Lorain City (part 55 of 77)

Takuif,' up the general historical thread, it should be stated that the fii'st president of Oberlin College was Rev. Asa JMahan, who was elected January 1, 1835. lie assumed his official duties on May 1, being a graduate of the theological seminary at Andover, and coming directly from Cincinnati where he was pastor of a Presl)yterian Church, and trustee of Lane Seminary. He remained at the head of its affairs untd August 28, 1850. The month after President Mahan's election the trustees of Oberlin University incorporated what was tlien a very radical jjrovision to its constitution, i)roviiling for the admission of students irrespective of color. Since that time, in the face of many years of bitter criticism, and opposition, liiis provision permanently stood. The liixi'al spiril evinced at this early date has permeated not only the colle^ic, hut the culiro commiuiily, and it is one of the interesting features of the liiwn, so noticeable today, that representatives of the colored race are everywhere treated with the utmost courtesy and consideration. Tlic iiafurnl result has been mutual respect and politeness, aiul the teaching- (if a foi'dlile ol).jeet lesson to tlios(! who still insist that tlie two I'accs cainiol live peaceably in tin; .sanu' commiuiity.

Ill .May, 1835, the month that President JMahan came to the college, was organized the theological department. This was in full working ordiM' liy December of that year, with an atten(hiiice of thirty-five stu-

Tlu! irnjiortant j)art to i)o played by the woiiicn of Olierlin College l)eeani(! early civideiit. In July, 1835, they formed wliat was known as the Young Ladies' Assoeiation of Oherlin Collegiate Institution, afterwards merged into the Ladies' Literary Society, and in Feliruary, 1836, the college authorities founded a women hoard of managers. Other events which marked distinct steps in tiie progress of Oberlin College during the presidency of Professor Mahan may be mentioned as follows: The tirst issue of Oberlin Evangelist in January, 1839, and the organization of the Philo Dialectic Soeietj' now the Phi Delta, later the Young I\Ien's Lyceum, wliich was merged into the Phi Kappa Psi; and the organization of the Oberlin Musical Association, in 1847. The latter was changed to the Oberlin IMusical Union in May, 18G0, and during the sixty-three years of its existence has given 148 |)ublie ooneerts. During this period (on February 17, 184G), the Village of Oberlin was also incorporated.

It is interesting to pause at this jioint in the narrative, which has taken the eollege through its first decade, and learn how this rather unique experiment of coeducation and colonizalion, the (-oiu])lete ei'asure of tile color line, manual training and llic enlorceiiicnt nf proliiltition, as well as the insistence of strict morality, was viewed l)y an ouisider. J. A. Harris, editor of the (Jleveland Herald, in one of iiis is.sues of 1845, furnishes the illustration. "The Oberlin Collegiate Institute, " he says, "is emphatically the people's college, and, altliougli some of its leading characteristics are peculiar to the institution, and are at variance with. the general pu])lic opinion and pre,ju(lices, the college exerts a wide and healthful intluence. It places a useful and thoroughly practical education within the reach of indigent and industrious young men and women, as well as those in afliuent circumstances; and many in all ranks of life avail themselves of the rare advantages en.ioyed at Oberlin. The average number of students the last five years is five hundred and twenty-eight, and this too, be it remembered, in an in.stilution that has sprung up in what was a dense wilderness but a dozen years ago. To remove all credulity, we give a conci.se history of its origin and progress.

"The Rev. John J. Shipherd was a prominent founder of 01)erlin. His enter|)rising spirit led in the devising and ineipient steps. Without any fund in the start, in August, 1832, \w, rode over the ground for inspecliori wliei'e the village of Oberlin now stands. It was then a dense,

Iiciiv.v, uiil)rokoii forest, tlic land level and wot, almost iiiaceessiblc by roads and the |)ros|)ects I'or a settlement foriiiddinj,' in the extreme. In Xovciiiher, IH'.VI, Mr. Sliipherd, in eorn[)any with a few others, seleeted the site. Five hundi'ed aeres of land were eonditionally pledged by .Mes.srs. Street and Hughes, of New Haven, Conneeticut, on which the eollege buildings now stand. A voluntary board of trustees held their first meeting in the winter of 1832, in a small Indian opening on the site. The Legislature of 1833-34 granted a charter with university privileges. Improvements were commenced, a log house or two erected, people began to locate in the colony, and in 1834 tlie board of trustees resolved to open the school fur the reception of colored persons of both sexes, to be regarded as on an eipiality with others. In January, 1835,

"Sucli was the beginning - and the present result is a striking exemplification of what oI)stacles can be overcome and what good can be accomj)lislicd iindci' our free institutions by the inilonutable energy, earnest zral and unfaltei'ing jjcrseverance of a few men, wlien they engage lieait and soul in a great pliilanthropic enteri)rise.

"OliiTlin is now a pleasant, thriving village of about two tliousand souls, Willi iieccssai'v stores and mechanics' shops, the largest church in the state and a good temix'rance iiotel. It is a connnunity of teetotallers, from tile higlu-st to the lowest, the sale of ardent si)iri1s having never been piiniitlcd within its borders. The college buildings number seven coiiniiixlious edifices. Rev. A. Malian is president of the College Institute, assisted by fifteen able jjrofessoi's and teai'hers. l']ndowments : Eight jirofcssorships are sup{)orte(l in i)art by pledges; 500 acres of land at Oberlin and 10,000 acres in western Vii'ginia.

"2. To beget and to confii'm in the process of education the hal)i1s of self-denial, patient endurance, a chastened moral courage and a devout consecration of the wliole being to God, in seeking the best good of man.

"5. To raise ujj a church and ministers who shall be known and be read of all men in deep sympathy with Christ, in holy living and in efficient action against all which God forbids.

"G. To furnish a sennnary affording thorougli instruction in all the branches of an education for both sexes, and in which colored per.sons of both sexes shall be freely admitted on terms of e(|uality and brotherhood.

"We confess that miich prejudice against the Oberlin College has been reuioved by a visit to the institution. The course of training and studies i)ursued thei'e appear admirably calculated to rear a class of healthy, useful, self-educated and self-relying men ami women - a class which the poor man's son and daughter may enter on eqiud terms with others, with an opportunity to outstrip in the race, as they often do. It is tlie oidy college in the United .States where females enjoy the privileges of males in acquiring an education, and where degrees are conferred on ladies; and this peculiar feature of the instruction has pi'oved highly useful.

"By combining manual labor with study, the physical system keeps pace with the mind in strength and development, and the result in mo.st cases is 'sound minds in healthy bodies.' Labor and attention to househohl duties are made familiar aiul honoi'al)le and, jdeased as we were to note tile intelligent and healthful count(;nances of the young ladies seated at the boarding-house dinner table, the gratification was heightened shoi'tly aftei- by ol).se)'ving the same graceful forms clad in tidy, long aprons, and busily engaged iii pulting the dining-hall in oi'de^*. And tli(! iilerary exercises of the same ladies [jroved lliat tlie labor of Ihe hands ill llie institution had been no hindrance in tiic ae(|uisition of kiiowh'dge.

well qualified and diligent laborers in the great moral field of the world. Her graduates may be found in nearly every missionary clime, and her scholars are active co-workers in many of the pliilanthropic niovcmcnts that distinguish tlie age. Jt is the people's college, and long may it prove an increasing l)lessing to the people."

Professor j\Iahan was succeeded in the presidency by Prof. Charles Grandison Finney, on the 2r)th of August, ISol. President Finney commenced his connection wiih Oberlin College as its first professor of theology in June, 1835, and was identified with its faculty almost continuously until his resignation as president, August 19, 1865. His most noteworthy al)sence was in 1849, when he went to England as an Evangelist. He resigned his well-performed duties at the age of seventy-three, and died in 1875. One of his daughters married Hon. J. D. Cox and added greatly to her hu.sband's success, both in his educational and political life. She was a brilliant woman. Another was later married to the Hon. James Monroe.

There was a marked increase in the attendance during the first few years of Professor Finney's administration, and by 1853 the enrolment had reached 1,;!05, of which number 716 were men. In 1851 the scholarship fund was formed amounting to while 1854 was an active year in the formation of men's literary societies, and also marked the establishment of the Libi'ary A.ssoeiation. In ]856 the second women's literary society (the Aeliolan) came into existence, and in 1859 the ladies, formed both literary and library associations. The literary and library associations of both men and women were eventually consolidated (in October, 1874), resulting in the formation of the Union Library' Association. At that time the number of volumes at the disposal of the a.ssoeiation was 3,058. This number had increased to nearly 10,000 in 1898 and in JMarch, 1908, when the Union Library Association formally passed over its collection to the college, the library amounted to nearly L5,000 bound volumes.

President Finney's administration also included the Civil war period, during whieli the si)leudid ])atriotisiii exhibited l)y the stuileiit body materially interfered with the growtli of the college. A short time after tile tiring on Fort Sumter more than 480 students applied for enlistment, although eighty-one only were received - the maximiuu strength of tlie company formed.

President Finney left an enduring mark on the policies and broad usefulness of Oberlin College, and his i)rominence as one of its Iniilders is also proclaimed in tlie massive and beautiful memorial chapel which stands at the southwest corner of West Lorain and Noi'lh Professor streets on the site of his former residence.

The college chapel erected in 1854 and remodeled in 1883 was destroyed by fire in January, 1903. It has been replaced by the Finney ^Memorial Chapel, erected at a cost of .$135,000. It is the gift of Mv. Frederick Norton Finney of ^lilwaukee, Wisconsin; "That the youth of this foundation of learning may daily meet to worship God, and that a son may honor the memory of his fatlier. "

The Finney IMeinorial Chapel was opened for college uses in September, 1908. Its dimensions are 117x165 feet; the building seat.s about ],900 and provides standing room for 500 or mure.

In 1914, Mr. Finney and Cliarles ]\1. Hall united in a gift of a new organ for the chapel. The installation of this organ was begun in January, 1915, and the dedication exercises occurred ]\Iarch 12, 1915. Tile organ was built by the E. ^1. Skinner Company of Boston, Massachusetts, at a cost of !|;'25,000.

Succeeding President Finney was Proi'. James Hains Fairchild, who lieeiiiiie head of ()l)erlin CoMege June 2(>, IHOti, and resigned his ofliee

June 24, 1889. In many respects lie exerted the strongest and most continuous influence upon the welfare of the university of any one personality, as his connection hegan aliiiost from the first term and continued until his death, ]\Iarch 19, 1902, or a i)eriod of over sixty-seven years.

