Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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-4 1930 B E T HANNUA L 1930 Chronicles of America, Sweden, and Wales The ideal, aim, and purpose of this history is to show to the world that the eminent men and women of today have lived throughout the past ages. As you carefully study the progress of civilization, you have marvelled at the achievements of great men and women that have been leaders in the steady march upward and forward through the ages, men and women that have been pioneers in all branches of learning. You will marvel still more when you have read this brief history, for it reveals to you the identity of these seemingly mythical characters. For convenience their names will be given in modern English. Chapter I. 1st Century to 11th Century. In the days prior to the 12th century there dwelt a certain Miss Anderson, a woman who possessed outstanding linguistic ability, and who was also a great mathematician. She was appointed adviser to a band of intelligent students. Several of them had previously only received a meager education. Consequently, history says very little concerning the majority of them. However, a few of them possessed rare gifts. Ivar Anderson, who in the 18th century became famous, was elected leader of the students. I quote a list of names recorded in old manuscripts. These you will recognize as persons living today. The following are women worthy of mention: May Bernstcn, Ebba Anderson, Martha Starika, Amy Anlund, Lydia Johnson, Astrid Johanson, Helen Florin, Lcttic Jorgenson, Ruth Robertson, Margaret Robertson, Violet Hclandcr, Marjorie Hampton, Ruth Weiscr and Ruby Frisk. Men of note arc Gust Anderson, Christopher Westlund, Robert Marsh, and Leonard Johnson. Other great leaders of this group who rose to fame during the 18th century but who have long since faded into oblivion are William Backlund, William Tapper, and Clarence Gilbert. Chapter II. From 11th Century to 15th Century. From the 11th century onward until the dawn of the 15th century great changes took place. The position of adviser fell into the hands of Miss Jacobson, a great historian, who was highly esteemed by all the students. The leaders during this period were: Clarence Gilbert, Ivar Anderson, William Backlund and William Tapper. While searching in the archives of this great institution, 1 found an invaluable document called the B Book. The names of two persons who are still living arc mentioned. Amy Anlund is spoken of as the secretary of the Student Council during this era. Leonard Johnson was active in literary circles. He was treasurer of the famous Alpha Beta literary society, and he also was sergeant-at-arms in the renowned Svca literary society. Ttvtniy-eight

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-♦■{ 1930 B E T H A N N U A L 1930 } - H. C. WINGBLADE “Thy soul is like a sear, and dwells apart: Thou hast a voice whose sound is like the sea. Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free; So dost thou travel on life's common way In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart The lowliest duties on herself doth lay. Looking Ahead A great Christian surgeon, addressing a large group of young men at a banquet, pivoted his message on these words: “Where are you going to be ten years from now?' Some of us have seen the picture of two men sitting together at dinner. The date is 1940. One is successful and prosperous; the other is a comparative failure. The former speaks: “You remember, Joe. ten years ago. You had the same chance that I had to enter upon this course of training, but you did not care. I took it; you did not. I am superintendent of the plant; you are working at the same bench. What will the next ten years mean to the class of nineteen thirty? That will depend on the vision and on the will power of each individual member. Hugh Black once said to the students of a great college: “The universe is just as big as you are big enough to inhabit it.’’ God said to Israel: “You shall possess your possessions.” Mary Freeman Palmer arose each morning with the words: “Another great day!” You are out of high school now. The next ten years will pretty well tell the story of your future. Keep yourself pure! Stir up the gift that is in you! Lay hold of eternal life! And do not forget how to G-R-O-W: Go Right on Working. All right, plan your work—Then work your plan. And, by the grace of God, 1940 will NOT find you a failure. —H. C. WINGBLADE. TuJtniy-seven

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- ■»:{ 1930 H E THANNUAL 1930 £♦- Chapter III. From 15th to 19th Century. Following: the middle ages a great awakening took place. Some of the outstanding men of the past ages soared to heights of fame in this era. but today they are almost forgotten. Miss Nelson undertook the responsible position of adviser in this prosperous and progressive age. She not only exerted a great influence over the students while in the class rooms, but it is evident from reports concerning the student activities that her influence was strong in this direction. Leonard Johnson, whose name was prominent in the past two ages was elected president of the Student Association. Lillian Peterson was treasurer. Not much was said of her previous to this time, but it is obvious from information gleaned from various sources that she became prominent. This is also true of several others. Ruth IVeiser had the most comprehensive sense of humor of any of the world’s great writers. She wrote several satires in which she held up to ridicule her contemporaries who possessed ingenuity in ideas but lacked ability to pass from an idea to its suggested action. Astrid Johanson, whose influence was felt in all Scandinavian countries centuries ago, came to America sometime during the 11th century. She became famous when she won first place in the Swedish Declamatory Contest held under the auspices of the Svea Literary Society. Ruby Frisk was likewise successful in the English Declamatory Contest held about the same time. Lydia Johnson was the efficient secretary of the Svea Literary Society in this era. Marjorie Hampton is mentioned as one of the world’s most promising journalists. Wc find the name Pcarlc Rold among a list of officers connected with a religious organization called the Missionary Band. This organization was extremely active, which fact speaks well for the character of the student body in general. Richard Harding, of whom we hear very little until he joined this intellectual group during the Elizabethan Age, did not enter the front ranks until the next age. Edward Rieft', a powerful speaker and a man possessing remarkable executive ability, is several times referred to in the foremost periodicals of his day. Walter Watkin, one of Europe’s most progressive men, after years of travel, which far exceed that of Mandcvillc’s, drifted into the midst of this group of learned men and women. He left Wales during the early centuries and after spending a few years in England went to Canada and finally to America. A remarkable feature of this age is the progress and success achieved by a few of these men in the athletic world. Herbert Kallman ranks among the foremost athletes of his day. Paul Dahlen and Ralph Gcbhard were steadily climbing the ladder of success during this period of revival in the athletic world. One other man T iventy-ninc