USA > Ohio > History of Ohio Methodism : a study in social science > Part 13
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and useful, and served to intensify among the people the desire for education. Many eminent men and women received their training in these institutions. Methodism was greatly blessed and benefited. They gave to the medical, legal, and literary professions many bright lights, and to the pulpit a number of distinguished ministers.
It does not require, however, a great philosophical thinker to see that the day of numerous small acad- emies is past. The methods and appliances for teach- ing have been so multiplied that it requires a good endowment to meet the necessary expenses, and keep pace with modern educational work. The duty of the hour is for benevolent men in the Church to cease establishing more colleges, and to give their money to strengthen those already founded. Money given to an old established college will increase its power and efficiency, and the donor will have the guarantee that his gift will be perpetuated through the centuries. It will be interesting to sketch briefly the history of four of the leading colleges of Ohio under the patronage of the Church.
SCIO COLLEGE.
SCIO COLLEGE was originally organized as Rural Seminary, at Harlem Springs, Ohio, in 1857; but on account of its remoteness from railroad facilities, it was soon removed to the town of New Market (now Scio), and incorporated under the name of New Mar- ket College.
Scio is thirty-three miles west of Steubenville, and about the same distance from Wheeling. The campus
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contains about six acres, well situated for college pur- poses. A portion is shaded by numerous trees, afford- ing a delightful resort in summer, and adding much to the charming scenery of the town; the remainder of the campus is devoted to athletic sports. This is overlooked by a natural amphitheater, furnishing a magnificent view of the grounds.
The new college building is a fine brick structure of the latest architectural design, furnished in the best manner throughout, and, situated upon the gentle slope of the beautiful campus, presents an imposing appearance. The building is three stories, with rear annex for stairways, and fronted with a graceful tower that overlooks all the surrounding valley of the Con- notton.
The Ladies' Hall is a large structure of four stories and basement, has been completely remodeled and rearranged, and is virtually a new and modern build- ing throughout.
In the year 1875 a radical change was made in the plan of study, and the name of the school was changed to "The One Study University." The feature adopted was unique in the history of schools, and had been attempted by no other school in the country. The plan was to pursue but one study at a time, complete it, take up another, and so on through the course.
In many respects the plan was successful, and cre- ated great enthusiasm and healthful rivalry among the students. There was no class arrangement, but each one did all the work in each branch that he was able to accomplish, irrespective of others, and was thus a constant spur to his companions. However, as this
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was breaking up all the old traditions of the schools, the pressure became so great that at last the school yielded, and returned to the old method of study, and, in June, 1877, was reorganized under its present title, Scio College, and passed under the control of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The purpose to furnish young men and women with a thorough course of instruction, that will fully equip them for the battles of life, has been kept steadily in view, and the uniform success of those trained within her walls has elicited the attention and com- mendation of all who have been interested.
Although a comparatively young school, yet within the past thirty years it has graduated two hundred and seventy-two students in the regular college course- one hundred and twenty-five of whom have entered the ministry, mainly of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Co-education of the sexes has proved successful and beneficial in this college during its entire history of twenty-seven years. Nearly one-third of its stu- dents and graduates during this period have been ladies. This college has no productive endowment, and necessarily depends upon student fees for support.
BALDWIN UNIVERSITY.
JOHN AND MARY D. BALDWIN were the joint founders of Baldwin University. The former was born in Branford, Connecticut, October 13, 1799, and the latter in New London, Connecticut, April 15, 1802. In 1828 they removed to Ohio, arriving in Cleveland May 28th of that year. Mr. Baldwin had purchased
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two hundred acres of land where the village of Berea now stands, and it was to this tract that he and his wife removed. On this land the famous quarries were subsequently opened. The former campus of Baldwin University also formed a part of it.
The original charter was granted by the Legis- lature of the State, December 20, 1845. It is a brief instrument, merely reciting the purpose of the found- ers and granting the necessary powers to a Board of Trustees. The institution has been co-educational from the beginning. It is among the pioneers in this respect. Among its first graduates were certain wo- men. The first title of the school was "Baldwin Insti- tute." In 1856 the name was changed to Baldwin University, in obedience to State laws regulating such changes.