President Fairchild was a native of Stockbridge, [Massachusetts, having been born November 25, 1817. In 1818 liis parents moved to Brownhelm, Lorain County, and he early began his studies. The family took up a residence in Oberlin in 1840. Nancy Ilains Fairchild was determined her boys should have educations. She realized, to study well, that they must be well nourished. At that time the Grahamites were plenty and she did not believe in such meager fare. She was induced to take charge of a boarding ball, so tliat others might have advantage of her tal)le. She accomplishetl her desires. Three of her boys became college presidents - one at Oberlin, one at Berea, Kentucky, and one at tlie State Industrial College of Kansas. She lived to a good old age, and died at her Brownhelni home. At the age of twelve young Fairchild entered a classical school, beginning the study of Latin in the following year. In Jidy, 1832, he graduated from the Elyria High School, then under the presideuey of Rev. .John IMonteith, and there became interested in the project which resulted in the estal)lishment of Oberlin College. In J\Iay, 1834, he was enrolled as a meud)er of its first freshman class, consisting of four student.s - hiuiself, his l)rotber Henry, and two others. Professor Faii-ebild completed the entire four years' course, and at the age of twenty graduated in the first class ever sent out from Oberlin College. lie then completed a theological course in 1841, and taught for several months near his old home in Brownhelm and in Chautau(iua County, New York. A short experience as a preacher in Southern ^Michigan preceded bis return to Oberlin College. While still an undergraduate he had l)ecome connected with its faculty, teaching Latin, Greek and theology, and upon his permanent return to his alma mater he became a tutor both of theology and Ilebx'ew. In 1842 the languages were added to his other branches, and in 1844 he assumed the chair of mathematics. He continued as professor of the latter until 1858, and in the following year was appointed associate professor of theology and moral philosophy, at a later date assuming the full professorsliip. For some years before President Finney's resignation, in 1865, Professor Fairchild had assumed most of the burdens connected with Ibe presidency of the college, altliougb his official title was chairnuin. In June, 186G, he was formally elected to the; jjresidijncy, being at that time in his forty-ninth year. No man could have been more thoroughly efjuipped for his official duties, as he had been identified with every dejiartment of the college excepting that of chemistry. He con- liiiued as prc'sidont of the college until 1889, wlion advaiiecd ago and failing stroiigth forced him to resign, although he retained 1lie chair ol' theology and ethics until the day of his deatli.

The growth of the college was necessarily slow for a number of years after the Civil war, so that hy 1873 its enrolment had only reached 1,371, ox. slightly greater than that of 1853. Tliere was little change in the actual attendance up to the time of President Fairchild's death, and a few facts remain to be stated which fall withiii the period covered by his presidency.

In July, 1870, the trustees of 01)erlin College voted in favor of an alumni representation in their board, and, iji pursuance of lliis decision, one mend)er was selected from the seminary and two from the college dei)artments. These were recognized as corresponding meiidiers of the I)oard of trustees, aUhougli denied the right to vote. Still later llic charter was so changed that one-third of the ti'ustees were elected by tile alumni. In the following year, November 15th, at the third meeting of tile National Congregational Council at Oberlin, the cornerstone of Council ITall was laid, and since has been occupied by the department (if tlieology.

Tiie tii'st issue of the Oberlin College TJeview is dated April 1, 1874. The publication was originally a semi-monthly, but became a weekly in 1889, and later a semi-weekly. The first article of the fir.st issue, by President Fairchild, was entitled "A Visit to Waldliach, the Home of Pastor Oberlin."

The other events connected with the development of Oberlin, which fall within the presidency of Professor Fairchild, may be mentioned as follows: The organization of the College Glee (Jlub and the Youyg IMen's Christian Association, in November, 1881 ; the establishment of a i)hilosophical course in the curriculum in 188G, which carries with it the degree of Bachelor of Philosojthy ; the founding of the Slavic coui'so in theology during 1887, and the completion of Peters and Taleott halls during the same year.

Prof. Wjlliam Gay Palianline succeeded to the jiresideney in January, 18!)1, liaving for the preceding Ibirleeii years filled the eliair of llebi'cw of the college Faculty. He resigned in June, 1S!)3.

organized form, through the meeting of the Oberlin Temperance AUiiiiicc in iMay, ISi),'!. l!])on tliat date its members gathered in the Spear Lil)i'ary of llie college and orgaiuzcd tiic Anti-Saloon League, whose iirst jjuhlie ineeling was held in tin,' First Coiigix-gational Church on Sunday, June 4, of that year.

Key. Joini Henry Barrows assumed the presidency in November, 1898, and continued at the head of the college affairs until his death, June 3, 1902. He was the tirst president of that institution to die in office, his decease occurring about two months after the passing away of liis predecessor. President Fairchild. It is probable that no president of (Jberlin College enjoyed so cosmopolitan a reputation as Doctor Barrows, bis name being honored by scholars and religionists of two hemispheres. lie first came into world notice as president of tiie great Congress of b'cligions at the ColuMd)ian Exposition, and afterwards extended his fame by tiie profound lectures in the promotion of religion which he delivered from Calcutta, India, to San Francisco, California. As a ])reacliei-, orator, scholar and college executive he had few e(iuais in the United States. '

It was during Presidt'iit Barrows' administration that the Oberlin victims of the Boxer uprising fell in Ciiina, although the memorial arch ei-ected at file main entrance of tiie campus from the west, was not completed until ]\Iay, 190;5, nearly a year after his death. During that month Dr. Henry (Jhurchill King was inaugurated as president of the college, succeeding Doctor Barrows.

In the autumn of 1902, during the annual meeting of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign ]\Iissions, the cornerstone of a memorial arch was laid, constituting an entrance to the campus opposite Peters Hall. The arch was dedicated in ]May, 1903. It has been erected as a memorial for the missionaries of the American Board who suffered -"iiartyrdom in China during the insurrection of 1900, most of whom were Obei'iin graduates. TIk; arch is built of Indiana l)un' limestone at a cost of somewhat more than $20,000, which sum was provided ])y friends of the American Boai'd.

Moth pride and tenderness go forth from college and eily to the memoi'ial arch and it is a shrine to which Protestant missionaries resort with moist eyes and healing heai'ts. Around Ihe concave cornice looking

Tliei'L' are two tablets set into walls to the right and left of the arch. That on the left bears the following: "IMasacred: Charles Wesley Price, Eva -Jane Price, Ernest Jxicliiiiond Atwater; children - Florence J'riee, Clara Ball Atwater, Hertlia Bowen ; near Fenchow-Fu, Sliansi, China, August 15, 1900.

The right tablet records the following as victims of the fanatical massacre: "Dwiglit Howard Clapp, ]\Iary Jane Clapp, Susan Roweiia Jiird, Mary Louisa Partridge, George Louis ^Villiams, Francis Ward Davis; at Taiku Shansi, China, July 31, 1900.

In Xovember, 1902, Prof. Henry Churchill King succeeded Doctor l^ai'rows, being inauguratcil May 1:5, 190;3. He lirst became connected with Olierlin College, as a tutor, having served as professor of pliilosophy for si.x years previous to his election as treasurer. He was already Avideiy known as an author, and since becoming the head of Oberlin Collegi' has been honoi'ed with the presidency of the Religious Educational Association. His record as an educator is given thus:

Among the innovations introduced during the administration of the present incumbent is the creation of the offices, dean of the Seminary (in 1903) and dean of the College of Women (in 1904) ; and deans have also been established for the Conservatory of Women and the Academy of Women, who are personally responsible to the college management for the administration of its rules. In 1904 was created the office known as assistant to the president, the special duties of which are to increase and conserve the material equipment of the college.

.More imi)ortant than anytliing wliich has l)ecn mentioned, however, in Ihe eslalilisliment of Oberlin College on a broad and liberal educational basis, is the founding of a great endowment fund, which was begun in June, 1900. At that time, during the reunion of the college alumni, pledges were received for the raising of a general endowment fund amounting to $72,000, as well as for the founding of a $10,000 scliolarship. Not long afterwards the Oberlin College Living Endowment Union was organized as a medium through which to receive all such contril)utions. The receipts from friends of tile college were so generous that by Deceml)er, 1901, the funds amounted to $500,000. Tliis sum included $200,000 offered by JMr. Rockefeller, upon the condition tliiit the college raised $300,000. Tlie completion of the second half million endowment fund was announced in June, 1906. To be more exact, tlie total was $501,608, and included the following items: Andrew Carnegie, for the lil)rary Imilding, $125,000; fifty-si.\ donors, in lielialf of tlie lil)rai'y endowment, $100,000; an anonymous Boston friend, for increase of teachers' salaries in college and seminary, $100,000; Miss Anne AValwortli, for the establishment of tlie Slavic department of tlie Theological Seminary, $75,000.

Otlier notable Ijcquests since tiiat day are $165,000 from ]\Irs. Dudley Allen for the erection of the Dudley Peter Memorial Art Building; $37,000 by -Mr. John Severance to furnish a site for the building; $100,- OOO by Doctor Allen's will for a ]\Irs. A. A. F. Joimston endowment for instruction in the history and appreciation of art; $-10,000 by an anonymous donor foi- the endowment of tlu; library; $500,000 by ]\Ir. Charles llall's l)e(|uesl for a great auditorium, and $100, OOO for its endowment, together with a gift of $200, 000 for Ihe endowment of the campus and other college grounds, and of the ai'l)oretum, i'oi'est reserve, and j)ark, and $2,000,000 for general endowment purposes. In addition to this

I\Ir. Hall luul purchased ami given to the college the Johnson estate with some adjoining properties which were to he made into an arboretum "laid out in a seientilie manner with representative trees and shrubs from all over the world so far as the same will grow successfully in the climate of Oberliu." Other lands given by .Air. Hall on the west of Oberlin, the will directs should be "forested with representative and valuable trees, partieulai'ly of North American varieties, and perpetually maintained as a forest or forests in the wild state, with suitable walks and drives." The art objects given to the college include the best four paintings in ^Ir. Hall's hovise, his antique Chinese porcelain, and the fifty ciioicest rugs of his very valuable rug collection.

The assets of the college according to the treasurer's report in 1915 were, general endowment and special funds, .^i'2,671,i;i2.2S ; value of buildings and equipment, .$1,718,802.20; total, $4,389,934.57. To this sum would now be added the value of the becpiests for the library and the art building, and those of IMr. Hall, which would increase the sum to nearly $8,000,000.

The i)eriod from 1900 to 1909, in the general i)rogress of the college, was maiidy marked by ils great growth in the College of Arts and Sciences, the atlendanct! in this department having moi'e than doubled during this time. The total attejidance of the college is now about 2,000, the women outnumbering the men two to one.

Scvei'al magnificent luiildings, which go to nuikc uj) wliat is known as Olicrlin College, require special mention before the writer pi'oceeds' to a d(scri])tion of its general administration, ils distinct departnients and courses of instruction.

In January, 1905, Andrew J. Carnegie, had made an offer of $125,- 000 for a library endowment fund, providing the college secured $100,000 to add to his donation. The amount was raised in June, 1906, and in ]\Iarch, 1907, ]\Ir. Carnegie promised $25,000 additional for a building, ui)on the condition that the college secvired $20,000 as a further endowment. Not to trace the steps more in detail which led to the founding of the Carnegi(! Library of Oberlin Colleg(! and IIk; erection of its magnilicent home, it may be stateit that the dedication of the; structure occurred on the 23d of June, 1908. The building, which is of Amherst sandstone is on the northeast corner of I'rofessor and Lorain streets, is i;{5xll0 feet, and cost $155,000, of which Mr. Ciirncgie gave all but $5,000. On the fir.st floor are special rooms for readers and wardrobe accoiinnodations; on the second floor, spacious and convenient reading rooms and the librarian's offices; on the third and fourth floors, the library proper, with various departments connected with the college and seminary; and on the fifth and sixth floors is temporarily stored the magnificent Olney art collection.

