USA > Iowa > The Presbyterian Church in Iowa, 1837-1900; history > Part 4
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The "greatest good" seems to have been prominently identified in his mind with the cause of Christian education. The adequate reasons for this conviction are set forth in the following section of his will, in which he speaks of "having
long been convinced that the future welfare of our country, the permanence of its institutions, the progress of our divine religion and an enlightened Christianity greatly depended up- on the general diffusion of education under correct moral and religious influences."
This conception of the benevolent duties of a Christian man furnishes a much-needed lesson. Tithing became a deep-seated conviction in the mind of Mr. Parsons even under the stress of reverses. So thoroughly did this model philanthropist believe in the blessedness of giving that he regularly tithed a clerkship salary of $250 a year; and with returning prosperity exceeded the Scriptural tithe to the extent of appropriating $150 a year to each of the follow- ing enterprises, the American Bible Society, American Tract Society, the Home Mission Society and the American Board This he did when his yearly income did not exceed $1,600, and his family numbered twelve persons. His continued prosperity and his beautiful life give added proof that "the Lord loveth a cheerful giver."
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The depreciation of values incident to the Civil War deferred the establishment of the college for twenty years after the death of Mr. Parsons. It was not until Feb. 24, 1875, that the articles of incorporation were finally signed and Parsons College was located at Fairfield, a stronghold of Presbyterianism in Iowa.
Parsons may be said to be a lineal descendant of the first Presbyterian college in Iowa, begun at Yellow Springs in the early part of the last century. This college was well thought of by Mr. Parsons, and he was on his way to visit it when his last sickness put an end suddenly to his journey. The war proved fatal to that school, for upon the preaching of a patriotic sermon by its president, at the opening of the war, all the male students enlisted before the following Mon- day.
In deciding upon the location of the college the execu- tors of Mr. Parson's will were led to choose Fairfield from the fact that, in addition to the offer of most liberal financial assistance, there was appreciation on the part of the citizens of the religious significance of the movement. In the meet- ing to finally decide, Elder William Elliott, of the Fairfield Church opened the deliberations with prayer.
In the spirit of its founder, Parsons College has always combined practical business wisdom and careful manage- ment with an unbounded enthusiasm for the things of mind and spirit. Debts have very seldom accumulated; they have never reached large proportions, and such as have been in- curred for short periods have been promptly discharged.
It has always been the good fortune of the college to profit through the wise advice and assistance of Christian business men. Brevet Major General Lewis B. Parsons, son of the founder, is chief among such friends and benefactors. His remarkable ability for doing things, manifested during his brilliant service in the Civil War, he has devoted to the in- terests of the college time and again to its great benefit. The co-operation of such a man is priceless.
Colonel Charles Parsons, brother of General Parsons, and some time president of the State National Bank of St. Louis, was another business man to whom the college owed much. Like his father, he was successful in business, cul- tured in taste, and public spirited. The college still mourns his death which occurred Sept. 15, 1905.
Mr. Thomas D. Foster, of Ottumwa, Ia., as Vice-Presi- dent of the Board of Trustees, is another one of those Chris- tian business men whose living interest in Christian educa- tion has contributed much to the success of Parsons College. His devotion to the college is such as a man would take m his own private business.
And what shall be said of the years of faithful service . rendered this institution by Rev. Willis G. Craig, D.D.,. L.L.D .? Instrumental in organizing the college, he has been president of the Board of Trustees during the almost thirty-one years of the life of the school, Such a term of service is in itself remarkable, and in it one may see the fidelity and wisdom with which the office has been ad- ministered.
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HISTORY
The institution has been favored in its leadership. Rev. John Armstrong, D. D., as financial agent brought it funds and friends. He gave largely of his own means. But he gave his heart and his life. As first President he saw the first graduating class of 16 nearing their commencement, when he was called home. His monument on the Campus is a fitting memorial of what he did, and what he was.
