N. B. Hardeman
Along with Arvy G. Freed, Hardeman in 1907 co-founded what became Freed-Hardeman University, first known as the National Teachers Normal and Business College, or NTN&BC, in Henderson, Tennessee.
In the late 1890s and early 1900s a split occurred within the local Christian Church/church of Christ in regard to the use of musical instruments in the worship services.
Because the Georgie Robertson administration was pro-musical instruments, Hardeman resigned as vice president of the institution.
Because of the lack of funding from private sources, mostly a result of the withdrawal of members and opposition to the use of musical instrument in worship, Georgie Robertson ceased operations after the 1906–1907 school year.
Hardeman and A. G. Freed, the former president of Georgie Robertson College, were approached by local businessmen about opening a new institution of high learning.
Wanting the new facility to remain in Henderson, Freed and Hardeman offered to purchase the land and buildings of Georgie Robertson.
Because construction was underway on the new school, the 1907–1908 academic year was conducted in local businesses along Front Street.
The new Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center, built on the site of the old Milan-Sitka Gymnasium, opened at the beginning of the Fall 2007 semester.
In 1919, NTN&BC was purchased from Freed and Hardeman, and a board of trustees composed of church of Christ members was authorized to operate the college.
By unanimous decision, NTN&BC was renamed in honor of the two founders and became Freed-Hardeman College.
His debate with the Missionary Baptist clergyman, Ben M. Bogard of Little Rock, Arkansas, was considered one of his finest performances in the exchange of theological views.
[1] The highlight of Hardeman's preaching career was his Tabernacle Sermons at the Ryman Auditorium, a series of five lectures held in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1922, 1923, 1928, 1938, and 1942.
Meanwhile, Freed went on to become vice president of David Lipscomb College in Nashville, a position that he held until his death in 1931.
In April 1950, Hardeman resigned the presidency of FHC and left Henderson to reside in Memphis.
He continued to preach and hold a limited amount of gospel meetings until his health prevented him from doing so.
[5] In 2019, Oklahoma Christian University renamed an auditorium named after Hardeman because of his racist views.
From July 1–3, 2007, "Tabernacle Sermons Today" was held at Ryman Auditorium with former students of Hardeman and former professors and preachers of the church of Christ taking part in the event.
