Bethel University - Spire Yearbook (St Paul, MN)

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‘ Pzzi.i.J.znt i A [ WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT? War is in the air in almost the entire civilized world, but peace and harmony prevails at Bethel, and prospects lor a continuance and increase thereoi are as bright as ever. Bethel stands at the crossroads between the past and the future at the close of this year's work. It is seventy years since Dr. I. A. Edgren, a worthy hero of the cross, had the courage to open the doors of a school and invite young men in for the training of preachers and missionaries. This he did without a school board or school committee to back him up, and without a salary or other friends in sight except as the eye of faith might look to the resources of Almighty God for the supply. Christopher Silcnc was his first student and Mels Hayland his first graduate. How different those days were from ours today; v ith a faculty of sixteen and a student body of one hundred eighty-nine; then no buildings or other physical equipment, now fairly well equipped. Courses have been developed and expanded to meet the increased demands of this present day and age. Graduates, four hundred eighty-nine from the seminary and more than two thousand from the preparatory departments, lead one to remark, What wonderful things hath not God wrought! With such a splendid background and v ith a new girls' dormitory in prospect for next fall and a new president at the opening of the next school year, surely the spirit of optimism and hopefulness should abound through the halls of Bethel. The writer of these lines, who has been actively associated in service v ith this beloved institution since January 1, 1914, ought to be justified in some degree at least to assume the roll of a prophet, but conscious of his limitations, and remembering the thankless task of the prophet, humbly begs to be excused from any such a venture. However, there lurks in his mind not the faintest degree of misgiving or apprehension for the future of Bethel. So long cs our trust is in Almighty God, and His dear Son Jesus Christ as our leader, and a spirit of cooperation prevails for the carrying forward of the cause of training our youth for Christian life and service, especially for the ministry and missionary service, the favor of God's good will and blessing will never be found v anting, cr.d by Ilis grace He will lead on to still more glorious achievements and victories. The ever increasing list of supporters by prayer and gifts through the influence of pastors, church leaders and friends will, under God, assure Bethel of a brighter future for the years that are ahead. For that we fervently pray and plead with all the readers of the Spire. G. ARVID HAGSTROM. Thirteen

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unto (Ajiiclom. n lakes for a period of complete relaxation. He finds a bit of fishing and meditating good for body, mind, and soul. Outstanding even above all his physical and mental attributes is the remarkable character possessed by this minister and educator. No one who has studied in his classes can fail to appreciate his depth of Christian experience. What lov ly freshman does net thrill when this man, who has been accorded a place in Who's Who in America, will stop in his hurry to classes and csk kindly concerning that humble one's welfare. Few men ever reach such pinnacles of greatness; fewer men remain as humble as he. Perhaps no one is more familiar with Dr. Hagstrom's lovable character than those members of the Bethel faculty who have worked with him for many years. Almost without exception each instructor mentions, first of all, our president's remarkable ability to put one at complete ease in his presence. He has the confidence of all his wide circle of friends and greatly enjoys the opportunities he has for counseling young people. Dr. Hagstrom is capable of taking ready command of any situation. He feels as much at home with a lcrge audience as with a single individual. As a presiding officer he is unexcelled. With the utmost courtesy and unending patience he listens to every contribution. In private conversation he is every bit as courteous and seems a deep, never-ending source of gentleness and sympathy. His is truly a character without reproach. And now, though Dr. Hagstrom is retiring from the presidency of Bethel Institute, he is still planning for the future. He has been asked by the school board to continue to serve or. the faculties of both the Seminary and college departments. In addition to his duties as professor he intends to continue the conducting of Bible conferences. For twenty-seven years Dr. Hagstrom has presided over Bethel Institute. During this long end successful administration many changes have taken place in the school cr.d many students have felt the uplifting influence of his quiet, unassuming personality. To really knew the man is to love him; tc love him is to want to be like him. Even as the pebble thrown into the sea causes never-ending, ever-widening ripples, so shall the influence of this mighty man of God reach out even into eternity. Our echoes roll from soul to soul, And live forever and forever. T iCelve

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 ZJhz ‘ JaauLtij EMERY A. JOHNSON Dean Johnson has the ability to make his eight o'clock zoology classes so interesting that few students fall asleep. Thorough and concise, he efficiently directs the affairs of the college. EFFIE NELSON In lecture. Miss Nelson frequently stops to give a bit of philosophical advice. Outside of class she is librarian and Dean of Women, aiding students who seek references, or counseling perplexed coeds. C. E. CARLSON With a characteristic twinkle in his eye. Professor Carlson conducts his social science classes. Human touches added to the historical characters make his lectures realistic. ENID PLATTS Practice makes power echoes from the walls of the English rcom as Miss Platts lectures. She is ar. enthusiastic reader of poetry, and her joy is her forensic group. K. J. KARLSON Potential ministers meet the genial Dr. Karlson as they apply for admission into the Seminary His profound knowledge of human nature and his characteristic chuckle ' enliven his lectures. ADOLF OLSON Although quiet and unassuming, Professor Olson reflects his decided Christian personality and his firm convictions. His homely sense of humor is often expressed through the maxims of Amos n' Andy. ESTHER SABEL Conviction ar.d common sense characterize Miss Sabel. as she urges the need for religious education and personal evangelism. Her practical slant on life is appreciated when she distributes candy before exams. REUBEN OMARK [r. his first year at Bethel Professor Omark has been an example of diligence and persistence He explains Greek to us and makes mummies prove the veracity of the Scriptures. Fourteen