The leader fallen in the prime of life, it was appropriate that the veteran Dr. E. J. Gillett, long before President of Yellow springs College, should send out, in 1879, the first class of the new college. From that day on the college has moved steadily upward. That indefatigable worker, Dr. T. D. Ewing, did double work for church and college till 1889. Dr. Ambrose C. Smith bore the burden from 1890 to 1896. The young aud vigorous D. E. Jenkins served till called to Omaha Theological Seminary, in 1902; and Dr. F. W. Hinitt left the college in 1904 for a presidency in Danville, Ky.
Rev. Willis E. Parsons, D.D., the seventh President of the College is now in the second year of service in the school which his grandfather founded. When President Hinitt resigned to accept a like position at Central University, the Committee appointed to nominate a successor, turned with one mind to Dr. Parsons. His acceptance of the call gave general satisfaction to all friends of the college.
Dr. Parsons was born on Iowa soil, but most of his life was spent in Michigan, where he received his school and col- lege education. He is an alumnus of Olivet College and of Princeton seminary. After twenty years of service in the
ministry in two churches he came to his new work. Pres- ident Parsons has the four qualifications of a college presi- dent: Christian character, faith in young people, the tastes of a scholar, and administrative ability of a high order. The friends of the institution are expecting great things from him, and will not be disappointed. Under his leader- ship, or leadership like his, Parsons College has an assured future among the best Christian institutions of learning.
The inner workings of the college have been marked by a general advance toward the realizition of larger things. The beginnings were of course small. Work commenced immediately after the school was incorporated, and reci- tations were held in the home of the President. The follow- ing summer work was commenced on a building for recita- tion purposes. A few years later $19,000 was expended in erecting the center and wing of a building to be completed in the future. New life was given the college in 1891, when a fund of $75,000 was raised. This secured the completion of Ankeny Hall, the main building, and added a snug sum to the growing endowment. In 1895 the endowment was further increased by the gift of $25.000 left by Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D.D., LL.D., professor in McCormick Theological Seminary. The will of Mr. Calvin Ballard, of Winterest, Iowa, in 1899, made possible the erection of Ballard Hall, the beautiful dormitory for women.
The uninterrupted and rather remarkable growth of the college was checked by the burning of Ankeny Hall on the night of August 19, 1902. This was a serious blow, and
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hearts were heavy. No one dared predict the splendid re- tablishment of new professorships and the maintenance of covery from loss which was actually witnessed during the new buildings. two years immediately following. The disaster seems to have been the signal for a still more vigorous forward movement. Within a short time after the fire two completely equipped modern structures replaced the ruined building.
Foster Science Hall is a model of its kind. The perfec- tion of its appointments for the study of physics, chemistry and biology make it a joy to teacher and student. The build- ing contains a vivarium, dark-room, four lecture-rooms with demonstration desks, and nine completely equipped laboratories for various branches of scientific work. An engine and lathe, in the basement, furnish the means for constructing certain pieces of new apparatus. The facil- ities in biology and chemistry have raised the premedical work to the standard required by the best medical schools.
Fairfield Hall, the gift of the citizens of Fairfield, is the new building used for general collegiate work.
There is in process of erection a library building, the gift of Mr. Andrew Carnegie and Mr. Foster, which will be thoroughly modern and up-to-date, and the most beautiful building on the campus.
By the will of the late Colonel Charles Parsons, $80,000 will come to the college to be added to the permanent endow- ment fund. This makes the gifts from all sources to the col- lege the past year $102,800. This will, in part, enable the college to meet the enlarging demands incident to the es-
With long-continued advance in material things there has come a corresponding advance in the realization of the purpose to give a thorough education in an institution which represents the essentials of the Christian faith. The first catalogue, issued in 1876, contains the name of but one college student, a sophomore, while there were sixty-five enrolled in the academy. The day of senior classes soon came. In 1880 a class of sixteen was graduated under the presidency of Dr. Gillett, who had been the President of Yellow Springs College. At the present time the enrollment of the college departments exceed that of the academy. Graduating classes have varied from six to twenty-four.
