History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana, Part 26

Author: Shultz, Lawrence W., 1890-1982
Publication date: 1952-01-25
Publisher: Light and Life Press
Number of Pages: 510


USA > Indiana > History of the Church of the Brethren in Indiana > Part 26


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O. W. Neher, Biology


Irma Dare, Home Economics


Don Martin, Assistant Professor of Chemistry


Harry Weimer, Professor of Chemistry


Fred Conkling, Professor of English


L. M. Hoff, Professor of English


R. H. Miller, Professor of Religion and Philosophy


A. W. Cordier, Professor of History, Lecturer, Traveller


C. Ray Keim, Professor of History


Paul Halladay, Professor of Music


Murl Barnhart, Associate Professor of Piano


Martina DeJong, Associate Professor of Piano


J. G. Meyer, Dean of Education


W. W. Peters, Dean of Education


M. Irene Johnson, Elementary Education


Agnes Kessler, Elementary Education


R. C. Wenger, Bible Department


D. W. Boyer, Vocal Music


For a long time, Manchester College remained more of a Bible School, Academy and Commercial School than a college. As indicated above not many of its students had had high school or preparatory school. Up to 1912 the college had never graduated more than one or two college students in a year. Beginning with that year there were three college graduates, in 1913 again there were three, in 1914 there were eight, in 1915 and in 1916 there were 21 each year. After that they began to increase rapidly until by 1920 there were 31; by 1925 there were 66; by 1930 there were 154; by 1935 there were 100; in 1940 there were 171, in 1945 due to the war there were only 61, but by 1950 there were 230. College enrollment grew rapidly as the following


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tables reveal. In 1912-13, total enrollment was 328, by 1915-16 it was 488, by 1920-21 it was 830; by 1925-26, 1045; by 1930-31 it was 1067; by 1935-36, 946; in 1940-41, 889; in 1945-46, 734; in 1949-50, it was 1024.


College enrollments increased as follows :


1900-01- 4


1930-31-6II 1905-06- 8


1935-36-636


1910-II- 24 1940-41-638


1915-16-153


1920-21-34I 1925-26-631


1945-46-470 1949-50-804


The Academy Department began to wane in size about the time when High Schools became popular in all parts of the country ; namely, during the first and second decades of the century. In 1920, there were still about 120 students in the Academy, the next year the enrollment dwindled to about 80 and the next year to 40. In 1923, it was decided to close the Academy. From then on Manchester was chiefly a Liberal Arts College.


Other divisions such as the Bible School and the Commercial De- partment became departments of the College. Nearly every student now was a high school graduate and most were pursuing a four-year college course leading to a degree. Although until the late 30's many took a two years teachers course and then dropped out to teach for a time, a large number later returned to the College to complete their work for degrees. Often they did their work chiefly in the summer school.


For a long time Manchester was accredited only by the State De- partment of Education in Indiana and surrounding states and at the State University of Indiana. Standards for accreditation were steadily rising during the second and third decades of the century. The College constantly needed to meet higher standards in the training of its faculty, in endowment, in library, and so forth.


Not until 1932 did President Winger see fit to make application for admission to the North Central Association of Colleges, the accred- iting agency for this region. He made his plans carefully and after an inspection by Dr. Arthur Kline of Ohio State University and Dr. Walter A. Payne of the University of Chicago, the college was given conditional accreditation in that year and complete accreditation soon thereafter. There was much rejoicing among faculty, students, and es- pecially among the almuni at this achievement.


From early years Manchester College has been a teacher-training institution. The service ideal strongly held by the Brethren and so fully exemplified in the person of President Winger found expression


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by its alumni in the teaching profession. Furthermore, Manchester was well located in an area in Indiana where there was a clear field for finding students, and for placing teachers. More than half the teachers of some of the surrounding counties have attended Man- chester College.


The College for a while provided a practice school on the campus, and later maintained a splendid program of practice teaching in the city schools, in Wabash City, in Chester Township, and other surround- ing schools. The college has offered both elementary and high school training and usually from 60 to 75% of its graduates have gone into teaching.


