’s Knowing God.

Guests of the center have been delighted to peruse the recent additions. More than one has commented on the quality of the collection, not just the condition of the material but the richness of the titles included. One patron was amazed to discover that these particular works came from the personal libraries of church laymen, noting that the collections rival that of many pastors.