It is always interesting to learn what the men and women who have been graduated from a college have done in the world. It is specially interesting to see what they have done for the "kingdom." For this showing Parsons is specially grateful, for of her 324 alumni 40 per cent. of the men have entered the Christian ministry, and nineteen have gone as foreign missionaries. Eighteen per cent. have become bus- iness and professional men and 30 per cent. of the total list of alumni have become teachers.
Such is the record, and such are the prospects of Par- sons College, at the end of its thirty-first year, and with these it comes before the great company of Presbyterians and asks for their prayers, their gifts and their children. See Picture Gallery pp. 76-7.
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HISTORY
Buena Vista College, Storm Lake
Buena Vista College, like some other institutions of its kind, had its beginnings in a history prior to that of Buena Vista College proper. In October, 1883, the Calliope Acad- emy was taken under the care of the Ft. Dodge Presbytery which then constituted the Northwest quarter of the state of Iowa. Two years later the school was moved to Ft. Dodge and given the name of the Ft. Dodge Collegiate Insti- tute. The Rev. F. L. Kenyon was chosen president and served in this capacity until the Spring of 1889. He was succeeded by the Rev. L. Y. Hayes. Two years later it was decided that the school would not be a success as then locat- ed. Accordingly the Ft. Dodge and Sioux City Presbyteries, which had resulted from a division of the old Ft. Dodge Presbytery appointed a joint commission of twelve men to take into consideration a new location and the reorgan- ization of the school. After much careful and prayerful consideration of a number of propositions from different towns the commission met in Storm Lake on the 8th of July, 1891, for final action; and on the following day perfect- ed the organization and incorporation of Buena Vista Col- lege, and located it at Storm Lake, Iowa. The Synod of Iowa unanimously adopted it as a Synodical institution at its regular meeting the following fall. It is under the gen- eral supervision of Synod and by charter provision its Board of Trustees are elected by Synod-two-thirds of whom must be members of the Presbyterian Church in good and regular
standing. Before the first year had closed of what we are accustomed to think of as Buena Vista College, President Hayes died and it became necessary to look for a successor. The choice fell upon the Rev. J. M. Lynn who was elected president June 17th, 1892.
At the time of the founding of the college under its present charter a site had been donated by the citizens of Storm Lake and money enough had been secured from the sale of lots to erect a handsome and substantial structure of pressed bricks and stone for a main college building. The cost of this building, including heating plant and furniture, was over $27,500. This building was erected during the summer of 1892. During the same summer three more buildings were erected for college use, viz., a Ladies' Cottage, a Boys' Dormitory and a President's Home. The two former were built by a company of Storm Lake men and the latter by President Lynn with the understanding that the college would secure the money to take the buildings off their hands as soon as possible. President Lynn served the school for two years when he resigned. Rev. John MacAllister pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Storm Lake, was re- quested by the Executive Committee to act as President pro tempore, which position he filled throughout the year in con- nection with his pastorate. On July 31st, 1895, Prof. Willis Marshall, Principal of Hungerford Academy, Springville, Utah, was elected president. President Marshall continued
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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
with the school for two years. Rev. Harvey Hostetler was chosen to succeed him at an adjourned meeting of the Board of Trustees held on June 28th, 1897. After three years of hard and faithful work for the institution, President Hos- tetler tendered his resignation. On the 7th of August, 1900, the Rev. E. E. Reed was elected president and began his work in connection with the opening of the new school year. Prior to this time the school had no endowment and like most young institutions of its kind its struggles had been between life and death. President Reed took up his work with the intention of raising an endowment ..