The Department of Education and Psychology is the largest in the college. For a long time the head of the department was called Dean of Education. The Music Department has also been a large department, involving some half dozen teachers, and at times seven or eight, and hundreds of students for full or part-time. Out of the college have gone quite a number of students who have found their way into positions of trust and responsibility in public life : Dr. A. W. Cordier, into the state department at Washington, D. C. and into the high councils of the United Nations; Dr. J. Roy Blough, into the Treasury Department at Washington, and now as Economic Advisor to the President ; Carman Blough, Budget Advisor, State of Wisconsin, Executive Director of Federal Securities and Exchange Commission, now Executive Director of the United States Association of Auditors; Murl Alexander, Assist- ant Director of Federal Prisons; Virgil Stinebaugh, Superintendent of Schools at Indianapolis for a time; Forbes Norris, Superintendent of Schools, Winchester, Massachusetts; W. W. Peters, Former Pres. of McPherson College; William Beahm, Dean of Bethany Seminary; Ker- mit Eby, Professor at the University of Chicago, lecturer, writer. Many others have won their way to positions of power and influence as teach- ers, and administrators, preachers and leaders.


From the Science Departments have gone many who have entered medicine, dentistry, optometry, and others have found their way into scientific research, or into administrative posts in industry. As a re- searcher Paul James Flory has won his way to fame; Roy Plun- kett has become director of one of the great DuPont factories; Harold Pletcher for a time was Production Manager in the Ansco Film Corporation.


From all departments of the college have gone out young men and women in the various walks of life and have made their contribution to the public life of America and of the world, as homemakers, teachers, administrators, ministers, nurses, doctors, dentists, optometrists, mis- sionaries, salesmen, merchants, manufacturers, and farmers.


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The following list indicates the occupation of the alumni :


2153 Homemakers


20


Phys. Ed. Directors


1575 Teachers


17 Engineers


276 Supt., Deans, Prin's


I5


Army


214 Ministers


14


Attorneys and Lawyers


179 Business


13


Salesmen


I20 Farmers


I2


Dentists


II7


Other Professions


IO


Relief Workers


III College Teachers


9 Optometrists


77


Doctors


8 Editors and News Re- porters


64 Students in Graduate School


7


College Administrators


59


Missionaries


6


Postoffice Workers


44 Nurses


5 Bookkeepers


44 Secretaries


4 College Presidents


39 Chemists


4 Physicists


39 Insurance


4


Radio Announcers


3I Public Officials


4


Statisticians


30 Accountants


2


F. B. I.


29 Social Workers


2 Printers


29 Librarians


I Physical Therapist


2I Research


565 Vocations not known


Upon assuming the Presidency, Otho Winger found that only the church districts in Indiana, Northwestern and Southern Ohio were affiliated with the College. Northeastern Ohio and Michigan were not affiliated with any college. So President Winger invited them to appoint trustees to Manchester College and share in its control. He attended District Conference in both Districts in 1915 and persuaded them to elect trustees to Manchester College so that now it could claim for its territory all of Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.


Mt. Morris College had rough going in the twenties, changed Pres- idents frequently, and occasionally talked of closing its doors. In 1932, one year after they had a large fire which destroyed its gymnasium, the College merged with Manchester College. Manchester College has the official records of Mt. Morris College; also, some of its equipment was purchased by Manchester. The assets in the form of endowment and annuity investments were equally divided between Manchester and Mc- Pherson Colleges. The territory was divided between the same two colleges, the Mississippi River becoming the dividing line. The geo- graphic territory of Manchester College is now all the Old Northwest Territory, including the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Manchester owes much to Otho Winger for its splendid consolidated geographic area in the heart of America. It is at present


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the second most populous college region in the Brotherhood and has a good middle class of citizens in its constituency.


Manchester has had its share of strong teachers. Only a few can be mentioned.


Edward Kintner graduated from Manchester in 1912. Before graduation he did some teaching for the college. After graduation he continued with the College until 1950, having taught nearly forty years. In his early years he taught nearly all the sciences at the College. Later as the College grew he surrendered to others one "chair" after another, leaving for himself only a part of one in the Biology department. Professor Kintner had seven sons and one daughter all but one of whom have graduated from the College. Among the boys, three are physicians, one is a dentist, two are optometrists, and another a medical student. The daughter is a housewife and has been an operator of a tea room. Professor Kintner's clear mind, his genial personality, and his calm gentle spirit have left a lasting imprint on the College.


