Hamline University - Liner Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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5 PRESIDENT BRIDGMAN -14-

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I Rev. R- N- Avison Richard N. Avison, D. D., was born at Orangeville, Ontario. After spending a year and a half in the ministry in Manitoba, he graduated from Victoria College. In 1888 he was stationed at Farmington 5 in 1891 at Qwatonna 5 in 1895 at Clinton Avenue, St. Paul, and in 1897 at North- field. In 1899 he was made Presiding Elder of the Mankato District, and in IQOO was stationed at Hamline. In 1903 the degree of D. D. was con- ferred upon him by Hamline University. This, in brief, has been the channel of Dr. Avison's life, but what have been the fruits of his labor in these places would take pages to tell. During his seven years pastorate in Hamline, Dr. Avison has seen many students come and go, and has watched 'the community steadily growing up about the college, but during this time no one has inspired us more than he with his sermons and daily presence. To have listened to him is to have received a spiritual uplift, and to have come in personal contact with him is to have been delighted. Dr. Avison takes prominent part, also, in the Work of the church outside of Hamline. He is secretary of the Post-Graduate Association, and an earnest worker in the interest of good government in S-t. Paul.

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President Bridgman Seven cities claim 'the birthplace of Homer, all the United States. great as they are, cannot claim the birthplace of our President. George H. Bridgman, D. D., LL. D., was born in Grimsby, Ontario, in the realm of her Majesty the Queen. In 1864 he graduated from Victoria Univer- sity, Toronto, with the degree of A. B., and at once entered upon the work of 'the Christian ministry. He continued in the pastorate in Canada for nine years, during which time the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater. In 1873 he married Miss Mary B. Elliott of Brantford, Ontario, and shortly after accepted a call to the principalship of the Genesee Wesleyaii Seminary at Lima, N. Y.. where his successful and efficient administration led to his call to Hamline as its President in 1883. The same year the old University Hall was destroyed by fire, but a new and more commodious building was erected, largely through the efforts of the new President. In 1888 he was elected as a delegate to the General Conference of the Methodist Church and has helped 'to represent Minnesota in every General Conference since that time. He has taken a large interest also in Municipal, State and National affairs, having repre- sented the educational interests of the state at the New Orleans Exposi- 'tion and participated in the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo. He has served as a member of the St. Paul School Board, of the Charter Com- mission, and is a member of the Board of Managers of the St. Paul Com- mercial Club. He has received the degrees of D. D. and LL. D. from Syracuse University, and has traveled extensively in Europe. Since 1883 the success of the institution has been coincident with the success of Dr. Bridgman. During his administration the endowment fund has been in- creased from fifty thousand dollars to a half million. The number of stu- dents has increased from one hundred and nineteen in 1883, to nearly live hundred in 1906, two new buildings have been added, and the foundations for a third are being laid 5 constant additions have been made to the Faculty. selected by his wise and discerning judgment, and 'the course of study broadened until it ranks with that of the best colleges of the West. Wlaer- ever the name of Hamline University is honored the name of its Presi- dent, Dr. Bridgman, is likewise esteemed. He has devoted to her the best years of his fruitful life, and it has developed from a small beginning to the place it now holds largely through his untiring efforts and efficient management.