Ryman Auditorium
Nicholas Brodie Hardeman
1874-1965
Nicholas Brodie Hardeman was born on May 18, 1874, in Milledgeville, in McNairy County Tennessee. His parents were Dr. John Bellefont Hardeman and Nancy Jane Hardeman. He was baptized by R.P. Meeks while attending West Tennessee Christian College in 1890. In June of 1895, he graduated with a B.A. degree from this school which later became Georgie Robertson Christian College. He later received the M.S. degree from this same school.
He was a member of the faculty of Georgie Robertson Christian College for eight years, 1897-1905. In 1908, he and A.G. Freed established the National Teachers' Normal and Business College. It was renamed Freed-Hardeman College in 1919. Hardeman served as Vice President from 1908 to 1920. He served as co-president with Hall L. Calhoun from 1925-1926. Then served as president from 1926-1950.
Hardeman believed that one should be thoroughly grounded in all the fundamentals. He was known for his teaching abilities and disliked generalities.
Hardeman was a talented debater. His first debate was held with I. N. Penick, eminent Baptist educator. Hardeman had been preaching two years and was 25 years old. His last debate was with Ben M. Bogard in Little Rock, Arkansas. The debates with Boswell and Bogard were truly historic and rank among the greatest debates in history. The Boswell-Hardeman Debate on instrumental music conducted in Little Rock, April 19-22, 1938, was one of the greatest debate ever conducted.
Hardeman was an eloquent preacher. His faith in his God came through with no doubts. He was known to say, "I beleive the whale swallowed Jonah, but if the Bible said that Jonah swallowed the whale I would believe that as well."
N. B. Hardeman has been numbered as one of the great preachers. Those who knew the man never questioned his deep humility. When preaching gosple meetings he insisted that advertising never mentiond his name, only that God's word would be taught.
Although he never accepted an appointment as a local minister, he delivered thousands of sermons, seven volumes of which have been published. In his teaching at Freed-Hardeman College, and through his published sermons, he has influenced countless young preachers in their presentation of the gospel message. One meeting at the Union Avenue Church at Memphis, Tennessee, resulted in 84 baptisms with 14 others during the week that followed the meeting.
Hardeman was at his best in the classroom. Freed-Hardeman University exists today because of N. B. Hardeman and A. G. Freed. Their sacrifices brought it into being and navagated it through the great depression and the war years.
To his family Hardeman was kind, just, overgenerous, and gifted with a superb sense of humor. He not only preached to them lofty principles of honor and service, thrift and industry, but first practiced them himself. He was strongly supported by his beloved wife, "Miss Jo".
The feelings that the children had toward their father were love, devotion, deepest admiration, adoration and appreciation.
At his funeral, on November 8, 1965, at the Highland Church of Christ in Memphis, his dear friends J. M. Powell and B. C. Goodpasture spoke. His son gave a message of tribute. Stoy Pate and W.B. West worded beautiful prayers; Paul Brown led congregational singing of his favorite hymns.
At the graveside in Henderson, where a host of grieving friends surrounded him, B. B. James spoke the final words of love and respect and prayed the final prayer.
Chronology Of The Life of N.B. Hardeman
1855
Grandmother Hardeman is baptized by Wade Barrett in Middle Tennessee
July 2, 1863
John Bellefont Hardeman (25) marries Nancy Jane Smith (15), the parents of N.B. Hardeman
August 3, 1863
Arvy Glenn Freed is born in Saltillo, Indiana – 11 years before NBH
September 22, 1864
Eldest sister, Cornelia Anne was born
1869
Second child, Amanda is born
1871
Third child, first son, Dorsey born
May 18, 1874
Nicholas Brodie Hardeman is born in a small cabin north of Milledgeville, Tennessee
September 1876
Nancy Jane dies at age 28 erysipelas. Buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, just south of Enville, TN (NBH was 2 years old)
1877
J.B. Hardeman remarries Eliza Wade – To this union are born five children: Evia, Lon, Ella, John & Pearl
August 4, 1885
After 15 year's existence, the Masonic Male and Female Institute comes to an end, and with it begins the West Tennessee Christian College
Fall, 1889
A.G. Freed moves to Essary Springs, TN to start a school
1890
Family moves to Henderson, Tennessee – Brodie enters West Tennessee Christian College
December 1893
Dr. J.B. Hardeman, Brodie's father, moves to Henderson and places membership with the church on December 30.
