Author: paula.mcgrew@gmail.com

Sermon On The Mount Shines Through West Virginia Glass

Chapel Windows Preach the Sermon on the Mount

The windows in Wesley Chapel are made to create an atmosphere of worship. Made with beautiful West Virginia Blenko glass, they provide color and warmth. The downstairs windows are without any design, but the glass itself is a wonderful blend of shades and color.

Upstairs, there are twelve windows with designs that preach the Sermon on the Mount. Eight of them are based on the Beatitudes. The remaining four reflect the themes of  righteousness, being the salt of the earth, and the light of the world.

According to artist notes, the following interpretations guided the creation of the windows. They are also very helpful to those who experience them.

Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”  is portrayed by hands in the posture of prayer and a cross which is surrounded by the circle which is a symbol of eternity, and by a nimbus which is a suggestion of power. The main theme of this Beatitude is humility, and praying for guidance is an appropriate expression of humility. The symbol of power suggests that the seeker will find his answer in the “kingdom of heaven.”

This window was given in memory of Eleanor Rider Williams (Sem. 1897) by her children: Loring (1927) , Elizabeth (1933), and Brunson. 

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” is depicted by a woman kneeling and bent in grief, but she is surrounded by the flowers which suggest new life, the circle which again suggests eternity, and above the figures are the Chi and Rho, symbols for Christ whose resurrection provides the comforting answer to grief and mourning.

This window was given in memory of Dr. Jacob Elbert Wells (1907, H 1921) by Mrs. J. Elbert Wells, the former Daisee Furbee (1907). Dr. Wells was a retired Methodist Minister. He attended the 1928 General Conference and was a delegate to the first Jurisdictional Conference in 1940. He also served on the West Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees from 1916-1946.

Blessed Are The Meek

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” is indicated by the globe in a setting composed of a partial nimbus and radiant lines suggesting the power of God.

This window was given in memory of Charles A. Snider (Sem. 1900). Rev. Snider was Methodist Minister in the West Virginia Annual Conference from 1901-1968 and a charter member of the West Virginia Wesleyan College Emeritus Club.

Blessed Are Those Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” is portrayed by the chalice and cross. A partial nimbus and radiant lines again suggest that those who seek righteousness will be blessed by it.

This window was given in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Carden and Mrs. and Mrs. Clyde McKinley – Parents of John Dana and Jean McKinley Carden. Jean Carden was President Stanley H. Martin’s Administrative Assistant.

Blessed  Are The Merciful

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” is depicted by a symbol that is out of the Old Testament. It is an ark, but it suggests the Ark of the Covenant, rather than the Ark of the Flood. The covenant in the Old Testament included the assurance of God’s forgiveness and this is a dominant theme throughout the Gospel.

This window was given in memory of Hugh B. and Janet Nicholas Lynch – Presented by Jeanette Lynch Richardson (1938).

Blessed Are The Pure In Heart

                                                                                                                                       “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” is portrayed by three lilies which are traditionally symbols of purity, so arranged that they fit appropriately within a triangle and altogether suggest the Trinity. The total is surrounded again by a nimbus and with radiant lines arranged in groups of three, suggesting that purity of intent is met by God himself.

This window was given in memory of the Carper Family. Presented by Dr. W. C. Carper.   

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

                                                                                                                                        “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” employs the familiar olive branch and dove as symbols of peace. The nimbus and the descending flight of the dove suggest that the peacemaker is rewarded by the sonship of God.

This window was given in memory of Mrs. Erma Snodgrass Hall (Sem 1907, 1913)  Presented by Jerome Venoir Hall (1904)

Jerome Venoir Hall  (Sem. 1904) also presented a second of the Beatitudes windows in memory of his wife:

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted For Righteousness’ Sake

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is illustrated with the cross to indicate this righteousness, and both the crown and laurel which are symbols of victory.

 

A full circle, symbol of eternity and lines arranged in groups of three complete the Beatitudes’ message of the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Righteousness

The Beatitudes are followed by a window which summarizes the theme and the entire Sermon on the Mount —  Righteousness.

It is represented by a pair of scales set within the circle of eternal law, and seems to say that righteousness will prevail eventually.

This window was presented in memory of Oda Earle Karickhoff (Sem. 1901, 1905) by his children, Elizabeth Smith and Michael Karickhoff.   Mr. Karickhoff taught Economics and Sociology at West Virginia Wesleyan from 1919-1946.

You Are The Salt Of The Earth

“ You are the salt of the earth” is portrayed by a man on his knees with arms and face upraised as if to look toward heaven. Above him is the cross and immediately around him are two trees and other vegetation suggesting that the results of his own good qualities have been productive. Beneath this arrangement is another figure prostrate with apparent failure. It says that not all disciples are faithful.

This window was given in memory of Kenneth Criss. Presented by A.V. Criss

You Are The Light Of The World:                                                    A City On A Hill Cannot Be Hid

In this window is a castle and plain path leading toward its entrance. It is obviously on a towering hill and in full view.

It was presented in memory of Herbert McClaskey Blair (Sem. 1904) by his wife Madge Chidester Blair (Sem 1904) and his son Andrew Lane Blair who was a Trustee of West Virginia Wesleyan from 1963-88.

 

You Are The Light Of The World: Flaming Torch

George L. Payne of Paterson, NJ was the artist for the windows, the altar settings, and chancel furniture.

Stories Behind the Soaring Sound

I have enjoyed it hundreds, if not thousands, of times at Concerts, Convocations, Recitals, Weddings and Worship Services.

