USA > Kansas > A history of Methodism in northwest Kansas > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
"The work undertaken by the Itinerants' Club a year ago has been carried forward with a measurable degree of success. * The examinations have not been wholly satisfactory, but a change has been made in the constitution which, it is believed, will remedy the difficulty." They further say: "If some arrangements could be made by which the members
170
HISTORY OF METHODISM
of the classes could be brought together to spend one or two weeks in preparation and review of the studies of the course, great benefit would be derived by them."
One thing highly creditable to the conference was that, while earnest effort was necessary to meet the requirements of the constitution, no one ever proposed going back to the old "slip-shod" methods. Instead of seeking to evade the requirements, they sought ways and methods by which they might better secure the desired results. It was the requirements made by this constitution that, in a sense, forced the organization of the Conference School of Theology.
The Committee on Itinerants' Club in the Confer- ence of 1893 reported as follows: "We recommend that there be constituted a Conference School of Theology, to be held at Salina, for the purpose of class recitations, and lectures by examiners, and by invited men of known proficiency in special departments." Thus, without further reference to the constitution, the Itinerants' Club glided into the Summer School, and has since been known as such. Names are not essen- tial, so the work is done.
While the methods have varied from those origin- ally proposed, the object and general plans are the same. There are two courses of study with competent examiners, who prepare themselves for their work and are continued from year to year. , Questions are properly prepared and carefully answered in writing; and a permanent record of grades is kept, running back to 1892. This is probably the oldest record of grades in Methodism. In addition to this, the school accomplishes two other things, viz .: It affords an op- portunity for the culture of the spiritual and social natures. The first is found in the devotional hour, at the opening of each day's session, and the second in the general hour, at the close of each day, when special
171
IN NORTHWEST KANSAS
topics are discussed bearing on some phase of a preach- er's task. The following are some of the topics that have been discussed at the general hour: "The Preacher as a Student," "How Far May a Preacher Engage in Politics, (a) Ecclesiastical, (b) Civil," "Pastoral Functions of a Preacher," "Unconscious In- fluence," "The Pastor and the Official Board," "How to Reach and Hold Men," "How to Push Back the Dead Line," "The Preacher's Private Devotions," "How to Prepare a Sermon," "Importance of Doctrinal Preaching," "Importance of a Definite Plan for Study and Visitation," "How to Conduct a Prayer Meeting," "How to Secure Bible Study," "Children and Relig- ion," "The Culture and Refinement a Preacher Needs," "Why Some Preachers Succeed for Forty or Fifty Years," "Why Some Go to the Junk Pile." These and many other topics, covering a wide range, have been discussed by the members of the school from time to time, to the interest and edification of all. Many esteem the general hour as one of the most helpful features of the school. The open discussion of topics of general interest affords an opportunity for young men to avail themselves of the experience of their seniors. In addition to the benefit derived from study and recitation and general discussion of important topics, the members of the school have been inspired and helped by the messages that were brought by men who came to us from other fields of service. The men- tioning of the names of these will be sufficient guaran- tee of the truth of this statement. The fact that Thomas Nicholson, Frank Loveland, H. F. Rall, Naph- tali Luckcock, F. N. Lynch, W. F. Sheridan, Harry F. Ward, J. T. McFarland, W. D. Schermerhorn, R. P. Smith and John F. Harmon, and others like them, ad- dressed companies of men preparing themselves to be
172
HISTORY OF METHODISM
ministers of the gospel is sufficient evidence that those who heard them heard something worth while.
That the undergraduates appreciate the advantages afforded by the school is evidenced by such expressions as the following :
WHAT YOUNG MEN THINK OF THE SCHOOL.
The Summer School has been of unquestionable value to me. Without the help received at the School, one will not get the best of the books of the Conference Course. Besides the help in the studies, the association with and hearing the great men who come to us, will broaden and give new inspiration to any preacher. I certainly feel that the undergraduates cannot afford to miss the Summer School.
ARTHUR L. CARLTON, of the First Year.