The first hall was named North Hall. As it was completed in 1845, and as the charter was not granted till late in that year, it must have been in process of construction before the charter was granted. The material of it was brick. It had three stories. The lowest floor had three recitation-rooms and a gym- nasium. The second floor afforded room for chapel and one recitation-room, that could be added to the chapel when necessary. The highest floor was occu- pied by young men, who boarded themselves. It is evident, from these bits of information, what the col- lege of those days was-meant to be a college where persons of humble means, or no means, could obtain a good education. For many years it held tenaciously to this ideal; but it is to be feared that the all-pervad- ing luxury of recent years has much affected the style
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of living in Baldwin University. Few, if any, students now board themselves. The university no longer makes dormitory accommodations available for young men.
Baldwin Hall was built in 1851-2, followed in 1853 by a stone building just west of it. Baldwin Hall was a dormitory, wherein they boarded themselves. The other building was devoted to an experiment in self- help. It was fitted up as a woolen factory, wherein students could earn sufficient to pay school expenses. But it was a failure. After serving various uses, the last of which was that of chemical laboratory, the building burned down. Since that, no effort has been made to provide work for students.
South Hall was built about 1853. It was first a dormitory for young women, and also for young men. The latter occupied the top floor, and the former the one next lower. On the first floor was a dining-room and a Natural Science recitation-room. Old South Hall still stands, though abandoned. Along with the campus on which it stands, it was sold to the Cleveland Stone Company.
The building best known to the surviving Alumni is Hulet Hall. It was completed in 1868. On the first floor were five recitation-rooms. On the second was a spacious auditorium, capable of seating six hundred people. In the summer of 1896 it was torn down, and the stones of the walls were removed to the new campus, where it will in due time be re-erected.
Ladies' Hall was completed about 1883. It was projected under the presidency of Dr. William D. Godman, and completed under that of Dr. Aaron
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Schuyler. It was partly occupied before it was com- pleted. The rooms are large and elegant, but they possess few accommodations.
A great change came over the fortunes of Baldwin University in 1888. During this year its real estate was sold to the Cleveland Stone Company. The uni- versity retained its Ladies' Hall and one other build- ing, old and well-nigh useless. Months and even years went by without any visible change in the for- tunes of the school. It was once much considered to unite the school to Cleveland, or to some other town which might be induced to aid it financially more than the small village of Berea was able to do. How- ever, these were passing phases of the university's his- tory. The problem was solved by the munificence of Berea citizens. Funds for the purchase of fifteen acres of land were raised by them, a lot in the central northern part of the village bought and presented to the trustees. It was a noble gift, representing the unselfish generosity of a community neither numer- ous nor rich in wealthy men.
Since that time two buildings have been erected. Recitation Hall is a beautiful structure of Berea Stone, finished artistically, and furnished in modern manner throughout. It was opened for use in September, 1893. The other new building is the Library Hall. The full name of this building is the "Philura Gould Baldwin Memorial Library." It was, in large part, the gift of John Baldwin, Jr., and wife, in honor of the memory of their deceased daughter, whose name the building bears. Miss Baldwin was the first librarian, and in her office showed remarkable aptitude.
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Baldwin University, at its present stage, is an evo- lution. At each phase of its development it adjusted itself to the conditions as best it was able. At nearly every point of its history it has had men of eminence in its Faculty, and generally presented a corps of teachers who would have compared favorably with those of any Ohio college. Bishop Harris was one of its early principals. Mr. Holbrook, the founder of Lebanon Normal School, was once its principal. Pro- fessor White, of Harvard, was once its professor of Greek. The son of Bishop Thomson was once its professor of Natural Science. Aaron Schuyler was once its president, a renowned mathematician and acute philosophical thinker. As an institute it had two or three principals; as a university it has had five presidents: John Wheeler, William D. Godman, Aaron Schuyler, Joseph E. Stubbs, and Millard F. Warner. In filling its Faculty chairs, it has con- stantly availed itself of the best talent its means could afford. At present all of its incumbents are persons of special aptitudes and extended preparation.
