Temple University School of Dentistry - Odontolog Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 32 text:

 RUSSELL H. CONWELL, D.D., LL.D The Founder 24

Page 31 text:

ADMINISTRATION

Page 33 text:

rT HE home of Martin and Miranda Conwell, into which their son, Russell H. Con well, was born February 15th, 1843, was on a poor New England farm situated in the Hampshire Highlands of Western Massachusetts. A home of extreme poverty. Russell was a burden bearer in his youth and was kept busy on the farm, but he had many inspirations in these younger days, for the home was the visiting-place of many men who were of forceful character. By far the greatest part of his useful education was obtained in such surroundings, listening to their conversation with his father. Later on he prepared for the practice of law, which he began in Boston, his home then being at Newton Center, Massachusetts. The call to a larger living came in Lincoln's urgent call for a hundred thousand men in 1862. Con well enlisted. He immediately went to work raising a company from among the men of the Berkshires. The company became known as the “Mountain Boys and Russell was made Captain. Before going into camp at Springfield he was presented with the sword which played such an important part in his life. Space does not permit of following his life through the many episodes and occurrences of the war. He went to Boston, opened a law office and also began to lecture. He also began lay preaching. Then he saw his true work and decided to enter the ministry, a decision he never regretted. From being an agnostic he became the power of God unto salvation to many. He came to Philadelphia and entered upon his duties on Thanksgiving Day, 1882, taking charge of a little struggling church, out of which came the great project of the Baptist Temple. The Church was soon completed and all financial obligations met. When Dr. Conwell read that Jesus went about “preaching, teaching and healing , he said, “That is the model of every organized Christian institution; preaching is not enough, there must be added teaching the ignorant and healing the sick. Hence the night school, which has grown into Temple University, and the Samaritan Hospital. This idea opened the gates of opportunity to every deserving man and woman in Philadelphia. The Temple University is truly a democratic institution. And so the brave life of Russell Conwell went steadily on. He was now an old man, in his eighty third year, but for sixty years he had given public service. Death came at last, and on Sunday morning, December 6th, 1925, Russell Conwell passed into Eternal Life. “He most lives who thinks most, who feels the noblest, and who acts the best. 25 L. Ashley Faught.