Last year, having transferred too late for the Summer School, I could not attend. This year I attended, and had the opportunity to contrast the good obtained from the Conference studies with last year. The contrast has made me an en- thusiast for the Summer School.
The class work is a stimulant for study. The lessons were of inestimable value. This alone would make the school profit- able. The coming in contact with them of suhe ability and power gives us deeper devotion, larger vision and greater faith.
CAREY A. FISHER, Second Year.
It is difficult to express in words my appreciation for the Summer School.
It is not simply a question of passing the examination, but of mastering the subject in the Conference Course. Besides this, we receive valuable suggestions during the "conversational hour." Here we learn how other men have met and solved the problems we have to face, and the inspiration gained from con- tact with others, and especially, the great men of our church, all tend to make the School of inestimable value to the young men of the Conference. Yours with kind regards, J. A. PLANTZ, of Third Year.
Having spent five successive seasons at "The Summer School of Theology," I am pleased to express my appreciation of the same. The faculty cannot be too highly praised for having given of their time and talents to make this school what it is. Nor can too much be said in appreciation of opportunities they have
173
IN NORTHWEST KANSAS
given us to listen to the talent they have, from year to year, secured as lecturers. To me the devotional hour has been a season of spiritual uplift; the lectures instructive, inspiring, and highly beneficial; the general hour a season of pleasure and profit. Those heart to heart talks are well calculated to broaden and deepen our spiritual vision, and enable us to see and correct our faults. L. C. HICKS, Fourth Year.
My own life and ministry have been enriched by attending from year to year the Summer School of Theology, at Salina. Every session has been a great success, but especially was the last one beneficial. No preacher within the bounds of our conference, who expects to keep in the front ranks of the ministry, can af- ford to absent himself from this school.
WHAT OTHERS THINK OF IT.
I was most favorably impressed with the work done by the N. W. Kansas Conference Summer School of Theology. The course of study, the high character of the faculty, the interest and enthusiasm of the students, were especially worthy of note. The high grade of lecturers secured by the management, is a strong feature of this annual gathering of wide-awake preach- ers. Also the social and spiritual life of the school is a source of encouragement, strength and blessing to all connected with the institution.
F. N. LYNCH, Topeka.
I consider the Summer School for undergraduates, conducted by the Northwest Kansas Conference, one of the most valuable educational gatherings for preachers, that I am acquainted with East or West. With the stimulation to study and introduction to wider ranges of thought, there is combined also a spiritual tone and inspiration that must constitute a re-enforcement to the working power of any man who attends. The heart to heart conferences are things vital to the preacher's life and work. These remind one of what is told of Mr. Wesley's original conferences with his preachers.
WILBUR F. SHERIDAN.
I was very much impressed with the personnel of the School, both as to scholars and teachers.
The boys are in fine touch with the thinkers and leaders of our time. There is a manifest advantage in coming to- gether for contagion and enthusiasm. The truth is, you have an ideal college in your Summer School, for the very best things
174
HISTORY OF METHODISM
a college training gives, is insight, impulse and direction. You are on the right line and are working out the Ideal Summer School. I wish every conference might follow in your path. BISHOP N. LUCCOCK, Kansas City.
I visited with pleasure the Summer School of Theology of the Northwest Kansas Conference. For eight years, I served on the board of examiners of one of our large conferences and know something of the difficulties of the young men mastering the course of study. I regard the plan operated by the N. W. Kansas Conference as of exceedingly great value. The review of the books in the course of study cannot fail to be most help- ful to the young men. The inspiring lectures and addresses which are furnished for them, are of great value; and it seems to me, that the young men, without exception, should avail themselves of the opportunity, and that ministers and laymen alike in the conference should give hearty support and co- operation to the plan.
Very sincerely yours, THOMAS NICHOLSON,
Corresponding Sec. of the Board of Education. Baldwin, Kan., September 15, 1905. My Dear Brother Housel :
Accept hearty thanks for the program of your Summer School of Theology. I wish I had some one down our way to take enough interest in such work, to secure a similar school for the young men of our territory. I think you are doing a fine work Would you send me a dozen or so of these programs? I would like to call the attention of our Presiding Elders to the School, together with the Chairman of the Examining Com- mittee.