By May 20th, 1902, over $51,000 had been subscribed for this purpose, including the money for the purchasing of the President's Home. Prior to this the school had done only partial collegiate work. The faculty was enlarged, the science department equipped for advanced work, and the junior year added to the course. The following year the senior work was carried and in June, '04, a college class of four was graduated. In 1905 another class of four was turned out and. in 1906 a class of eight. In the late fall of 1904 president Reed was taken sick and was laid aside from his work till September of the following year. During the past few months a movement for another $50,000 of en- dowment was started, and at that present date, June 1, 1906, subscriptions amounting to $22,500 have been secured. During the past few years much attention has been given to
building up the library and to teaching the students the use of a library. In five years' time the number of books drawn from the library increased from less than 100 to 1500. A Y. M. and a Y. W. C. A. were organized among the students on the Day of Prayer for Colleges, January, 1901. These associations have steadily grown in numbers and efficiency. During the past year most of the students in regular attend- ance upon the college have been members of these associa- tions. Recently a Volunteer Band has been organized among the students and for the past several months every student in the college department has been a professing Christian and a church member. The college spirit is abroad among the students to a delightful degree, the circle of friends for the school has been growing both in Iowa and in the East and the outlook for Buena Vista was never brighter than at the present.
During the summer of 1906 President Reed resigned his position at the head of Buena Vista College and accepted the presidency of Lenox College. After Commencement and before closing his work with Buena Vista he secured $5,000 to pay for the Music Hall and the balance of indebted- ness on the College Press, besides a considerable amount towards current expenses. In all Dr. Reed raised for this school in cash and pledges over One Hundred Thousand Dollars during the six years of his presidency. See Picture Gallery pp. 89-112.
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HISTORY
Corning Academy, Corning
We give space to this young survivor of our academies. Its field is the south-western quarter of the state. It is full of faith and promise, and may yet illustrate the power of pre- destination and perseverance, and blossom out as a College.
Corning Academy owes its origin to two causes-an earnest desire on the part of the citizens of Corning to es- tablish an institution for higher education in their midst and an equally strong desire on the part of the members of the Council Bluffs Presbytery to found an academy in this part of the state.
In the spring of 1885 the citizens of Corning under the leadership of Rev. S. M. Johnson, pastor of the Presby- terian church, determined to secure if possible the location of such an academy. The effort was heartily seconded by Presbytery and also the Board of Aid for Colleges and Acad- emies. The sum of $18,000 was subscribed by the citizens of Corning and Adams county; the largest subscription be- ing that of Judge Barnett, of Carbon, whose generous gift of $4,000 first assured the success of the enterprise. About $2,000 was secured from different churches and individuals in the Presbytery which made a building fund of $20,000. The site purchased was the property of Mr. Crippin, whose residence is now the home of the Principal.
The school was organized on the 6th of October, 1885, with Rev. S. L. McAfee as Principal. Mr. George W. Frank gave the use of a part of the Bank Building, which is now
the Bacon Hotel, where the school was held for the first year and the first term of the second year. The total en- rollment of the first year in the Literary Department was forty-two. At the close of the Academic year, June 16, 1886, the corner stone of the new building was laid with ap- propriate ceremonies. Mr. McAfee continued his efficient and faithful work as head of the institution until June, 1889, when he resigned to accept a position in Park College. Nineteen students were graduated during his leadership.
From September, 1889, till June, 1890, Mr. Clark, a graduate of Princeton was acting Principal, at which time Rev. T. D. Ewing, D. D., former President of Parson's College, was elected. He took charge of the work at once and his eminent fitness for the position was soon evident. The attendance increased, new life was infused, and the school became an important factor of Pres- byterianism in southwestern Iowa. Dr. Ewing was an ex- cellent educator and always insisted on having teachers who were college graduates. His executive ability was of the highest order, and under his administration the Academy attained its greatest prosperity. The moral and religious tone of the school was always strong. The influence of Dr. Ewing will long be felt in this part of the state, and be shown in the lives of those who graduated from Corning Academy under his administration. From one hundred and seventy graduates a large number have entered
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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
the ministry and several are on the Foreign Mission Field. Five are pursuing a theological course at the present time.