Carl W. Holl graduated from Manchester College in 1916. He received his Ph. D. degree with honors at Ohio State University in 1923. He returned to Manchester as teacher in the department of chemistry the same year and still holds that position. In 1927 he was selected to succeed Dr. Schwalm as Dean and held that posi- tion for 23 years. He has trained many chemistry students both for medicine and for industry and has followed their careers with interest and helpfulness. He has been deeply devoted to the college and has given himself to his task unstintingly.


Professor A. R. Eikenberry came to Manchester College from Mt. Morris in 1919. He graduated from Mt. Morris in 1917, from the University of Illinois in 1918; he attended both Chicago and Colum- bia Universities and secured his M. A. from Ohio State University in 1930. Professor Eikenberry came to Manchester as Professor of Agri- culture, but few students were interested in taking courses in Agricul- ture so he turned to Psychology and now teaches courses in Psychol- ogy and Mental Health. Professor Eikenberry was for a time a member of the town council; served for several years as Dean of Stu- dents ; for a time as Acting Business Manager and Assistant Business Manager. He has been a most useful servant of the college and has learned to work graciously with others.


Professor J. Raymond Schutz also came to Manchester College to teach Sociology in 1919. He soon came to be a popular teacher. He was also a minister and served for about twenty years as pastor of the First Brethren Church of North Manchester. Soon after his arrival Professor Schutz began to do public speaking. He soon grew into great popularity until he was one of the most popular speakers in the state and even of surrounding states. He was active in Kiwanis Clubs and served


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for a time as District Governor of Kiwanis and International Trustee of Kiwanis. He worked too hard, travelled too much, spoke too often. His health gave way and he died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage in his home, when but 54 years of age. Few men have spread the good name of the college as widely as has Professor Schutz. Mrs. Salena Schutz, his wife, has served as alumni secretary since his death and has carried on in a very gracious and efficient spirit.


Andrew W. Cordier was born near Hartville, Ohio, in 1901. After graduating from High School he taught for two years, then attended Manchester College for three years, graduating in 1922. He attended the University of Chicago, receiving both his M. A. and his Ph. D. degrees, the latter in 1926. He became a member of the History De- partment of the college in 1925 and its head in 1927. He remained a member of the faculty until 1944. During these years he had made a number of trips to Europe, spending one entire year at Geneva in re- search study and writing. While teaching at Manchester he soon showed great ability as a student on public affairs and made for him- self a national reputation as a lecturer on both national and interna- tional problems. During this time he spoke frequently at forums on International Problems at the University of Denver and elsewhere under the direction of the United States Office of Education.


Dr. Cordier participated in all the conferences leading up to the formation of the United Nations and has since its formation been serv- ing as Executive Assistant to the Secretary General, Trygve Lie. In this position he has given a good account of himself and has wielded great influence.


J. Oscar Winger, brother of Otho Winger, was connected with Manchester College for more than 20 years. He had graduated from the college in 1922. After teaching in the High Schools of Bluffton, and Muncie, Indiana, he came to Manchester as teacher in the com- merce department in 1922. J. O. as he was affectionately called was an ordained minister and developed great power as a preacher and evan- gelist. He was a genial, friendly soul whose smile and warm handshake won friends wherever he went. President Winger soon discovered his strength in the field, and put him on the road to recruit students and make friends for the College. His visits to High Schools were warmly welcomed and called for when he did not appear. His friendly calls in the homes of older people were cherished as happy memories. He traveled or taught during the day and preached at night at long dis- tances from the College for many years, but his great strength gave way and after an annoying illness he passed away on August 23, 1947, one year and ten days after Otho's death. His service to the College was enormous.


R. H. Miller graduated from the Manchester Academy in 1910,


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History of the Church of the Brethren


and from the College in 1916. He was married to Maude Reiff imme- diately after graduation and went to California where he taught for a short time and was than called to the pastorates of the church in Los Angeles and later to the LaVerne Church. His power as a preacher soon led to his call to the pastorate of the Manchester Church. Here he preached with power and effectiveness to large audiences of local church people of students and faculty. In 1929 he resigned as pas- tor and began teaching Bible and Philosophy at the College-a posi- tion which he still holds. He has through all the years done much preaching in the churches of our region. He is frequently called to speak in churches of other denominations and for special occasions.


