Franklin and Marshall College - Oriflamme Yearbook (Lancaster, PA)

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Schaff, but he declined the call, and Rev. E. V. Gerhart became the first president of the joint institutions. Dr. Gerhart was president until 1866, when he was succeeded by Dr. J. W. Nevin, who held that position until 1876. Dr. Nevin was succeeded by Dr. T. G. Apple, who was also engaged in the theological semi- nary. In 1886, Dr. Apple retired from the presidency, and, in 1888, Dr. J. S. Stahr, the present incumbent, was elected presi- dent. Although Franklin and Marshall has no very large endowments, as some colleges of our country have, yet her financial condition is improving steadily. Mr. Lewis Audenreid, in 1873, bequeathed to the college the sum of thirty-live thousand dollars, until then the largest individual subscription. In 1877, the college was be- queathed an estate of thirty-two thousand acres situated in Somer- set county. This was the gift of the Wilhehn family. In 1884, Mrs. James M. Hood, of Frederick City, Maryland, gave ten thousand dollars for the founding of the Daniel Scholl Observatory, and again, in 1889, an additional sum of five thou- sand, thus equipping the observatory with all the necessary appli- ances for successful astronomical study and research. Within the last three years the friends of the college have erected a new gymna- sium, which is completely furnished, and affords ample opportuni- ties to the students for physical training. Franklin and Marshall College is a classical institution. It maintains that college training is primarily for the sake of cul- ture and discipline, and in order to prepare for the learned pro- fessions or the practical duties of life.'l With this aim in view such a course of study has been arranged as is conducive to the development of the Christian gentleman and the genuine scholar. The efforts of the early founders and those subsequently inter- ested in Franklin and Marshall have not been in vain. The col- lege has been placed on a high plane and tl1e standard 111ai11tained is recognized and respected everywhere. It challenges the earnest effort and the hearty cooperation of all its alumni and friends for extending its usefulness. Every addition to the endowment fund can be made to' tell powerfully for the cause of advanced educa- tion. The time has come when its operations should be extended, so that the institution may obtain the position and influence to which it is entitled. I7

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low ebb, was re-established by the purchase of the Lancaster County Academy, situated on North Lime street, between Orange and Chestnut. Franklin College now became an excellent insti- tution. In 1849 a proposition was received from Marshall College, situated at Mercersburg, for the union of the two institutions. Among the mountains of Franklin county, in the midst of the most imposing natural scenery, the retirement of which offers favorable conditions for study, is situated the village of Mer- cersburg. Here, in 1835, Marshall College, 11a1ned after john Marshall, who was then at the zenith of his fame, was founded. This college grew out of the high school of the Reformed Church, founded at York, Pa., in 1831. ' With Marshall College are associated the names of 1ne11 who are well known, not o11ly in the Reformed Church and America, but also i11 Europe. The first president of Marshall College was Rev. F. A. Rauch, Ph. D. He was bor11 i11 Hesse-Darmstadt in 1806, received a thorough education, and came to America in 18 31. He served for a short time as professor of German in Lafayette Col- lege, until he was called to take charge of Marshall College, which position he held until his death. Ill I84O he published his work on Psychology, which may be said to have introduced the science to the attention of American studentsfl A work on Ethics was left unfinished. He died in 1841. Rev. john Williamson Nevin, D.D., Ph.D., succeeded Dr. Rauch as president of Marshall College. As one of the foremost theo- logians and philosophers in this country, he naturally gave the i11- stitution, over which he presided, a high degree of prominence, and there are few preceptors, anywhere, who have possessed in so high a degree the respect and affection of their studentsf' The proposition of Marshall College to the trustees of Franklin College was received favorably, and it was finally agreed to con- solidate the two institutions under tl1e name of Franklin and Mar- shall College. This action was confirmed by the Legislature, April 19, I85O. It was not, however, until May, 1853, that the two institutions were actually united. The exercises of the col- lege were conducted in the building 011 Lime street until 1856. On the 16tl1 of May, 18 56, it was dedicated, when addresses were delivered by Rev. Dr. E. V. Gerhart and Emlen Franklin, Esq, The presidency of the college was tendered Rev. Dr. Philip E 1 6

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The Faculty. REV. JOHN s. STAHR, Ph. D., D. D., Was born in Bucks county, Pa., December 2, 1841. His parents were of German Reformed ancestry. Received his early education in the public schools of his native township. Before the age of sixteen, became teacher of the school in which he had been a pupil the year before. This position l1e held for seven successive years. In 1858, entered the Bucks County Normal a11d Classical School, at Quakertown, Rev. A. R. Horne, D. D., principal. In 1864, when Rev. Lucian Cort, D. D., succeeded Dr. Horne as pri11cipa1, Dr. Stahr DECSLIIIC an assistant teacher a11d prepared for college. Entered the junior Class at F. and M., 1865. Graduated, 1867, with highest honors of his class and highest grade of scholarship attained up to that time. Intended to study Theology at Mercers- burg but was called to H11 the vacancy in the College Faculty, caused by the resignation of Dr. Falk. Studied Theology pri- vately under Dr. john W. Nevin, whose warm interest and per- sonal friendship were of the greatest account to him i11 his studies and his subsequent career. Made adjunct professor, 1868. Licensed to preach by the Goschenhoppen Classis at Quakertown, 1869. Elected principal of the Keystone State Nor111al School, 1871, but declined the call. Elected in the same year to the chair of Natural Sciences and German in his Alma Mater. Ordained to the ministry at Reading, 1872, and became assistant pastor to Dr. Bausman. Became Financial Agent of the College, 1887. Elected President pro. tem. of the College, 1889, and President, 1890. Received the degree of A. M., 1870, Ph. D., 1883, D. D. from Lafayette College i11 1891. Member of the International Sunday- School Lesson Committee. Consulting member of the Editorial Staff of Funk SL Wagiiallls Standard Dictionary. Translated Grob's Life of Zwingle, and is a frequent contributor to church papers and the ,QlL6ll'f6'7'0l Jfcvicw. 18