Its courses of study have continually improved as the institution has come more and more into a realiza- tion of its mission and duty, and has been affected more and more by the advancing standards of other schools. It now requires about the same as other colleges of its class in Ohio. For many years it has been a member of the Ohio College Association, in which it has exercised a fair share of influence and received due consideration and esteem. Its ideals have somewhat changed. Without abandoning the
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idea of affording a good education to persons of lim- ited means, it has gradually raised its prices, and has abandoned those efforts at self-help with which it be- gan its career. Its religious life has merged into a more general type. While it yet educates many men for the Methodist ministry, perhaps as many as ever, it is proportionally less a school of the prophets, and more a fitting school for all professions and for the real universities of America and Europe.
MOUNT UNION COLLEGE.
MOUNT UNION COLLEGE is located in Alliance, Stark County, an enterprising place of nine thousand inhabitants. The city occupies a very central position in Eastern Ohio. The college is situated upon a plateau, from which picturesque landscapes may be seen. The campus contains about fifty acres. This high ground is particularly healthful as a place of residence.
Dr. C. E. Rice says: "Mount Union College had its origin in a small subscription school started by Dr. O. N. Hartshorn, in the fall of 1846. Renting an un- finished room in the upper story of the old woolen mill, he finished and furnished the room, and started his academy with an attendance of about twenty stu- dents. Returning to Allegheny College, he graduated with his class, and afterwards held several sessions or terms of school in the Baptist Meeting-house, near the site of the old Mount Union Cemetery. In 1851 the academy building was erected, and the young and flourishing institution was transplanted to the upper
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end of State Street. Here it found ample accommo- dations until the attendance became so great that a larger building was found necessary.
"On the 25th of November, 1861, the citizens of Mount Union were startled by the appearance of blaz- ing posters and hand-bills announcing the
NEW COLLEGE BUILDING.
" 'On next Monday evening, the Ist of December, a public meeting will be held at Mount Union, to exhibit the plans and draw- ings of the new college building, and to receive suggestions in regard to size and proportions. The architect, Colonel S. C. MAR OLLEGE Porter, of Cleveland, will be present, to exhibit, by large diagrams and oral explanations, the plans, sections, and paintings of the new college edifice, etc.'
"As a result of this vigorous advertising, the present large and elegant college building was erected, and dedicated by Chief-Justice Chase, on December 1, 1864. In 1866 the Ladies' Hall was constructed and furnished. ADIE'S HAL L Its ground plan is 135 feet long by 47 feet wide; four stories high above the basement story.
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"The fourth large college building-known as the Morgan Gymnasium-was erected in 1890-91, as a result largely of the generosity of Hon. T. R. Morgan, Sr., of Aliance, Ohio. As a tribute to Mr. Morgan's liberality, the building was called
THE MORGAN GYMNASIUM.
It is 80 x 50 feet, with a tower and observatory, in which is mounted our large telescope, which was for several years taken to Chautauqua for the use of the Summer School of Astronomy. The gym- nasium contains bath- rooms and lockers, an ar- mory and barracks, a fine running-track, and a GYM ground floor which is ca- ORY pable of acommodating a large audience, and will be used for the Alumni banquets and other festive gath- erings.
"The president's mansion was built at an expense of $17,000 some years since, and left in an unfinished condition. The trustees of the college, recognizing in it capabilities for an elegant home for the president, promptly purchased and completed the building, which is now one of the finest private dwellings owned by any college."
On October 20, 1846, the school began with six students. In the second week the enrollment in- creased to twenty, and the school was continued for five months, at which time Dr. Hartshorn returned to
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resume his studies in Allegheny College. Dr. Harts- horn, with thirty pupils, began the third term of school on November 1, 1849.
