Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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was opened on June 14, 1S58, the Theological Department on Oct. 7, 1858. The former had at once about 75 scholars, the latter began with twelve. Work was at once begun on the new building, 80 ft. by 43 ft., with three stories, of which Dr. Kurtz says, it will be finished without one dollar of debt, the requisite money being already provided for by the generous and whole hearted folks of Selinsgrove. ' ' - The course of study announced for the Theological Department was as follows: Biblical Archaeology, Mental Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, History, Hermeneutics, Exegesis, Catechetics, Systimatic Divinity, Homileties, Chronology Pastoral Theology, Church Government and Missionary Instruction. A very full and interesting account of the laying of the corner stone, on Sept. 1, 1S58, appeared in the Lutheran Observer of Sept. 17, 1858. The addresses made on this occasion by Rev. R. Weiser, Hon. A. Jordan and Hon. Joseph Casey, with those made at the dedication on Nov. 9, 1859, by Rev. E. W. Hutter and Rev. D. Steck, and also those delivered Nov. -24, 1858, at the inauguration of the Theological Professors, by Rev. S. Sprecher, D. D., and Rev. P. Rizer, with the inaugurals of Dr. Kurtz and Rev. Zeigler were published and give a clear and impressive expression of the plan and motive of the institution. During the first year there were 133 students, 26 studying Theology and 107 in the Classical Department. The arrangements for the management of the Classical Department being temporary, until the fitting up of the new building, in May 1859. Rev. P. Born was elected Principal of that department, entering his work Sept. 22, 1859, as Principal and Professor of Ancient Languages. This position he filled until 1881. He had been intimately associated with Dr. Kurtz and Rev. Zeigler in all the preliminaries and arrangements. Under this management the work of the institution was continued with increasing success, until the death of Dr. Kurtz in Dec. 29, 1865. Dr. H. Zeigler was now elected Superintendent, and without any change of policy, but with growing efficiency, the school was continued until 188 1. When Dr. Zeigler resigned, Dr. P. Born was elected Superintendent and Rev. John B. Focht Principal of the Classical Department. The latter resign- ing in 1882, Rev. J. R. Dimm was elected Principal, serving in that position until 1895. Rev. P. Born, D. D., resigned the position of Superintendent in 1893, yet continuing as an instructor until his death in 1S99. He was succeeded by Rev. F. P. Manhart, who filled the office of Superintendent until 1895. During 1894 the commodious building known as Gustavus Adolphus Hall was erected to meet the need for better accomodations for recitation rooms, halls, etc. In the same year the course of study was extended and rearranged to include the Junior and Senior years of a college course, with the conferring of degrees, the institution assuming the title of Susquehanna University. Rev. J. R. Dimm D. D., well qualified by experience and attainments, was — 26 —

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At the second meeting of the Board, on Jan. 6, 1857, the resolution to locate in Baltimore Co., Md., was rescinded, and Dr. Kurtz was elected Superintendent and Professor of Theology. At this earl} ' stage in the development of this institution Dr. T. Stork said of it: Scores of men, whose talents and piety would other- wise be comparatively lost to the church, might through the instrumentality of such an institution be brought into the active duties of the ministry. Concerning the opposition of some to the plan and to the qualification of the students, Dr. Kurtz said: They will be well acquainted with the Bible and church history, able sermonizers, and living, self-denying, serious and common sense preachers and industrious and faithful pastors. If any one choose to stigmatize such men as ' half educated, ' ' half fledged, ' ' quacks ' etc., let him gratify his peculiar and amiable penchant. At the meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod at Lancaster in 1857 it was resolved, that we would urge on the consciences of many who have arrived at a more advanced age to devote themselves to this work, the preparation for the ministry. At the meeting of the Maryland Synod in 1857, the Board was severed from relation to the Synod, owing to the proposed location outside the bounds of that Synod; the Board was also made self perpetuating. A number of places urged their claims and presented inducements for the location, but at a meeting of the Board, May 3, 1858, in consideration of the fact that Selinsgrove, Pa., made offer of $15,012, this place was decided upon as the location. At a meeting held at Selinsgrove from May 12 to 14, 1S58, the Board by changes and additions was constituted as follows: Dr. B. Kurtz, Rev. G. Diehl, Rev. F. R. Anspach, Rev. J. G. Butler, Dr. W. M. Kemp, Mr. Wm. Bridges, Mr. J. Ream, Col. A. C. Simpson, Mr. John App, Mr. Geo. Schnure, Rev. H. Zeigler, Rev. S. Domer, Rev. P. Born, Rev. C. C. Culler, Rev. C. G. Erlenmyer, Rev. J. G. Anspach, Rev. D. H. Focht, Col. W. F. Wagenseller, Mr. C. A. Moyer, Mr. Leonard App, Mr. H. Ritter, Mr. B. Schoch and Mr. L. R. Hummel. Arrangements were at once made to open the Classical school in the brick building at the rear of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church ; this, with the use of the lecture room, was tendered to the Board by the congregation. The officers of the Board were: President, Dr. B. Kurtz; Vice Presidents, Rev. S. Domer and Rev. H. Zeigler ; Recording Secretary, Col. A. C. Simpson ; Corresponding Secretary, Rev. H. Zeigler ; Treasurer, Mr. Jas. K. Davis. An annoucement was made that the institution, so located, was ready to receive applications for admission. The Classical Department, under the management of Prof. Theo. Weaver, later assisted by Prof. Wm. Noetling, — 25 —

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elected President, and began the larger work of the institution, supported by a corps of able and earnest instruc- tors. The work of both Theolo gical and Collegiate Departments was continued with increasing success under this management until 1899, when Dr. Dimm resigned the Presidency, remaining, however, to continue his work as a Professor. In the fall of 1899 Rev. C. W. Heisler, A. M., of Denver, Col., was chosen President, entering on the duties of his position in November of the same year. Various changes and additions were made to the course of stud} ' , of these the most important was the establishing of the Departments of Music and of Elocution, both of which proved popular and helpful. During 1900 the Ladies ' Dormitory was erected to meet the needs of the increasing number of young women students, greater attention was also given to instruction in Normal methods for teachers, especially during the current year, under the supervision of Prof. Wm. Noetling, A. M. Brief and fragmentary as this sketch of the record of this school is, we may yet learn from it that God inspired worthy, consecrated men with the idea of the Missionary Institute and blessed them in their work. They rest from their labors and their works do follow them. To their successors we may confidently look for a continuance of the same abounding favor of God, and ever enlarging usefulness to the Church. Selinsgrove, Pa., April, 1901. J. B. F. — 27 —