Chapter 1
NORTHFIELD AND ITS SCHOOLS.
A Charming Village — The Old Moody Homestead — Mr. Moody’s Residence — Origin of His Educational Work — Its Magical Development — Description of the Two Institutions — Faith Realized in Brick and Stone — Practical Courses of Study — Hives of Cheerful Industry — Special Preparation for Christian Service.
JOHN WESLEY used to say, “The world is my parish.” If there is any man at the present day who is entitled to utter the same words in their most literal sense, that man is Dwight L. Moody. When, in 1872, Mr. Moody, accompanied by Mr. Sankey, crossed the Atlantic to begin that wonderful campaign in Great Britain and Ireland which was to render their names famous throughout the civilized globe and mark an epoch in modern evangelism, it was probably with the expectation that they would return to Chicago and resume their customary work. But the moment they reached America it became evident that henceforth they could have no abiding city on earth, and that the life before them must be the itinerant activity of evangelists at large. In these circumstances it was natural that Mr. Moody’s thoughts should turn to the place of his birth and the home of his youth. Somewhere he must retire now and again for a brief respite from his all but incessant labors. Somewhere he must provide a shelter for his family, and fulfill as best he could the duties of a husband and father.
And it is a coincidence which has been deemed remarkable by not a few, that if he had searched the whole Continent for a locality perfectly adapted to these purposes and to the many others which have since arisen, he could not possibly have found a place combining so many advantages as the spot which it pleased God should afford his first environment.
Northfield is a typical New England village at the point of junction of three States — Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. A glance at the map will show that at this point the Connecticut River bisects a portion of Massachusetts and separates Vermont from New Hampshire.
Along the east bank of the river and south of the State line, lies the ancient settlement of Northfield, bordering the stream for more than a mile and half hid among giant elms. The region has been under cultivation not far from two hundred years. The first settlers were harassed by hostile Indians. The trail of the savages ran along the river, and for a long period the pioneer farmers dwelt among the mountains, where the oldest houses are still to be found. Increasing tranquillity led to the formation of the present village. In Jonathan Edwards’ account of the great revival centering at Northampton in 1733, Northfield is included among the places affected.
Like most New England hamlets, it reached the limit of its growth about fifty years ago, and since then there has been little change. Meanwhile, the trees which line the long, wide avenue in double rows on each side have attained a towering height and prodigious girth, and in the most ardent summer days they cast over the grassy meads an ample shade. The quaint white houses stand some distance from the road and from each other, and the spacious grounds around them are in many cases neatly mown and adorned with beds of flowers. Crossing the avenue are several country roads, pursuing any of which, a few minutes’ walk will lead the city-stained stranger into leafy nooks and fairy dells as sequestered and primeval as his heart can desire.
The old homestead which was Mr. Moody’s birthplace is still occupied by his mother. The house fronts a country road which, branching from the main street, winds in an easterly direction up the hillside toward a mountainous district. It is a plain old farmhouse, looking out upon orchards and meadows, and containing in its door-yard a fine tree under which Mr. Moody is said to have thought out some of his most useful sermons. Mrs. Betsy Moody is now (1886) in her eighty-second year, yet her activity, mental and physical, is hardly abated. She does most of her own housework, and could not be persuaded to relinquish her daily tasks. “If I gave up work,” she says, “I might as well lie down and die.” It is evident that from her much of the untiring energy of the evangelist is derived, though she told the writer once in conversation that while her husband lived he was just as hard a worker as she was. She is a great reader, and by means of several newspapers regularly taken, is at all times thoroughly informed upon the events of the day. She is now a devout member of the Congregational Church, having with the whole family abandoned the Unitarian for the Orthodox faith. Proud as she must be of her honored son, that son is if possible even more proud of his venerated mother. At the celebration of her eightieth birthday, loving friends arranged conspicuously the motto: “Her children arise up and call her blessed.”
When Mr. Moody decided to establish his household in Northfield, he purchased, for about $3,000, a plain but roomy frame house, with grounds, at the north end of the town, near his mother’s house. The building fronts upon the main road, and is rather too near it for comfort or privacy. Mr. Moody bought it only because it was available at the time, and says that if he were to build to suit himself he would rather be situated on the hill some distance from the dust and publicity of the roadway. To the structure as he found it, he has made additions from time to time as they were required. His study is on the first floor near the entrance. A glance at his library confirms the impression that he is a man of one book.