Though primarily for the n.se of students and instructors, the Carnegie Library may be freely consulted by all. The board of education of the Oberlin Union School District has a contract with the boai'd of trustees of Oberlin College for the use of the library, all residents of the district lieing entitled to draw books free of charge. Besides the large collection of pamphlets, numbering over 131,000, the collection contains about 150,000 bound volumes. As the library has an income of $160,000 yearly to be expended in its enlargement, and that sum is supplemented l\v gifts and special appropriations, it is increasing at the rate of about 7,000 volumes annually. About 20,000 volumes are available in the building on open shelves.

The library has been the recipient of many valuable collections, among wiiieh may be mentioned the following: From the libraiy of Prof. J. Henry Thayer, more than 1,000 volumes on the Study and History of the New Testament; from Ihe late Prof. Albert Allen Wriglit, 1,200 volumes on Zoology aiul (jieology; from the i'airiily of tiie late I). W. Cage, Esq., 1,000 volumes on law and theology; from the late Cen. J. D. Cox, iiis private library of 2,800 volumes, especially strong in military and general history; from the librar}- of Judge Aslier Cook, 1,000 volumes of law and general literatui'e; from tlie library of the late President John Henry Harrows, 1,500 volumes of theology and general literature; from ^fr. William K. Bixby of St. Louis, Mo., a collection of privately printed books from manuscripts in Mr. liixby's possession.

Another munificent gift which has fallen to Oberlin College is the bequest made by Mv. aiul iMrs. Charles F. Olney, of CMeveland, known as the Olney Art Collection. During Ihe spring of 1908 this collection was removed from Cleveland to OberliiL and installed temporarily on Ihe third floor of the new ('arnegie Library liiiilding. The collection comprises 2!)0 broii/.cs and bras.ses; 150 copper, gold, silvei-, and steel oI).iects; 130 doisoinie, Limoges, Russian, and other enamels; 235 pieces of pottery and porcelain, two-thirds of which are Japanese and

AVariier Ilall was originally constructed through tiic generosity of Dr. ami i\h's. Lucien C. Warner, of New York, for a conservatory of music. Three years afterward a large wing to the north was added, and in 1903-4 the huilding was entirely remodeled. A fine organ is the most striking feature of its musical e(|uipment, which was installed in 1902 and is tiie gift of Harold Kimball, the well-known manufacturer of in.struments at Rochester, New York. About $125,000 has lieeu exl>ended on tiie liuilding. it is four stories higli, of butf Amlierst stone, and has a frontage of 120 feet on North I'rofessor Street, and 120 feet on West ('oUege Street. It contains a concert hall, seating 1,000, in which are two Steinway grand pianos and a large and exceptionally line organ, of three manuals and forty stops, built by Koosevelt, of New York. There are also lecture rooms, a library, and offici's, besides 132 other rooms used for lessons, and for organ and piano practice. It is heated throughout by steam from a ceiiti'al heating })lant, and electric power is supplied for running the passenger elevator, puuii)iiig the oi'gans, and lighting the l)uilding.

Sturges Hall, erected in 1884, was designed to provide accommodations for the women's literary societies in tlie college, and is named for Ali.s-s Susan ^1. Stni'ges, wiio is the principal donor. Since 1907 this has been used foi' I'ccitation purpo.sos by tlie College of Arts and Sciences.

The Spear Zoological Laboratory, erected in 1885, was the gift of IJev. Charles V. Spear, of I'illslieUI, Massaciiusetts, and for many years was u.sed for college library pur])Ose.s. Since the (;om[)letioii of tlie Carnegie Library, in 1908, it has been utilized for the Zoological departnierit. Tn its main entrance hall is a bronze memorial tablet erected to

.Peters Hall, one of Hk; finest Ijuildiiigs in tiie college group, was eonii)leted in 1887, mainly througii a donation of 4^0,000 from Hon. Kieliard G. Peters, of JManistee, i\Iichigan. It is a massive two-story building and contains tlie recitation rooms of the College of Arts and Sciences. The most striking architectural feature is a grand central court, extending two stories into the interior of the huilding and surrounded 1)3^ the lecture and recitation I'ooms. it also contains .several beautiful clas.s gifts, such as an ornate fire])lace, casts taken from the I'arthenon fi'ic/.e, and a strikingly lif(!-like ])ortrait of Professoi- Barrows. Peters Hall is occupied by the College of Arts and Sciences and has special accommodations for tlic dei)artments of physics, astronomy and jj.sychology.

Rice ?tlemorial Hall is located on West College Street, adjoining Warner Hall. It was constructed in the years l!)Of) and liJlO. It is a stone building, four stories in height, containing 111 class and practice rooms. TIk; total cost, including equipment, was about $!)0,()()(). It is named Rice j\Iemorial Hall to commemoi'ate the services of Prof. Fenelon ]i. Rice and lAIr.s. Helen M. Rice.

The new administration building i.s located directly south of Finney ^Memorial Chapel. The construction of the building was begun in June, ]!)P5, and the formal 0[)ening for college uses occurred February 10, 1915. It is of f1re-i)roof construction throughout. The offices of the treasurer iind the secretary occui)y the first floor, while those of the l)resident, and assistant to the president, the dean of tlie College of Arts and Sciences, and the registrar are on the second floor. The Administration Building was erected in memory of Gen. Jacob Dolson Co.\ by his son, Jacob I). Cox, of (Cleveland. The total cost was !|;7(),()()().

The ]\I('n's Building is the gift of an aimnymous donor. It is located on West Lorain Sli'cet, west of i'^inney .Memorial Chapel, it was comw pletc'd in January, 1911. It is one of the largest of the college Imilditigs, with a length of 200 feet and a d('])th of -DO feet. The total cost was $155,000.

The academy occupies three substantial and convenient buildings located on the Johnson property, a quarter of a mile from the College Campus. The property is the gift of an anonyniou.s donor. In the summer of 1912 the three buildings were remodeled and equipped fur the uses of the academy through the gift of $25,000 by ]\lr. Charles I\l. Hall, of Niagara Falls, New York.

The gymnasium for men, the gift of Dr. and Mrs. Lucien C. Warner of New York, has been built in sections. The larger portion, including the front bay and the part lying soutli of it, was completed in the fall of 1901, at a co.st of $45,000. In the suuuner of 1911 work was begun on tlie north end, and the cost of this, together with changes in the older portion, raises the total amount expended for construction and equipment to more than $80,000. Its offices and examining rooms, the dressing I'ooms and lockers, Hie baths and the ari-angenienls for heating, ven- 1 dating, lighting, and cleaning, as well as the facilities for exerci.sc of all sorts, are the result of long and careful planning, and are Ixdieved to be first-class in every particular.

Tlie area of the fields used for out-of-door sports for men is twentyiive acres. The main entrance is located at the north end of Woodland iVveiuie. The new varsity footI)all field was opened for use in September, I91.'i. The new cinder track was completed in September, 1913, and had its first practical use as a running track in the spring of 1914. When the construction of the tennis courts and the practice fields for baseball and football is completed, Oberlin will have available for its men au equipment for play in the open air that can hardly be ecpialed elsewhere.

The Women's Gymnasium is a two-story structure of brick and wood. On the first floor at tlic right of the entraiute hall is the main exercise room, which is 95x50 W'A, is 18 fi'ct high al Hie sides and 28 feet at the ccnlei". A vi.silors' gailci-y crosses one end. The room is well eipiipped

Willi modoru apparatus. Adjoining the main liall are the instructor's oiiice, a resting room, and a recitation room for the classes in the Teachers' Course. The building is heated hy steam and lighted by electricity. The gymnasium yard is arranged for tennis, luHid-ball, volley-ball, skating, and the ortlinary ball games.

A thorough physical examination is given to each woman who enters the gymnasium. No student is allowed to play on a basket ball team wiio lias not had three months of gymnasium work and the certificate of the physical director. In addition to the graded class-work, exercises are prescribed to meet the partieular needs of the individual. All students while exerelsing are under careful supervision.

JMiysical training is expected of all women students, both in the gymnasium and out-of-doors. At a short distance from the gymnasium, the Field Association has provided both grounds and a field house for those who wish to play tennis, hockey or golf. It also has picnic grounds, embracing an a])ple orehard - (piite a favorite resort.

Oberlin Collego is especially rich in laboratories and museums. The Severance Chemical Laboratory affords accommodation.s for 220 students in regular courses and also for post-graduate work. The geological la])oratory and mu.seums are in a building I'eeently fitted up fov them. The quartei's are large enough to admit of a material increase in the work oll'ered in geology. Laboi-atories are equipj)ed for genei'al and advanced work, and ample recitation and work rooms are provided. The geological museum is on the second floor. It contains large collections of fossils from the Ohio .strata, and good collections for study from many other localities in the United States, Canada, and foreign countries. The collection of Devonian fishes is one of the be.sf in the world. In rearranging the museum one grouping will show succession of faunas and another the evolution of various forms. Tiie collections of minerals and rocks furnish ample illustrative material for class work. All of the eolle(;1ions are being constantly inereased by gifts and by specimens collected or i)urcliased by the department.

Foi- the study of minei'alogy there is an extensive miiieralogieal cabinet, witli a large eolleetion of crystal models, natural crystals, and other needful a|)pai'alus.

The Spear Laboratoiy affords eomforlable accommodations for the work in zoology and physiology. The mu.seum contains a fairly complete series of local animals on the third floor. Of special interest are the collections of Hawaiian shells.

The l)OtaiiiL'al lal)oraLories arc located iininediately north of Sevornnee (Jheiiiieal Lahoratory, the herl)ai'iuiii oecupyiiig several rooms therein. Tile latter is one of tlie larj^est in tin; state, eoiitainin<^ ahout SO, 000 speciim lis. The eolleetion illustrates very fnlly tlie tlora of Ihe entire United States, heinf,' especially strong in New lOngland and Rocky Mountain jilants. it also contains a good representation of the flora of Central 10uToj)e.

In Peters Ilall are tlie physical laboratory (hasement, second and third floors) ; the astronomical equipment, couiprisiiig the six-inch telescope inonnted in the revolving dome of the building and a fine astronomical clock; and the psychological laboratory', carrying especially comjjlete )nodern a])paratus for experiments upon the sense organs.

Baldwin Cottage was the gift of ]\Ir. E. I. Baldwin of Cleveland, and Talcott ITall of Mr. and Mrs. James Talcott of New York City. Both wci'c erected in ISiST. These two dormitories were })]anned after a careful study of similar buildings elsewhei-e, and are nnsui'pa.ssed in eoinfoi't, taste, and convenience. Home rooms are intended for a single occupant, others for two. Each roojn lias a large closet and is furnished and heated. Baldwin Cottage iind Talcott Hall together aceominodate 110

The members of the faculty comprise the president, professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructor.s and assistants in instruction and administration. Besides President King, tliere are sixty professors, twenty-six associate and assistant professors, thirty-seven instructors and assistant instructors, and forty assistants in adminis- ! ration, including eleven matrons of college dormitories for women.