Faithfully yours,
L. H. MURLIN, Pres. Baker University.
150 5th Ave., New York City, Aug. 18, 1905.
Dear Brother Housel :
I have your program of your Summer School of Theology for this season, which as usual is of very high order. You have been doing a noble thing out in your Conference in that direction, and I would like to see something like it done in every Conference. Some one ought to give you a thorough writeup in the church papers. I trust that the session will pass off delightfully, and I wish for you all kinds of good things in every way.
Sincerely yours,
J. T. MCFARLAND,
Sec'y of the S. S. Union.
175
IN NORTHWEST KANSAS
In 1909 the Board of Examiners chose the writer as chairman and for four years he went forward with the work of the School much as it had been conducted by Dr. Housel. At the close of the quadrenium, real- izing that he had almost reached the age when he should retire from the active ministry, and believing it would be well to have a new man at the head of the school, declined re-election. However, the Board, judging it better to intrust the school, for another quadrenium, to hands that had been thoroughly tried, than to risk a new man, again elected Dr. Housel to be its head. So that for twenty years he has managed ยท the School to the satisfaction of all concerned. The session of 1915 is said to have been the most success- ful ever held.
For some years the Graduate School did not accom- plish what had been expected. The members of the Conference did not fall in with it. Many said there were other books than those named in the Graduate Course, which they preferred to study. In the re- cent years this has been corrected, and the Conference members are now largely enlisted in the studies of the course. Classes are maintained in the following sub- jects: Bible, Religious Education, Theology, Litera- ture, Sociology, The Rural Church, Beginning Greek, and Greek Exegesis. These are good, but in the judg- ment of this writer, two additional subjects should be added; viz: Homiletics and Evangelism. These are the most important themes for a preachers' consid- eration. I have long been impressed that many preachers do not make of the sermon what they should, either for their own intellectual and spiritual develop- ment, or for the edification of their hearers.
The address of Bishop Fowler to the class for admission into the Kansas Conference in 1885, was one, which, no one who heard it, can ever forget. He
176
HISTORY OF METHODISM
took as the theme for his address, Paul's injunction to Timothy: "Preach the Word," Other duties of the preacher are important, but his supreme task is to preach. How the great Bishop did ring the changes on the injunction, "As ye go preach." The conception which some people have of proper qualification for preaching, is like that of the lady who said, "Our preacher is improving very much: at first, he could not talk more than ten minutes, but now he can talk for half an hour." Ability to talk for half an hour, is to some people evidence of preaching ability, whether the talk is logical or rambling. But no one who fully appreciates the responsibility of the preacher, when he stands at the sacred desk, will feel that he can afford to fritter away his time with mere talk. But many are not impressed with this responsibility, and so, may let golden opportunities pass unimproved, which might have been freighted with messages having eternal pos- sibilities. This is so likely to be the case, that it seems to me the School of Theology can do no more helpful thing than include Homiletics in the curriculum. Then put it under the instruction of the best sermonizer in the Conference, and give him every opportunity to amplify and enforce his subject.
As to Evangelism, that is the crowning object for which the preacher labors. There are many more valuable books written on the subject, to which the young preachers may well be directed, and surely the discussion of the subject in class cannot fail to be help- ful to both young and old. Since this is the supreme object sought, it surely ought to be in the Graduate Course of Study.
Recently a department has been introduced for the preacher's wife, which is likely to prove a popular fea- ture of the institution. Thus this School which has
177
IN NORTHWEST KANSAS
proven such a boon to the preacher, will lend a help- ing hand to the Mistress of the Manse.
ACCOUNT OF THE FOUNDING OF KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.
BY M. M. STOLZ.