Lawrence Shultz graduated from Manchester in 1914, and took his Master's degree in Northwestern University in 1924. For a num- ber of years he was Principal of the Academy, later he taught courses in Religious Education and for many years he was librarian at the Col- lege. He gave his summers for many years to the development of Camp Mack, and now spends most of his time as Manager of the Camp. Oc- casionally he directs tours to Europe in the fall.


C. Ray Keim graduated from Manchester College in 1918, re- ceived a Masters at the University of Chicago in 1924 and a Ph. D. in 1926. He joined the history faculty of Manchester College in 1927 and has since 1944 been head of the Department. Dr. Keim has been gen- uinely interested in the church and her program, and has devoted him- self to her welfare. The cause of peace has deeply interested him and he has made valuable contributions in that field. He works hard and does substantial work in his classes.


C. S. Morris graduated from Manchester in 1913, received his M. A. from Ohio State in 1915 and his Ph. D. in 1930. He taught at Mt. Morris College for a short time, and for eight years at McPherson College. He joined the faculty at Manchester College in 1926 and has since then been head of the Physics department. Dr. Morris was for a while Dean of Men. He has been extremely interested in the re- ligious life of the College and has made a substantial contribution in that field.


President Winger was preeminently a churchman; moreover, one who upheld the traditional doctrines and practices of the Church of the Brethren. He tried to keep the College in line with the spirit and pro- gram of the Church. He was active in District Conferences, in the An- nual Conference, served on special Annual Conference committees, and was for more than 30 years a member of the General Mission Board of the Church. Between 1913 and 1934 he was elected Reading Clerk of the Annual Conference three times and Moderator six times.


Since he was so vitally connected with the Church and her pro- gram, and believed so thoroughly in the Christian cause he left a deep


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and lasting impression on the whole life of the college, favorable to the church and the Christian way of life. As a result, Manchester College sent out a great many Christian workers, missionaries, ministers, Sun- day School teachers, music leaders, and other Christian laymen. The College has attempted to serve the church.


The period of the Presidency of Otho Winger was a great era in the life of the college showing growth in every way, in numbers of stu- dents, in the strength of the faculty, in college buildings and equipment, in alumni, and in general influence. The College at the close of his era was annually enrolling more than a thousand students a year. It had a faculty of more than forty, and a plant of ten large buildings. Its ter- ritory had been enlarged and consolidated. It had become an accredited college in North Central circles. It was a well-established institution.


President V. F. Schwalm


Due to failing health, President Winger resigned as of September I, 1941. Dr. V. F. Schwalm, formerly Dean of the College, and more recently President of McPherson College, was elected as his successor


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History of the Church of the Brethren


on January 11, 1941. He assumed his duties in September and has con- tinued until the present (1951).


Having worked with President Winger as teacher and Dean for 16 years, it was to be expected that many of the same policies would be followed which were in vogue under President Winger.


The draft in preparation for World War II was already operat- ing when the new administration began. War actually broke out dur- ing the first year. The attendance which had averaged from 600 to 650 for some years previous to World War II now declined until at its lowest, in the spring of 1944, it was about 320. During war time en- rollment of girls hovered around three hundred, while that of boys ran from 65 to 90, or slightly higher. It was a time of interest and of anxiety. The uncertainty was distracting; and the unbalance between sexes made social life difficult, to say the least.


Immediately after the war attendance surged upward. Manchester along with all other colleges had a great influx of about 275 veterans. There were also 65 men who came back from Civilian Public Service Camps. The attendance mounted to 865 in the fall of 1946, about 539 of these were men, and upwards of 325 were women.


Those who lived through the era will remember it as the era when students rushed college admission offices, when it required barracks, trailer camps, and quonset huts to house students. It was a period of surplus war property, of government grant, of cafeterias and other buildings. New faculty needed to be employed to instruct the great throngs of students.


Gradually the veterans declined and by now (1951) enrollments are normal again, and the sexes almost equal. It is the prophecy of educators that by 1957, with the incoming of those born during the higher birth rate-college enrollments will increase again.