George Frederick Wright, 1). 1)., LL. 1)., professor of tiie iuirmony of science and revelation, Emeritus. Retired upon the Carnegie Foundation.

.Miss Lucretia (Jclestia Wattles, A. M., professor of pianoforte. Howard Handel Carter, Mus. B., profe.ssor of pianoforte. Charles Walthall ^lorrison, j\Ius. J)., director of the eonservatory ; professor of pianoforte. Fenelon B. Riee Professorship. Arlhiir Smith KiMil)all, profes.sor of singing.

Edgar George Sweet, Mus. B., professor of singing. .Aliss Arietta Maria Ahhoti, A. I\r., i)rofes.sor of the German language and literature. Fredrika Bremer Hull Professorship of modern languages.

AViirnuu George Caskey, A. i\L, professor of oratory and rhetoric. Frederick Orville G rover, A. M., professor of ))Otany. Dascomb Professoi'ship.

Charles Henry Adams Wager, Ph. D., Litt. D., profe.s.sor of English. AVilliam Kilgore Breckenridge, ^lus. B., professor of pianoforte. Arthur Edward Heaeo-x, Mus. P>., i)rofessor of harmony and counterpoint.

Chai'les Nelson (Jole, Pli. I)., (h'an of the College of Arts and Sciences; acting dean of college men; professor of Latin. Graves Professorship. Krmper Fullerton, A. M., jirofessor of the Old Testanu'ut language iiiid literature, h'inncy Profess()i-slii|).

The preparatory school was opened first, but within less than two years aftei-ward the college proper and the theological seminary were in oi)eration. Some years later a conservatory of uuisie was aildcil. The conservatory was conducted as a private school in close relation to the college for about twenty years, before it was foi-mally made a department of the college in ItSG?.

Tile distinct dei)artments of Oberlin College are: (a) the college of arts and sciences; (b) the tiieological seminary; (e) the conservatory of music; and (d) the academy, which, however, is to be discontinued after 1916. The number of students who can be accepted foi' enrolment in the college of ai'ts and sciences is limited to 1,()()(). No such rule has becji adopted as to the theological seminary, the conservatory of umsie oi- the academic department. The sole idea of the management is to strive for (piality, rather than bulk of the student body. The head of the academy is designated as i)rincipal ; the heads of the other (le]iartments as deans. In fact, there are deans of con.servatory men and of conservatory women, and deans of college women and of academy women, .so that, although the college is coeducational, every safeguard is provided in .solving the problem of IIh; sexes.

No clearer idea of the nature of the college administration can be given than by merely mentioning the names of its i)rincipal officials: President, Henry Churchill King; assistant to the jjresident, AV. Frederick liohn; treasurer, James R. Severance; secretary, chairman of the Coiiunittee on Admission of Students and clerk of the faculty, George M. Jones; assistant secretary, John E. AVirklcr; librarian, Azariah S. lioot; superintendent of buildings and grounds, Charles P. Doolittle; dean of the college of arts and sciences, Chai-les N. Cole; dean of college women, Miss Florence .M. Fitcli; registrar college department, Miss F. T. Woleott; seinor dean of the theological seminary, Fdward T. Poswoi'tli; juiiior dean of the theological seminai'y, 0. Walter i<'iske ; direi;toi- of Oberlin Conservatory of Music and dean of conservatoiy men, (-'liailes W. I\IoiTis()n ; dean of consei'vatory women, Mi.ss h'rances (J. Nash; principal of Obei'lin Acjidemy, John T. Shaw; <lean of academy

The musical advantages at Oberlin are considered exceptional, its conservatory of music, with its two magniticent homes, standing very liigh. The church choirs and otiier city organizations are especially hc]])ful to that department of tlie college.

As to literary societies, the young men have three - Phi Kappa Pi, Phi Delta and Alpha Zeta ; and the young women iive - L. L. S., Aelioian, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma (lauuua and Tan Kappa Epsilon. The eight constitute the Union Literary Society, which conducts a valuahle lecture cnui'sc. There are also two literary societies in the theological seminary - Ihf iJcth Nun and the (Jomenium, and two in the Academy - the Acme and the Lesbian.

A cluii)ter of Phi Beta Kappa, the national society whose fundamental aim is 1o ])romote high scholai'ships and sound moi'ality, was established in Oberlin College in lilOS. The Oberlin chapter is known as the Zela Chapter of Ohio. This honorary society was foundeil at AVilliam and ^lary College, December 5, 1776 ; it includes in its roll of members the names of nuiny college graduates wlio have won national renown.

Each year one-eighth of the seniors ranking highest in scholarship are elected to membership, provided they have also attained a specific standing in the general average of their college grades. The election occurs near tlie close of the college year. The Oberlin chapter numbers (^lay 15, 1914) about 440 living members, forty-five of these being meiiiliers of the faculty.

Kach year the students conduct an oratorical contest, open to all undergraduates. Original orations are presented, and by means of preliminary contests the si.x oi-ators of highest merit are chosen to appear in the liiial cotitcsl. 'i'jie witnier of first pla<'e in the final contest receives a prize of $.'>() and the honor of repi'escnting Oberlin at the annual contest of the Norlhei'ii Oratoi'ieal Tvcagne. 'V\\r orator winning second p!;ii'e receives a prize of +2").

Oljcrlii) Collcyi; lias always Ikmmi ddiiioci-atic, and Iheroron; a li^jlicvur ill .stiidt'iit govcnimcnt and the iionor system. The men's senate is composed of nineteen men, including tlie class presidents, presidents of the Young :\Ien's Christian Association, the Union Literary Association and the Athletic Association, and the editor and managing editor of the Oherlin Review, with ten men selected from the four college classes. It serves as a board of arbitration for student differences and a medium of communication between the student l)ody and the faculty. The women's senate of the Women's League, composed of thirty representatives elected maiidy from the classes of the college of arts and sciences and the conservatory of music, virtually corresponds to the men's senate. Tlie honor system deals with written tests and examinalions and other Avoi'k wlicre tlie IcaehiT wishes to recpiire (lie i)h'(lge. The pui'|)ose is to eliminate dishonesty from curriculum work and to keep alive a keen student sentiment against such dishonesty. 7\t the close of each test tlie student is required to sign the following statement: "I have neither given nor received aid in this test (or examination)." A refusal to sign Uiis Iionor j)le(lge is treated as a ease of dishonesty. Uiidei- this system detection is iiiadi; by the students themselves, and cases of dishonesty are reported not to the faculty, but to one of the two iionor courts, chosen by tlie two student senates.

For students prei)aring for the mini.stry - Lemuel Brooks Scholarshi]) ($5,000) : Founded by Miss Harriet E. Brooks, of Churchville, New York, in memory of her father, Rev. Lemuel Brooks.

(Joi relia L. Reamer Scholarship Fund ($5,000) : Founded hy i\Irs; t.!orrelia L. Reamer, of Oherlin, "to be used to help earnest young women wlio are in part, or wholly, self-.supporting. "

FUen M. Wliitcomb Scholarship (.+6,000) : Founded by Mr. David AVliitcomb, of Worcester, Massachusetts, for self-supporting young women in the college department, preference being given to the dauglitcrs of home and foreign missionaries.

(;^,,i,.ral - Lydia Ann Warner Scholarsliip ($5,000) : Founded by Drs. Lucien C. and I. De Ver Warner, of New York City, from the estate of their inotiier, :Mrs. Lydia Ann Warner.

Avery Scliolar.ships: Founded. by the executors of the estate of Rev. Charles Avery, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and furni.shing $150 per teiiii toward the tuition of "indigent and worthy" colored students.

Tlie cU'inocracy of OI)er]in (College is manifest l)otli in the earnest exertions of so many of the students to realize at least partial self-supl)Oi't while they are becoming intellectually and morally trained, and in the hearty co-operation of the faculty and administrative olificers toward ])liK'iiig them in the way of securing employment. Some thus earn enough fi'om term to term to meet a large part of their expenses - by woiking at trades, doing chores at private imuses, and taking care of gardens. A few, by rigid economy and hard work, meet all their expensi's, while studying, from their earnings; but in such cases health or scholarship is likely to suffer. No one should come, even for a half year, expecting to support him.self, without at least $100 at his command for u.se if needed. The college has funds for aiding to some extent cei'tain clas.scs of needy students; but the great advantage it oil'ei's is the low rate at which all its facilities are afforded. The traditions of the college and the public sentiment of the students favor economy in all ex|)enses.

The Young ;\Ien's Christian Association conducts an employment bureau, ihrough which assislance is given to men in finding opportunities for outside work. The Young Women's ('hristian Association conducts a similar bureau for women.

tain iuiuls to be used for the remission of a ])art of the reguhir term hills ill the ease of a limited iiiimher of students wliose need is well iis(;('rtained, and whose; scholarshii) and c^haraetcr give promise of future usefulness. Such remission of charj^'es, however, eannot usually l)e made to stuileiUs during,' the lii'st term of their residenee in Oberlin. It is expeeted that mendjers of the upper elasses will, whenever practicable, receive the money as a loan instead of a gift. Any student who receives scholarship aid from the college may be calletl ui)on to render .service to the college as an equivalent for any jjart, or all, of the money so received.

i\Iary lO. Wardh^ Scholarship ($1,250) : Founded by bequest of Mi.ss J\rary K. AVardle, of FIgin, Jllinois. Jienefieiai'ies designated by the First Congiegational Churcli, of Elgin.

K. A. West Scholarship Fund ($1,500) : Founded by F. A. West, of Chicago, Illinois, for the beneht of college stuilents of iiu-rit and good character, who are self-supporting, or ])arlly so.

Avery Fund ($6,000) : Established by the executors of the estate of Kev. Charles Avery, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for "indigent and worthy" colored students.

Gilchrist Hanking Fund for Students of Oberlin College ($9,500) : Founded by bequest of .Mrs. Ella J. Gilchrist Potter, of Aljjcna, ]\Iichigan, as a memorial for her ])arents, ]\Ir. ami Mrs. Albert Gilchrist, of Oberlin, - a loan fund "for indigent and self-.supporting students of either sex."

Dudley Allen Scholarship Fund ($6,500) : Founded by .Air. Dudley P. Allen and Airs. Emily Allen Severance, of Ch'veland, in imMuory of their father. Dr. Dudley Allen, of Oberlin. The income of this fund is to b(! used for tlu; aid of the ehildi'en of missionaries.

The following fellowships, open to graduates of Oberlin College, are awarded by vote of the faeulty upon reeomuiendation of the eommittee on graduate study and degrees. These fellowshii)s provide for graduate study either in this country or abroad; it is not expected that the holders of these fellowships will do graduate work in any department of Oberlin College.

Cilchrist Potter Prize Fund, Income $350: Founded by becpiest of I\lrs. Ella J. Cilchri.st Potter of Alpena, I\Hchigan. It is for indigent, self-supporting young women "irrespective of color, students of Oberlin College, who have completed a full course in said college, merited scholarship and deportment recognized." Awarded in 1913-14 and aniuially thereafter.

