Scientist Emil O. Deere
"Not only has the best man for the place succeeded to it, but this man is the one who was closest to Dr. Swensson during the latter's upbuilding of Bethany, the one most intimately touched with the spirit and the inspiration which the late president sought to weld into its every part ..."
-- The Messenger, 1904
-- The Messenger, 1904
Deere's Rev. Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad
(1873 - 1943)
As Bethany College President
(1904 - 1941)
(1873 - 1943)
As Bethany College President
(1904 - 1941)
Deere and Pihlblad and his administration were destined to lead the way beyond the saddest day in the history of Lindsborg, February 16, 1904. On that fateful day, Bethany College founder and second president Rev. Dr. Carl Arron Swensson, the second pastor of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church died suddenly while in Los Angeles. Thus, the third Swedish president of Bethany College and his administration, inspired by the spirit of Swensson and their Christian faith, would be moving forward through the challenges before them, to bring "a new day" to Bethany which would last until a day in April of 1941 when Pihlblad would resigned.
- The Bethany Gateway, College Street meeting Swensson Street, ending at the Swensson Statue at Old Main -
Source: "Bethany in Kansas" page 74
Among other endeavors, the Pihlblad era of Bethany College would be characterized by patriotic Lindsborg Swedes involved in World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1931-1943), to Swedes, in 1927, hosting Swedish Prince Wilhelm for the ground breaking ceremony of a music auditorium (Presser Hall) to be built, to their going through the very low financial times of the depression years, and to their participating, in 1938, with Swedes from every part of the nation to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the first Swedes to America, to the shores of Wilmington, Delaware.
- Old Main -
Swensson's Building for the Bethany Family
"...the largest building of its kind. ... west of the Mississippi...'the biggest and best' in Kansas ." -- CAS
Swensson's Building for the Bethany Family
"...the largest building of its kind. ... west of the Mississippi...'the biggest and best' in Kansas ." -- CAS
Source: "In Memoriam, Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad," 1943
Under Pihlblad's administration, the ongoing development of the College art and music fields would flourish, and the Easter Week Messiah performances' national and international reputation would grow, thereby drawing more world renown musicians and opera stars to preform at Bethany College. This, in turn, would bring thousands of patron's annually to Lindsborg. A Smoky Hill Art Club would be started by Swedish Bethany College art professor Birger Sandzén, the membership of which would top out to 400. The superb art and music found in Lindsborg would be praised by many declaring this little Swedish city as a very unique cultural center!
- Prince Wilhelm of Sweden and Dr. Pihlblad presiding over the Presser Hall ground breaking ceremony in 1927 -
Source: "In Memoriam, Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad," 1943
- Presser Hall -
Pihlblad's Auditorium for the Messiah
Pihlblad's Auditorium for the Messiah
Source: "In Memoriam, Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad," 1943
Fourth Swedish American Bethany College President Dr. Emory Lindquist in his 1975 book, Bethany in Kansas, the history of a college, begins the third chapter titled, "Consolidation and Growth, 1904-1921," pages 41 and 42, with the following:
"When sorrowing Bethany and Lindsborg followed beloved Dr. Carl Swensson to his last resting place in Elmwood Cemetery that February day in 1904, the future seemed uncertain. Swensson's dynamic leadership had been so dominant it was difficult for some people to envisage what the alternatives might be. When reality was faced again, there was not only hope but a logical solution. Professor Ernst F. Pihlblad was the most qualified successor to the man with whom he had been associated for nine years, the last two as vice-president of the College.
"The Reverend Ernst F. Pihlblad was born in Kansas City, Missouri, March 18, 1873, the first of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Pihlblad. Ernst's brother Arvid, a Bethany graduate, became a well-known physician in Lindsborg. After attending the public schools in Kansas City, Ernst enrolled in Bethany Academy at the age of eleven. The family had moved to Lindsborg where John Pihlblad was a merchant. In 1891, Ernst, at the age of eighteen, graduated with honors in the first baccalaureate class. He enrolled at Augustana Theological Seminary the following September, and after, returning to teach Latin the next year at Bethany, he continued his studies at the seminary. He received the bachelor of divinity degree in 1894. He was ordained as a pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Synod on a call to the Patterson and Passaic, New Jersey, congregations of the Augustana Synod, the year of his graduation from the seminary. He joined the Bethany faculty in September, 1895, as Latin teacher, thus beginning forty-six (46) years of distinguished and uninterrupted service to the institution.