The grade of the institution and the number of students having steadily advanced, application was made for a college charter. On January 10, 1858, it was obtained. In it the institution was named "Mount Union College," and it was stated that through its Faculty and trustees it "may exercise all the powers and enjoy all the immunities usually pertaining to colleges and universities of the United States."
For forty-one years Dr. Hartshorn presided over the destinies of the institution. Owing to advancing years, he tendered his resignation to the trustees in 1887. The college was then without a president until the inauguration of Dr. Marsh, November 1, 1888. Dr. Marsh has since continued in charge. The pro- gress under his guidance has been marked. Since his inauguration he has preached almost every Sab- bath in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia. The college has steadily flourished; the number of stu- dents has increased to six hundred per year; the cur- riculum has been much strengthened; a large and beautiful gymnasium has been erected; the regular endowment has been increased some $50,000; a library and reading-room has been established; some thirty
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acres of ground and the president's residence have been given to the college; the college has been ad- mitted to the State College Association and the State Oratorical Association of Colleges; a college paper has been successfully established, and a Military De- partment added to the other departments of the school. Altogether, the progress has been steady and rapid.
The fundamental objects of the college were high and noble, and by strict adherence to them the insti- tution has had a most successful career.
The endowment has never been adequate to carry forward the work as desired. The grounds and buildings are valued at $200,000, and the produc- tive endowment had reached, in 1897, the sum of $76,000.
All institutions of merit enter into new develop- ments from time to time. Such has been the record of Mount Union College. Her career has been char- acterized by great sacrifices, vigorous growth, and noble achievements. No effort is spared to push for- ward on the basis of genuine work and worth.
OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.
The Ohio Wesleyan University was established in 1844 by the joint action of the preachers and laymen, with a view to provide a thorough education of the people for all professions and vocations of life, com- bined with the highest spiritual vitality. The univer- sity was to be denominational, but in nowise illiberal or sectarian. The beginnings of the founders were small, but the outlook was hopeful.
The university owes its location to the white sul- I6
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phur springs on the campus. In 1833 a large hotel, called the Mansion House, was erected on a spacious lot embracing the spring, in order to accommodate the patrons who sought the health-imparting waters. The Rev. Adam Poe, when pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Delaware, saw the desirability of this healthful location for a college site, and the citizens were induced to purchase the spring property, and offer it to the Ohio and North Ohio Conferences for the establishment of a college. Accordingly, in the year 1841, the citizens of Delaware raised a sub- scription of $10,000 to pay for the property, which had originally involved an investment of $25,000.
In August of the same year a delegation of citi- zens waited on the North Ohio and Ohio Conferences, whose territory embraced two-thirds of the State, and offered to convey the property to them, on condition that a college be founded. Each of the Conferences appointed a committee of five, to meet the other com- mittee at Delaware, with power to act in case the terms proposed by the citizens of Delaware were satis- factorily fulfilled. Drs. Charles Elliott, Joseph M. Trimble, and William P. Strickland were deputed, Au- gust 26, 1841, by the Ohio Conference, then assembled at Urbana, to visit Delaware, and examine the prem- ises. They carried back a very favorable report. The joint committee met at Delaware, September 1, 1841. Dr. Elliott entered into the matter with true Irish en- thusiasm. In his speech before the Conference, he said, "God has made no finer spring anywhere than the one at Delaware," and humorously added, "There is no promise in the Bible that He will ever make
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another such." The conveyance of the property was made to the committee on November 17, 1841. The committee purchased the adjacent property on the south, embracing five acres, at a cost of $5,500, and the furniture of the Mansion House for about $2,000 more.
Additional purchases have been made at an ex-
ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY.
pense of a little more than $20,000, until now the col- lege campus contains about forty acres, including ten acres at Monnett Hall, and five acres called Observa- tory Hill.