From tlio time of its foundation, religion was the great cornerstone of Oherlin College and, altiioiigii llie spirit of the coimnunity was always indei)emlent and liberal, hotii tiie eoliege and tiie town were always jjroucl to l)e known, near and far, as distinctively moral. Puhlie worship was strictly observed about a year and a half befoi'e the organization of a church, that organization being the First Congregational. For nearly twenty year.s that was the only chureh in Oberlin. Episcopal .services commenced to be held in 1852, althougli (!hrist I'ai'ish was imt foumled until. three yea r.s later. The Second ('ongregatioiial followed in IHGO, tiie Fir.st Hapti.st in 18GG, the First Metiiodist Fvangelical Ciiurch in LSG!), the Rust .Methodist Evangelical in 1872, tlie Church of the Sacred Heart (Catliolic) in 1880.

. The coloi'ed people of Oberlin have organized a nund)er of religious bodies. They commenced to hokl services as early as 18GS, and not long afterward the j\Ietliodi.sts organized a churcli. In 187G the parent body was divided and the African ^Methodist Episcopal Cliui'ch was formed liy the seceding mcMnbers. In 1887 the Mount Zion Baptist Churcii was organized.

Tile foregoing represent the leading religious bodies, which carry on a .splendid work of charity and benevolence of a general nature, besides that which relates specifically to their own organizations.

At lea.st one institution should also be mentioned which fits so elo.sely into tiiis work of tlie churches as to be almost identical with it. Reference is made to the Oberlin jMi.ssionary Home As.sociation, managed l)y residents of the city and vicinity, two of the members (ex-officio) of the corporation being pastors of the First and Second Congregational churches. The in.stitution is poi)ularly known as Tank Home from the fact that the main building, which aeconnnodates about forty children of foreign missionaries, is thus designated; besides which there are three cottages for the accommodation of missionaries themselves who are home on furlougii. It is named in memory of Neils Otto Tank and his widow, pioneei- Moravian missionaries of Wisconsin, from whose estate came the .$1(),()0(), in 18I)G, whicii was of such material assistance in the founding of the enteri)rise.

With this general view of th(! main religious institutions which have eslal)lished Ihemselvcs a1 Obei'lin, the details of liow lliey came to be

The First Congregational Cliureh, which for over a quarter of a century was the religious liome of 01)erlin College, originated in a meeting held at tlie college chapel on the 19th of August, 1834. It was then and tliere resolved "tliat a church ])e formed as soon as may be, and that it he called tlie Fir.st Congregational Churcli of Christ in Oherlin." On the 3d of Septem])er a confe.s.sion of faith having been drawn up and adopted, sixty-two persons were examined, and on the 13th of the same montli it was resolved "that those who have been examined and acrcpti'd do now consider themselves as members, and that the church is MOW legally and (!omi)let('ly oi'ganized." The sixty-two ai)plicants for iiieiiihcrship who had been examined and approved by Rev. ,1. J. Shij)- hcrd res(jlved tiiem.selves into a church.

June ir)th, 18:iG, ^Ir. Shiplierd i-esigned and Rev. (jliarles (}. Finnc}-, ])i()l'('Ssor in the; tiieologieal seminary, temporarily oceupied the pulpit. Neai'ly a year later I\lr. Finney aeeepted a call to ])eeome tlie permanent l)astor of the eliureh. Tliis relation was sustained for nearly thirty-tive years, terminating in ]\lr. Fiiniey's resignation in IMay, 1872. In 18G1, Rev. Jolin jMorgan, D. D., who had long been associated with ^Mr. Finney was called to become associate pastor, serving in that capacity until he resigned in May, 1872. Aljout a year later a call was extended to Rev. James Brand, D. D., of Danvers, ]\Iassachusetts, who was regularly inslalled pastor in November, 1873, and so continued to serve the church until his deatli, April 11, 1899. Rev. J. W. Hradshaw, D. D., was then called from tiie i)astorate of tlie First Congregational Church of Ann Ai-bor, .Micliigan. He began his duties Septend)er 2, 1900, and continueil in tlie i)astorate until failing health compelled his resignation, ^lay 1^7, 1911. He died Septenil)er 2, 1912.

Rev. William II. Spence was called from the First Congregational Church, Rutland, Vermont, January 18, 1912. He was installed as pastor of the church ^May 16, 1912; resigned .March 1, 1916.

In 1860 the church and congregation having become too large for its house of worship, it was deemetl expedient to divide the church for the purpose of forming a Second Congregational Church in 01)erlin. In order to accomi)lish this, 103 jjcrsons voluntarily withdrew from the original organization in the year 1860.

The chapel in Colonial Hall -becoming too small for the attendance ilrawn both from the college and village, in 1840 Rev. Charles G. Finney, the pastor, led the popular movenu-nt to build a church - a popular enterprise, notwithstanding the prevailing poverty. Finally, in 1842, the foundation of the First Chun-h was laid, at North .Main and West Lorain. The lot liatl been donated by the original proprietors of the village plat, and the townsmen, ])r(ifessors and students, aided by friends abroad, by sid)scriptions of cash, materials and work, luiited in pushing along the good work.

The chiireli building, which still stands, was completed in August, 1814, and Ihi' lacl that it was at lliat lime llie lai'gest religious edifice wesi of the Allegheny .Moiinlains, will give the visitoi' of today some idea of the magniliecHce of tho.se old churches as compared with those ol' the ])resent. The building has undergone many interior changes and improvements, and is very dear botli to those who knew the Oberlin of tile old (lays and tliosc wlio have become eoiineeteil witli it hy later ties, il is nl' a plain style of ai'i'liileel nre, the plans upon wliieli it was hiiill liein;^' sn^'^^'cstrd iiy Trcsident l'"inni:y, who had in mind the I'amons Jinjiidway Taheciiaele of New York. Until 18(J0 its audience room was the scene not only of religious gatherings, but of college and town meetings. In that year, when the congregation was divided to form the second church, its menibcrsliip was 1,540.

The second religious organization formed in Oborlin was by tlie Episcopalians under the above name. .Missionary services were begun by Rev. Anson Clark in the year 1852, and were held regularly thereafter in i\Ir. Satt'ord's house. The organization of the jiarish was etfected in April, 1855, hy Rev. Francis Granger, with seven communicants, and in the following year was admitted into union with tlie convention of the Protestant Episcopal Ciuirch in the diocese of Ohio. Very soon after, the building of the church commenced, the site on South ]\Iain Sti'eet at the end of Groveland Avenue being given by ]\Irs. SalTord. When Rev. "William C. French came in 1857 the church was but partially completed. Tt was not consecrated until ^lay, 1859, when it was free of debt. The i)ar.sonage, begun in 1860 and completed in 1865, was then the oidy building of the kind in Oberlin.

Organized ]May 3, 1860, the Second Congregational Church of Oberlin .sei)ai'ated fi'om the First, not from any spirit of antagonism but because tlie mass of worshippers had outgrown tlieir house of worsliip and because if adequate provision for the free expansion of such growth had not been ]U'ovided, the cause of local religion would have* seriously sud'ered. It was the result of a united elVort for the general good, espe- (rially in the intei'ests of Coiigi-egationalism and Obei'lin College.

About one hundred jx'rsons dismis.sed from the tii'st ciuirch for the pui'pnse, uniting in the enterprise. The organizing council, of which ]?ev. .1. C. White was modei'ator, and Rev. F. A. Will)ur, scribe, was eomjKised (d' I'l'prcsentatives of the following churches, viz.: Plymouth

Church, of Cleveland; First Presbyterian Church, of Elyria; The First Con{i;r('gational Cliurch, of Cleveland, and tlie Congregational eiiurehes of Aiiiliersl, Hrownhehn, Wellington, and Wakeman.

The project was undertaken after free and harmonious discussion by the first church, and with but one dissenting vote, the following considerations being laid before the council as reasons for the action:

6. The membership is believed to be too large for the best efficiency in Christian labor, and also too numerous to be adequately cared for by any one pastor.

The public services attending the organization were held in the meeting-house of the first church, when the Rev. J. A. Thome gave a charge to the church, as now constituted. Rev. Dr. iMorgan, in behalf of the first church, extended a cordial welcome to the second, wliich was fraternally responded to by Rev. E. II. Fairclnld of the second. Rev. II. E. Peck remarked, in conclusion, upon the relation of botli to the prosperity of the village.

The church l)ecame connected with the Cleveland Conference during the following October, and was duly incorporated under the laws of the state in April, 1865, the church itself being the body corporate without society or parish. In 1889, for the sake of extending the fellowship of the Oberlin churches, the church transferred its membership from the Cleveland to the iledina Conference. In the autumn of 1865 steps were taken to secure a site for a church edifice. The ground was furnished by the college, on condition that a certain numl)er of sittings in the church be free to students, and work upon the building was begun iu 1867 and completed in 1870. The whole cost of the building was about $30,000. Tlie dedicatory exercises took place on the 20th of October, 1870, and on tlie following Sabbath morning the congregation, which had hitherto wor.shipped in the college chapel, took possession of the new edifice. A few montlis later the Sabbatli-school, which, up to this time had existed conjointly with that of thu first church, was separately organized. An organ, whicii cost $5,000, was purchased in the autumn of the next year. During much of its history the church has been served

]Mrs. S;irah Covvles Tiittle has so well deseribed the si)irit and the natnre of this division of interests between the I'Mrst and the Seeond elini'ehes that the extracts and facts are taken wliieh form the subjectmatter of this sketcli, coverinff the history of the latter for twenty-seven years, or up to the i)astorate of Rev. Henry .M. Tenney. "At the be^^inning," says her article, "it was pbunied to have a (-hurch with so broad a Confession of Faith that Evangelical ("hristians of every name might be gathered into it, and dropping tlicir differences, emphasize in creed and life the fundamentals njKjn which all were agreed, and so have but one harmonious church in the village. This seemed to the fathers desirable as an example of Christian unity, and important to the prosperity of the enterprise that was being inaugurated.

"Upon this basis the First Churcii was founded, and prospered. (To my certain knowledge, there were in tiie First Church, not only Congregationalists, l)ut Presbyterians, ^Methodists, Haptists, Episcopalians, and Quakers.) From sixty -one charter mcnd)ers it inerea.sed to fifteen hundred and forty-live in 1860, of whom aliout twelve hundred were resident. The 'irieeling-house, ' large though it was, could no longer accommodate the meml)ers ami students, and there was no room for newcomers, for strangers or children, or for those whose names were not upon the church roll - and the town ami the college were both growing.

"A council was called and met May .'{, IHGO. It was composed of th(! i)astoi- and one delegate from each of the following churches: the First Presbyterian church of l<]lyria ; PlyuiouHi Church, Cleveland: the I^'irsl Congregational church, (Meveland (west side), inid the churches of Prowidielm, Amhei'st, Wellington and AVakeman.

"After oi'ganization, Rev. Ileni'y Cowlcs, in behalf of those interested in the movemetd, slated the reasons for asking a council to advise, and if thoughl projx-r, to assist in organizing a second church.

"After a full and careful (consideration of IIh; entir<! subject, the Council heartily endorsed the proposed plan and voted to cai'ry il iido cU'ect.