In the early eighties the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the Northwest Kansas Confer- ence, began debating the question whether the State of Kansas was not large enough to support more than one Methodist College. Consequently at the first ses- sion of the Northwestern Kansas Conference, held at Beloit, March 15-19, 1883, Bishop Harris presiding : On the second day of the Conference a motion was made by Dr. R. A. Caruthers and seconded by M. M. Stolz that an institution of higher learning be estab- lished. The motion carried almost unanimously. A special committee of six, consisting of R. A. Caruthers, R. A. Hoffman, J. A. Antrim, D. D. Campbell, H. G. Miller and F. D. Baker were appointed to consider and report upon the propriety of establishing such a school west of the sixth principal Meridian. Educational re- ports were called for and President W. H. Sweet, of Baker University, was introduced and addressed the Conference in behalf of Baker University. The sum of three hundred dollars was asked of the Conference, also, that the educational funds now on hand be given to Baker. After considerable debate it was so ordered, and the proposed educational institution had a harder financial struggle on account of the action. The special committee appointed by the Conference made the fol- lowing report, viz .:
Whereas: The growing necessities of the west are such as to require at an early date, the location of an institution of higher learning somewhere within its boundaries; and feeling assured that that necessity will be supplied from some source, and be- lieving it to be the duty of the Methodist Episcopal Church to
178
HISTORY OF METHODISM
accept the situation, we recommend, First: The location of such an institution, Second: That this Conference elect a Board of Trustees, to secure a charter for that purpose, Third: That this board consist of nine persons, Five Ministers and four laymen, including the following, viz: J. H. Lockwood, R. A. Caruthers, H. H. Sudendorf and Martin Mohler, that this Con- ference empower this Board of Trustees to entertain proposals for the location of the institution.
This report was adopted and at the same time the following five additional members were elected, viz: J. S. Goodwin, C. E. Sweet, A. N. See, H. G. Breed and M. M. Stolz. A very liberal charter was secured and the trustees incorporated, according to the laws of the state of Kansas under the name of the Kansas Wesleyan University. A few years after a charter for the name, Kansas Wesleyan Business College in connection with the Kansas Wesleyan University, was secured.
The Board of Trustees, organized by electing J. W. Lockwood President; Rev. A. N. See, Secretary and Rev. M. M. Stolz, Treasurer. The secretary was in- structed by the Board of Trustees to advertise in the county papers of the central and eastern part of the Conference for bids for the location of the institution, stating that the town offering the best inducements would secure the College, other things being equal. The bids to be opened by the Board of Trustees at the close of the specified time, July 8. The Board met at Solomon, July 8th. The towns of Ellsworth, Clyde and Salina sent in bids. Salina offered fifteen acres of beautiful land on the southern boundary of the city and twenty-six thousand dollars in money to help erect the first building. The Trustees after carefully consid- ering all bids and examining the grounds, voted to ac- cept Salina's offer and located the institution at Salina. A stock company had established an independent Normal University in the west end of the City, and had accrued twenty-one thousand dollars in stock subscrip-
179
IN NORTHWEST KANSAS
tions, cash and donations .. Many of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church were among the most liberal subscribers and some of them thought it was not a wise thing to attempt the building of two Col- leges in so small a town. To satisfy this element and secure an undivided interest in the proposed institu- tion the Trustees planned to secure the Normal Uni- versity. A committee consisting of Rev. A. N. See and M. M. Stolz were appointed to secure all the Nor- mal stock they could by donation and purchase. The Presbyterians, Methodists and many others holding about three-fourths of all the stock pledged, were will- ing to sign over their stock to the newly named Kan- sas Wesleyan University. The members of the Chris- tian Church and a few others could not be persuaded to donate or sell their stock. The matter was not fully given up when the Conference met at Salina, March 19th, 1884, Bish Merrell presiding, but as the com- mittee had nothing definite to report, the conference took no action relative to the Salina Normal and in a few years the College as such closed and was never reopened. In September, 1904, the building burned. At the third session of the Conference held at Clyde, March 26-30, 1885, Bishop Ninde presiding, Rev. J. W. Lockwood, President of the Board of Trustees, made an impassioned speech in favor of establishing a. Col- lege of high grade, urging that immediate action be taken. In a short time a subscription of four thousand dollars was given, many of the preachers subscribing one hundred dollars each, some of these men had to borrow money to get to their appointments. Bishop Ninde was requested by the trustees to appoint Rev.
