Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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18 THE BETHEL HERALD Fine. Pete, excuse me. Dr. Peterson, just fine. I have no reason to complain ' This is Mrs. Peterson. Mr. Jacobson. These are the youngsters. Aren't they a husky looking bunch. Well, come right into the office and we’ll talk things over. Thanks. Say, do you know it will be twenty-five years ago this month since we graduated from dear old Bethel. Yes. much has transpired since then. You have traveled a good bit since then. Won’t you tell of some of your experiences? You must have met some of our classmates in your wanderings. Well. I have traveled quite a bit. In fact, just to try out one of my own airplanes I made a trip around the world in it. and you can rest assured it was quite exhilarating at times.” “Tell us about it.” I left New York a year ago last month. Washington was my first stopping place. There I met none other than our genial and resourceful vice president. Olive Martin. “Was Olive in Washington? What was she doing there? Don’t you know she is President of the Women’s Elective Suffrage League and is a most influential woman, not only nationally hut internationally. All the women in Congress look up to her as their leader. By the way, Olivo told mo that another classmate is also in Washington, a Mrs.— O. I forget the name, but we knew her best by the name of Myrtle Pahlby. Myrtle is unique in the history of our country, being the first woman to be chosen to a portfolio in the President’s cabinet. She is Secretary of Domestic Relationship, the new bureau established recently.” Well, well, times do change. Who would have thought back there in 1919 that woman would advance so much in the course of a quarter-century?” “Well, from Washington I had a delightful trip across the country to Chicago. I made the trip on, a rare day in June, sunshiny, bright, and just breezy enough to be comfortable. Over the mountains, rivers, and plains I sailed with nothing to mar the journey nor hinder me, and in record time I arrived in Chicago. I haven’t been in Chicago for years. I suppose it has grown, considerably. Well, sir, you would hardly know the village. It has now a population of 10.000, 000 and is crowding New York out of first place among the cities of the world.” Francis, there is some one at the door.” It was Mrs. Peterson who was calling. Dr. Peterson admitted a large, brawny, sun-browned man. The man had a genial grin on. his countenance that stretched from ear to ear. His head resembled nothing so much as a ball-room floor. Fortunately. Providence had provided him with a luxuriant beard which covered his face and made up for what was lacking on the head. Hello, there. Jake, my dear boy, how are you? Is it possible that this is our dear farmer boy from Lake Sarah. Well, Emil, I am certainly mast glad to see you.” Dr Peterson chimed in: What are you doing in Boston, and what have you been doing all these years? You must give an account of yourself.” My story is soon told. After leaving Bethel I did some pioneer work on the mission fields in western Canada. While there 1 was studying about conditions in South America, and it made my blood boil to read of the way the Catholics were holding that people in ignorance and darkness. I resolved by the grace of God. I would go down there and do my bit toward bringing the sunlight of the true gospel to these poor people. We have had wonderful success there, and after a few months rest I hope to go back to continue my work.” Wc are certainly glad to hear of your good work. You are just as sincere and noble as ever. You must come to my church on Sunday and tell my people about your work.” I shall be glad to do so, Pete. My wife and I just came in on the South American” today, and expect to continue to Chicago next week, where we left the children when we went south.” That reminds mo, Jakie, you had just arrived in Chicago. Did you meet anyone there you knew.” Yes, 1 met Linus Johnson there. L in.us is one of our most influential pastors, and is in charge of a large church in Ohicago. lie is a leader in denominational work. Fortunately for us, he changed his mind about

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THE BETHEL HERALD 17 no doubt attracting her. From there she moved to Strandburg, S. Dakota and remained there until four years of age. when-she tired of S. Dakota and moved to Lake Nebagamon, Wis. Here Lillian remained three years an.d entered upon her educational career, but at the age of seven she again moved, this time to Dalbo, Minn., where she also remained three years, continuing her education. Strandburg. NT. Dakota seemed to have its attractions for her and she went back there again where she completed her public school work, remaining there five years. She then moved to Holdrege, Nebr. At Holdrege she comple- ted two years high school work, when her father was called to S. Dakota as state' missionary, and they moved to Lake Xor-den, S. Dakota. As Lillian desired to complete her high school work, she entered Bethel in the fall of 1917 and diligently pursued her studies here for two years. Lillian is frank and open-hearted, looks upon life seriously, but not unkindly, and is earnest and assiduous in all her work. Her favorite subject is Latin. She loves all flowers equally as much and her high aim is: To live for Christ. W. G. II. CLASS PROPHECY By WALFRED G. HOLM BERG Well, my dear, you know I do not often flinch in the face of obstacles, but I'll have to admit I’m up against a poser this time. It hardly seems possible to overcome, but it has to be done, and we’ll do it! we’ll do it!’’ With characteristic vehemence and determination Hr. Peterson whirled around in his swivel chair, and addressed his wife, who had just entered the room with his mail. Now, now, Francis, do control yourself. Don’t try to do a whole year’s work in one day. But what is it we must do, dear.’’ Well, I have been pastor of this church now for five years, and have seen nothing to compare with it. I am preaching to three thousand people every Sunday evening and as many more are being turned away for lack of room. Every scat is taken an hour before time for service to begin, yet those dunces of trustees absolutely refuse to take steps to enlarge the edifice. If the success of our work in Boston is to continue, I’ll have to find some way to secure funds, and I’m going to do it, in spite of those shortsighted trustees.” Wlhat seems to be their objection? They say -it’s lack of funds, but I say it’s lack of faith, that’s what it is. They need a dose of old-time religion, that’s what’s the matter with them.” I understand a classmate of yours, who made millions in the airplane industry on the Pacific Coast, is now living in Boston. He expects to establish a business here. Perhaps he might be willing to aid you. He is a member of Temple Church and very active in the work.” I think his name is Jacobson. Jacobson. That must be Stanley Jacobson. And lie’s a millionaire. Well, the next best thing to being a millionaire, is being a friend of one. I’ll get in touch with him at once. You can reach him at the Y. M. C. A. most any time today. Jacobson was easily reached and came to the Peterson domicile early in the afternoon. He. found the dignified doctor squatted on the floor teaching little Pete to build a house of building blocks with John and Marie and Taddie interested observers of the procedure. When Jacobson entered the room, the doctor jumped to his feet and greeted his former classmate with a cordial and hearty handshake, and exclaimed. Well, Jake, this is certainly a sight for sore eyes. How are you anyhow?