Dr. Ewing died July 31, 1905, and Mr. Frederick Currens was elected Principal. The present year shows a large increase in attendance, being twice that of last year. Much has been done by way of general improvements-new fur- naces, both in the Academy and Young Ladies' Hall, also
varnish and paper in the latter. Apparatus has been added in the science department and gymnasium. Additions have also been made to the library. The course of study has been strengthened, and is of an exceptionally high standard. The interest of the citizens of Corning and vicinity has increased greatly and the prospect of a bright future lies be- fore the Academy. (See gallery page 111)
Dubuque Seminary
People of a far country and a strange language may, with infinite patience, fit themselves into a new community and learn the strange language, as their children bring it in from street and school. But when more than a hundred thousand a year are bringing the same language to this coun- try they do not sit down among us in single families. They come in companies, they congregate in the cities, they enter the richest regions of our land and sweep them clean of race and language.
This fact presents the great problem of our cities and even of large portions of our land. The Germans are second to none in the wealth of brain and brawn and in- telligence they bring. And largely they bring us the rel- ligion of the Reformation. Generally they will speak the language of the fatherland until they die. So they must have an educated ministry of their own.
The first man to discover and utilize this idea was Rev. Adrian Van Vliet, who in 1852, took charge of the
Independent German Church of Dubuque which had been organized on Christmas day, 1847. This man, born in Hol- land and a tailor by trade, was taught of God, from whom rather than from human teachers he received his fitting and commission. With a zeal born of God he gave his spare time in Dubuque to giving the Gospel to the Hollanders and Germans in their homes. His wonderful success in soul-winning led to his call to the ministry, and to the founding of a school. In his study he began the work of the seminary that was to be; and this in 1852. He trained young Germans as missionaries to their countrymen.
The school continued in his study until in 1871. In time a valuable site was purchased and a building provided which did good service for more than thirty years.
The character of the school is unique. The young men come from the plow and from the bench without in some instances even a common school education. This institution has to be a school, academy, college and theo-
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HISTORY
logical seminary. The course has been arranged with a view to meet this need, and scholarly professors adapt themselves as the occasion requires to theological discus- sions or to primary instruction, in order that the Ger- man candidate may be thoroughly equipped for the ministry. And the results justify the sacrifice. The farmer lad or young mechanic is transformed into a cultured and pains- taking student, fitted to stand the severest tests in the pres- byterial examinations alongside of the graduates of any other seminary. Thus the school is no experiment, but has proved its ability to educate an efficient ministry.
The distinct aim of the school is German evangelization. We must emphasize this fact. In the stress of the great problem of foreign evangelization the special character of this work must not be forgotten. The school stands ready to receive young men of other nationalities, and already the Bohemians and Hollanders are here. The race since the confusion of speech has been many tongued, and the problem of the church is not to save a favored part of the race, but to bring the whole race to Christ, to teach all Nations. The kingdom of Christ is the universal kingdom;and the Church trumphant is "a great multitude which no man can number, of all nations and kindreds and people and tongues." The Presbyterian church needs all these to make it a truly catholic church. All these are in large sense within our borders, and the church is really many tongued. It must be remembered that among all
these elements second only in importance to the English stock is the Germanic race.
The immigrant must be reached in the language which he understands. This is the logic of common sense and ex- perience. Our School exists for the purpose of educating a German Presbyterian Ministry. We cannot import min- isters from Germany, and even if we could it would not be desirable. We need ministers of our spirit, ministers thouroughly American and Presbyterian in all that pertains to national and ecclesiastical life. Hence it is neccessary that the Church maintain a seminary for this special work.
While the grand aim of the school is the salvation of souls, the application ofPresbyterian principles to German evangelization is the special method of operation. No ap- ology need be made for this method. It is believed that the salvation of men can be best attained through the doc- trine and practice of the Presbyterian Church. Hence the school stands for the doctrine, practice and polity of the Presbyterian Church as contained in the Confession of Faith and other standards, and it is its peculiar work to make these principles understood by the German people, and to send forth ministers who will use the approved methods of the Presbyterian Church in their labors for the salvation of men. How fruitful these methods are is proved not only by the success attendant upon the ministry of the graduates, but also the wonderful results which have been reached through these means by earnest Christians
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