Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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16 THE BETHEL HERALD instructor, and has had the pleasure of leading many souls to Christ. Vernon Berg who in the part as soloist in an evangelistic party brings the gospel to thousands by his song is also present. A most delightful evening is spent and no one realizes how quickly the time has flown until the tall hall clock tells the lateness of the hour. The next day the missionaries and others gather at the Aeroplane station, where the “Queen of the Air,” is waiting to take them to the Twin Cities, where, within a week the Student Volunteer Convention is to he hold. The plane with its capacity of 50, is making its “maiden” trip and is beautifully fitted out for the occasion. A stalwart middle-aged man, seemingly more interested than the rest, watches with eagerness the preparation for the departure. As he comes toward them they recognize him as Elmer Johnson better known as “Jasper” who explains the reason for his special interest, this is the 15th of his planes.—14 of which have made successful trips to various parts of the U. S. It is both new and enjoyable for these returned missionaries to feel themselves lifted slowly upward into the air, until they reach the proper height, and at a distance at which the rivers, lakes, buildings, trees, and all seem but toys in a miniature garden. The journey is made successfully, with great delight to the passengers and they are safely brought to Minneapolis and alight at the Aviation Station a short distance outside the city. To their surprise they are met, not by the stern and cold face of a 'Stranger but by the smiling face of Milton Ward now an influential pastor, and as they afterward learn, the head of the Student Volunteer committee. He invites them to his home, having planned a most enjoyable time for his visitors. In the evening Edith Nelson, well-known society woman and church worker; Oliver Olson, prominent business man of the Twin Cities, Clarence Moberg, returned from a Scientific Research in Brazil and now lecturer in colleges and universities throughout the country; and Esther Duf-strom, head of the English Dept, in Bethel College, gather at the home of Rev. Ward and together they spend a delightful eve- ning. The next day the convention was scheduled to open and thousands of students, professors, and missionaries gather at the Bethel college auditorium, a beautiful new marble structure and might be said to have been erected by Carl Palm, a wealthy farmer in South Dakota whose large contribution made it possible to build this building, where the convention is now to be held. The meeting is opened by the leading character and chairman Edwin Omark, renowned 'for his oratorical ability and Christian influence. Dr. Berg, as he is introduced and steps forward to take his place before the audience is surprised to see so many familiar faces, among which are a number of his former classmates, Ellen Hedlund whom he learns is acting as traveling secretary for the Students Volunteer Movement, Goldie Putnam, an active and industrious Y.W.C.A. worker in the state of Minnesota, and Genevieve Has-selblad, who has many interesting incidents to relate to her classmates of her interesting experiences in the Native Woman’s Training School in Africa. This meeting as well as those that follow is one of great inspiration and influence leading those present to greater service. Immediately after the convention, the members of the class of '21 get together, according to the arrangement, for the class reunion. There is a hum as the students meet to renew their former class acquaintance and after exhibiting the usual class spirit in giving the B-E-T-H-E-L led by our influential Yell leader, Barthel Jacobson, now Senator for the state of Illinois, the 'President is finally able to call the class to order. After a short business session, we listen with pleasure and enjoyment to the words of welcome and confidence of our former English IV. teacher, Prof. H. C. Wingblade, now President of the Bethel College. We recall the days spent in the classrom while he instructed us, when he impressed upon our minds, great truths that are never to be forgotten and bis Christian influence which inspired us on to greater victories and service. Telegrams which were then read by the President from those who could not be

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THE BETHEL HERALD 15 needs o£ his dear people before thousands of the young people called and qualified for foreign service. He would also be privileged to -see a number of his classmates of the by-gone school days and attend the class reunion planned in connection with the 'Student Volunteer Convention. As he thus sat meditating the door-bell rang and as Dr. Berg opened the door he was greeted by Good Evening and How are you?” from the entering visitors in whom he recognized none other than his old classmates at Bethel: Waif red Johnson, Alice Jorgenson and Emil Nylund. After they had been seated and Dr. Berg had welcomed them in his own brotherly way, the call came for supper. At the table they related their various experiences at the mission station, also recalling many incidents and anecdotes from schooldays. From their conversation we learn that Walfred was teaching at the Bible school for Evangelists and Alice Jorgenson was doing wonderful work as the head of the Women’s Dep't. in that station, and had many interesting experiences to relate. Mr. Nylund, somewhat unwilling at first, was finally persuaded to relate some of his experiences in connection with the work as dean of the Theological Seminary for the native pastors. This account showed that he had been led to perform the most thorough-going and fruit-bearing work as teacher and preacher. Thus the evening continued and volumes could be filled if their experiences were recorded. The following week Dr. Berg, together with a number of friends, gathered at the wharf to take the boat, “Excelsior.” which was to carry them to America. Many had come to bid their doctor “God Speed,” and as the final signal was given, he stepped on board. The ship was soon moving slowly out of the harbor and the forms on the wharf became mere specks and then vanished in the distance. As Mr. Berg