Ted Scholl was born in 1893, near Odessa, Russia. His ancestors were German immigrants, brought to the Ukraine by Peter the Great to help improve farming methods in that area. When he was only nine weeks old, his parents took him and his two brothers and began a long and dangerous journey to America. The Homestead Act was in effect and they settled near Fort Randall, living for the first few years in a sod house, and finally settling in Fairfax, SD. After his schooling through the eighth grade, he worked as a postal clerk for three years.

Ted moved to Rapid City in 1930, where he opened a furniture and floor covering store. He joined and became active in the First Baptist Church. The minister at that time was J. Clyde Clark, and he and Mrs. Clark frequently invited Ted to their home. These occasions meant a great deal to Ted, because, not only were the Clarks gracious hosts, but they also provided an opportunity for him to know Mrs. Clark's sister, Wilma, who was living with them at the time. He and Wilma were married in 1931. They had one daughter, Naomi Broida.

These simple facts give little indication of the life of dedication and service that was to follow. While living in Fairfax, then a thriving little community, Ted served as mayor and undertaker, a service often provided by furniture stores in those days. On Sundays he taught the Baptist Young Men's Class (BYMC) which had as its motto: "Be square on week days and 'round on Sundays'." The group often went camping at the Pactola site of Camp Judson. This was probably Ted's first experience with Camp Judson.The BYMC, a source of great pride and satisfaction throughout Ted's life, was more than the average Sunday School class. The class had reunions every five years at least through the 1960's, and kept in touch with one another. A brief note from the Reverend Edrie Regier following a visit Ted made reflects the admiration and respect the class members had for him: "Ted, thank you for all the years (40) you have been such an inspiration to me. Every time I see Ted Scholl go by, I see a man 10 feet tall. You have inspired me so many times. I know the Lord has used you... .I do pray for you and with you... Your friend, Edrie."Throughout his life Ted worked hard, played hard, and gave countless hours of service to his church and community. At First Baptist Church in Rapid City, he served with great energy and enthusiasm in almost all areas of the church program. In the 1950's he became general chairman for the financing and construction of the present building.

He served for twenty years on the Board of Education of the Rapid City Schools. He played a major role in the passing of a bond issue for new construction, and in providing support for improved instruction and the welfare of teachers. Part of his concern for quality education was influenced by memories of unpleasant experiences in the meager little prairie schools he had attended.He loved the out-of-doors, and was an avid gardener and sports enthusiast. He never went anywhere without a soft ball, bat and glove in the car - he just never knew when an opportunity for a quick game might present itself.

Camp Judson was one of his favorite places, and with his interest in camping for Christian young people, his love for the Black Hills, and his dedication to God, it became a passion. His role in finding the site for the present camp took him on travels from Spearfish to Hot Springs in search of the best location. Ray Schroeder (Christian Education Director at this time) remarked, "Camp Judson, I think, stands as a monument to the vision of some people who could look at a mountain and see the potential for a camp that in the future would spark the spiritual growth of so many people." Among these visionaries, everyone agreed, was Ted Scholl. "Without Ted," said Executive Secretary Nallinger, "I don't think it would have been possible to build Camp Judson." He also had almost daily hands-on involvement with the construction of the buildings. Ground-breaking for this site occurred in the spring of 1954 and construction followed. Ted took charge of securing volunteer workers and materials for the project. In an account of the actual cost of the "new" camp, under "Donations" there is an item of the 8,900 miles Ted traveled during this project. He and his constant dog companion, Trixie, must have known every inch of the road between Rapid City and Camp Judson. Where building was concerned, he could be an exasperating perfectionist, and it is certain that he did all he could to see that it was done right.A few of his accomplishments are now noted:

As head of the Camp Committee, Ted counseled a waiting period during the uncertain days of the transition from the old camp to the present site. More use was urged in training Baptists of all ages, and seeing the camp was compensated sufficiently for the loss of the old site.Despite conscientious workmen, volunteers, and purchase of materials at favorable prices, the available capital ran low. The Convention Board authorized Mr. Scholl to seek a $20,000 loan, a sum readily granted by veteran Rapid City banker Mr. Art Dahl, a Lutheran.Ted personally laid the colorful tile in the Camp kitchen in 1960.

He secured and directed workman in the pouring of the concrete extension, including the steps in front of Roger Williams Lodge.In the 1970's he designed and oversaw the construction of Outreach Lodge.Extremely protracted negotiations with the Forest Service culminated in 1977 in exchange of land purchased by the Convention near Pactola Lake for the Camp Judson acreage previously held on lease. Ted masterminded negotiations from 1970 until he left the state in 1973, but for a few more years continued working Camp Judson business. This was a frustrating and tedious scenario involving levels of government all the way to Washington D.C.

At a reunion of the Baptist Young Men's Class in 1935, Ted gave some advice - comments that reveal the kind of man he was throughout the 89 years of his life. In part "...We must never become so completely taken up with our work and business that we have no time to enjoy outings and play; it is possible to become so engrossed in work that we run in a circle and get nowhere. We should enjoy the beauties of God's wonderful creation. We must cultivate the desire of our hearts...no brilliance, no physical power, mechanical efficiency influential friends, or mental equipment can build for you the life triumphant unless these are united to your own knowledge that you have a place to fill in the world, that you have a minis fry to perform in your generation, that you are sent by God to serve. And remember his words when he said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends'."