Springfield College - Massasoit Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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HISTORY In 1885, under the leadership of a Congregational minister, the Springfield School for Christian Workers was founded. The Congregational minister, David Allen Reed, organized a school which would supplement the theological seminaries by training laymen for Christian work in churches, YMCA ' s, and other community agencies. Jacob T. Bowne, secretary of the International Committee of the Young Men ' s Christian Association, was named to head the department for training Association officers. Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick was named to head the newly-formed department for physical training in 1887. The appointment of Dr. Gulick was the beginning of the emergence of Springfield College as an in- stitution specializing m the training of physical educators. The physical education areas of the new school were developed very slowly, however, for the insti- tution retained as its main ob|ect the training of YMCA officials. In 1890 the school was incorporated as the International Young Men ' s Christian Association Training School — usually shortened to Training School. In 1905 the school was authorized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to confer upon its gradu- ates the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Humanics and Bachelor and Master of Physical Education The year 1912 saw the emergence of the institution as a fully accredited four-year college under the title of International Young Men ' s Christian Association College. The right to grant the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of Education was conferred m 1926. In 1950 the granting of the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Physical Education was au- thorized by the Board of Collegiate Authority. In 1954 the name of the school was officially changed to Springfield College. The school, as a physical plant, began its existence in the Hope Church chapel where classes were held during construction of the college ' s first permanent building on Winchester Square. Soon after its organization the school was split into two factions to preserve the allegiance of the YMCA ' . In 1894, four years after the split, the School for Christian Workers changed its name to Bible Normal College and eventually moved to Hartford where it united with the Hartford Theological Seminary. In 1896 the International YMCA Training School made the long awaited move from Winchester Square to its present site on the shores of Lake Massasoit. The first building completed on the new site was the East-West Gymnasium. The construction of a dormitory (now the Administiation Building) was the sec- ond project and the one which completed the shift from Winchester Square. Many difficulties had to be overcome in the change of campus. A slaughterhouse was located where the Student Union now stands. Woods Hall is situated on the site of the old city dump. A dilapidated barn stood where Alumni Hall is now located Three unpointed and crumbling ice houses added to the overall beauty of the campus. Since the turn of the century Springfield College has progressed rapidly However, any discussion of the school s history must include a consideration of the future for there wll always be room in the world for the principles and ideals taught by the college. 6

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DR. WALTER GREENE Typical of the many who have devoted their lives to Springfield College, its principle s and ideals, is Dr. Walter Greene. To him, in grateful appreciation, we dedicate the 1957 MASSASOIT.

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CAMPUS VIEWS MARSH MEMORIAL LIBRARY CAFE-WOODS HALL ALUMNI HALL