But I confess that I haven’t really stopped to find out more about it until now.

The organ in Wesley Chapel has been a major player in  many stories.

  • Dedication
  • Celebration
  • Meditation
  • Inaguration

The music played on this organ has

  • Lifted our spirits
  • Comforted our souls
  • Given great enjoyment and inspiration

The organ in Wesley Chapel was built by the Casavant Freres Organ Builders. That company was founded in Quebec, Canada in 1879 by two brothers, Claver and Samuel Casavant, who shared a love of the craft of organ building. They traveled extensively throughout Europe studying organs and those who built them. Their organs are thought to be among the finest in the world.

When President Stanley H. Martin was working on plans for Wesley Chapel, he drew heavily from his experience at Boston University. He taught there, and was the first chaplain at Marsh Chapel when it was built in 1950. Sure enough, the organ in that building is also built by the Casavant Freres Organ Builders.

Installation Dates and Delays

Some delays due to a labor strike in England apparently prevented the organ from being ready for the October 29, 1967 Chapel Dedication ceremony. The program does not mention this, so the programs must have already been printed prior to this story in the Pharos on October 24.

Clear back on page three was this brief notice:

By January 23, 1968 the headlines said:

The print is small, so I will transcribe it here:

Installation of Wesley Chapel’s organ begins today, according to Chaplain Sydney Davis. Chapel services for this morning have been cancelled, but services will beheld as usual next week.

The $130,000 organ and Sculmerich chimes were donated by local persons who prefer to remain anonymous.

Installation and tuning of pipes for the organ will continue for approximately six weeks, and dedication of the organ will take place March 3 in the first of a series of organ recitals to be given this semester.

Richard Ellsasser is best noted for having memorized the complete works of Bach at age 19. He is the second person to have done so.

Elsasser maintains offices in the midwest, Hollywood and New York.

Installation, originally scheduled for completion early last semester, was held up by a delay in shipment of a metal screen to be put in front of the 4,174 pipes of the organ.

The screen, made in England, was held up due to a strike and was not shipped until last month.

Casavante Freres of Toronto, Canada, makers of the organ, are in charge of installation of the organ and pipes.

The screen had to be installed prior to the pipes which have been available since last semester. In order to install the screen, workmen had to work behind the screen in the area in which the pipes are to be put.

Contractors were afraid that in the process of screen installation, pipes might be damaged, so the decision was made to install the screen first.

Following pipe installation, pipes must be tuned or “voiced.” This procedure will take approximately five weeks.

“We hope to be able to use the organ within six weeks,” Robert Shafer, official college organist, said.

FOUR Dedication Concerts

This was so much excitement over the organ, that there was a series of concerts to dedicate it. They began with a well-known organ prodigy, followed by a faculty concert, an alumni concert, and ended with a well-known organ performer and teacher.   Click here to see the full program for the March 3rd Concert.

  1. March 3, 1968  (3:00 pm) by Richard Ellasser.
  2. March 19, 1968 (8:15 pm) by Dr.Robert E. Shafer
  3. March 31, 1968 (3:00 pm) by Dwight Menard (1964)
  4. November 19, 1968 (8:00 pm) by Dr. George Markey (Princeton)

Mystery Solved. Thank you, G.I. Rohrbough!

The January  1966 edition of the West Virginia Wesleyan College Bulletin reported that :

The organ, to be built at a cost of $92,900, has been contributed to the College by a donor wishing to remain anonymous for the present. The installation of the Casavant organ will permit Wesleyan a great opportunity to provide outstanding concerts for all of central West Virginia.

It did not remain anonymous, however.

Etta Maude Lynch was born in 1875, and died in 1936.  This photograph of her was located on Find-a-Grave 130768195. This was way before we had a yearbook from which to locate a photograph. Irwin’s yearbook information in the 1923 Murmurmontis shows that he was a very active part of the college community.

Irwin went on to be a very successful educator and administrator, serving as president of multiple colleges. You can read more about him here. He also served on the West Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees from 1967-76, and through his gift of the organ in Wesley Chapel, he is still contributing to events at the school. In 1940 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy degree.

Inspiration and Appreciation

The 4,174 pipes, 54 stops, and 75 real ranks of pipes involved have attracted world-famous organists to come and play in Wesley Chapel. Wesleyan Giants such as Robert E. Shafer, Bobby Loftis, J. Peter Berkovitz,  Marguerite Bostonia, and Melody Meadows have played it and inspired their students – many of whom have become master organists in their own rights. Among them are Peter DuBois, Jessica Scott, Brett Miller, Zachary Allen, Abby Woods Haake, Peter Infanger, Greg Blair, Alfred Kanagaraj, Edward Byram, and Kayoko Funada, but there are many many more.

Other notable people include Eunyoung Kim, a Fulbright,  and Pamela Balch, President of WVWC from 2006-16.

And thousands of us have benefited from the music resulting from this gift.

A May to Remember

What a week that must have been!

Baccalaureate, Commencement, Dedications, Banquets, Receptions, Reunions, Trustee and Alumni Council Meetings and more. Kind of like Homecoming, Commencement, and Annual Conference all rolled together. But, then, all of these things were very interconnected. Many of the same people were involved, so it must have sounded like a great idea to do it in this way.

Each of these events had one or more Bishops in attendance, and each of these Bishops were world leaders.