1894
Brodie's brother Dorsey, dies at age 22 of pneumonia.
February 3, 1894
A.G. Freed comes to Henderson to become president of West Tennessee Christian College at age 32. NBH is in his fourth year.
May 1895
NBH graduates with B.A. from West Tennessee Christian College
Fall 1895
At 22 years old after graduation, NBH takes his first job as principal of a two-teacher school at Kenton, Tennessee
October 26, 1895
Miss Joe Tabler, is 16 years old and baptized by A.G. Freed
April 18, 1897
NBH preached his first sermon at Enville, Tennessee – the third Sunday in April
1897
At 23, NBH graduated from the Scientific Class, delivering the oration, Life is not a victory, but battle.
June 1897
NBH's first gospel meeting. A.G. Freed was scheduled to preach a meeting at Juno, (out from Lexington, Tennessee. For some reason couldn't make it, and sent young Brodie Hardeman in his place.
August, 1897
Attends Southern Normal University at Huntingdon, TN for short courses under Dr. Alfred Holbrook
December 7, 1897
Brodie returns to Henderson, to the new Georgie Robertson Christian College, joining the faculty – H.L. Calhoun made opening speech.
1897-1899
While teaching, Brodie attends GRC as a student working toward his M.A.
1898
Preached his first funeral, that of a Miss Patterson, at Estes Graveyard
June 5, 1898
Brodie delivers the valedictory address, Standing On The Threshold
August 25, 1898
NBH's first wedding ceremony for S.B. Smith & Eliza Philips
Tuesday, June 6, 1899
Brodie graduates from Georgie Robertson College with M.A.
November 1-4, 1899
NBH's First Debate – with I.N. Pinick at Pinson, TN on the subject of Baptism
1899
Presents diplomas to Business Class and "Joe Kendall Tabler" gave the Salutatory Address and she graduated in from the Scientific Class.
June 5, 1900
Presented diplomas to Business Class; "Joe Kendall Tabler" graduates from Classic Class. Alumni Assoc. lists NBH as president and "Miss Jo Tabler" as Secretary
1900
Trip to northeast (returned by 4th of July to Henderson)
April 21, 1901
Brodie and Joanna "Josie" Tabler are married on Sunday night at the Christian Church in Henderson, Tennessee, A.G. Freed performed ceremony
1901-1908
Three children born to Brodie and Josie: Dorsey Brodie, Mary Nelle, and Carrie Neal
1903
Division in Henderson Christian Church over use of the instrument in worship and the Missionary Society
September - October, 1903
The Henderson Church building is completed & first meeting across from the corner of A.G. Freed's home. It was built on property contributed to the church of Christ by Dr. John B. Hardeman, NBH's father.
November 19, 1903
Joe S. Warlick of Dallas, Texas comes to Henderson to debate Stark on the instrument
July 12-15, 1904
NBH's second debate – with T.P. Clark, on the church
1905
NBH teaches public school in Henderson
1905-1917
NBH serves as superintendant of Education in Chester County.
June 1905
Gospel Advocate reports that A.G. Freed had sold his interest in Georgie Robertson and moved to Denton, Texas to become president of Southwestern Christian College
July 1905
Teaches at an institute in Lawrenceburg, TN, preaching in evenings
September 11, 1905
Dr. John B. Hardeman, Brodie's father, dies. His son stood, with hand on his father's casket, as he preached his funeral
1907
A.G. Freed returns, and together with NBH a new school is started, and a new building is built, called the National Teacher's Normal and Business College.