The only books of value to him are the Bible and whatever publications will help him to understand it better. A fine clock shown to visitors was sent to him by a lady in England who was relieved and encouraged on the question of Christian continuance by the illustration of the pendulum.
Everything about the house is characterized by simplicity and regard for the conditions of effective work.
In the heart of the town stands the commodious residence of Dr.
Pentecost, of Brooklyn, while still farther south can be found the modest white cottage which Mr. Sankey has recently purchased for the purposes of a summer home.
No sooner was Mr. Moody fairly domiciled in Northfield than he observed the absence of adequate educational facilities for the neighborhood. Having always lamented the deficiencies of his own early education, he was unable to see the young people of the village and vicinity growing up under similar disadvantages without considering whether it would not be within his power to improve their opportunities.
There were many farmers’ daughters who were qualified by intelligence and earnest industry to fill positions of the highest usefulness if their talents were properly developed, but who had no prospect whatever of securing a suitable education. Their fathers, eking a scanty living from the rocky and reluctant soil, could not send them to any of the excellent institutions already established for the higher education of young women, because the expense, moderate indeed to persons in easy circumstances, was entirely beyond their reach. Touched to the heart by an acquaintance with these facts, and well aware of the demand for trained Christian women as city missionaries, and as foreign missionaries, Mr. Moody began to devise liberal things. At the outset, however, he never dreamed of the dimensions to which the work he was thus led to initiate was destined to attain. In the middle of the town stands an old frame hotel, which is now used partly as a tenement house. Thought Mr. Moody to himself: “If I could only buy that building and turn it into a school, that is just about what I should like.” Nothing larger than that had yet entered his mind. But the old hotel was not for sale, and he was obliged to turn his attention elsewhere.
NORTHFIELD SEMINARY FOR YOUNG LADIES.
Like Topsy in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” it would be difficult to say exactly when and where the Northfield Seminary was born. It just grew. When the idea began to take form in Mr. Moody’s mind, he constructed a small addition to his own house, with rooms for eight girls; and when twenty girls had been admitted into these cramped quarters, with others besieging the house for accommodation, he built a small brick dormitory and classroom on the other side of the street. This too soon became overcrowded; and it was evident that what had been done was but an index to what ought to be done. While Mr. Moody was feeling his way toward “room and verge enough,” it was so ordered in the good providence of God that a large hillside farm adjoining his own and his mother’s holdings to the north could be purchased for a reasonable amount. The land was bought, and plans were outlined looking to the erection of a building of considerable size. About that time Mr. Moody was joined by a most sympathetic and efficient coadjutor. This was Mr. H. N. F. Marshall, a retired Boston merchant, who, having been led to consecrate himself and all his property to the work of the Lord, and feeling a strong personal attachment toward the evangelist, to whom he was a spiritual debtor, found that no occupation could be more congenial than to assist the educational schemes of his friend. For this purpose he took up his residence in Northfield; and having had large experience in supervising the construction of buildings, and managing property, he soon found himself in his element.
In 1879 the handsome brick building, now known as East Hall, was erected. Its situation is more commanding than that of any of the subsequent structures. From the eminence on which it stands the view to the west and north is superb. The foreground is the eastern slope of the Connecticut valley. The river itself gleams at intervals throughout many miles of its winding course. The western slope of the valley, partly wooded, rises gently, and culminates in a range of verdure-crowned hills.
In the direction of Vermont the range of vision is almost unlimited. The color of the landscape changes gradually from bright green to pale and still paler blue, till at last the actual horizon becomes indistinguishable as mountain peaks melt into hazy sky. East Hall cost about $30,000, and was designed as a dormitory. It is capable of accommodating sixty students. The smaller brick building near Mr. Moody’s house was for some time used in connection with it as a recitation hall. A large dwelling house on the roadside farther north, was remodeled and turned into an additional dormitory, and named Bonar Hall, after the Rev. Dr. Bonar, of Glasgow. Its capacity was about forty students. This building was destroyed by fire in March, 1886. In 1881 Mr. Moody was overwhelmed with applications for admission to the Seminary, and at the same time realized the economic advantage of conducting its operations upon a larger scale. The expense to the institution for each student was then about $160 a year, while he estimated that with another large dormitory, the cost could be considerably reduced. The charge for board and tuition has always been $100, the balance being made up by benevolent contributions.