  • May 26, 1953 was the 63rd Annual Commencement – with Bishop Corson as the main speaker.
  • May 27, 1953 was the dedication of the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library – which included Bishops Corson, Straughn, and Wicke.
  • May 27-31, 1953 the West Virginia Annual Conference of the Methodist Church met on campus.  – Bishop Wicke presiding
  • May 28, 1953 was the dedication of the Methodist Union Plaque in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library  -Bishop Straughn speaking. Read more about this here.

Library Dedication

Since this event happened exactly 66 years today,  and since it included all three of these bishops, I would like to highlight this great event out of all of the others that happened that weekend. And to top it off, there is a major remodeling of the building happening right now that will honor all of these things into our future. I think they would be pleased!

We have priceless recording (32:21) of this event. Click on the link below  to listen to it. It is well worth downloading and listening. Dedication of Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library

It is worth the half an hour or so because not only will you hear the actual voices of these great men, you will even hear a very familiar train whistle making several appearances! It sounds just exactly the same…close your eyes and you can be transported to 1953.

I have transcribed the prayer from that recording, and have included a transcript of the Dedicatory Address by Bishop Corson. The litany and full program can be found here.

Bishop Straughn gave the opening prayer:

Straughn, Bishop James H. 1947Let us unite in prayer.

In this moment, our Father, of dedication of brick and mortar – of stone and wood and iron and steel – we dedicate more than a structure or a building in which certain things may be learned and discovered.

We are building into ideas. We are searching after truth. We are trying to discover the ways of life for the world that is, the directions for the world to be.

And here we shall discover much. Much that godly men and women have put down in books and on paper telling us what they have discovered and what they have found. What they know about Thee. What Thou hast told them.

We are seeking after eternal truth leading unto eternal life.

Here, perhaps, we shall find the way from having discovered the way of life through the mind as well as through the heart. We shall pursue after the things which we may have discovered, and shall not lose the way in our pilgrimage through this world.

And yet, we know there is so much that has not yet been put down. Yet waiting to be told to us. Waiting for minds and hearts receptive under Thy leading and direction. Minds and wills and hearts that shall become obedient, and a new truth that Thou shalt speak unto them who are the youth of this day – and the rest of us who still want to know.

And, believing that there is so much yet to be known. So much yet to be  found out, but each for himself. Remembering as we do what one of Thy blessed disciples put down in the good book, that there were so many other things that Jesus did which are NOT written in the book, but which if they had been recorded and told that not even the world itself should be able to hold the books in which those things might be written.

Help us, then, that on the basis of what we know, that we may face up to the things that we do not know and are yet to discover. Grateful for leading and for guidance.

So we bless the day when a dear woman looked this way and sent to this blessed institution something of the gains of life that could be put into structure and form, and to make these things possible. God bless her memory unto us this day, and may the fine sweet spirit of that dear woman be maintained alive and alert on this campus for the guidance and inspiration of the boys and girls who here may be seeking the way of truth and the light.

Bless us, then, this afternoon. We give Thee our praise and we give Thee our thanks. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Library Purpose from Bishop Corson's Address

Corson, Bishop Fred Pierce
Bishop Fred Pierce Corson

Click here for a full transcript of this wonderful Dedicatory Address.

The Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library is still actively fulfilling the purposes that he mentioned 66 years ago.

Those with inquiring, developing, responsible, and open minds still use the collections – although they are now in many formats not dreamed of in 1953. They still use the place to contemplate and discuss ideas, and learn to use those open minds to go out and create a better world.

Yes, May 1953 was certainly a May to remember.

Buckhannon Tapestry

  • Pioneers
  • Settlers and Farmers
  • Circuit Riders
  • Buckhannon – West Virginia – Upshur County
  • West Virginia Conference Seminary – West Virginia Wesleyan College
  • West Virginia Annual Conference
  • West Virginia Strawberry Festival

These things are all connected in a tapestry.

Pioneers crossed these mountains, settled the area, and began farming. Some stayed only awhile, but others still have descendants living in this part of what is now West Virginia. They forged out not only a new place to live, but they created an entirely new state during the American Civil War.

Circuit riding preachers moved among them sharing not only the Gospel, but promoting education in the wilderness. Along the way in that process, through the West Virginia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a college was born – first called the West Virginia Conference Seminary and later West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Through the years, there have been descendants of those pioneers who have become teachers and leaders at the college.  A few examples include Arthur Allen Schoolcraft, Nancy Jackson, Paula Lowther McGrew, and Eric Waggoner. There are likely others I have yet to discover.

A tapestry through time.

Strawberry Thread in the Buckhannon Tapestry

Strawberry clip art

In 1936,  West Virginia Wesleyan biology professor James E. Judson realized that the climate and soil in the area were very well suited to growing strawberries. He suggested to the Chamber of Commerce that it would be good to have a festival to help promote the growing, preserving, and marketing of the berries. The rest, as they say, is history.  The Buckhannon Lions Club formed the Central Strawberry Festival Association and got to work. Amazingly, three weeks after Dr. Judson presented the idea to the Chamber of Commerce, the first Strawberry Queen (Laura Jean Watson) was crowned on the courthouse steps by H. Guy Kump, West Virginia’s 19th Governor. That first festival was held on June 3, 1936, and was a one day affair. Dr. Judson served as the program chairman.

Dr. James E. Judson Murmurmontis 1937

Click here to read more about Dr. James E. Judson.

By the second year, the school newspaper – The Pharos – had an article on the front page (continued to page four): City is Ready for Strawberry Festival.

