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

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I MBiflrflfaAilllB W President of the University, Dr. Milo Rediger Bishop William Taylor Dr. Burt W. Ayres !]pgDf| !I three

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lifl[rffftoAiiiiiBii Bishop Taylor honored through University The story of Taylor University begins back in 1846 with the Fort Wayne Female College. This institu- tion, the college that cares for the soul, headed by Dr. Alexander C. Huestis, enrolled one hundred students in the primary, academic and collegiate departments in the first year. In 1850 young men were admitted in a separate department, called the Collegiate Institute in 1853, which remained a dis- tinct institution until 1855. By that year a great demand for higher education in the protestant religious faith for both sexes, stimulated by the re- turn of so many young soldiers from the Mexican War, resulted in the consolidation of the Female College and the Collegiate Institute to form what was designated the Fort Wayne College. The College grew in population and academic prestige among the educational institutions of Indiana until the term 1890-99. At that time the financial crisis necessitated the sale of the school. It was sold to the National Association of Local Preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The new owners sity. Bishop William Taylor, at that time a preacher of world-wide fame, was the only man who had ever been elevated from the Laity — the ranks of the Local Preachers — to the high office of Bishop of the Methodist Church. The National As- sociation sought to honor his Spirit-filled life, as well as his ecclesiastical accomplishments, by giving his name to their university. ' Stands her tower seen far distant . . . the students ' view of Taylor University as seen in 1913.

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iniMi iffPtoAifil Sammy Morris- living influence Shortly after the University assumed its new name under its management, the Association elected Dr. Thaddeus C. Reade to the president ' s chair. It was during the administration of this man that the most decisive events in the history of the school took place. In the fall of 1892, Taylor University admitted its most outstanding student — Sammy Morris. Sammy came to the United States from Africa, seeking to learn more about the Holy Spirit. He taught those who knew him more about the Spirit of God and what He can do in a fully dedicated and consecrated life than anyone else ever taught him. Mr. Stephen Merritt of New York City made arrangements to send him to Taylor University for the mutual education of both the institution and the new student. Sammy greatly influenced the citizens of the town as well as of the University, bringing a spiritual awakening with his complete faith and example of a totally surrendered life. During January, 1893, he contracted a severe lingering cold and realized that his hopes for evangelizing his people would not be accomplished by himself. When asked if he feared death, he replied, Oh no, since I ' ve found Jesus, death is my friend. And so he died, as he had lived, totally willing to do God ' s bidding. But his influence did not die with him. »Sr 2ii3 55SSS?Fv-i ' Q € ■ r J r yg7 SSi5Sw s!5 Samuel Morris, outstanding Taylor student The 1919 Taylor University Prohibition League our