Adlai S Croom (1892–1985)

A. S. Croom was the first president of Arkansas Christian College, the predecessor of Harding University, from 1922-1924. Despite his short tenure he was able to expand the school to a from a junior college to a four-year program, laying a strong foundation for the future university.

In addition to his work in the founding of Harding College, Croom served and worked with other colleges. He taught in Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas. He served as the last president of Cordell Christian College in Cordell, Oklahoma. In 1947 he took an active part in getting Oklahoma Christian College started. For many years he wrote articles for many Christian papers such as the Gospel Advocate, Christian Chronicle, Gospel Light, and others. He authored several books, namely, "Christian and War" (1946), "Early History of Harding College" (1954), "Man's Salvation by God's Grace" (1973), and others. Adlai Stevenson Croom died February 16, 1985, at Searcy, Arkansas. He was survived by his wife, Margaret Price, one son, John Adley, and one daughter, Sarah (Croom) Hatch. Funeral service was conducted by Jimmy Allen at the College Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery at Searcy, Arkansas. —In Memoriam, Gussie Lambert, 61-63.

His parents were members of the body of Christ, and his father an elder in the church. His father labored in word and doctrine, and taught publicly not only in his home congregation, but in near-by churches. Brother Croom received inspiration and encouragement to preach the gospel from the example of his father and from visiting preachers who made his father's home their home. Brother Croom entered Freed-Hardeman College in 1912, and graduated there from that college in 1914. After teaching one year, he entered the University of Louisville, and was graduated from that institution with the A.B. degree in 1919. Later he went to Harvard University and received his A.M. degree. While in Louisville he took the regular Greek and Hebrew offered at the S o u t h e r n Baptist Theological Seminary. Brother Croom's first preaching was done at Dereno, N. M., in the fall of 1914. Brother Croom taught the Bible and preached as he had opportunity while a student in the different educational institutions. He has been busy in the work of the Lord since he was baptized by L. L. Brigance at Henderson, Tenn., November 21, 1912. He is a businessman and a preacher; he combines his business profession with his work for the Lord. Wherever he has gone, he has worked for the church without any expense to the church. He has built up the church at Enid, Okla. He went to Enid in July, 1931. The writer had the pleasure of being associated with him in a meeting there and knows the good work that he has done. --- H. Leo Boles, Gospel Advocate, May 27, 1943, 492.