Merely mentioning the project to a few friends, he went to England, and was absent, except at vacation intervals, for about three years. In the interim the residuary legatees of the Marquand estate, doubtless chiefly through the instrumentality of Mr. D. W. McWilliams, of Brooklyn, one of their number, undertook the erection of the much needed dormitory. In 1884 the building was completed, at a cost of about $60,000. Its site is to the northwest of East Hall, somewhat nearer the road. In appearance it is handsome and substantial. The material is dark-red brick, with granite trimmings. The style is a modification of the Queen Anne, with the close cut eaves, low ceilings, and small paned windows of that order, combined with many modern features. The building is used entirely as a dormitory, and is capable of accommodating eighty students, with office, drawing room, dining hall, etc. About midway between Marquand Hall and East Hall stands a handsome building of Northfield granite, called Recitation Hall, or more popularly, on account of its gray material, Stone Hall. It was completed in 1885, and is intended to serve as the recitation hall of the Seminary. The cost of this building, like the recitation hall at Mount Hermon, was borne by the hymn book fund. Mr. Moody says, when pointing to either structure, “Mr. Sankey sang that building up.” Stone Hall is very massive looking, and somewhat after the Egyptian order. The first story is divided into classrooms. In designing the second story the original plan was to use it for recitation rooms; but Mr. Moody concluded that he must have some place for congregational purposes, and accordingly this floor was rendered capable of a double service. On ordinary occasions it is divided into three apartments: a chapel in the middle, and two recitation halls, one at each end. On special occasions the whole can be thrown into one great auditorium. When so arranged the hall will accommodate a larger gathering than any church in the village, and during the summer conventions its capacity has often been taxed to the extremity.
Within the building are chemical, physical, and botanical laboratories. A problem which until recently remained unsolved was to find suitable accommodations for the Seminary library, which consists at present of about 4,000 volumes. The only place available for the purpose seemed to be some part of Stone Hall, and yet in that building all the space was likely soon to be required for classrooms. A liberal friend of the work, however, Mr. James Talcott, of New York, has cut the Gordian knot by offering to erect a Library building at a cost of about $20,000. A like amount has been subscribed by Mr. D. M. Weston, of Boston, for an additional dormitory building.
All the buildings are admirably suited to their various purposes. Outside or inside they look bright, cheerful, and attractive. The interior finish is in light colored hardwood throughout. The furniture is substantial and comfortable. Improvements have from time to time been made upon the grounds, until now they present almost the aspect of a park. Winding macadamized drives connect the buildings with the main thoroughfare. To the north is a romantic ravine, called Bonar Glen. The Seminary grounds include over two hundred and fifty acres, and afford conditions for every form of outdoor recreation. A pretty lake has recently been added to the property. It is two and three-quarters acres in extent, and has been dammed and otherwise improved at an expense of about $4,000. The entire cost was borne by Mr. John Wanamaker, of Philadelphia, through whose generosity the young ladies may enjoy excellent boating in summer and skating in winter. Along a roadside in the rear of the Seminary stand two frame houses, which are to be fitted up as dormitories, in the endeavor to accommodate a few among the many importunate applicants for admission who have hitherto been turned away for lack of room.
In admitting students, great care is exercised to ensure that the advantages of the institution shall be granted only to the most worthy. The process of exclusion is rigid, and results in the “survival of the fittest.” Applicants must be fifteen years of age, and in good health. They must pass satisfactory examinations in arithmetic, English grammar, and geography. “It is desired that only those shall apply who have a thirst for knowledge and such an aim as will lead them to improve every opportunity, and enter heartily into the spirit of the institution.” All the household work is performed by the students. There are two courses of instruction, the one Latin and the other English, each covering three years. In both, English composition is a leading feature. Greek, French, and German are elective studies. In mathematics, algebra and geometry are required, and trigonometry is elective. Other branches are mental and moral philosophy, history, natural sciences, music, and the fine arts. The study of the Bible is continued throughout the course, since it is believed that a knowledge thereof should underlie and overlie all education. Much time is spent on the life of Christ. “It is desired to surround the students with such religious and social influences as are fitted, with the blessing of God, to bring them to the responsibilities of life in a spirit of earnest consecration to the Master.” As a rule, the students seem happy, healthy, and busy. To illustrate the tone of their daily life, the following pledge-card may be reproduced, which is to be found tacked inside the doors of most of the rooms in the dormitories:
GOD HELPING ME, I, a disciple of Jesus Christ, agree: 1. “To Judge Not.” 2. To try to bring at least one soul to Christ each year. 3. To observe regular seasons for secret prayer, asking to be made more Christlike, and praying especially that some unconverted personal friend may be saved. And that in my work for the welfare of others I may depend upon the Holy Spirit to make me successful. 4. To engage in no amusement where the Savior could not be my companion. 5. To stand up for Jesus always and everywhere. 6. To do in a kindly spirit all in my power to help others to keep this pledge. Signed, _________________ The motto of the institution is this Bible text ( Isaiah 27:3): “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it, night and day.”