"Twenty-two were heads of families in the village, and eighteen were momliers of tlie.se families. There were forty students, classified thus: Theological students, eight (and two of their wives) ; in College and the Ladies' eour.se, twenty-one (Seniors, five, Juniors and Third years, eight, So])homores, four, Freshmen and First year, four), and from the Preparatory Department, nine.

"On Saturday, .May 51)1, tlu; eliurcii met to complete its orgunizalion, by electing oflicers and for other husiness. Four deacons were chosen, Deacon Wrigiit, Deacon Merrill, Deacon Thompson and Deacon Reed, and a tinaneial committee, I. M. Johnson, J. II. Fairchild and I\Iyron Bronson. A committee was api)ointed to secure a room for weekly prayer meetings, and another to provich; seats for the choir. (A short time later, twelve dollars was voted to purciiase .singing books for the choir.) It was agreed that the Salibath school siiould remain undivided, also that the Salibath evening local ])rayer meetings, of which there were about a <I()Zen in (liirerent .sections, should contiiuie to be union meetings, 'the idea being' it is .said, 'to unite wherever we can, and divide only where we must.' Seats in the chapel were selected for one j'car, the order in choice being given first to tho.se most advanced in age, and so on, until all were su|)plie(l, and a committee was appointed to arrange with those who might thereafter apjjly for seats.

"On .May (ith, the church held its first ])ublic service in the College Chapel. This was the same building that was destroyed by fire in 1903, but its exterior and its auditorium were very diU'erent. The only cutrance was at the east end, and two broad stairways led to the chapel. The platfoi'm was between the doors by which the audience entered. The tliKii' was level and the pews sli'aiglH. A gallery over the vestibule afl'oi'ded a |)lace for the choir, behind and considei'ably above the l)lal i'onn.

War times brouglit the afVairs of tlie cluireli to a low olib, and toward tlie latter part of that })erio(l not a few (inestioned the wisdom of tho separation and Ihe (h'sirahilily of a I'euniuii, hut those; who suj)|)orled an in(h'[)cn(h'nt orj,'aniza1ion prevaih'd and stej)s were taken to start a huildijig fund. A huikling eonnnittee was ai)pointed, at various times, comprising President James II. P'airehild, Professor John ]\I. Ellis, J. ]\I. Fineli, Rev. Henry Cowles, Deacon Uriah Thompson, I. ]\I. Johnson, Dr. Dudley Allen, and J. D. Carpenter. A site was procured from the college on West College Stivet, m-ar South Professor Street, in consideration of free seats heing furnished to a portion of the students. Over .+1,000 was raised l)y weekly contrihutions tlic; tirst year, antl wilii tiiat sum the foundation was laid. In April, 18G5, Die eluirch was incorporated for the j)urpose of iiolding property, in ac(.'ordance with state law, and the tinance eonnnittee was i-eplaced hy a board of trustees. Tlie tirst general subscription for a church edifice was made ^larch 13, 18G6, and on October 20th of that year the dedication services wore held. As completed, the church cost about $30,000.

Continuing ]\Irs. Little's nari'ative: "From the very first, we are told, it was greatly desired that the church should have the exclusive .service of a pastor. Yet during oidy twelve of it.s lirst thirty-nine years was this hope realized. It was pos.sible to secure most excellent preaching from professors, and a church tiuit could hear such men as the Faircliild brothers. Peck, Ellis, Mead, Smith, Foster, Wright, and others, found it not impossible to tlirive and grow without a settled pastor for even ten years at a time. Yet this was not ideal."

The first pastor was Rev. ]\Iiner Wynne Fairfield, who served from Octolier, 18G1, to December, 1864. His wife was a sister of President Faircliild. In April, 1876, Rev. William Kincaid, of the college class of '65 and seminary '67, was installed, and continued to occupy the pulpit of the Second until 188-1. Rev. Rol)ert G. Hutchins was called from ^Minneapolis and commenced liis j)astorate in I\lay, coiicluding it in Septendjcr, 1888; it was during his service Unit the parsonage was purchased. In ^Marcii, 1889, the church unanimously voted to call Rev. Henry I\I. Teiniey, D. D., pastor of tlie First Congregational Church of Cleveland. lie wa.s installed on ]\lay 16th of that year, and guided the spiritual affairs of the church for twenty-one years, or until the seniiccntcnniai anniv<'rsary of its founding in 18G0. In 1910 lie liecaiiie ])astor emeritus of thc! Second Congregalional (Jliurch, and Rev. Jason N. Pierce assumed its active cliarge. Mr. Pierce continued thus until 1914. In the following year Rev. Charles 11. Williams, Ph. D., the present i)astor, a.ssumed charge. The church lias a memiierslii]) of about

The First Baptist Church, of which Rev. H. T. Hill is the pastor, is one of the old religious organizations of Oberlin, dating as it does from 1866. On the lOtii of July of that year several of the Baptist bretliren and .sisters organized by appointing J. D. Brainard (clerk), A. C. Jacobs (treasurer), and Rev. J. 11. Langille, as delegates to sit with a council of neighboring cliurchos, for the purpose of ol)taining recognition as a churcli. Tlie council convened at Oberlin on July 30tli, with Rev. A. Heath as moderator, and C. II. DeWolfe as clerk. Delegates were present from Elyria, Amherst, Henrietta, Camden, LaGrange, Huntington, Litchfield, Penfield, Sullivan and Cleveland. Rev. J. IL Langille made a statement as to the prospects of the Oberlin cluirch, staling tliat a $1,000 lot iuul been .secured, and that forty-five had pledged themselves as members by "subscribing to the Articles of Faith as ])ublislied in the Fiiicyeloix'dia of Religious Knowledge." After the delivery of a sermon by Rev. A. H. Strong, of the I'Mrst (Cleveland) ]>ai)tist Church, the hand of fellowship was extendeil to the Obei'lin organization. Before ail.journment. Rev. F. Tolhurs, of (Johunbia, also tielivered an address.

At a subse(iueii1 church meeting the foi'ty-live applicants mentioned by ]\Ir. Langille organizetl into a body known as "the First Regular Baptist Church of 01)erlin." Until the building of a permanent church, meetings were held in Exchange Block, Watson's Hall and Carpenter's Hall. On Septeml)er 24, 1867, the cornerstone of u house of worship was laid on Fast Lorain Street, between North IMain and North Pleasant streets. It wa.s completed and dedicatetl in September, 1871. It was ii neat brick structure, sufficient for tiie needs of the congregation. In ]!)15 the chureh and grounds were sold to the college to make room for the Art Building, and foundation laid for a new edifice, nearly opposite its old j)lace on Lorain Street.

The I'^irst IMellHidisI l']|»iseupal ('liui'ch of Oberlin, one of the strong I'eligious organizations of the city, is Hearing its semi-centennial. The initial movement eoniineneed in 18()S, when funds wen; collected with whicii a lot was [)urcliascd on Soutii Main Street by Rev. Tra Hitchcock, a "riiler of llii' Aiiihersl l\l. I'l, circuit." in the following year Kcv. (J.

A. ]{('C(l(;r w'iis sent lo tlio charge. Ho worked faitlifiiUy during his year of seivicc, Init wlieii he wa.s eaUed to another field, liie entcirprise was dropped and Ihe society was disl)anded a lew years later. In the i"all ol: ^H()H it was reoi'ganized by Rev. L. M. Pounds, then in eliarge of Pittsdeld eireuit. In the following year, under the pastorate of Rev. J. Evans, tiie work of building a suitable house of worship was again inaugurated. ])uring his pastorate' and while the society was administered by Rev. A. Ilolbrook and Rev. J. R. Jewett, from 1870 to 1873, the raising of funds both among the Methodist and the Congregationalists progressed, so that the building was finally completed and dedicated in December, 1873. The present pastor is Rev. V. W. Wagar. The first liouse of woi'ship occupied by the Methodists was a frame building inclosed witii brick, seventy-two by forty-live feet in dimensions, and erected at a cost of .'|i8,000. The elegant church now in use was finished in 1!)05 at a cost of $27,000. Tlie membership of the church is 400.

This is an organization of colored ]\Ietliodists and was formed in 1872. In 1875 its lirst building was erected, a small jjrick veneer structui'c, wliich was torn down in July, 1915. In li)16 a brick church, costing $10,000, was erected on the corner of Groveland and KSouth Park streets. The present membership of the organization is about 200. Its successive pastors have been as follows: Revs. King Williams, Elijah Henderson, Henry Steeii. Geo. Ilatton, Walker, Cartwell, Adam Nunn, Jas. II. Ilargra.ss, J. II. Payne, Scott Ward, Jas. F. Moreland, Daniel AV. Shaw, Jonatlian W. IMoreland, Adam Nunn, Theo. D. Wilson, Marcus ;\lcCleiulon, Adam Nunn (filled unexpired term) ; Geo. W. Lynch, Adam Nunn, supply; Geo. W. Lynch, Adam Nunn, supply; Wm. Brown, Rol)t. L. Dickerson, Henry W. Simmons, G. E. Curry, W. B. Harris, James E. Woo.l, Patrick II. Lewis, F. P. Robinson, B. J. Coleman, W. II. Renfi'o, Wesley Singleton, Steplien A. McNeil, Hiram B. ]\Iays, C. M. Lee and Frank S. Delaiiey.

The Catholics in Olterlin are represented by the Church of the Sacred Heart. It was organized as a mission, in 1880, by Rev. J. Sehaffeld, of St. IMary's, Elyria. Largely through the efforts and generosity of ]\lrs. Rosanna Welch, a site for a church building was bought on the

]juljlic square, where the First J\Iethodist structure uow stands. That property was sulci, however, and services were tirst held at the present location of the Churcli of tlu; Sacred Heart in 18!J0. Father Seliaifeld was in charge of the mission until 1899, wlien Kev. T. F. McGuire came from Cleveland to officiate; in 1903, Kev. George A. Branagan, of Grafton, conmieuced his service; in 1904, Rev. James A. Hefferman, of Elyria; in 1905, Rev. Peter E. Dietz, of that city, who hecame the first settled pastor at Ohei'lin, and in September, 1911, Rev. S. W. Wilson, the present incumbent. The parish house was built in 1906. There are about forty families connected with the mission.

The church above named was organized l)y colored Baptists in 1887 witli about eighteen charter members. Jt has a present membership of about 180, with a house of wor.ship at South Pleasant and Locust streets. The congregation has occupied three edifices, erected in 1889, 1897, and 1905, respectively. Tlie following have served successively as pastors: Revs. Charles Garner, B. B. Hill, W. R. Wilson, Charles Landjci't, C. M. "Williams, B. K. Smith and George Wa-sliington.

Tlie writer has made brief nu'iition of the worthy objects and accomplishments of tlie Olierlin Alissionary Home Association. Again he has recourse, with pleasure and jirotit, to the pen of the late Mrs. Sarah Cowles Little, who was so well qualified, both by literary ability and close identification with its work, to do ju.stice to the subject. In 1902 she put forth the following account, at the request of the a.ssociation management :

The idea of a home in Oborlin for the cliildren of foreign missionaries was first suggested by the manifest need of such an institution. The trial of missionary service is the hard necessity that children in many fields mu.st be separated from their parents at an early age, and lie brought, or sent, to the home-laiul for their education. The object of a missionary home is to provide, especially for the younger and less mature children, as good a substitute as is i)o.ssil)le for the parental home and mirture.