A true community event,  the next few years saw many children marching in the parades. One example is near and dear to my heart — my own father marched in the 1940 parade as an elf.

Wartime Woes

From 1943 to 1948 the festival was not held. World War II was taking its toll with many area people serving in the military or working in support of the war effort. There was no time or resources to plan festivals of this sort.

Strawberry clip art

1949

June 2 and 3, 1949 saw a rebirth of the Strawberry festival. Dr. Judson was still teaching at Wesleyan and, along with many college professors and their families, was still on the Central Strawberry Festival Committee  helping to reestablish and reorganize the events. After all of the hard years of the war, people were very excited to be celebrating again.

Strawberry clip art

1959

In 1959, the name of the festival was changed to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, and it grew even larger – now running for three days. June 10, 11, and 12 were busy days in Buckhannon. A Fireman’s Parade had been added in 1956 and a carnival was now a major draw as well. There was a coronation, Grand Feature Parade, square dance, auctions, exhibits, and the annual queen’s ball.

Strawberry clip art

1969

Many volunteers were needed in order to keep everything running smoothly. This aspect of the festival continues to this day as part of the community building aspect of it all. People working with their neighbors to create a great event.

The “community” was not just Upshur County by this time, as the King was Rev. Samuel McCain of Fairmont (who had grown 9,000 strawberry plants!) and the queen was Susan Alison of Taylor County.

Strawberry clip art

1979

By 1979, the festival was up to 5 days long and ran from May 31 through June 3. This year marked the first Jr. Royalty Parade bringing the number of parades during the week to four: Jr. Royalty, Fireman’s, Antique Auto, and Grand Feature. The Grand Feature parade was now drawing bands from all over the United States — 60 of them in 1980!

Strawberry clip art

1990s and Beyond

In 1990, the Grand Feature Parade was first televised on WBOY, and an estimated 340,000 viewers tuned in in 1991. Over 100,000 visitors to Buckhannon were coming to enjoy the festivities – and the strawberries. The festival had become something of a grand homecoming event for people who had grown up here.

Strawberry clip art

A New Century of Strawberry Festival History

Groups have come from all over the country to perform. They have come from 42 U.S. States and Washington, D.C.

They have come from all over the world. They have come from Mexico, Canada, The Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Bahamas, Italy, Sweden, and France.

The festival now runs for nine days and includes four parades:  The Horse and Carriage Parade, The Jr. Royalty Parade, The Fireman’s Parade, and the Grand Feature Parade. Thousands of participants and spectators are involved each year — as well as a community full of involved residents of the area.

Instead of one or two events to celebrate the strawberries and those who grow them, there is now something for everyone. From the Diaper Derby to the Strawberry 5-K, from the Strawberry Blonde Contest to the Antique Engine and Tractor Show.  There are juried exhibits of photography, quilts, and art. There are Strawberry Pancakes, Strawberry Shortcake, and everything from strawberry salads to steak sandwiches. There is music everywhere and a carnival with rides for all ages.

Multifaceted Buckhannon

The West Virginia Strawberry Festival was held two weeks after West Virginia Wesleyan Commencement — the students were gone.

The West Virginia Strawberry Festival was held one month before the West Virginia Annual Conference meets in Buckhannon — the Students are gone, and the West Virginia Annual Conference has not yet arrived.

In August, the students will return for the fall semester — the West Virginia Strawberry Festival and the West Virginia Annual Conference will be gone.

All connected.

All resourceful, creative, independent-minded.

All inviting and welcoming others.

All richer for those who have come from around the country and around the world to join them.

Pioneers, Farmers, Scientists. People from near and far. Former and current students from West Virginia Wesleyan. Former and current faculty. City officials. They are all connected to the Buckhannon Tapestry. (Photos by Danny Green ’74)

Mountain Mamas

This weekend we celebrated Mother’s Day, and it got me to thinking about mothers past, present, and future. These women have been our supporters, encouragers, teachers, and protectors. They are those who have fed and nourished us.

 

Many think of birth mothers when they think of Mother’s Day. Or perhaps an adoptive mother, grandmother, or other primary person in our early life.

These are the people who walk the floor with us at night when we have an ear infection or are teething. They lose a lot of sleep over us.

They feed us and take care of all of our basic physical needs.

They read us stories and help us to learn how to interpret the world.

They go to a lot of concerts, plays, and sporting events to cheer us on.

They teach us how to do life. They do life with us.

These are the people who launch a child into the world.

When we go off to college these people are sometimes afraid. They wory that their child may not be safe. They worry that they will not be needed or will be forgotten. They often have tears in their eyes as they leave their child at college. They will miss them.

No need to worry, though. They are just beginning a new type of relationship. They will just be watching the progress from a new vantage point.

There will still be supporters, encouragers, protectors, teachers, and those who will nurture their child. A new set of mother-type figures enter the picture — not as replacements, but as reinforcements.

From the dorm to the classroom to the library to the cafeteria to the chapel, and even up and down the sidewalks of Wesleyan, they are there. They will teach and guide and encourage and sometimes chide.  They will feed them.

After four years or so, these people will also feel the sting of tears as they launch the student out into the world beyond college. They will miss them.

Mother Figures During the Early Years at WVWC

In the early years, there were house mothers and dorm mothers. These were very strict people who had curfews. One such person was Rachel Ogden. 

She taught Modern Languages from 1926-47, but also served as the Dean of Women from 1926-32. Any girl who was in need of guidance or discipline found herself having a serious conversation with Dean Ogden.