Through the kindness of Uncle Sam, Manchester secured a very useful Cafeteria building, and equipment for it during the summer of 1946. This new unit has proved most useful for the College and is now in extensive use.


During the later years of war the College raised funds and erected a splendid new Men's Dormitory, at a cost of about $300,000.00. It houses approximately 100 and compares favorably with the best of dor- mitories. Because Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Ulrey gave so generously to this and many other causes about the College this dormitory was named Calvin Ulrey Hall.


During the year, 1950-51, the College added a $30,000.00 addition to the Old Dormitory for men, thus providing new modern shower and lavatory equipment for the whole building. This project was initiated and partially financed by the Men's Work Organizations of the region.


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Manchester College


214€


ARN' BUILDING


WINGER MEMORIAL ARTS BULLDIN MANCHESTER COLLEGE NORTH MANCHESTER INDIANA WALTER SCHOLER ( ALLOCIATES" ARCHITECTS


Winger Memorial Building


There is now under construction on the campus a new Arts Build- ing which is to be designated as "The Winger Memorial Building." It is to house the Music, Art, and Home Economics departments of the College. When completed it will be one of the best, and most modern buildings on the campus, a worthy monument to a great President.


Several new teachers have been brought to the campus under Pres- ident Schwalm's administration, some of whom have added great strength to the College.


Esther Ashley, Practice Teaching


Isabel Beery, Home Economics


R. V. Bollinger, Education and Dean of Students


Howard A. Book, director of Teacher Education


Paul S. Bowman, Field Secretary and Admissions Director Cole Brembeck, Speech Ruth Coblentz, Librarian Maxine Domer, Registrar


Earl Garver, Professor of Economics, Dean of the College Arthur Hoffman, German


Jean Holcombe, Assistant Librarian


Clyde Holsinger, Choral Music, Voice


Dorothy Johnson, Stenography


La Vernia Jorgensen, Women's Physical Education


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History of the Church of the Brethren


Paul Keller, Head of Speech Department


Orrel Little, English


Ercell Lynn, Bible


Neal Merritt, History


Wayne Miller, Speech


Gladdys Muir, History and Peace Studies


F. Emerson Niswander, Biology


Paul Noffsinger, Field Secretary for finances


T. Wayne Rieman, Director of Religious Affairs


Lola Sanger, Accountant


Genita Speicher, Piano


Vernon Stinebaugh, String Instruments


Dale Strickler, Treasurer from 1944-50


David Yeatter, Treasurer


Russell V. Bollinger, Dean of Students


Russell V. Bollinger graduated from Manchester College in 1926. He secured his Ph. D. degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1939 majoring in Education. After teaching Public School for a number of years he accepted a position as Dean of Students at Ashland College. After seven years in that position he came to Manchester College as Dean of Students in 1946. Dr. Bollinger is a good thinker, a ready speaker and is a popular preacher and lecturer. He holds various posi-


287


Manchester College


tions in the District and Region, and was Assistant Moderator of An- nual Conference in 1951.


Earl S. Garver whose early home was near Youngstown, Ohio, graduated from Manchester College in 1933. He taught at Youngs- town for a while, then attended Yale University where he received his Ph. D. degree in 1943. Later he also attended Harvard University for a time. Dr. Garver came to Manchester College in 1946 as head of the Department of Business and Economics. He soon entered into the prob- lems of the college in a very constructive way and won leader- ship among faculty, students, and the public. In 1950, upon the re- signation of Dean Carl W. Holl, he was appointed Dean, which posi- tion he now holds with distinction.


T. Wayne Rieman, who holds his bachelor's degree from Juniata, his Master's from Penn State and his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Bethany Seminary, came to Manchester in 1948. He has been a student pastor and director of religious activities. As such he has deeply affected the lives of many students and has done much to improve the quality of the worship services in Chapel. Mr. Rieman is pursuing his studies for the Ph. D. degree at Garrett Biblical Institute.


Paul Keller graduated from Manchester College in 1935, and re- ceived his Master's from the University of Wisconsin in 1940. After serving in various other capacities he became assistant editor of the Gospel Messenger. From there he went to Penn State, to teach in the Speech Department in 1947. In 1948 he came to Manchester College and became acting head of the speech department in 1949 and head in 1950. He is now studying at Northwestern University for his Ph. D. degree.




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