Weber State University - Acorn Yearbook (Ogden, UT)

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10 HISTORICAL Louis Frederick Moench. a man whose influence will live in the minds of many people for generations to come, was horn in Germany. July 29. 1846. I le received his primary and high school education in Germany; but before being graduated, he had to leave with his parents for America. T he family re- mained for some time in Chicago, where Mr. Moench. having a strong desire to become a great educator, went to night school, since he worked in the daytime. He took a course in Bryant and Strat- ton's College. At the age of twenty-two he started for California with the inten- tion of teaching school there, but stopped in Utah where he saw the truth of Mormonism. After becoming a mem- ber of the Church, he engaged as an instructor in the University of Deseret (now the University of Utah), taught in Brigham City for one year, then came to Ogden where for thirty years he held various executive positions in the teaching profession. I le was princi- pal of Ogden Schools (a position simi- lar to that of superintendent) for nine years, was principal of Ogden’s first high school (the Central School which was located at the present site of the Elk’s Club), was superintendent of Weber County Schools for ten years, principal of Weber Stake Academy, between 1889 and 1892, and again after returning from a mission to Germany, was principal from 1894 to 1902. Dur- ing his first term as principal of Weber, he drew the plans for the original part of the present Weber College building and directed its construction. Professor Moench also taught in Colorado. Ari- zona. and in Millard County, Utah, lie held important ward and stake positions in the Church. The effects of this great educator’s good will and intelligence are felt strongly today. Thomas J. Stevens is another of the founders whose great integrity and work did much to promote Church, commun- ity. and school, lie held high positions of trust in the Church as well as many important civil and social positions. I le was born in Bristol. England. January 24. 1848, and was baptized in 1856. Because of his noble character and fine works, he rose rapidly in the Church and was highly admired. The meeting conducted by President Shurtliff regarding the establishment of an Academy resulted in the organizing of the Weber Stake Academy Board of Education with Lewis W. Shurtliff. president; Joseph Stanford, secretary; Robert McQuarrie, treasurer; Louis F. Moench. principal : and Charles F. Mid- dleton. Nils C. Flygare. David McKay, and Thomas J. Stevens as members. This group of men stood firm in their efforts, and forged ahead with a plan they knew would result in a living, bene- ficial institution. It was January 9. 1889, that their hopes became realities, for on that day the Weber Stake Academy was formally opened with temporary headquarters in the Second Ward. Pro- fessor Louis F. Moench. principal, began with the assistance of Lorenzo Waldram, to teach the seventy students enrolled. The school included primary, intermediate, and academic work; in-

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12 HISTORICAL terest increased, and the enrollment grew to one hundred seven, which condi- tion necessitated the securing of better accommodations; so in the autumn of 1889, the school was moved to the Ogden Tabernacle; in the early spring of 1890. to the Fifth Ward Institute; and two years later, to the present site on Jeffer- son Avenue. Plans had been made early for the erection of a permanent school building, but it was not finished until 1892. Although many activities and traditions were difficult to establish during these movements, the students who attended received religious as well as secular education under the tuition of competent educators. In the fall of 1892. the year the first building on the present site was com- pleted. Professor Emil B. Isgreen be- came principal, a position he held during that year. I)r. George Phillips served during the following year (1893-1894). Both men. being highly educated, left their impress on the students of the school. Dr. Isgreen is now a practicing physician in Salt Lake City. In 1894. Professor Louis F. Moench returned from a mission to his native land (Germany), and was reappointed to administer the affairs of the academy. I le stood for correct principles, was very devoted to his religion and to his labors in properly teaching those under his direction. The experiences and stories he related still live in the memory of his students. During the administration of Professor Moench, lawn and shrubs were planted on the school grounds. This beautifying program was carried on under the supervision of David O. McKay, at that time an instructor in the school. On the death of Thomas B. Stevens in the spring of 1900. Bishop John Wat- son was appointed as a member of the Board of Education, and in 1908, he suc- ceeded N. C. Flygare as treasurer. Principal Moench resigned his position in June. 1902. Courses offered by the Academy about that time were as follows; a one- year preparatory course, one-year mis- sionary course, a one-year Sunday School course, three-year commercial course, four-year scientific course, four- year classical course, and four-year normal course. David O. McKay succeeded Pro- fessor Moench as principal, a position he held until June. 1908, when he re- signed in order that he might devote sufficient time to his Church duties as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. During the principalship of Elder David O. McKay, it was found necessary to provide more room and equipment to carry on the activities of the school. Accordingly, plans were made, and by 1907 an addition was com- pleted on the west side of the original building. Principal McKay loved order, believed in the development of all, and stood for principles that would build real character. He fostered music, art. and all things beautiful; for in the truly beautiful, he believed, is found the good. All of his administration was marked with progress because he did hundreds of small deeds as well as large ones, and