Pearl Lewis was born and raised in Bertha, MN where she taught school, preached in her home church, and served as Superintendent of the Sunday-school and of the Daily Vacation Bible Schools—all before attending Anderson Bible School and Seminary. At Anderson she served as the class Secretary-Treasurer and graduated with a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1929. Writing about the time she spent at Anderson, Pearl thanked God for the friendships she made which were a great encouragement to her.
After graduation, Miss Lewis was selected to pastor the Libby Church of God in Libby, MT (1929-1931) before serving a congregation in Billings, MT as their assistant pastor (1931-1932). She traveled to Bertha, MN in 1933 to serve three years as assistant pastor in her home church before returning to her former position in Billings, MT in 1936. Miss Lewis was appointed to the position of State President of Montana for the Church of God in 1938, and she continued to serve as the State President until 1940.
At Dr. A.F. Gray’s invitation, Miss Lewis joined the faculty of Pacific Bible College in 1940 as an English instructor. She recognized the college’s need for a library and began organizing and supervising its operation. In 1947, the college recognized her service by dedicating its second building, the Pearl Lewis Building, to her. Miss Lewis’ prayers for a library building on campus were fulfilled when the Otto F. Linn Library was dedicated on November 24, 1954. However, it would be nine more years before she was hired as Warner Pacific College’s first full-time librarian in 1963.
It was said of Miss Lewis that she was quiet, modest, and studious. When she spoke, she shared real wisdom. The Pearl Lewis Building was eventually renamed to A.F. Gray Hall in 1981, but the Pearl Lewis residences remain in recognition of Miss Lewis’ commitment and dedication to the university.