Queens University of Charlotte - Coronet / Edelweiss Yearbook (Charlotte, NC)

Page 9 text:

$ttb. 31. W. § tagg, 3. 3. John Weldon Stagg was born in Richmond, Virginia, Aug¬ ust 17, 1863, of a family that had been noted for its wealth and culture since early colonial times, but which made supremest sacri¬ fices for the sake of the Confederacy. Left an orphan in early youth, he made his own way by strength of mind and will. Going West he began the double task of making a living and getting an education. The task of bread-winning gave him the practical knowledge of men and affairs that has stood him in such good stead in his life-work, while his travels gained him a wide acquaintance with the people of the whole country. As opportunity was given him, he pursued his studies at Westminster College, the University of Missouri, and at the Southwestern Presbyterian University, Clarksville, Tennessee, Divinity School. In the same year he was ordained pastor of the Second Church, Nashville, at that time probably the most discouraging work in the Southern Church. His success in building up this organization led to his call to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he served four years. He was called to the Second Presbyterian Church of this city in 1896, and has won an unique place in this community, not only as a preacher of origi¬ nality and power, but as a citizen who is alive to every interest of the community, and as the zealous and untiring promoter of every plan that looks to the growth of Presbyterianism and the extension of the Kingdom of Christ. While his name will always be associated with other Presby¬ terian institutions here, this Presbyterian College for Women is his enduring monument. It was his foresight that secured for Char¬ lotte the location of the projected College, his energy that provided the means for its beginnings in the old building, and his faith that saw the possibility of the present noble edifice. From the first out¬ line of the building itself that was sketched on paper to the com¬ pletion of the equipment with the great pipe organ, his mind has planned and his will carried out the plans to successful completion. We do not make light of the labors or sacrifices of others, but cer¬ tainly this institution owes to him a debt greater than to any other of its faithful friends, and we write this record that those who come after may read and may give honor to whom honor is due. 9