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THE BETHEL HERALD 19 going to Sweden. He is an authority on, eschatology and his writings on the subject are very much in demand. Did you meet or hear of any other classmates while there?” No. I didn’t. O, yes, I did too. The family I stayed with were related to the Sandberg girls. They told me Alice was principal of schools in Kalamazoo. Mich, and had revolutionized the school system. Pedagogues all over the land were studying her methods and introducing them into their work. Alice is married. I can never remember names, but she is married to a prominent business man of that city. Wouldn’t it have seemed strange twenty-five years ago for the wife to work like that? But that is common now, you know.” Wliat about Hannah? Where is she?” Hannah became vitally interested in the Jewish question shortly after she left college. She became so enthused over the return of the Jews to the Holy Land that she secured employment in the Zionist movement, and now she has headquarters in Jerusalem, superintending the relief work among the Jewish peasants who are flocking to the golden land of promise.” As Jacobson finished speaking, the office door suddenly opened and without any undue ceremony a handsome, dignified, stately looking man stepped into the room, and was recognized immediately as being none other than, the president of the class, Eric Lindholm. If anything he was more dignified than ever. Joyous greetings were exchanged all around, and all held him to strict accountability. What kind of tribunal is this that I have dropped in upon.” he said. Are you planning an insurrection, a campaign for the elimination of the eat habit, or a tennis game? Well, I suppose I better give an account of myself, since you demand it.” “He doesn’t need to,” exclaimed Dr. Peterson. Gentlemen, I want to introduce you to Dr. Lindholm, poet laureate of the United States, lecturer without equal on the philosophy of life, and an author of the first rank. You should have heard him in Boston Orchestral Hall a few weeks ago. Poetic prose and prosaic poetry flowed from his lips with an eloquence that held his audience spell-bound for two hours and a half. We are certainly proud of you. Eric, and welcome you into our august presence. How are you faring?” “Well you nearly took my breath away, Pete, but I am glad to say that the world is treating me quite well. I am quite contented, and why shouldn’t I be, For what is so rare as a day in June, Then if ever come perfect days.” “There he goes again. But say. I am going to tell Mrs. Peterson to serve us a regular Bethel Boarding Club dinner tonight for old time’s sake, so you’ll excuse me. won’t you?” Dr. Peterson soon returned and informed the company that his wife had anticipated him and dinner was all ready to be served in the dining room. They repaired thither and were soon seated round the festal board. When grace had been said all insisted that Jacobson continue liis -story where he had left off. Well my next destination was Saint Paul. I found that city stirred to its depths In the greatest revival they had since Aid-rich was there many years ago. A large tabernacle seating 20,000 persons was not large enough to hold the crowds that clamored to get in. The campaign was being conducted by the Hamlin Evangelistic Party, and none other than our friend Martin was preaching in good old Billy Sunday style. He has held large campaigns, not only in this country but in. Europe and Australia, and has had remarkable success. “From St. Paul, I sailed across the Rockies and made a landing finally in San Francisco. Here I was entertained most royally by another one of our classmates, Eric Danielson. Eric is Superiutendan.t of Missions on the Pacific Coast, but besides being prominent in religious work, he holds an influential place in the political life of the Pacific Coast States and his word goes a long way in any controversy that arises. He is the same Eric as of old, just as enthusiastic and zealous as ever.” How long were you in San Francisco?” Eric asked. I was there two weeks. I also heard about Astrid Palm while there. She is married and lives in Seattle, Washington. Her husband is a prominent physician, and owes much of his success to the splendid co-op-