February 18, 1907
A Debate with I.N. Pinnick at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Martin, Tennessee – 6 Day Debate
February 25, 1907
A Debate with I.N. Pinnick at Martin, Tennessee – 6 Day Debate
March 11, 1907
A Debate with I.N. Pinnick at Henderson Church of Christ – 6 Day Debate
September 10, 1908
Grand Opening of N.T.N. & B.C. (for next few years the school enjoyed great popularity maintaining over 500 students)
October 7, 1908
Death of Mrs. Ellen "Grandmother" Hardeman at Marl Bluff, near Centerpoint, in Chester County, TN.
December 23, 1909
Debate between NBH and Ben M. Bogard of Little Rock, Ark held at Refuge church of Christ – Four day debate; This was the first of four debates he had with Bogard over the years.
January 25, 1910
A meeting takes place that had been called on January 13: a call for a meeting of church leaders in West Tennessee to discuss the work to take place in Henderson. Met with strong disapproval by David Lipscomb in January 20th issue of the Gospel Advocate, rebutted by A.G. Freed & others.
January 1911
Family moves to corner of White and 2nd St. into the home of "Uncle John McCulley" to care for him, as his wife, Josie's aunt, had died just after Christmas. This location is where they spend rest of their lives, but not in this house. The house is moved in 1915 to another lot, and a new house is built in its place.
June 1911
E.N. "Daddy" Tabler, Josie's father, dies.
July 9-12, 1912
Hardeman-Taylor Discussion, near Milburn, Kentucky. H.B. Taylor (Baptist)
December 6-9, 1912
Four day debate between NBH & Ben M. Bogard in Dyer County, TN – NBH's 10th debate, whereas it was nearly the 100th for Bogard
June 1914
Debate with H.B. Taylor at Murray, Kentucky
July 1914
Debate with H.B. Taylor at Pottsville, Kentucky
1916
T.B. Larimore joins the staff of N.T.N. & B.C. to head the Bible Department, and serves as regular preacher for the Henderson church
1914-1916
T.B. Larimore joins the staff of N.T.N. & B.C. to head the Bible Department, and serves as regular preacher for the Henderson church
June 13-16, 1916
Four-day debate in Booneville, Miss. With D.A. Leak and NBH on the subject of instrumental music.
February 19-22, 1918
Four-day debate between NBH and J.E. Skinner (Baptist) of Jackson, Tenn. On the subjects the church, design of baptism, operation of the Holy Spirit, and Apostasy
July 1918
Third Sunday in July, Marshall Keeble brought in by NBH and other brethren to start a work among blacks. Oak Grove church begins. In 1925 Keeble commented that he believed it to be the largest black congregation in the brotherhood.
March 1919
A board of trustees purchased the NTN&BC from Freed and Hardeman for the price of $30,000.00, to be divided equally. They renamed the school, Freed-Hardeman College, much to the discouragement from both men. Freed continues as president, NBH as V.P.
1921
"Miss Joe's" health begins failing. She contracts diabetes
July 1921
Short, unpublicized debate between NBH and a Seventh Day Adventist preacher. Only about five hours long, and less than 50 people attending
March 28, 1922
First Tabernacle series at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. 6000 to 8000 in attendance, and est. 2000 turned away. Over 40 congregations in the Nashville area participated in the planning. The three week meeting involved 22 sermons, and saw over 200 baptisms, and 30 restorations.
1923
NBH & A.G. Freed leaves F-HC. A.G.F. moves to Nashville to work with David Lipscomb College as vice-president & principal of High School. NBH goes into evangelistic field.
April 1-22, 1923
2nd Tabernacle Sermon series at Ryman Auditorium. Resulted in over 100 baptisms, and a number of restorations. Est. as many as 7000 in attendance on each of the final two evenings.