One such home was established many years ago at Aidjurndale, ^lassachusetts. Oberlin was chosen as tlie loc-alion for a second and a western home because of its educational facilities, and the desirable environment found hei'e ; because so many Obeilin graduates are in the foreign fiekl ; because Oborliu is a favorite vacation resort for missionaries teinporai'ily in tliis cuiiiiti'y; and liecaiise then; were already a lai'^e mnnhfv (»r llic sons ;ind dauf^liters of ndssionaries in the collcf^e and related seliools. Cliildren of tlie same family can here be easily kept togetlu-r iluring their entire courses of stuily. In the public seliools, the academy, the conservatory of music, the college, and the theological seminaiy all ordinary educational demands can be fully supplied.

It is fitting that mention should -be made of those with whom the thought of such a home as this originated and who put forth the first efforts toward its realization.

On the failure of his health, the Rev. William ^Mellen, of the Zulu Mission, South Africa, came to Oberlin, with his family to reside and to educate his children. Here Mr. and Mrs. IMellen lived for several years until they were called to their reward above.

From the first, Mr.s. IMellen's interest was especially enlisted in the missionary children who were sent here for their education. She took tliem into lier own family, cared for tliem, and was a mother to them to llie extent of her ability. Siie frecjuently entertained missionaries will) wci'c visiting in Oberlin. In a (juiet, loving way, and wiliiont (i.slcnialion, because she loved tlie missionai'y work and wished to do all sli(! coubl for it, she imide her own home a missionary home, and from tliis living genu of a loving heart has sprnng the lioine of today. As a niovciiirnl, il was taken up and made organic by others, especially by

Mrs. Frank PI. Foster, herself a ciiild of the Zulu Mission, and by her husl.an.l, Profes.sor Frank II. Foster, D. ]). Throl.^^h their interest otlicrs wei'e (.-nlistcd.

(Vrtain Jadi.'s eonneeted with tlie Oliio hraneh of the Woman's Board of .Missions of tile Interior jrave consideration to the matter, and finally, after dne deliberation, at a meeting of the executive' committee of the Ohio braneii, Ijdd Cleveland, February 6, 1890 seven geutkMuen were invited to form a corporation for the purpose of founding and maintaining in Oberlin a home for the children of foreign missionaries. Accepting this invitation, on February 17, 1890 the persons named effected an organization, adopted a coastitution, and became duly incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, as the Oberlin -Missionary Home Association. By the constitution part of the members are elected l)y the Congregational A.ssoeiation of Ohio, and part by the corporation itself. The members of the association residiii"' in Oberlin are made a prudential committee to M'hich is entrusted tlie°immediate .supervision of the home. There is also an advisory board of three ladies with whom tlie superintendent and the directors consult freely, especially witli regard to the management and n^eds of individual eliildren.

The eharter members of the association were the following: Prof Will. G. Ballantine, Oberlin; Arthur B. Johnson, Oberlin- Rev Irvine^ AV. .Aletcalf, Cleveland; Rev. C. V. Spear, Oberlin; Rev. Sv'dney Stron- :\Iount Vernon; Rev. Henry M. Teiiney, D.D., Oberlin; Frederick E Tracy, lAIansfield.

Various changes have taken place during the progress of the years and Doctor Teiim-y is the only one of the ineorporators who has servecl cuntmuously on tlie board of directors. He was elected president at the first meeting, and is still the faitliful and efficient head of the association.

During the first year contributions and pledges were received which enabh-d the association, in the absence of a home into wliich they inigiit lie gathered, to reiuh-r financial aid to five missionary children studying in Oberlin, who, without this a.ssistance, would have suffered serious embarra-ssment, or have been compelled to relinquisli tlieir .studies altogether.

The first recorded gift was a conlril)ution of .+.'{.10 from "Friends" wiio were ill eonsultation about the neeessily of sucii a home, and was Miade in DeceiidH-r, 188!), two months before the a.s.sociation w'as organized. The second gift of $20 was made in the same monlii by tlie "hittle Helpers," Elyria, Ohio. During the year 1890, $1,032.62 was received, the linger portion being licid for Ihi. purcliase nf bind. Of this sum $r,0()

In October, 1890, property was purchased at a cost of $!i,000, it being understood that possession should not be secured, or payment made, until August, 1891. Tlie lot bought is situated on the north side of East College Street, about one thousand feet east of the southeast corner of the college campus. It has a frontage of ten rods and a depth of twenty rods.

In January, 1891, by the hand of JMiss Mary II. Porter, then of Beloit, Wisconsin, came the gift of $1,000, from i\Irs. C. L. A. Tank, then living in Eort Howard, Wisconsin. Among other gifts in this and the succeeding year, wei'e $100 each from ]\liss Susan I\I. Sturges, and i\Irs. It. 1j. Avery, J\Iansfield, Ohio, Miss Cora h\ Barnes, .Mr. (Jliarles II. Case, Chicago, Dr. Dudley Allen, Oberlin, Mr.s. R. AV. Bancroft, HutTalo, New York, and a "Friend" by I\liss Porter. From a "Friend in Michigan" came $600. Uv. E. AV. .Metcalf, Elyria, gave $432.44; Rev. and Mrs. E. M. Williams, Chicago, $190; Miss Bella Dewey, 01)erlin, $108; and ]\Ir. and Mrs. F. E. Tracy, INIansfield, $379. Smaller donations froin a large numljcr of givers may have represented equal love and good will, and showed liow widespread was tlie interest in the enterprise.

Another "Friend" who ciiose to be nameless gave $1,000 to repair and enlarge the house standing on the lot which had been purchased, as a memorial of her sister, for whom it was named "Judson Cottage." It was moved to its present site near the northwest corner of the lot, repaired, enlarged, provitled with a hot water heating apparatus, and furnislied, and was ready for occu2:)ancy in April, 189'2. It contain.s twelve rooms, conveniently and pleasantly arranged, and adapted for use by one, or by two families, as desired, and is admirably fitted for the permanent use for which it is designed - that of an auxiliary cottage and a temporary home for missionary families in America for a vacation. A moment's thought will show the value of such a home to a family retuining to their native land after years of a])sence. The event has proven its adaptation to this purpose, and it has been occupied at different times by families from Turkey, Bulgaria, India, Japan, and China.

In this cottage the home had its Ijegiiniing, and in April, 1892, two children were received. During the sununer two more were added to tlie family; tlie first of September found the number increased to seven and ill November three more were received into the liome. Of these ten cliiidrcii five were lioys and five were girls, and tlieir ages I'angcd from live to eighteen yi-ars. They came from North Cliina, Soutii China, Africa, IMexico, India, Japan, and ^licronesia. Tiie four youngest were iiKitliei'Irss rhihlreii wliose fathers were coiifiiiuing their work in the

The nuiid)or of applications for admission constantly increased, and it was soon a])parent that a larger building was needed. It was also very evident tluit Judson Cottage would be promptly occupied ])y some missionary family.

The "Building Fund" wliich has provided the larger and more commodious "Tank Home for Missionary Children," bad its origin in a suggestion made by Kev. C. C. Tracy, D. D., president of Anatolia College, IMarsovan, Turkey, at a Christmas gathering in Judson Cottage in 1S92. The lirst contribution to it was iimde by the little company of friends and missionary children tliere assend)led, and amounted to $12.27. From this time gifts in varying amounts came to the treasury for the "Building Fund," at tirst slowly, then more rapidly, as the urgency of the need and the movement to supply it became known. The annual report of June, 1893, showed $607.47 on hand toward the building, and in another year the sum had increased to $15, 893. 28. One thousand dollars came as the contribution of "^Missionary Children," tlirough ]\Ir. Charles K. Clark, of San Fi'ancisco. Miss ^Mary B. Dimoiid, of jMai'iotta, Ohio, sent for herself and other friends, .$385 to build the "Sarah I\Iorrison ]\Iemorial" room.

From the earliest plans for a liome for missionary children in Oherlin, ]\Iiss i\Iary II. Porter had been deeply interested in the project and had througli her personal ett'orts secured a large; share of the means used in prosecuting the woi-k. In the report published in 1892, Doctor Tenney says: "To ]\Iiss Porter's efforts, more than to the efforts of any otiier one per.son, is the As.sociation indebted for tlie contril)utions which enable us to close this year without indebtedness and to enter with hope and confidence upon the larger work before us. From the beginning the Association has been favored with her wise counsels and active sympathies." ]\liss Porter had been since 1868 a missionary of the American Board in China, in Peking and at Pang Cluiang, but had returned to the Uiufed States in 1886 to care for her parents in their declining years. She is tile daughter of Rev. Jeremiah Porter, D. D., widely known as a home inissionai'y i)astor in the Northwest, and as tlie one who organized llie (ii'st Christian Chui'ch in Fort i)earl)orn, on tiie site of tlie ])re.seiit City oi" (!hi('ago. Miss Porter's mother had also a wi(k( reputation by reason of iier laliors in connection with tlie Sanitary C'oiiimission diu'ing the t!ivil war, and her connection with lioiiu! missions and also missions in foreign laiid.s - to whicii two of her children had devoted themselves.

Til lcSI);{ a iiu'inoir of ]\Ir,s. Kliza Cliappell ]*ort(>r, written by her (laiifi;lilcr, was luililislicd "i'or tlu; hcm^lit of tlu; Ohcrliii Missionary Uomo Association." 'I'lic cxjx'usi! of tin; i)n])lication of this vohniu! was home liy thi; vcHL-rahh' Dr. Jcreniiah Porter, and the entire proceeds from its sale weri' devoted to tiie work of the a.ssoeiation. Wiien Miss Porter rctunK'd to Cliina in 1894, after the death of her father, the amount realized ft-om tiiis volume exceeded if;l,000, and arrangement.s had l)een perfected for securing the avails of future editions to the association. In addition to this generous gift there has been contributed the sum of $500 "in memory of Dr. Jeremiah Porter." ]\tore than once sums from $10 to $100 have been given by friends "for love of Mary Porter."

In the autumn of 1894 a friend offered to give $1,000 on condition tliat otlicrs would join him in I'aising $15,000 for thc^ desii'ed building. Oireuhir ai)i)('als were widely ilistributed and per.sonal efforts were made by n-i)resentatives of the association, hut although four i)ledges of $500 each were obtained, as well as smaller gifts, and some pi'ogress was made in planning tlie expected building, the need of which had become more and more imperative, tlie sum in hand was still too small to justify the conunencement of building operations.

At this junclure, in February, 1896, all interested were made glad l)y the proposal of a gift from the estate of ]\Irs. C. L. A. Taidc, hy the executor, ^Ir. James W. Porter, of Chicago, a member of the Porter family to wliom the association was already so greatly indebted. This gift was $10,000, of wliicji $5,000 was designated for the building fund on condition that the new home building .should lie called by the name of ]\Irs. Tank, and $5,000 was to be invested as the nucleus of an endowment fund, tile income of whicli should lie used in meeting current expenses. These conditions were accepted and the bequest was received liy the association.