At present there are two hundred and seventeen students in attendance.
They come from all parts of the Continent, and indeed from Europe.
Several years ago a band of Indian maidens were brought from Indian Territory. They were apt learners, and are now toiling as missionaries and teachers among their people. Of the many graduates, some are engaged in city mission work and several are in foreign fields. The principal is Miss Evelyn S. Hall, a graduate of Wellesley, who is assisted by twelve lady teachers and four matrons. Mr. D. M. Weston is President; Colonel Estey, of organ fame, is Vice-President; Mr. H. N. F. Marshall is Treasurer; and the Board of Trustees embraces several of the best known names in this country.
At the Convention of 1886 a Ladies’ Aid Society was suggested by one of the visitors, and immediately formed. Any lady or gentleman may become a member on payment, annually, of $2.00, or a life member on payment of $30.00. Mrs. Moody is treasurer. The purpose is to lend money to needy and deserving students, to enable them to meet the expenses of the course without impairing their independence. It was reported that wherever the experiment has been tried elsewhere the students gladly meet the debt at the first opportunity, in order that others in the condition from which they have emerged may likewise be helped. Thus $300, the expense of a three years’ course, may be kept constantly in circulation, and become the perpetual support of one student.
MOUNT HERMON SCHOOL FOR YOUNG MEN.
While the Northfield Seminary was still in its infancy, Mr. Moody decided to commence also a school for boys. With characteristic promptitude and large faith he hesitated not to assume the double burden.
No land suitable for the purpose could be had in the immediate vicinity of Northfield; and it was desirable that the school should be located at some distance from any town to secure the greatest possible immunity from evil influences. What was wanted, therefore, was a tract of land not many miles away, within easy distance of some railroad station, and yet in a measure isolated. “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.” Through a train of circumstances which it is needless here to recount, but in which the hand of Providence was most clearly apparent, at this juncture of affairs a certain parcel of property which exactly met the requirements of the proposed establishment came into the market. It was a splendid farm of four hundred acres, in the town of Gill, about four miles from Northfield, in a southwesterly direction, across the Connecticut. This land had been held by one family for several generations, and was supposed to be unpurchasable at any terms. In the whole region no domain could have been found more eminently desirable for the purposes in view, and it was a coincidence little less than miraculous that just when Mr. Moody was in search of a site for his intended boys’ school, this fine place was on the point of falling under the hammer. At first two hundred acres were sold. These he bought for $7,000. The timber standing thereon was alone worth that amount. A little later he bought the other two hundred acres for $5,500. Thus the whole tract cost him $12,500 — a mere fraction of its estimated value — while at no time within the preceding fifty years could it have been bought for love or money. The soil had been under systematic tillage by intelligent farmers, and was thus in excellent condition for the industrial department which was to form so prominent a feature of the projected institution. The situation of the place was such that the boys could be effectually secluded from the contaminating influences of towns, and guarded from injurious companionships. At the same time railway communication was within easy reach. The Connecticut River Railroad traverses the neighborhood, and a station, chiefly for the accommodation of the school, has been provided. The elevated and undulating plateau affords numerous admirable building sites.
The height upon which this property is situated is now called Mount Hermon. From it the view is far reaching and variegated. If compared with the view from the Seminary buildings it might be said that while that is peaceful and beautiful, this is wild and sublime. Nature is gentle or rugged, placid or energetic, as befits the sex at either place. The drive from Northfield to Mount Hermon is picturesque at every turn. The river is crossed by a wire-rope ferry. Communication between the several buildings of both institutions is maintained by telephone.
The money with which the farm was purchased and the school commenced, was the gift of Mr. Hiram Camp, President of the New Haven Clock Company. He wrote a check for $25,000 and has since declared that no act of his long life has yielded him greater happiness. Said he recently: “If I could have that money back again, and see the school reduced to nothing, would I take it? A thousand times no! There’s no joy like the joy of giving.” He has since contributed liberally toward the development of the school, and from year to year he watches its progress with ever increasing delight.