Ogden, Rachel C. 1927

Another great example is Miss Nellie G. Wilson. Miss Wilson also held the title of Dean of  Women, and taught Religious Education. She served as a house mother for many years – many of them in Agnes Howard Hall. Although a strict disciplinarian, she was beloved by many.

Photo by Howard Hiner

The 1964 Murmurmontis was dedicated in her honor, and the lounge in Benedum Hall is named for her as well. During the Spring 2019 semester, this space was used as a temporary library study space during the remodeling of the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library. Her portrait hung over the printer, and I had the feeling that she was keeping a watchful eye on the current students.

Mother Figures in Present and Recent Times

There are way too many to name. The Campus Life Office is full of them, the Library is full of them, the Student Success Center is full of them, the Learning Center is full of them. Classrooms all over campus are full of them.

People like Alisa Lively, Katie Loudin, Jessica Vincent, Julie Keehner, Shauna Jones, Lauren Weaver, Tamara Bailey, Cindy Roby, Devon McNamara, Jill Okes, and Carol Bowman.

They feed students and take care of all of their basic physical needs. (I once personally saw one of these people go out and help to find a specific color shirt because she knew that a student needed it for a choir performance).

They read stories (and assign them to be read) and help students learn how to interpret the world. They challenge the students and provide resources and support to help them succeed.

They go to a lot of concerts, plays, and sporting events to cheer “their” kids on.

They teach students how to do life. They do life with them.

They are good listeners, they have shoulders to cry on and huge smiles for celebrating.

These are also people who launch a student into the world. And, when they go, they will miss them. They find themselves watching progress and accomplishments from a new vantage point.

Funny thing….often the parents and the students and these WVWC mother figures find themselves celebrating together and staying in touch for years to come.

Alma Mater of the Mountains

We consider the school where we graduate to be our Alma Mater – we even sing about it at times like Founders Day or Commencement. Our Alma Mater was written more than 100 years ago by President Wallace B. Fleming.  We generally sing only the first verse. My personal favorite is actually verse 2!!

The term Alma Mater is Latin for Nourishing Mother.  So, it turns out that it is also a Mother’s Day song!  Try substituting “Nourishing Mother” for the words “Alma Mater” — it works great for a Mother’s Day tribute.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mothers and the Mother-Figures. Those early in life and those who help nourish students while they are at WVWC.

 

 

Brains and Heart and Courage – Oh My!

Fall 2015: You’re Not In Kansas Anymore

Many of these students graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College this past Saturday (May 4, 2019). They were in my First Year Seminar in the Fall of 2015, and I first met them in the oval during Orientation Weekend. They were tired, a bit frazzled from moving into the dorm, a bit curious as to things on the schedule for the weekend. They were wondering what Freshman Convocation was all about. They had many questions about testing and placement, where they needed to be, and how to get there.

Sarah Smith (in full witch makeup) came to cackle at the class and remind them to turn in all of their work on time). Student leader, Jessica Nelson, is on the front row.

Coming from as far away as Spain and Argentina, and as close as Upshur County, (and one actually from Kansas!) they had  been plucked from their familiar surroundings and as a result of what I am sure seemed like a Kansas-worthy tornado they found themselves in Buckhannon. No longer among family and friends from back home, no longer the strong and impressive seniors that had been in charge of things at their high schools, they were calling upon all of their courage to make a new start. Our course was designed to address all of those things.

FYS2015CourseDescription

Getting Started

First things first. Once these had been accomplished, there was no stopping them!

  • Find your classes.
  • Realize that college is different from high school.
  • Utilize curiosity to think beyond the surface.
  • What in the world does Liberal Arts mean?

Finding Oz – Using Our Brains

Everything in L. Frank Baum’s book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was influenced by something in the life of the author.  It is actually quite amazing! We took a deep dive into American History in the late 1890s…….which just happened to coincide with the time that WVWC was founded.

2015FindingOz

2015 Finding Oz Book

Using our Hearts

2015 Soctober

The class collected over a hundred pairs of socks to dontate to the Upshur Parish House. We also went there on a field trip to deliver them and to learn about the work that goes on there. Several offered to go back and volunteer — and they did. This class also asked if we could continue collecting things for the Parish House and created their own event…..Snowvember…to help collect hats, scarves, and gloves.

Finding and Using Courage

I told the class (as I do every year) that this four years would go fast. That before they knew it, another storm like the one that had landed them in Buckhannon would be coming. That, in fact, there would be many storms in their lives. As happens each year, they thought I was crazy. They believed that college would drag on and on, and that they would be here forever. As also happens every year, I have recently had several tell me that I was absolutely right.

There are new worlds to discover. Graduate school, jobs, fellowships, and maybe even uncertainty about which direction to go next. They will go “home”, or move to places that are once again completely new to them. They will establish homes and families of their own.

Home? Where is home? (There’s No Place Like Home!)

That first semester, we had an assignment where I asked them to describe home. Some were very literal and detailed every room in their house. Some were more general, saying that home was where their family lived or talking about being from a town, or a county, or the beach or from a big city. Some who lived close enough, went home just about every weekend.

After Thanksgiving break, they started to tell me that while they were back in those places, they were missing their friends and their WVWC surroundings and began to look forward to coming home to campus.

Now, they tear up every time they hear or sing My Home Among the Hills.

We will always welcome them home when they stop by to tell us about all of the great things they are doing, or to show their children around campus.

