Ursinus College - Ruby Yearbook (Collegeville, PA)

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Cborce IIknky Gay

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George Handy Wailes T FAR from where the waves t.f the blue Atlantic kiss the -linns of Maryland in the little town of Salisbury, George Handy Wailes was horn on the twenty-second day of August, eighteen hundred and sixlv-six. His early education was secured in hi- nulivi town. At tin- age of sixteen In was graduated from the Salisbury high school us valedictorian of his class. For a period of eight years he was engaged in commercial activity in Salisbury. Hut bis love of knowledge overcame all other considerations and be entered Princeton Cnivcrsity in the year eighteen hundred and ninety. So assiduously did he apply himself to his work, and so excellent was the fruit of his labor that he graduated at the completion of his course with the degree-. Bachelor of Arts (magila 1-11111 laiide Having the goal of the ministry In-fore him. he entered Princeton Theological Seminary the same year, from which institution lie was graduated in eighteen hundred and ninety seven with high honors. In addition to his work in the seminary he pursued a post-graduate course in the university and tin- degree. Master of Arts, was conferred upon him. As a student in college and seminary Dr. Wailes was diligent and painstaking, and always solicitous regarding the feelings of others This quality Dr. Wailes has retained and has thereby endeared himself to many I’rsinus students. Tile humorous anecdotes he has related in and out of the classroom show that he was inten st.-d in the Iw-tter part of student activities. N US Soon after graduation he was ordained and installed as pastor of Scots Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. For eleven years he remained tin- faithful shepherd of this flock. So great was his love of the classics that he gave private lessons in Greek and I.atm during Ins pastorate. In IJKNJ he was elected to the chair of Old Testament Language and Literature in Temple I nivcrsity. which position he ably filled. In the tall of I HON he came to Irsimis to till the chair of Greek Language and Literature, Since then he luis conscientiously discharged his duties as instructor and has won the esteem of every student in the college. In October liM.'t. I'rsinus conferred on him the degree. Doctor of Divinity, as a token of their appreciation of his worth. Gentleness .if manner, blended with sincerity and high ideals, lias won for him a place in the affections of the students. Lofty and inspiring sentiments How from bis tongue in all bis conversation and bis prayers call forth the better elements in us to seek some higlli-r plane in life. Dr. Wailes lias given more aid in tin-preparation of students for their life work than many of lus fellow-instmotors. Those who have come under his helpful influence have become hotter men mid women because of the association. Dr. Wailes is deeply interested in the study of God's Word, alid is now working ii|hiii a manuscript on the study of the life of Christ, w hich lie intends to have published as soon as it is completed. The highest tribute we call pay to him is to say. “Here is a Christian gentleman. 5

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George Henry Gay KOKGK MF.NKY CiAY was liorn in Kngland in tin- year eighteen hundred and eighty-six. When he was «juit«-voung his parents brought him to the I'nitcd States and settled in the state of Massachusetts. Mis early life was spent in the 'ilk mills of New Kngl.aud where lie learned the trade of a silk weaver. In 1J»07 he came to I rsimis and was enrolled in the Academy. When lie had completed his preparatory work he entered college as a member of the Historical-Political group. In scholastic activities George was a hard worker. It was as an athlete that he was In-st known to all his schoolmates. and in this field lie probably accomplished more for his Alma Mater than any who have gone forth from these halls. Not withstanding Ins ability, he was not arrogant: his greatness was reflected in his modesty. A rival found in him a worthy toe and his sportsman like conduct won for him the admiration of all. Me was a Imrn athlete and inspired those who played with him to expend the last remnant of energy in their endeavor to uphold the honor of their college. m ES3 To his friends lie was constant and generous. No one appealed to him in vain if it was in his power to assist. Mis optimistic nature won for him the nickname Happy Alec. As an assistant coach lie was considerate for those who came under his care and often took the hard bumps to show the new-comer how it was done. One of the characteristics which may have escaped the notice of those who did not know him intimately was his faithfulness to duty. For several years it was his task to ring the bell which summoned the students to meals and classes. Never in the history of the institution has this Item done with more punctuality than during the time that lie had this duty assigned to him. It was just these occurrences which gained for him the reputation for honor, so that his word became his bond. And so lived George Gay among us; modest in his greatness, gentle in his strength, and large-hearted in his successes. To us has been given the privilege of knowing and associating with this man during the host period of his life, and learning from him some of the (letter lessons of life. The true alTeetion of every student for George Gay is the highest tribute than can lie paid.