Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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-•■»}{ 1929 BETHANNUAL 1929 ) ■- Class Colors: Rose and Siller Class Flower: Rose Class Motto: .Is The Life So The find Clarence Gilbert ----- President Ivar Axdersox ----- Vice-President Dona Miller ------ Secretary Jl’STlXK Xbufeld ----- Treasurer Four Years Afloat BACK in the daze’ of '25 a raft” of the greenest, freshest, and noisiest plel es that had ever ho| ed to sail gathered from the plains and cities to become sailors on the vast waters of the sea of Bethel. Many came with ho] es and fears, but they were soon put to rest by Admirable Wingbladc. who examined them, found their shortcomings, and assigned them to their various tasks. The very first day after their arrival they started their cruise. As soon as these landlubl)ers had gained their sea legs” they selected their officers. Walfrcd Lundstcn was chosen captain; Marvin Samuclson, first mate; Olga Anderson, keeper of the log: Ada Peterson, purser. While these officers were very comjietcnt. they were very inexperienced. In view of this fact it was decided to select an old sea-faring pilot to guide them over the sometimes tumultuous and rocky sea. There were a number eligible for the position. When the lot was cast it was found that Miss Effie Xelson was the least fortunate among the licensed pilots. But being a veteran seaman she immediately took her place at the helm of the good ship “Class of '29”. So on sailed the good ship in a very interesting and enlightening but somewhat uneventful voyage. However, near the end of the journey a great storm arose and a few of the careless were swept overboard into the angry sea. Part of these were picked up by the following ship. Class of ’30”. but sad to say a few were lost forever, never again to climb the mast of a worthy vessel. Shortly after this, the lx at reached port and the crew went their various ways. When it was time to haul anchor, again most of the old hands were found on deck. Also among the old ones were a numljcr of swarthy salts who came from other vessels. As it was the custom of the good ship to choose new officers for each voyage. Marvin Samuelson was selected to occupy the captain’s position with Waif red Lundsten as first mate. Myrtle Crick son and Ella Ostrom were made keejier of the log and purser respectively. As Miss Xelson had faithfully taken them thru the first stormy voyage, she was again found at the helm of the good ship. This trip found a great number immune to sea-sickness, which showed a marked degree of experience. The crew made less mistakes and went about their duties in a more disciplined manner. As a result, the ship weathered the storms much more easily and reached port in due time a very happy crew. After a brief lapse of time, the great dock was swarming with sailors going to and fro in prej»aration to sail on their respective ships. One fine September day, from the deck of the '29 a cry of Heave to” was heard. The great chain that held the anchor was heard rumbling on its roller and the anchor was soon ’ »£ • 16

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 -»2{ 1929 BETHANNUAL 1929 }■ ■- pkok. iikxrv c. viNnnr.. nK The Senior Class has been ( lad for flic privilege of hating Professor Henry JI tn( blade as its adviser. He has been a real friend lo the class and has given his best to it. . Is we leave Bethel and go to our various callings, we shall be better persons for hating been under his influence. As we think of him we shall be inspired to better things. Message to the Senior Class WE arc told of a young sculptor who had been working painstakingly on an equestrian statue—a man on horseback. The work finished, the artist called in a friend, a connoisseur, to express his critical opinion. The older man viewed the piece of art for a moment, then voiced his approval in just two words: Forward march! The statue was all but alive. As we look upon the Class of '29 we see a group of young people, half a hundred, throbbing with lire! They are strong and they are ambitious and they are ready to go. Forward march! But Quo Yadis? Whither away? Where are they going? O Senior Class of 1929, where will you be twenty years from now? Where do you want to be? If you “want to'’ enough that deep desire will be a dynamic to bring you there. it would be beautiful to look back on a long life and feel that you had chosen just the right path. A girl who was in the senior class at Bethel only a few years ago writes from distant Congo, We cannot tell you how much we like it here.” A veteran missionary who stood before 11s a few weeks ago, testified as follows: If I had my life to live over again, 1 would choose the same path of service.” There are apples of pleasure, and nuggets of gold; there arc gems of knowledge and scepters of power; but there is no joy, no wealth, no influence like that which comes to one who has chosen the human heart as his vineyard, his mine, his great love. One of Tennyson’s characters, a queen mother, is trying to dissuade her son from going lo the scene of warfare where his royal father is leading the Christian forces. She pleads with him to stay at home and follow the deer. From the princely heart of the lad bursts forth in the rejoinder: “Follow the deer? Follow the Christ! Follow the King! Else wherefore was I born?’’ So to the Senior Class we say, God Speed! We shall not forget you. Keep your vision toward the morning and your heart open to His love; thus shall you find light for every problem and strength for every burden. Forward march! But— Follow the Christ! Follow the King.” t'age s

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- :{1929 BETHANNUAL 1929 }• - nestled on the ship’s bosom. The tars went alxmt their work without a question or murmur and in a short time every sail was unfurled. After a few days at sea in a gentle morning: breeze they chose their officers. Miss Nelson by popular acclaim was already at the wheel. The members honored were: Clarence Gilbert, captain: Ivar Anderson, first mate; Dona Miller, keeper of the log; Helen Florcn. purser. A few months had passed. In the distance loomed storm clouds that threatened to swoop down upon them and devour them like a great sea monster. Every member worked frantically to insure their safety. The storm finally broke but the crew had done its work well and the ship was saved. As they had not failed they were able to invite the crew from the ship, Class of ’28 to a great feast. This was the only record of any serious danger on this trip. By the time port was sighted the rays of the warm June sun had so saturated their lxxlies with a want for rest that the crew was glad' to cross the gangplank and take their well earned rest. Again after three months had passed the crew gathered for its final voyage. Due to their previous experience the group was now familiar with the ways of the sea. The last journey was looked forward to with happiness and confidence that can only come with years of sailing. After three years of hard work they were at last reaching a high degree of seamanship. It was easy to see that they were the oldest crew on the sea. Jt being the usual custom to elect the officers from the crew, Clarence Gilbert was chosen captain: Ivar Anderson, first mate: Dona Miller, keeper of the log; Justine Xeufeld, purser. On their last and final voyage it was necessary to pick an old and experienced pilot. After searching the records carefully it was found that Mr. J I. C. Wingblade had piloted many vessels and not once had he failed to bring them in safely to port. 1 le consented to take the wheel of the ship. When the old rose and silver banner of the ship was hoisted, the anchor hauled, the ship pulled out of harbor full steam ahead. After cruising several months the crew decided to stage a drama on the high seas. This proved to be very interesting as on the appointed night many ships had dropped anchor to watch this spectacle. As the ships were reaching port on their final voyage it had always been the unique custom for the next oldest and ablest crew to show their respect to the retiring crew. When this event was held all worries and cares were cast over board and they had a great feast. Finally the good ship under the guiding hand of the capable pilot steamed into port and dropped anchor for the last time. The crew gathered on deck arrayed in their latest uniforms. Amid the shouting and acclaim of the assembled multitude, Grand Admirable I lagstrom crossed the gangplank. Addressing the assembled crowd lie told them of the accomplishments and purposes of the faithful crew. With great solemnity and respect he bestowed on each sailor the highest and noblest honor that could be given to a person who had successfully sailed the sea of Bethel. '«W H Historians—Allan Lee, Theodore Tupa