I am especially sentimental about this particular group this week as they set forth on their next journey. And, to make matters worse (?) I just finished reading a new best selling book which brought the whole course rushing back to me. It is much of what we talked about together that fall – but this one is written from the perspective of L. Frank Baum’s wife, Maud. I recommend it to them and to anyone who might find this topic interesting! (Not required reading this time, but I know they would love it!)

Timeless

I have been teaching First Year Seminar courses since 2005, and this is a story that is timeless. The students come from everywhere. One year I had students from Australia, British Columbia, Miami, New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles, and small towns in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. We did a lot of culture shock therapy that year!

Some have become the things that they dreamed of, while others have found new dreams and passions. There are doctors and lawyers and ministers and politicians. There are nurses, dentists, accountants, missionaries, artists, teachers, business leaders, and psychologists.

So although I focused this writing on this year’s group, I tip my hat to all who have used their brains, their hearts, and their courage to follow their dreams.

Robbie Skinner Rainbow over Chapel 2019
Photo by Robbie Skinner, Class of 2011

******

An hour after I posted this, I found out that today is the 100th anniversary of L. Frank Baum’s death. He was always a big fan of signs and coincidences – I think he would love that. Here is a link to the information I saw….

Baccalaureate to the Future

Baccalaureate Graphic

The May 23, 1934 issue of the Pharos tells us that it is the custom of Wesleyan for the president to deliver the sermon at Baccalaureate. It also states that, “this service is always very impressive the more, perhaps, because it is more intimate than the major commencement ceremonies.”

The community is gathered to give thanks, to say farewell, to offer encouragement, and to send the graduates forth into the world. Up until 1972, all of the presidents of the college had been ordained Methodist ministers, so it makes sense that they would want to preach the main sermon at this occasion.

The first year that full college degrees were given was 1906. Records are a bit spotty much before 1930, but I am still digging through the piles of records to find more. Here is a list of what I have gathered so far as to who spoke, and the title of their sermon when available. There are some blanks left to fill in. Oddly some of the blanks are the most recent years as the archives are in transition while the library is being renovated! There is a LOT of history there!!!

Presidents Wier, Doney, Fleming, McCuskey, Broyles, Scarborough, and Martin preached a lot of the Baccalaureate Sermons throughout the years. I am in hopes that somewhere in those boxes or files I may yet come across transcripts of those to share.

In the last 50 years or so there have been many given by Bishops, and Alumni who are pastors and/or Trustees of the College.

This year one such person will speak. Joseph Kenaston, class of 1981, is a pastor and a trustee. He has shown leadership qualities throughout his life — President of the Community Council 1979-80 and President of the Senior Class 1981. His sermon will be titled, “A Therefore Moment.”

Kenaston, Joseph S.
Photo from West Virginia United Methodist Conference Journal 2017

Litany of Commission

Davis, Sidney T. portrait

Since 1978, the Baccalaureate Service has included a Litany of Commission written by Dr. Sidney T. Davis, Professor Emeritus of Religion and Christian Education and former Dean of the Chapel.

Dr. Davis, himself a graduate in the class of 1936, has been an inspiration to many throughout the years. A faculty member from 1947-76, Dr. Davis mentored and inspired many church leaders. He continues to inspire present and future graduates of the college through the use of this Litany of Commission.

The President:

Members of the graduating class of  _______, you stand in the midst of those who are the Wesleyan of today: administration, faculty, staff, fellow students, families; you also stand surrounded by an unseen cloud of witnesses who have given to all of us a rich heritage in love of learning, devotion to truth, concern for people.

Graduating Seniors:

We gladly take this heritage as our own this day. We pledge ourselves to its preservation.

Wesleyan Community:

We rejoice in your commitment to the excellence of great traditions. We support you. We pray for your success.

The President:

You have lived and studied among people of faith. Without the undergirding, strength and courage of faith in God, the Wesleyan community would never have been born and could not survive. Take faith and let it daily be your companion.

Graduating Seniors:

We take heart for we have seen faith at work. We would be people of faith and receive it as our own: Faith in God, faith in our fellow human beings, and faith in ourselves as persons of God.

Wesleyan Community:

We, too, are people of faith and know its sustaining power. May it be yours: Faith to keep you strong, steady and serving.

The President:

Go then, for there is now a noble commission given to you. Because of the special gifts with which you have been endowed, because of the nurture of those gifts by the spirit of Wesleyan, you are hereby commissioned to go out into the world to make a difference, to change it for the better, to enrich it with your own brand of creative goodness, to redeem it when it falters. Go then, and God go with you!

Graduating Seniors:

We accept our commission. We dare to go because we must. God grant that we shall be of good courage, and be faithful to the trust invested in us by our families, by Wesleyan, by the Church, and by God

All

Amen.

Kindred Spirits

It was a simple email received on March 28.

Religious Life Council is preparing our annual seven last sayings service. This is a service in which we reflect upon the seven things Jesus said while on the cross. It will be on April 16 at 7 PM in Wesley Chapel. We are hoping to have your help with this.
Thank you,
Sarah Wilmoth

What happened on April 16th was pretty amazing. It was the participation of a community of diverse, talented, and thoughtful people. It was Wesleyan.

There were athletes, cheerleaders, musicians, faculty (past and present), pastors, a seminarian and a bishop. There were historians, theologians, chemists, psychologists, communication scholars and those who communicated through sign language.  Future teachers and those who may become preachers. There were alumni both in the service and many in the congregation that gathered.