At first the old farmhouses which were found upon the place were used as dormitories. In connection with them a small wooden building was put up to serve as a recitation hall. When it became necessary to enlarge the dormitory accommodations, it was deemed best to preserve the family system. Instead of congregating a large number of boys in one large building, the plan was preferred of dividing them into groups of not more than twenty, and housing them in small cottages, each under the charge of two matrons. In 1885 four brick cottages had been erected, with a dining hall of suitable proportions. In that year, also, the fine, large building called Recitation Hall was dedicated. This structure is built of brick and granite.
In the basement are three classrooms. The office of the superintendent, and eight recitation rooms, occupy the first floor. The principal feature of the second floor is the library, containing 1,400 volumes. Additions to the collection of books, of suitable character, are greatly desired. Space is here found, also, for four recitation rooms. On the third floor is a handsome chapel, capable of seating 400 persons; and a museum department, devoted partly to musical instruction. A magnificent view is obtained from the cupola.
In course of time Mr. Moody found reason to change in some degree the plan of the school. The boys he had taken were many of them too young to have formed any definite purpose in life, or to entertain while studying anything but the vaguest notion of their future. Experience proved that the results would be much more satisfactory if the age of admission were raised to sixteen, and the course of study adapted to youths who are almost young men. This, of course, lessened the force of the considerations favorable to the family system of housing; and when the number of students grew so rapidly that accommodations upon an extensive scale must needs be contemplated, plans were prepared for the erection of a large dormitory and a dining hall. In the summer of ground was broken for the new buildings, and they were dedicated in June, 1886. The dormitory, called Crossley Hall, is of brick and Northfield granite. It is 167 feet long, 50 feet wide in the middle, and 40 feet wide in the wings; and the flag staff on the main roof is 105 feet high. The style of architecture is modern and strikingly handsome. All the interior is finished in ash, with furniture to match. The first floor is marble-tiled. Glancing at the building from the outside it is observed that the middle portion rises four stories, with granite-capped gables, and the wings to three stories, with brick dormers. The central feature of the front facade is an imposing cut granite arch, fronting the vestibule. A broad hall leads across the building, and this is crossed by a corridor which runs to the ends and connects with twenty-five sleeping rooms. To the right of the entrance is a comfortable office, rendered cheerful by an open fireplace. The second floor contains a large parlor and twenty-five sleeping rooms. The third and fourth floors have twenty-seven sleeping rooms each. As there are two beds in each room, the entire dormitory will accommodate 208 persons.
Two windmills pump spring water into a large tank in the attic.
The Dining Hall is a solid brick structure 100 by 40 feet, with a wing by 30 feet extending back for the culinary department. From the north front corner there rises to the height of 64 feet a massive tower, under which is the entrance. This tower is to be utilized for a bell and clock, and will also afford means of ventilation. The main hall is 80 by 40 feet in size, lighted by thirteen double-arched windows, and the ceiling, 17 feet high, is enriched by deep paneled wooden beams. The arrangements for the comfort of the students are in every respect complete.
Mr. Moody’s own definition of the object of the Mount Hermon School has been thus given: “Mount Hermon is a school for young men of sound bodies, good minds, and high aims — not for the physically or morally weak. It undertakes to furnish for earnest Christian young men, who desire to serve the Master, opportunities to secure a better preparation than otherwise would be within their reach. It also provides a place where young men whose early education has been neglected can be instructed according to their individual needs. In the admission of candidates reference is had to character and ability, rather than to scholarship. Then, it aims to care for the physical welfare of its pupils, to train them to industrious habits, and to give them some practical knowledge of work, by requiring of each one a certain amount of manual labor daily. It costs $100 per year for board and tuition.”
If the ideas of its founder as they have at various times been expressed were to be further summarized, they might take this shape: There is a distinct need for a class of Christian workers so trained as to be adapted for labor among the masses in the destitute parts of great cities, and in other fields not reached by the ordinary means of grace. At the same time there is a large class of young men, earnest and consecrated, who would be glad to enter upon such work if they could do so after a short and special course of study. While the full course of the regular colleges and theological seminaries may be requisite for those entering the regular ministry, a simpler and briefer course is quite sufficient for the purposes of an humble class of toilers. In fact if a young man does not readily receive a high polish, and is likely in his sphere of endeavor to have mostly to do with the illiterate, or the “common people,” it is not desirable to educate him away from their mental level. If he talks to them in the language of college bred men, he is as one dropped out of another planet.
