Westminster College - Blue Jay Yearbook (Fulton, MO)

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REV. JOHN JVIONTGOJIIERY, D n I+

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SAMUEL SPAHR LAWS, A. M., D. Di., M. D., LL. B., LL. D. BORN in Virginia, his ancestors of Southern blood for generations back, educated at Miami University, of'Ohio, graduating valedictorian of his class in 18483 taking next the theological course of Princeton Seminary, serving for a short period in the regular work of the ministry, as pastor in St. Louis, then holding for one year the chair of physical sciences in VVestminster College, then called to its presidency, which post he filled with distinguished success, resigning soon after the breaking out of the Civil Wrarg spending the next few years in Europe in studyg then returning to New York, vice-president of the Gold Exchange, and showing as much ability as a business man as he had formerly displayed as a scholar and educator, in 1876, called to the presidency of the State University of Missouri, which place he held for thirteen years, the greatest period in the history of the University, resigning in I889, and spending the next few years in semi-retirement in Kansas City, then elected to the Perkins Chair of 4'Natural Science in connection with Revelation, and Christian Apologetics in the Theological Seminary of Colum- bia, South Carolina, which position he is now holding. Such is the bare outline of the life of this remarkable man. But few lives have been more diversihed in experiences. He is of remarkable physical strength, and still greater mental ability. The world has been his book. He has gone through the whole range of the sciences and philosophy. He has graduated-from both law and medic'al'sch0ols, pursuing both these lines of study, not professionally, but with a View to mastering what they had to say on the great questions of thought. U Besides his remarkable and versatile abilities, his chief characteristics are great self-confidence and an over- mastering will. He was president of Westmiiistei' College from 1855 to 1861. During this time the College took a high rank among western institutions for thoroughness, breadth, and high standard of scholarship, which reputation it has ever maintained. This high and ambitious beginning was due in no small degree to the wide extent of Dr. Laws' own scholarship and his great executive abilities. The State University of Missouri, under his administration, leaped from the rank of a second-rate school to that of one of the great institutions of the country. The number of students increasd from about 300 to 850. In every direction courses of study were widened, greater thoroughness, and a higher standard of work were obtained, and the general tone of the institution was improved and developed. His students all bear test?mony to his unusual qualifications as a teacher. Some of Westminste1 s most honored sons were graduated under his administration, His bow still abides in strength, and many useful years, let us hope, are still before him. I3

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REV. JOHN MONTGOMERY, D. D. , h tl THE Rev. Dr. John Montgomery was born in Danville, Kentucky, 'Octobeii-6, 1810. Graduated from Center College in 18353 studied at Princeton Theological Seminary two years, entering the work of the ministry in 1858. His Hrst charge was the Harrodsburg church,,in Kentucky, which he served for seventeen years. During this time he established, and successfully maintained, a female seminary at Harrodsburg. In 1857 he removed to Missouri, where he took charge of the first church of Pettis county, where he remained till the war. During the war he preached in St. Louis, in Fulton, and in general evangelistic work. In 1864 he was called to the presidency of WVestminster College. Never was there a darker time in the history of the College. On the t'border,', the state a prey to both North and South, its endowment swept away, the confusion of war raging around, it was no light task to which he was called. He held the position for a little over a year, resigning in October, 1865. But in that short time he had labored nobly, and had endearedhimself to all connected with the institution. In 1865 he organized the First Presbyterian Church of Sedalia, which he served for six years, except for a time when he was disabled by a fall. Then for varying periods he preached at Independence, lNIarshall, Sweet Springs, Brownwood, Lamonte, and at his old charge, Harrodsburg, Ky., and Longwood, Mo, In 1877, after returning from the General Assembly, he was prostrated with sickness, since which time he has not been able to do regular pastoral work. I-le still resides with his family at the old home, near Longwood, and, although feeble, still retains his old time spirit and faculties to a remarkable degree. He was one of the pioneers of Presbyterianism in Missouri. The early church of the western states was planted under difficulties. Some of the noblest men and women of America labored at her foundations. And one of her brightest names is that of Dr. Montgomery. An able preacher, devout, earnest, he was always singularly successful in winning souls and in endearing himself to all his flock. And like the work of true Presbyterianism everywhere his labors were enduring. Not the gathering of numbers, but the building up of devout, spiritual, godly men was his aim. His work at VVestminster, while short, was of great good to the College, and no. one of its presidents was more loved and more highly regarded by faculty, board, and students than he. H The life and work of this grand man a1'e held in reverence by all who know him. A scholar, an orator, a noble, Christian gentleman, loyal to his lVIaster, zealous in His service, strong in his convictions of duty, with the tender affections of a woman. this man of God is respected and loved by allf' I5