Other gifts came to the treasury. IMr. ^Marcus Lyon, Wauseon, Ohio, ]\Ir. Frederick F. Tracy, Mansfield, Ohio, and Mr. 1). Willis James, New York, gave $1,000 each, and .Mr. James has since added several hundred dollai's. Sums of $500 each have been received from Mrs. William E. Dodge, New '^'oik, and Mrs. Mary Nelson Garford, Flyria, Oliio. Other gifts have lieeii made as follows: Mr. (!. T. Peckwilii, Oberlin, $260.G0, for stone sidewalks; Mrs. F. Noi'toii Finney, IMilwaidtee, Wisconsin, $250; Miss Calista Andrews, Oberlin, .$200; Mrs. Mary Wright, Columbus, Ohio, $200; ]\liss Annie L. Fowler, Bristol, Wisconsin, $155; and $100 eacli Iroin Mrs. h'anny Rice Siiiitli, Cameron, Missouri, Mrs. A. T. Siieniinii, Ur'oilhciid, Wisconsin, Mrs. J. J. Hough, Ithaca, New York, Mr. 10. I). Sniitli, Mena.siia, Wisconsin, and Mr. .1. L. (!o/ad, (Meveland, Ohio. " .\ I'^ricnd," Michigan, " h'riends, for love of Mary Porter," Mr.

D. W. ]\Ioore, Clayton, New Jersey, given "for love of the Riggs family." Tlie list of (loiiors of .smaller .sums is a long one, numbering not less than 250 individuals. In addition eontributions have been received from al)()ut \r>() eliurelics, Sunday seliools, woman's mi,s.sionary soeieticH, and ollici- organizations.

From missionaries in .service in foreign lands about .$400 have been received in sums varying from $1 to $;J0. The children of foreign missionaries have eontribut(;d about ii^l,;iOO. This includes the profits, for a time, from the .sale of the "Trials and Triumpiis of Luther llaLsey Gulick," by his daugliter, Mrs. F. F. Jewett, Oberlin.

Although the. amount in the trea.sury in the spring of 189G was not sufficient to complete the building, it was deemed wise, in view of the good progress made and of the pressing needs of the home, to proceed with its construction according to plans made hy Mr. F. A. Colnirn, of the lirm of Coburii, Larnum, Beiies & Ilidjbell, architects, of Cleveland. The founilations were put in and on June 23, 1896, at 4.30 P. M., the cornerstone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, by Rev. Judson Smith, U. D., senior secretary of the American hoard. The Scripture reading was by Rev. James Brand, D. D., Oberlin, and prayer was offered by Rev. Cyrus A. Clark, Miyazaki, Japan. An address was given by Rev. Dan F. Bradley, I). D., Crand Rapids, ^Michigan, a son of mi.ssioiuiries and l)orn in Siam. Tiie singing was led l)y missionary children, and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Lyman Abbott, 1). U.

Tile tlimensions of the building are 102 by 50 feet. The first story is finished witii pressed brick veneer; the second story with shingle tinted to harmonize with the brick; the roof is of slate and is high with dormer windows for third story rooms. A.s stated by the president of the a.ssociation at the laying of the cornerstone, "It has been the anxious .study of those in charge to provide a comely, convenient, commodious, substantial home structure at the lowest cost consistent with true economy. Pi'ovision for a large family of boys and girls, many of whom are to be under college ili.seipline, puts a demand upon a building which necessarily increases its expense. Our i)lans provide, it is believed, for tin; necessities of the situation."

Tile need of tlie third story, left unfinished at first, was felt almost at once, and, in LS98, ii condilioiial gift of .$1,000 from "An Unknown Friend," a pledge of .$500 from Mr. James, and .snudler sums given expressly for lliis j)urj)Ose made it jxissible fully to (inisli thi.s story and furnish it, without increasing the dc^licit in the building fund. This was

As coniiiletcd llic huildiiif,' contains lliirty-six I'oonis al)OV(' tlic l)as(^ Micnt. 'I'lic lilirary and jiarlor are furnished in syeaniore, the hall and dining-room in oak, and the remainder of tlie house in pine. The floors of tile first story arc of maple, antl of the second and third stories, pine. The house is heated by steam and lighted by gas. Numerous gifts of furniture, bedding, table linen, and otlier necessary articles of household use have been received. Several pieces of ancient and valuable furniture belonging to the Tank estate have been placed in the home by ^Ir. James AV. Porter. Among these are three large mahogany tables, a chiffonier, bookcase, sofa and a chair; also a desk inlaid witii tulip wood, given by the reigning King of Holland to IMrs. Tank's mother when she was lady-in-waiting at the Dutch court. Anotlicr piece, of historic interest, is au oaken toilet stand, once the property of General von Botzlaer, Airs. Tank's grandfather, and used by him as a part of his camp outfit in the campaign in which he led the Dutch forces to repel the invasion of Holland by Napoleon I. Several pictures done in sepia by Airs. Taidc's hand, and a large screen, painted by her in oil colors, adorn the iiome, iind give acquaintance with the artistic, cultivated. Christian wonuin whose name has been given to the home, and who will long be held in grateful memory.

Other furniture, suitable and beautiful, was given by manufacturers in Binghamton, New York, and in Grand Rapids, Alichigan. The house is filled with suggestions of the loving thought and personal interest many persons have had in providing a comfortable and pleasant home for the children whose parents are doing the Alaster's work in foreign fields.

An interesting feature of the home is the number of memorial rooms provided by special gifts of friends. The ample hall which introduces one to the whole structure has upon ity walls the inscription, "The Tank Home for Alissionary Children." The library bears the name of Prof. John Alillott Ellis, the fu.nds for its furnishing having been given in loving remembrance Ijy the ladies of the Second Congregational Church, Otierlin. The parlor bears the name of Rev. Jeremiah Porter, D. D. The sittiiig-i'oom of the superintendent i.s named fcir "Alary Aloody" by her daughter, Mrs. Alary N. Garford, Elyria, Ohio. "The Sarah D. Alorrison Alemorial Rest" was i)rovided by funds collected by her aiuit, Alis.s Alary B. Dimond, Alarietta, Ohio. The Donald Gifford Davis room was furnished liy friends in Detroit, Alichigan, and named for the young son (if tile j)astor of the Fiist Congregational Church tiiere. Rev. W. 11. Davis, I). I), h'lieiids in the h'irst Congregational ("hurch, Buifiilo, New

York, i)roviiic'd a moiiiorial room for tlii; son of their i)astor, and it bears the name of Frank S. Fiteh, Jr. Children of the mission in Natal fUruisiied the "Zulu room." Another is the P^liza CliappcU Poi'ter room. "For love of the Rii.'fis family," money was sent that furnished the room heai'inj,' the name of Rev. Stephen Jiettirn Rif,'>j;s, the vetei'an missioiuiry to tile Ameriean Indians. Family friends matle another room a memorial of Mrs. JMinerva liraeo Norton, who was a eousin of Frances E. Willard. The youn^ ladies of the Miehigan Hraneh provided for the IMary Porter room, and the Wisconsin Branch for the room hearing the name of J\Iary Frederica Tank. Various organizations and individuals were interested in tlie ".Mansfield" room. iMi-s. Sarah J. Hough, Ithaca, New York, i)rovided a memorial of her husl)and, Rev. J. J. Hough, D. D. Rev. C. C. Creegan, 1). D., furnished the means for making anotiier room a memorial of his wife, .Mrs. .Melissa W. Creegan. Still anotiier room is inscribed with tiie honored mi.ssionary name ot Culick, funds for its furnishing having been received from the avails of the memoir of Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick. The named rooms are provided with tasteful tablets artistically inscribed. These inscriptions are the work of Miss Elizabeth C. Parsons, of Cleveland, the daughter of veteran missionaries to Turkey.

Mention lias alreatl}' been made of two missionary volumes whose authors have generously donated their proceeds to the uses of the home. A third instance of this method of aiiiing the work is the gift of liev. C. C. Creegan, D. 1)., district secretary of the American Poard in New York, who furnishes his volume, "Great Missionaries of the Church," for sale for the l)enetit of the home at very low rates. i\Iore than $100 lias ahead}- been realized from this source.

Tile home in Judson Cottage as tirst opened was under the care of I\Irs. Sarah Cowles Little, who carried it on for two years, and then resigned, lioping that by rest she might recover from a threatened lame-- iie.ss. She was succeeded by ]\Irs. A. P. Allen, who still remains at the head of the household.

Words of warm ajipreciation are fre(|ueiitly received from the parents (.f chihlren entrusted to the home, and give assurance to all interested in the eiiterjirise that tiieir work has not been in vain. A single (piotation from a letter of missionary parents in Lidia to the secretaiy will represent many: "We read with much interest the reports and financial statements of Tank Home, which you gave us. We do deeply appreciate the earnest endeavors wliich you liave brought to bear on this splendid ob.ject. 1 dmibt if you realize tiie good wliicii has been wrought. I do not see how you can know it unless you can see into tlie hearts of the y)arents who would not know what to do were it not for Tank Home.

Scvciily-lwo cliildren have lieeii eared for in the home duriiif,' this (ii'st (lcea(h' of it.s existence. At present the aver'at-c number is about lliirly-live. 'j'his, with tin; neees.sary helpers, is as nuuiy as can be suitably arcommodafed and have any room for parents or for occasional visits from parents aiul other missionary guests.

It was not supposed at first that it would often be desirable to add adults to the family of children for whom the home is primarily designed, but again and again it has been deemed wise to admit parents with their children for a time. The number thus received has now reached thirty. Some have remained but a few days and others have made the home their headcpiarters for months.

It is the ])oliey of the association to place the charges to the children at a ligure which will cover the co.st of an additional mendjcr in the family. This does not provide sufficiently for the salaries of the superintendent and help, and incidental expenses of buildings and grounds. The childi'en have .some share in the work of the household, their duties being ailai)ted to their various age.s and skill. In this way they bear some respoiisii)ility for the family comfort, and while the amount of time spent iiy each one is small, not more than an hour a day, the total is sutificient to diiiunish perceptibly the labor to be performed by others, thus lessening expenses. But the greatest value of this arrangement lies in its effect upon the children, accustoming them to some regular employment, and in making them realize that they are mendjers of a family, with a common interest and mutual responsibilities. Accounts are kept with each child and statements rendered to parents at least once a year. Annual rejjorts of the association are also published, with a full exhibit of its financial condition, and are widely distributed among donors and other friends of the home.

^Mention has already been made of $5,000 received from the estate of ]\Irs. Tank for an endowment fund, the income of which should be used for current expenses. This fund has been increased by gifts and legacies until it has reached the sum of $7,191.54. Two legacies of $1,000 each, less the legacy tax, were received during 1901, from the estates of .Mrs. Katherine F. Allen, Oberlin, and IMrs. Sarah J. Hough, Ithaca, New York. The legacy from Mrs. Allen's estate serves as one moiv evidence of her long and deep interest in the home, and of her otificial relation to it as one of its advisory board from its organization. A "Logan Memorial Fund," to be a i)art of tlie endowment fund, has been

In conclusion, it remains to give some account of the Tank family, for whom the main home building has been named. What follows i.s condensed from articles publislied some years since in a Wisconsin newspaper and in the Advance, of Chicago.