There was participation from members of the Buckhannon Community, the College Community, and the West Virginia Annual Conference Community.

All came together to share their talents and their hearts.

It was student-organized and student-led.

2019 Seven Last Sayings Group of Ladies
Sarah Wilmoth, author of the email invitation, is on the far right in this photo.

Kindred Spirits With Those Who Came Before Them

Caitlyn Ware, second from the right in the photo above, has been in my WVWC History class this semester. While doing a research project in the area of Religious Life on Campus, she discovered a group of people who were active on campus from 1976-2003. A group called LoveShine. Here (with permission) is a portion of her paper about that group:

LoveShine (1976-2003)

LoveShine was a Christian drama group comprised of Wesleyan students who came together to “glorify God by using the talent and creativity bestowed upon [them].” They were a group of highly creative and fun personalities whose main mission was to let God’s love shine. Formed in September of 1976 with the help of alumnus Paul Brown, LoveShine composed much of its own material and through dance, drama, and music presented coffeehouses, workshops, church services, and full-length shows. They adapted their material to meet the specific needs of those they were ministering to. The group toured churches across the area and were funded solely on donations. An examination of rehearsal and meeting notes shows an emphasis on preparation for performances, “1) be ready to learn (relearn) other skit(s) for program. 2) know all 8pgs. of “Risk” and be ready for a run-through. 3) make masks for “Risk” -we need you, no imposters!!” Meetings were held twice a week, Sunday 9-10pm and Monday 8-10pm, depending on the year.

Loveshine on tour in the 90s

                             (Loveshine on tour in the 90s)

October of 1976 saw a growing group that performed their first complete original show for campus titled “God Loves Me, God Loves Me Not” including their theme song, “LoveShine,” written by member Leslie Flack. Shows were generally based on Bible themes or referenced specific scripture. One popular drama series, likely referencing the 1958 cult/science fiction film “The Blob” was their ongoing play of the same title featuring Darren Hornbeck, followed by “Return of the Blob,” and The Blob “Strikes” Again with “Hoss” Hartman. They often held events for and including children and even brought them to Wesleyan. The group could frequently be seen sporting LoveShine printed shirts with suspenders or bibs.

Loveshine starring Darren“The Blob” series performed by Loveshine next to the Lynch-Raine Administration building and in a local church

Loveshine in The Blob Strikes again

Student leadership.

Student creativity.

Groups with talent and hearts for connecting with others to share the message of the Gospels. Different times. Different ways. Same spirit.

LoveShine Shines On

As a 1978 graduate myself, I knew many of those original members of LoveShine – and have kept in touch with them.

Loveshine in 1977 Murmurmontis

Through the years those people, and those who followed them for nearly 30 years, have kept shining. They were (and are) a diverse group of talented people, leaders, creative people. They have become teachers, preachers, musicians, social workers, and more.

There is a rumor that they may be considering a LoveShine Reunion this summer! They would love to record their theme song in Wesley Chapel. Stand by for news of any developments on that front!!!

Meanwhile, click here to see the Lyrics of the LoveShine theme song, written by Leslie Flack Miller in 1976. Many thanks to Leslie, Jeff Haught, and Wendy Rodan Tuell for tracking them down!

Singing and Making Memories

Saturday evening, April 13, 2019, Wesley Chapel was full. The Wesleyan Community had gathered to celebrate one of the school’s oldest traditions.

Spring Sing 2019 in Wesley Chapel

This event is looked forward to all year. Greeks and Independents alike enjoy coming together as an entire student body, and to compete for bragging rights for the coming year. A theme is chosen, and many hours of practices are held — sometimes I am told even at midnight — in order to work with the various busy schedules. There are songs chosen and dance moves created. Costumes and props are carefully chosen. The energy is intense, and the cheering fans make the chapel echo with sound.

Last year I wrote about the very early days of May Day – which turned to May Sing – which is now known as Spring Sing (after all, it is now occurring in April!) Click here to read more.

May Day 1956

As an example of this long-standing tradition, let’s take a look at the event 63 years ago! The May 3, 1956 issue of the Pharos had this banner headline:

Each class voted for their attendant, and the entire school voted for the Queen.

Queen: Phyllia Hillman (Beckley, WV)

Sr. Attendant: Barbara Maxwell (St. Marys, WV)

Jr. Attendant: Priscilla Howard (Cowen, WV)

Sophomore Attendant: Kay Rider (Sophia, WV)

Freshman Attendant: Mary Lou Holtz (Fairview, PA)

The 1956 May Day Coronation was directed by Ellen Roush, 1953 May Queen, who was by 1956 working in the Admission Office. We know her today as Ellen Roush Nickell! That year the Sing included other entertainment as well, such as square dances, a tumbling act, ballet, and the traditional May Pole Dance. Groups participating in the Sing that year included:

  • Alpha Gamma Delta
  • Alpha Delta Pi
  • Alpha Xi Delta
  • Theta Chi
  • Kappa Alpha
  • Phi Sigma Epsilon

Besides the Sing and the Coronation, the entire Wesleyan Campus Community was invited to enjoy an All-Campus Baseball Game, a formal dance (May Dream), and the Haught Literary Society Breakfast.

You can read the articles about this celebration here.

2019

This year winners were:

Fraternities:

  1. Kappa Alpha
  2. Theta Chi
  3. Alpha Sigma Phi

Sororities:

  1. Alpha Xi Delta
  2. Alpha Delta Pi
  3. Alpha Gamma Delta

Independent

  1. Black Student Union (for the fifth year in a row!)

Spring Sing 2019 Black Student Union

Queen June Braunlich (Alpha Delta Pi) and King Zachary “Dutch” Mutchler (Theta Chi) reigned over the ceremonies.