The more familiar he is with their habits of thought, the greater will be his success among them. Seeing, then, that young men whose only ambition is to toil among the lowly poor are as well, if not better, without a seven years’ course, and at all events would consider it out of the question, is it not wise to provide a school suited to their peculiar wants? And if any of the students feel drawn toward the regular ministry, will they not be better prepared to profit by the regular college course after a period of severely practical training?
The standard of admission is such that the attendants are a body of picked young men. Careful scrutiny is made of the antecedents and disposition of each applicant. “Lazy, ignorant, or vicious boys will not be received knowingly, or long retained if received ignorantly.” Pupils are taken only on probation. Such questions as these are asked: “Has the candidate shown an ambition to excel in anything?” “Has he formed any purpose in life?” “What are his prominent traits of character?” “Has he had any bad companionships?” “Why do you wish to send him to this school?” It may easily be imagined that after running the gauntlet of a series of inquiries of this searching description, the general morale of the students must be high.
There is one thing which this institution specifically is not — it is not a reform school. Schools designed for the wayward or vicious certainly have a place in our present civilization; but the Mount Hermon School is meant, first and last, to furnish the Christian education craved by multitudes of Christian young men. The students are required to engage in some form of useful labor two or three hours a day. Some are employed on the farm, some in the laundry, and some in attending to the numberless chores around the buildings. All the housework is performed by them. Those occupied upon the farm become proficient in sowing, reaping, and harvesting, as well as in the care of cattle and sheep. If there is nothing else to be done, one resource always remains — the time-honored New England amusement of clearing some field of its superfluous stones. The allotted tasks are performed with conscientious and cheerful fidelity. Each student realizes that whenever he is unwilling to contribute toward the cost of his education by partially “working his passage,” there are numerous less fortunate youths waiting to take his place. Besides the economy effected, the manual labor accomplished by the young men greatly aids in preserving the healthful condition of mind and body without which their studies would be of dubious benefit. The students illustrate the harmony and beauty of true Christian living, and seem “diligent in business, fervent in prayer, serving the Lord.”
There will now be room for 300 young men, while heretofore the limit of accommodation has been but slightly over 100. The students come from all quarters of the earth, and have represented several races. While most of them are Americans, not a few have been sent hither from England, and among the number there might, at different times, have been seen Germans, Scandinavians, Turks, American Indians, and Japanese. The latter, when they graduate, return to their native lands as missionaries.
The course of instruction is substantially a thorough grounding in English.
The usual studies of a high school or academy are pursued so far as is considered judicious. Above all textbooks is placed the Book of books.
Mr. Moody, when at home, lectures upon Bible topics five times a week.
Clergymen distinguished for their mastery of the practical use of the Bible — such as Dr. Gordon, of Boston; Dr. Pierson and Dr. Wayland, of Philadelphia; Dr. Pentecost, of Brooklyn; and Dr. Brookes, of St. Louis — visit the school in rotation, and deliver courses of lectures. They compose what has been humorously termed “the faculty.” Prof. Henry E. Sawyer, formerly associate principal of the Connecticut Normal School, is principal. He is assisted by an able corps of instructors and officials. The Board of Trustees is headed by Mr. Hiram Camp, and its treasurer is Mr.
Wm. F. Lee, of 679 Madison Avenue, New York. About $10,000 remains to be subscribed to complete the furnishing of the new buildings. The cost of furnishing one bedroom is $50.
In July, 1886 at the suggestion of Mr. L. D. Wishard, College Secretary Y.M.C.A., Mr. Moody invited all the colleges of this country and Canada to send delegates to a “Summer School of College Students,” at Mount Hermon. It was presumed that many Christian young men attending college would be willing to spend a part of their vacation in “searching the Scriptures.” The response was most gratifying; 250 students, representing eighty colleges, came together from all sections of the continent. The school continued for nearly a month, with constantly heightening interest.
Lectures were delivered by Mr. Moody, Major Whittle, Dr. Pierson, Dr.
Gordon, Dr. Brookes, Dr. Morehead, and Dr. Clark. Prof. Towner conducted the singing. Toward the end a missionary spirit developed, which grew in intensity from day to day. Missionaries and sons of missionaries spoke with glowing countenances of the rewards of faithful obedience to the injunction of Christ bidding us proclaim the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth. Meetings were held for special consecration, at which in a wondrous manner prayer was answered for a special descent of the Holy Spirit and endowment of power for service. Before the school was disbanded fully ninety-five, and perhaps one hundred young men yielded themselves to the life of missionaries of the cross in foreign lands.
Never in the religious history of America was there a parallel to this Pentecostal spectacle.