Temple University - Templar Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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19 3 4 HISTORY By Ken Satchell ( f 7 E, THE February and June classes of 1934, share the covcte honor of being graduated in Temple University's fiftieth anniversary year As Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors, we have gratefully accepted the educational opportunities that we desired, from a rich academic treasury which was amassed during a half century of inspired growth. Our University now finds itself abreast of a memorable milestone, and its forward movement will continue, Perseverantia Vincit. This graduation year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the University by Dr. Russell H. Conwell, Baptist clergyman, beloved by all who knew him. Dr. Conwell, our Founder, who personally guided the expansion of the Alma Mater's departmental and professional services from 1884 to 1925, was born in Massachusetts, February 15, 1834. He was educated at Wilbraham Academy, Yale University, and the Albany Law School. In 1882, Dr. Conwell came to this city and established the Baptist Temple, at that period the largest Protestant church in the United States. The biographies of Dr. Conwell stress two factors which were most notable in winning for him universal respect, Temple University and Acres of Diamonds. Dr. Conwell first delivered his lecture Acres of Diamonds, in 1861. At the time of his death, he had delivered the lecture more than six thousand times. The receipts from his lectures would probably exceed seven million dollars. This fortune Dr. Conwell used to aid ambitious men and women, and later, Temple College and Temple University. Acres of Diamonds, something that every Temple man and woman should read, had been delivered to millions of persons prior to the Founder's death. It has been presented from the platform and over the radio; people are still reading Dr. Conwell's contribution to human philosophy. A half century ago Russell H. Conwell commenced his work as founder of Temple University by giving personal instruction to an evening class of seven young men who wished to enter the ministry. We may now compare the night school class of 1884 with our University of 1934, which devotes its services to more than eleven thousand students. Our modern University owes its origin and a great part of its development to its Founder's untiring endeavors and his faith that diamonds are found, if searched for, in one’s own back yard within reach of any person. Within four years from the beginning of his undertaking, Dr Conwell was granted a college charter for his students. The growth of a student body that numbered over 500 individuals required immediate expansion, so the Temple College building was erected and adjacent halls and dwellings were acquired.

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RUSSELL H. CONWELL ideal businessman in religion. His biography is epitomized in one expression of the Word: Diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” His work was pre-eminently constructive. He did not emphasize the definition or the defense of Christianity, but challenged man for a decision in its favor. In the struggling days of the College when we could not see from day to day, save by faith, whence might come the means to continue our work, I frequently talked with him into the late hours of the night, but always left him with a strange feeling of that mystic magnetism conveyed by the grip of his hand as he said, It is His work; we must do our best —a magnetism which, interpreted in Christian terms, was the prayer-sought presence of God. Christianity is often charged with being anomic, lacking in physical and mental manhood. Before us is a body which was the earthly tool-chest of the most virile, aggressive, and manly character that ever enlisted its energies in the uplift of Philadelphia. When a member of the National House said I should like to put my arms beneath the capital and lift it toward Heaven the sentiment was fine, but the only way to do it is to put helping arms under the boys and girls, our coming citizens, and lift them toward Heaven. This work in a superlative way our brother did. When the Temple Magazine was put editorially under my care he impressed upon me the importance of how. His thoughc was that we waste time and energy simply lamenting the vices and transgressions and indifference of people. We should strive to show them a way out of sin and trouble and sorrow. Today the hospitals are the embodiment of his sympathy for the sick, the injured, the suffering; the University is his concrete effort to lift out of ignorance into knowledge and power; this Temple is his contribution to the work of helping man out of sin into the light and liberty of God. Young in life he put his hand into the pierced hand of the Man of Galilee, and together they walked through the gates of salvation. During all these years they have never parted, and early in the morning of the first day of this week (peculiarly suggestive of that early Judean morning when the angel sat by the empty tomb), that hand Divine clasped his more tightly and together they passed through the Valley of the Shadow and entered the Gates of Glory. May 1 not say to this great multitude of weeping friends, to these hundreds of companions in Christian ministry, to these dear ones of the home of this esoteric circle of his heart that the same pierced hand holds us and we shall be united with our departed brother forever, for 1 am persuaded that neither death nor life shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 18 8 4 12 J

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HISTORY From 1884 until 1891 the College operated solely as an evening school. At the end of this time the power to confer degrees was granted, and the Liberal Arts College was established. A Day Department was formed to furnish the equivalent of a four-year day course. The Samaritan Hospital, which has since become the Temple University Hospital, was also founded in 1891. The School of Nursing traces its origin to the year 1893, the same year that the School of Theology was opened to accommodate the many young men who were studying for the ministry. I he Law School was formally opened in 1895, and the College and High School were divided into separate institutions. The course in Pharmacy was first offered in 1901, and two years later the School of Pharmacy was organized as a unit of the University, with day and evening courses. In 1907 the charter was so amended that the name of the institution became Temple University instead of Temple College. The Philadelphia Dental College, one of the oldest and most reputable dental colleges in the United States, became a part of Temple in 190 . At the same time the Garretson Hospital was also annexed to the University. The School of Music was established in 1913 and the School of Chiropody in 1915. The School of Commerce was organized at the close of the World War, followed by Teachers' College in 1919 The year 1920 marked the founding of the School of Oral Hygiene; the Greatheart Hospital was incorporated into the University in 1921. The following year, Conwell Hall, a six-floor building with a swimming-pool and gymnasium, was built. On December 6, 1925, our Founder passed away. Dr. Conwell was buried in the Monument Cemetery, opposite the University, and lies within the shadows of the institution which is a fitting monument to his genius and life-work. Temple was in his mind and heart as long as he lived. His last birthday message to the Weekly on February 16, 1925, expressed his fond hope for a greater Temple University. These are the days wherein all the students, faculty, and officials of Temple University are elated with the joy of victory, Dr. Con well's message read. Our theories of a few years ago have become established facts and the American people now recognize the truth of our oft-repeated assertion that the brain and hands can work together and both be stronger for the effort. This Founder's Day signalizes the most complete achievement of the purposes and plans of so many good people who have prayed for our success. Let our past successes encourage all who love to serve God by the service of humanity to plan carefully and to move on courageously to greater things. The new Administration Building of the Philadelphia Public Schools contains a bust of Dr. Conwell in the niche which bears the caption. Philadelphia's Greatest Recent Educator. Dr. Conwell was ably assisted in his educational work, and Temple University benefited by the noble services of Dr. Laura 18 8 4 i4 y