Spring Sing King and Queen 2019

The Overall Winner of Spring Sing 2019 was Alpha Xi Delta — according to my records, the first time they have achieved this high honor.

Spring Sing 2019 Alpha Xi Delta

Traditions such as these bring great joy and a lot of wonderful memories.

Click Here to see the list of winners through the years. Due to varying coverage in the Murmurmontis, the Pharos, and the Sundials, and the fact that we no longer publish the Murmurmontis, there are gaps in this list. Please let me know if you can supply some of the missing pieces by emailing me at historian@wvwc.edu.  Special thanks to Robert Osburn, Thom Smith, Shaylee Kile, and Alisa Lively for helping me to track down this year’s winners!

Passionate About Plants

In the early years of the college, the study of biology was folded into courses on the Natural Sciences (which included physics, chemistry, geology, and biology). For example, here is how it was listed in the 1910 catalog.

Biology 1910 Catalog

By the 1915 catalog we see that a Professor was named specifically for Biology: Professor Earle Ray Casto. But from 1915 until 1929, there was very little stability in this area as can be seen by the seven people who held that post during those years.  Click here to see a list of all of those teaching Biology at Wesleyan through the years. There have been (and are) many amazing people on this list, but three in particular have shared a Passion for Plants.

In 1929, James Edward Judson arrived at the college. A specialist in Botany, he taught at Wesleyan for twenty years.  Thomas W. Haught had this to say about the early years and the impact made by Dr. Judson.

The development of the department of Biology began in a small way about the year 1913. We say, “in a small way,” because the equipment was not made adequate to do first-class work until six years later. There followed then a period of ten years, 1919-1929, during which five teachers, with an average tenure of two years, were called to the department. All the five were well trained for the work, and in each of the five periods of service some equipment was secured for the department. But these five tenures, each so short, could add little to its strength and prestige.

Dr. Judson came to the department in 1929. His period of service at the end of this year (1940) will be just equal to the sum of the last five preceding. This must result, has resulted, in giving to the work of the department an individuality, a type of character, and a standing in educational circles, impossible under former conditions when teachers came and went like characters across a stage.”

Judson, James Edward 1931
Murmurmontis 1931

In fact, Dr. Judson was to stay from 1929 through 1949. He was followed by another long-term faculty member, Dr. George Bowyer Rossbach, who taught from 1949 through 1976. Dr. Rossbach was succeeded by Dr. Katharine Gregg in 1976, and she taught until 2013. All three of these strong faculty members specialized in Botany — the study of plants. Thus there were 84 consecutive years where students were able to study under these three strong faculty members.

Botonists Judson, Rossbach, Gregg

James Judson led the first study trip, taking a group of students and alumni to study the plants of Florida over Christmas break 1938. Yes, over Christmas break! The group left Buckhannon on December 19 and returned on December 30th. That is dedication! It must have gone well, because they did it again in future years. Christmas Day 1940 was spent at the Bok Singing Tower Gardens.

But all of that was just the beginning.

Herbarium

When George Rossbach was a boy, he began collecting samples of plants.

Rossbach Herbarium Slide from Kathy Gregg
Slide from Dr. Gregg’s presentation on the Geroge B. Rossbach Herbarium

That collection has grown to an estimated 25,000 specimens which are housed in the George B. Rossbach Herbarium on the second floor of the Christopher Hall of Science.

The Herbarium, which is a collection of preserved plant specimens and the associated data used for scientific study, is well known and appreciated by scientists across the country.

In addition, since her retirement in 2013, Dr. Katharine Gregg,
the current curator, has been digitizing, imaging, and sharing this collection through a grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Science and Research. As databasing and imaging continue, images and data will be uploaded to the site for viewing. She has served as the Curator of the collection since 1985, when Dr. Rossbach stepped down from that position. Her attention to the collection and the painstaking work of digitizing and documenting it has resulted, as of March 2019, in 22,386 items being available on Pages In Time.

The links to this Digital Herbarium have been viewed 5,096 times in the past year alone.

She also shares with current students about the Herbarium itself and the process of digitizing and documenting it. Last week I took my WVWC History Class to visit, and this is what one of the students had to say about the experience:


Even being a Biology major I never realized the magnitude of the herbarium here and how much of an impact it can make socially. It surprised me just how big it was and how much information can actually fit into a small room I pass every day without thinking twice about. The biological impact is more obvious but learning more about the impact this herbarium can make by having them all archived online makes me appreciate it even more. It not only helps put a name to Wesleyan but it also opens up the world of learning beyond just our college walls. Having the herbarium archived like this means that anyone can access it, learn from it, and collaborate which I believe is the most important part of a college education.

The world has, indeed, opened up beyond our college walls. Field trips as far away as the Amazon have taken students on life-changing journeys. The George B. Rossbach Herbarium is celebrated in such places as the University of North Carolina Herbarium and at the Botanical Society of America meeting in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in July of 2015.

From 1929 until the present day, these three people have shared their passion for plants with students. If you consider that four years constitutes a generation of students, they have combined to teach and inspire more than twenty generations of West Virginia Wesleyan scientific scholars! They have taught them on campus, taken them on field trips near and far. They have contributed mightily to the wider scientific community. They have shared their Passion for Plants.