May 31-June 5, 1923
Boswell-Hardeman Debate in the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee on the subject of Instrumental Music in worship. Five sessions of two hours each. F.B. Srygley was moderator for NBH & John B. Cowden moderated for Ira M. Boswell. – Over 6000 attended nightly
June 17, 1923
NBH departs for a trip to the Bible Lands with I.A. Douthitt for three months – Holds numerous lectures on the tour in different places, some of which were printed
September, 1923
Beginning of the first of nine annual tent meetings held on the grounds of Shiloh National Battlefield. Thousands attended from all over the south to come to this meeting each year.
December 18-20, 1923
NBH Lectured at the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville on "Egypt And The Holy Land"
January, 1924
Preached two meetings in Los Angeles, California
Held four meetings through the year in Detroit, Michigan. One in April was a joint-effort with churches in the city. Attendance was between 800 and 1800 each night.
December, 1924
The Hardeman's home caught fire, being seriously damaged, but not destroyed.
1925
NBH and Hall L. Calhoun serve as co-presidents of Freed-Hardeman College
March 1925
NBH held meeting in Atlanta, GA
April 1925
NBH held meeting in Washington, DC
May 1925
NBH held meeting at Pearl & Bryan in Dallas, Texas
July 1925
NBH held meeting at Abilene, Texas
After 22 years the Henderson church begins meeting at Chapel Hall in the college administration building, due to the inadequacy of the church building to accommodate growth and classroom space
Young Dorsey develops tuberculosis – goes to Gainesville, Fl to for change of climate and attends University of Florida.
December 26, 1926
N.B.H. preaches a gospel meeting at Central Church of Christ church building in Nashville, Tennessee. The services are telecasted on radio channel WDAD (his first preaching on the radio)
October 6, 1927
Gospel Advocate publishes statement of restored relationships between A.G. Freed and N.B. Hardeman, with a signed statement from both
1928
Many Gospel Meetings – See NBH p.227 for details
Spring 1928
NBH's friendship and influence with Tennessee Governor Henry Horton, brought about having a highway directed through Henderson. Until that time Henderson had no highway running through it. Hwy. 45 as routed through Henderson is due to his efforts
March 18-April 1, 1928
Third Tabernacle Sermons at Ryman Auditorium, with A.G. Freed sitting on stage. 21 sermons preached, B.H. Murphy led singing.
April 23, 1928
During a gospel meeting in Detroit, Michigan, Paul R. Gray of Gray Estate Co., attended the meeting. So impressed he was that he gave N.B.H. $50,000 toward the building of a new men's dorm
March, 1929
NBH in a cooperative meeting in Montgomery, AL
September 11, 1930
Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee meeting with over 3000 in attendance, meeting repeated in 1931
November 1932
Henderson church building burns as it was being readied for a meeting. Two workers were starting a fire in the old furnace. Build caught fire and burned to the ground. Only the steps survive.
February 28, 1935
A contribution of some land by J.W. Brooks family of Athens, Ala. Sold to the U.S. Government for $23,000.00 as part of Wheeler Dam project-land that was immersed under the waters of the Tennessee River when the Dam was complete. The money saved the school from "going under."
Summer 1937
The Hardemans made a trip to Restoration Cites including Cane Ridge, Kentucky & Bethany, West Virginia
1938
Daniel Sommer visits the campus for a series of lectures. He was 89 years old
Held four meetings in Texas in 1938. Longview in March, Pampa in June, Sweetwater and Waco in July.
April 19-22, 1938
Debate between NBH and Ben M. Bogard in Little Rock, Ark. – Debate was printed by Gospel Advocate. Each speech was broadcasted over KARK radio. Discussed Apostasy, Baptism, Church, Work of Holy Spirit – more than 200 preachers of the C/C attended
August, 1938
Cooperative meeting in Mayfield, Kentucky with over 16 congregations in Graves County coordinating the meeting.
October 16-30, 1938
Fourth Tabernacle Sermons at Ryman. NBH is 64 years old
February 18-25, 1940
16 congregations cooperate to host NBH for a meeting in Harlingen, Texas. Harlingen Municipal Auditorium seating 3000 was filled to overflowing. "Miss Joe" is with him, not something she always did. Son, Dorsey was in attendance; the last time they saw each other.
