Taylor University - Ilium / Gem Yearbook (Upland, IN)

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iam Taylor IN CALIFORNIA T ' AYLOR UNIVERSITY is named in honor of the man who rose from the rank of local preacher to the episcopacy. To appreciate the significance of this honor to our institution it is necessary to take a glimpse into the life of this man whose unadorned simplicity enhances the greatness of his work. His life was interwoven with the religious history of his age. To know him is to learn of it. In the days of preparation he taught school and became a circuit rider in Virginia. He was serving as pastor of a church when in 1849 he was appointed by Bishop Waugh as a missionary to California. William Taylor did evangelistic work in the States, Canada, England, Wales, South America and Australia. He also did missionary work in India and the West Indies. In 1885, after a brief sojourn in the United States, he accepted the bishopric of Africa and became a second Livingston to the peoples of the Dark Con- tinent. With a knowledge of the world-wide vision of this man of God, it is not surprising that the school which bears his name should have a similar world-wide vision. Having found a school which tallied with the spiritual passion of his soul, we are not surprised that Bishop Taylor said, This work is of God, and gave it his hearty endorsement, prayed for it three times every day, assisted it by his influence and with his means. His name has many times been used by the financial department of the school as an incentive in securing funds. He assisted in the laying of the corner stone of the present Administration Building. Taylor is a monument to him who was a friend to God and man. - ft? ' - - TWENTY-TWO

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The Financial History o T THE financial history of Taylor records many interesting events. During the earl ' days of the institution in Fort Wayne the control of the school was in the hands of the M. E. Conference. Later the management of the school was placed in the hands of the National Association of Local Preachers. Then it was that the school was named for Bishop William Taylor. Dr. C. B. Stemen, a member of the board of directors, served as president until Dr. Thaddeus C. Reade was chosen. In the beginning of Dr. Reade ' s administration the school was moved from Fort Wa ne to Upland and was incorporated as Taylor University of Upland, Indiana. Dr. Reade assumed the entire financial responsibility of the school. Under his leadership the administration building was built, the largest gift coming from Mrs. J. C. Wright of Washington, D. C, whose husband was president of the Board of Trustees. What is now Sammy Morris hall, and what used to be the old dining hall, was also built at this time. After Dr. Reade had carried the financial load for about nine ) ' ears, the trustees assumed control. The niembers of the Board, residing in Upland and within easy reach, bore the brunt of the burdens and from time to time got behind the school ' s liabilities with their own private gifts and endorsements. Dr. John H. Shilling, who was the Vice-President, was acting President during Dr. Reade ' s illness. Dr. Winchester of Buffalo was the next president. Dr. A. R. Archibald succeeded him, serving until Dr. Monroe Vavhinger came. Under Dr. Vayhinger ' s leadership the Music Fiall was built and named in honor of Mrs. Helena Gehman who gave the gift in memory of her husband. The money for the auditorium was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Israel Shreiner and the Chapel was named in honor of them. The main gift for Swallow Robin hall was contributed by Dr. S. C. Swallow and his wife. At this time Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Campbell gave large gifts to the school. Dr. Taylor succeeded Dr. Vayhinger in 1921 and it was during his administration that the present heating plant was built, the south eighty acre farm was acquired, and numerous houses were purchased and built. Dr. Ayres was acting-President between Dr. Taylor ' s and Dr. Paul ' s administra- tions. Under Dr. Paul ' s leadership the Legal Hundred was organized. This body now has financial control of the school. ( C-s TWENTY-ONE

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T ON THE CAMPUS D OCTOR THADDEUS C. READE is the most outstanding figure in the early development of Tayl or University. The story of his association with the school is one of sacrifice and labor. He loved the school and proved his regard by his work. He bore the entire financial burden of the school for years. At one time the dean of the college received a larger salary than did Dr. Reade. For a long period of time Dr. Reade hired his teachers and personally paid their salaries. He had a meager private for- tune of a few thousand dollars which he turned over into the school treasury. He personally made himself responsible for the maintenance of the school. His whole life was one of self sacrifice for the cause which he ardently supported. Dr. Reade ' s character was of such a calibre that the patrons of the school were willing to support him in all he undertook. There were times when he made promises to creditors of the school which, from all visible r esources, were impossible of fulfillment. Nevertheless, in time Dr. Reade was able to fulfill all his obligations. Dr. Reade probably did more to place the school on a firm basis and to establish its credit than any other one person during the early days. Dr. Reade personally chose the site of the school and contracted with the Upland Land Company for the necessary land. He surprised the building program and himself solicited funds for the running expenses of the school among the friends of the school situated mainly in the East. We do well to honor the memory of the man who so ably established and main- tained our institution in its earh ' beginnings. It is hoped that his life and sacrifice may be an example to others. ( U TWENTY-THREE