R. A. Hoffman, Conference Educational Agent. Brother Hoffman entered upon the duties of his office some months before the college was located. He had faith in God that the work would succeed and his faith
180
HISTORY OF METHODISM
was not in vain. At the end of the Conference year the subscriptions and collections amounted to over thirteen thousand dollars. An encouraging beginning, and an amount that looked mighty large to the lead- ers of the movement, and nerved them for the con- flict they were entering upon, and inspired them with courage so much needed in a church enterprise of such magnitude and far-reaching vision.
It was published in the daily papers that the trustees of the Southwest Kansas Conference were to meet in Wichita at a certain date for the purpose of locating a college for the Southwest Kansas Confer- ence. The Trustees of the Kansas Wesleyan felt that it would be best to arrange with them if possible to have one college for both Conference instead of two. After full discussion of the matter in the trustee meet- ing it was decided to send a committee of five to meet with them at that time and unite on one college for both Conferences if possible. The trustees made the following proposition, viz .: First, We will unite in the support of one college for the two Conferences so lo- cated that it shall be convenient to both Conferences, so as to easily accomodate both. Second, We will lo- cate it at the place that will furnish the best building and grounds and be most convenient for both Confer- ences according to proposition first, without regard to which Conference it shall be in. Third, If the location shall be within the bounds of the Northwest Kansas Conference, we, as a Board of Trustees will agree to use our influence to have it transferred to the South- west Kansas Conference half the time, and if it shall be located in the Southwest Kansas Conference your Board of Trustees to agree to use your influence to have it transferred to the Northwest Kansas Confer- ence half the time. Matters further than this were to be arranged as we could agree.
181
IN NORTHWEST KANSAS
The committee consisted of M. M. Stolz, J. H. Lock- wood, R. A. Hoffman, A. P. Collins and A. N. See. We went to Wichita and engaged rooms at a hotel where we could invite the trustees of the Southwest to meet with us and consult our mutual interests. We sought them wherever we could find one and invited them to our rooms to discuss matters and talked with them on the street, or dinner table, or wherever we could find them and they each agreed with us that we ought to unite on the institution but could not get an appoint- ment for a meeting that day. Judge Peters from New- ton said that our plan was a wise one for Methodism but he was for Newton. Said they did not propose to give the Methodist anything only in order to help Newton and therefore he was opposed to the plan. There were persons there from Wichita, Wellington, Winfield, Newton and other places and all pulling for the location for the same reason that Judge Peters was, to benefit their town and were using their influ- ence on the trustees not to unite with the Northwest Kansas Conference. At night there was a public meet- ing called for the citizens and visitors and trustees, and we were invited to meet with them.
This action was taken before our committee had been permitted to meet in session with them while the trustees of the Southwest conference were holding a secret session, they sent our committee an invitation to meet with them, and invited us to state our busi- ness, which the chairman of the committee did as briefly as possible and then we were told we could retire, which we did and waited for the appearing of the trustees in the public meeting in which they re- solved they would not unite with the Northwest Kan- sas Conference. We were sick at heart for we believed that the trustees had gone contrary to what they be- lieved would be for the best interest of both Confer-
182
HISTORY OF METHODISM
ences. They did not locate their college at that time, but left it open for bids. At a later meeting they located at Winfield, in the extreme southeast corner of their Conference. The committee returned to Salina, sadder if not wiser and did not feel that the Conference could build a college alone.
The Southwestern Conference locating their col- lege in the extreme southeast corner of their Confer- ence left all the central and western part of this state without an institution of college grade. The Board of Trustees felt compelled to make an effort at least to locate a college.
Mr. A. M. Claflin, an old resident of Salina, and a member of the Board of Trustees, was very much interested in Salina taking speedy and positive action to secure the college, and so were a number of other prominent men and women. Among the women espe- cially active was Mrs. Cyntha A. See, wife of the sec- retary of the Board, Rev. A. N. See.
Plan conceived by Mr. A. M. Claflin and Mrs. See to secure the fifteen acres of land and the Twenty-six Thousand dollars.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.