"A special charter," says Professor W. G. Williams, "conferring university powers, was granted by the Legislature, March 7, 1842. The corporate powers were vested in a Board of twenty-one persons, chosen
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from different parts of the State. The right of per- petuation of the Board was reserved to the two patron- izing Conferences, each filling all vacancies alter- nately. These Conferences have since then been divided into four, each with the same right of perpetu- ating the Board. The arrangement continued until the year 1869, when, by a general law of the State, the president of the university was made ex-officio a member of the Board, and the remaining twenty mem- bers were divided into four classes. The term of office was reduced to five years, so that each Conference now annually elects one trustee for a period of five years. In 1871 the charter was so modified as to give the Association of Alumni a representation in the Board equal to that of each Annual Conference. The Board now numbers thirty persons, selected by the Ohio Conferences and Alumni. The university was organized by the joint action of Ohio Conferences, and is the recognized Methodist university of Ohio.
"The Board of Trustees held their first meeting at Hamilton, where the Ohio Conference was in ses- sion, October 1, 1842. At this meeting the Board elected the Rev. Edward Thomson, M. D., to the presidency, with the understanding that the appoint- ment was but nominal for the present, but a pledge to the Church and the public that a college Faculty would be appointed, and the college opened at no dis- tant day."
The Board determined to continue the Preparatory Department, which the committee of the Conferences instituted the year previous, with Captain James D. Cobb, a graduate of West Point, as instructor. The
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Board appointed Rev. Solomon Howard as principal, with authority to employ his own assistants. He taught the school successfully for two years.
The Board of Trustees again convened at Dela- ware, on September 25, 1844, and organized a Faculty, consisting of four instructors. The following appoint- ments were made to positions in the Faculty: Rev. Herman M. Johnson, Professor of Ancient Languages; Rev. Solomon Howard, Professor of Mathematics; William G. Williams, Principal, and Enoch G. Dial, assistant in the Preparatory Department.
The old Mansion House was adapted to educa- tional uses, and the school formally opened on Wednesday, November 13, 1844. The former dining- room of the Mansion House was temporarily fitted up for a chapel. It was here that the Faculty met twenty-nine students for enrollment and admission into classes. In these small beginnings there were no indications of failure. Harvard College began with twenty students, Yale College with twenty-five, and Columbia College with eight students.
The college campus embraces about forty acres, and is located in the center of the city, and is made attractive by fine lawns and shade-trees. The college buildings are noted for architectural beauty and con- venience. Elliott Hall, known as the old Mansion House, has been repaired and fitted up with all mod- ern improvements, and is a very desirable college building. The great increase of students in 1850 em- phasized the need of a chapel and additional recitation- rooms. An appeal was made to the Church for the necessary funds, which met with a prompt response.
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The corner-stone was laid for Thomson Hall on July 26, 1851. It was named in honor of the first president. It was 55 by 88 feet. The structure was completed the following year, at a cost of $16,000. Sturges Library was finished and dedicated in 1856, at a cost of $15,000. It has served for library purposes to the present year. Monnett Hall was erected in 1857, at an expense
GRAY CHAPEL AND ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.
of $50,000, and greatly enlarged and beautified in 1890 for a like amount. The building as it now stands is two hundred feet long and one hundred feet wide and four stories high, and capable of accommodating two hundred and fifty young women. Merrick Hall was completed in 1873, at an expense of $47,000. It is a commodious building three stories high, and is wholly devoted to science. The gymnasium is a small, but
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modern structure, with the latest devices for gymnastic exercises.
University Hall and Gray Chapel was completed in 1893. It is a massive stone building of Romanesque style, and cost $176,000. It is one of the most com- plete college buildings to be found in America. Gray Chapel, named to commemorate the life of Rev. David Gray, the pioneer preacher, and noble father of D. S. Gray, Esq., of Columbus, is a commodious and elegant auditorium that will seat twenty-five hundred people. It is here the students meet daily for religious worship and instruction, and in lecture courses and concerts hear some of the most distinguished men of the Nation. From this rallying center of the university life goes forth an intellectual, social, and spiritual power which touches literally every continent on the globe.
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