May 5, 1940
"Miss Joe" attended with NBH, a Commencement exercise program in Wingo, Kentucky
May 6, 1940
"Miss Joe" Hardeman passes away unexpectedly at 7:15pm
October 12, 1940
Dorsey marries Miss Geneva Moore of Brownsville, Texas in Henderson, Tennessee
July 1940
NBH remarried, Annie Brown Ward in the home of her brother in Pulaski, Tennessee. L.L. Brigance performed the ceremony.
November 1-8, 1942
Fifth and final Tabernacle Sermons at the War Memorial Building and the Central Church of Christ building – 5 Sermons; First to be broadcasted over the radio
November 14-28, 1943
Cooperative Meeting In Dallas, Texas
July 8, 1945
NBH held a gospel meeting in Haleyville, Alabama
August 1945
R.W. Comer, good friend and financier of Hardeman and his college, died in Nashville. NBH preached the funeral. In the will was left $200,000 for an endowment for Freed-Hardeman College
January 7, 1947
FHC hosted the debate between G.C. Brewer and W. Carl Ketcherside on the "College" question
January 25, 1947
Cooperative meeting in Houston, Texas with NBH. At the Music Hall for one week- 22 congregations involved.
Grandson Mark Nicholas is born to Dorsey and Geneva
1949
Grandson Bryan is born to Dorsey and Geneva
April 17, 1949
NBH preaches the first sermon in the newly constructed church building built across the corner from his home. Between 600 and 700 in attendance. On the corner of White and Second Streets. Costing $75,000.00
February 1950
Problems at F-HC lead to NBH's resignation from the school. – His friend and co-laborer L.L. Brigance passes away
1951
Held eleven Gospel Meetings during the year
1952
Held eleven Gospel Meetings during the year
March 1952
Montgomery Meeting at West Side Church – two wire recordings of NBH's sermons were made. Now possessed by the family.
1953
Germantown, Tennessee—NBH rode a horse in a show for the last time Held fourteen Gospel Meetings that year
1954
Moved To Memphis, but placed his membership with no congregation. He was continually involved in meeting work, conducting nine Gospel Meetings that year.
1955
Conducted 13 gospel meetings that year
1956
Conducted 13 gospel meetings that year
1957
Conducted 10 gospel meetings that year
1958
Conducted 9 gospel meetings that year
May 18, 1959
Memphis, TN, 750 people meet at Peabody Hotel to celebrate the 85th Birthday of N.B.H. In attendance were dignitaries including: Governor of Tennessee, Buford Ellington; Senator Albert Gore; Senator Estes Kefauver; and Senator and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas. Conducted six gospel meetings in 1959
1960
Conducted 4 gospel meetings that year
March 1961
NBH's last meeting at Woodbury, Tennessee, and only meeting for the year
March 21, 1961
Gospel Advocate, open letter from former student Carroll Wrinkle apologizing for his part in mounting an organized attack on Brother Hardeman in 1950 that led to his departure from Freed-Hardeman. Wrinkle admitted it was a conspiracy, and openly begged Hardeman's forgiveness. Many other letters of apology were recieved. The Freed-Hardeman College administration and Board of Directors never admited wrong doing or apologized, although personal letters of apology were recieved from individual members, including very high ranking members of the Freed-Hardeman College Administration. These letters are in the possession of the Hardeman family, but they did not wish to make public the letters or the names involved.
November 5, 1965
NBH suffered a stroke, leading to his death within three hours.
November 8, 1965
Funeral at Highland church in Memphis, Tenn. J.M. Powell & B.C. Goodpasture spoke. Dorsey gave and impassioned eulogy, Stoy Pate and W.B. West led prayers. B.B. James conducted the brief graveside service at Henderson Cemetery.
-Source: by J.M. Powell, Joanne Hardeman Bradshaw, Gospel Advocate Company, The Hardeman Archives, N. B Hardeman Library, therestorationmovement.com.
