Kenyon College - Reveille Yearbook (Gambier, OH)

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Hent cM College 1824-1942 ALL the records that can be found in the libraries of Kenyon College show Phil- ander Chase, Kenyon’s far-seeing founder, to he a man of magnetic temperament, rare charm of manner, and distinguished phys- ical beauty. He was without a doubt a horn leader, a pioneer churchman, and a sturdy pillar in the foundation of American learning. In June of 1818 this tremendous personality was elected to be the first bishop of the state of Ohio. He left his comfortable home and quiet parish to or- ganize his new diocese in the wilderness, he rode over a thousand miles within his first twelve months in Ohio; between times, working on his homestead like any other pioneer. He found that the greatest need of the New American West was trained men. Thinking men. Men educated, as well as reared, in Ohio’s own hills and valleys. To build a college to fulfill this need was the fixed purpose of his life. One night in June, 1823. after Bishop Chase had eliminated all possibilities of help on his project, a thought came to him. —”A thought has struck me from Heaven I will appeal to England for assistance. If the truth is known, they will help us. This was the real beginning of Kenyon College, for without this inspiration the original col- lege could not have been financed. Bishop Chase went to England in the face of many difficulties and against the advice of all. He found a friend, however, in James, Lord Gambier, Admiral of the British Meet. Lord Gambicr introduced him to several of the most influential personages in England at the time, and helped him gain their sup- port. After ten hard months of struggle he returned to America with about three thousand dollars given him by Lord Gambicr, Lord Bexley, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lady Jane King, The Right Honorable Dowager Countess of Rosse; and Hannan More, a clever literary leader and philan- thropist. And so, after struggling desper- ately to gain the financial aid that wou t insure the future perfection of his college, the first bishop of the Northwest I erritor) returned to Ohio and founded the first co - lege of the territory, receiving its charter