sought out his stateroom, he passed the salon from whence he heard the strains of a familiar gospel song. Then he was attracted by the clear voice of the speaker and with the usual desire to attend a meeting of this sort, he quietly slipped in to a seat in the back of the room. To his great pleasure he finds the speaker to be none other than Bengt Anderson who is returning to the Convention from Russia where he has been active in his Master's service in presenting the gospel to the people and instructing the young people in Bible truths in the University there. In this gathering are other Bethelites, a few of the class of 2.1 . Edith Anderson returning from Japan, where she acted as- Supt. of Nurses, in the Hospital in Tokyo;—Ingrid Stjernstrom, a teacher in the largest Baptist College in China, where she is the means of influencing men and women to go forth in the service of their Savior and Master. To the surprise of all when again returning to deck they are greeted by the pleasant face of Freedolf Anderson, who has been leading a geographical expedition in the Himalaya Mts., but is forced to return home on account of his health. After a journey of somewhat over two weeks, the “Excelsior glides thru the “Golden Gate” into the harbor of San Francisco and with joy they again see the dear, old U. S. A. In the usual rush on the pier, crowds hurrying to and fro, there is one whom they cannot fail to notice, a man of perhaps 40 years, eagerly watching the passengers as they pass him. When he turns toward them they see their old schoolmate Arthur Erickson now pastor of the Los Angeles church. In his fine Pierce Arrow they motor over the paved highway which is lined by flower beds of the beautiful California flowers and shaded by the immense California trees, to that beautiful city. As (Mrs. Erickson giving them a hearty welcome, leads them in to the parlor they are surprised to find that they are not the first visitors for here have gathered many familiar faces. First that of a woman whose smile has not been erased by the years of strenuous work in Siberia, but who has been able to do much to brighten the lives of those poor people there. She is the same happy Emily that her classmates knew at Bethel. She brings greetings from Ruth Forsbcrg who took her place as the Supt. of the •Hospital in Vladivostok. Then there is Harry Lundell who returned from Japan but a few days before. He has been doing a wondrous work there as missionary and

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THE BETHEL HERALD 17 present at the reunion, but who sent their congratulations and greetings were from: Alfred Nelson, judge of the court in his district in -Florida, who was detained by special session of the court.—dtagnhild Johnson now a prominent writer in Sweden, noted for her wonderful contributions to Swedish Literature, and Mary Johnson, traveling in Europe for the National Welfare League, visiting both Northern and Southern countries. A poem was then read, in honor of the occasion and after a thorough investigation it was found that Elsie Larson, now prominent short story writer for the largest and best magazines, was the author and who told of the start she got in her line of work, while serving in the capacity of secretary of the class. A banquet by far exceeding any ever given at Bethel was arranged under the supervision of iMary Peterson, now Mrs....... and president of the Home Workers Club; Mabel Peterson, who now is teacher in the Business College connected with Bethel, and Naomi Tornblom, a prosperous and happy leader in society circles but more renowned for her splendid cooking. At the table the request is given for toasts and a number of members respond.—Ragnar Wall, now I.D. head of the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Elmer Palm, wealthy banker in Buffalo, N. Y.,—Albin Norling, now Gov- ernor of Minnesota, and Gordon Bodien. world-known photographer, made famous by the new invention, the lens-less camera, recently placed on the market. Naomi Larson, officer in the International Sunday School Association, told us many striking incidents of her experiences as organizer of the Kindergarten Dept., and Edythe Bjorklund, entirely satisfied with her career as teacher, gave an interesting account of her work at iMacalaster College. Last though by no means least, there is also present, Amy Peterson, modest as usual, who has chosen the quiet walk of life, is not denied the happiness of life, Lut is probably more fortunate than her classmates. The entire banquet and reunion was proclaimed by all a great success. The meeting closed by singing the class sor.g led by our chapel leader Edwin Omark, and the memory of those happy times they have spent together as a class, the remembrances of which can never be erased. The memories of old acquaintance will remain to brighten the way of life and to lead, though sometimes through apparent failures but at last to complete victory when guided by Him who knows the way. May we follow in His footsteps and remain true and loyal to Him, to our ideals, our school, and to our friends in life. HISTORY OF CLASS OF 1921 By WALFRED JOHNSON Assisted by NAOMT LARSON And it came to pass in the year 1917, on the 26th day of September, that there came to the halls of Bethel Academy forfy-five new students who were termed, according to the language of school life. Freshmen. Thus it happened that the largest class in the history of Bethel Academy entered the corridors thereof on that day. As time passed and day was added unto day and night unto night we began to realize that some form of government was necessary in order that we might maintain our individuality and develop to a higher degree of civilization. The class therefore, organized with Arthur Peterson as President. Now in that day a proclamation was made throughout the school that all Freshmen were to he officially received into the school. Thereupon, on a certain Saturday evening, all were assembled together in the school auditorium, where we were royally entertained and thereafter wholesomely fed on oatmeal gruel and condensed milk, which will also be remembered as being part of the repast of the four Hebrew boys in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar. We arc greatly indebted to our predecessors for their kind