"Professor Pihlblad served as acting president until his election to the presidency by members of the Kansas Conference at the annual meeting at the Salemsborg Lutheran Church in April, 1904. Faculty and students, alumni and citizens of Lindsborg, pastors and members of supporting congregations were unanimous in their endorsement of his election. The Messenger declared on that occasion: 'Not only has the best man for the place succeeded to it, but this man is the one who was closest to Dr. Swensson during the latter's upbuilding of Bethany, the one most intimately touched with the spirit and the inspiration which the late president sought to weld into its every part .... We have little doubt that President Pihlblad would have been the doctor's choice for the succession.' In October the Messenger again affirmed faith in the new president by declaring: "Now the future of Bethany has been placed in President Pihlblad's keeping and we who know him best cannot but feel that it will rest secure."
"When sorrowing Bethany and Lindsborg followed beloved Dr. Carl Swensson to his last resting place in Elmwood Cemetery that February day in 1904, the future seemed uncertain. Swensson's dynamic leadership had been so dominant it was difficult for some people to envisage what the alternatives might be. When reality was faced again, there was not only hope but a logical solution. Professor Ernst F. Pihlblad was the most qualified successor to the man with whom he had been associated for nine years, the last two as vice-president of the College.
"The Reverend Ernst F. Pihlblad was born in Kansas City, Missouri, March 18, 1873, the first of two sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Pihlblad. Ernst's brother Arvid, a Bethany graduate, became a well-known physician in Lindsborg. After attending the public schools in Kansas City, Ernst enrolled in Bethany Academy at the age of eleven. The family had moved to Lindsborg where John Pihlblad was a merchant. In 1891, Ernst, at the age of eighteen, graduated with honors in the first baccalaureate class. He enrolled at Augustana Theological Seminary the following September, and after, returning to teach Latin the next year at Bethany, he continued his studies at the seminary. He received the bachelor of divinity degree in 1894. He was ordained as a pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Synod on a call to the Patterson and Passaic, New Jersey, congregations of the Augustana Synod, the year of his graduation from the seminary. He joined the Bethany faculty in September, 1895, as Latin teacher, thus beginning forty-six (46) years of distinguished and uninterrupted service to the institution.
"Professor Pihlblad served as acting president until his election to the presidency by members of the Kansas Conference at the annual meeting at the Salemsborg Lutheran Church in April, 1904. Faculty and students, alumni and citizens of Lindsborg, pastors and members of supporting congregations were unanimous in their endorsement of his election. The Messenger declared on that occasion: 'Not only has the best man for the place succeeded to it, but this man is the one who was closest to Dr. Swensson during the latter's upbuilding of Bethany, the one most intimately touched with the spirit and the inspiration which the late president sought to weld into its every part .... We have little doubt that President Pihlblad would have been the doctor's choice for the succession.' In October the Messenger again affirmed faith in the new president by declaring: "Now the future of Bethany has been placed in President Pihlblad's keeping and we who know him best cannot but feel that it will rest secure."
"Ernst Pihlblad was thirty-one years old when he succeeded to the presidency. He brought excellent resources of intellect as well as great dedication and will. He was a fine classical scholar, and as a professor of Latin he was known as a splendid teacher who demanded high standards of achievement. He was an especially gifted speaker. His rich vocabulary, classical learning, and extensive reading provided excellent materials for public addresses. His philosophy
- Pihlblad as he was when he became president at age 31 -
Source: "Bethany in Kansas" page 43
of education was clearly founded upon his understanding of the role of liberal arts and sciences in the Christian context of life and learning. His view was stated clearly in his inaugural address as president in May, 1905: 'To develop the individual physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually; to teach him his proper place in the universe, his relations and duties to himself, his fellowmen, and his Maker, and to impart to human life that indescribable charm, ripeness, and maturity that we call culture, this I hold to be the purpose of the college. The college should train the man for the highest of all arts, the art of living, and that irrespective of what his profession or calling may eventually be.'
"The primary function of teaching and learning engaged the attention of the faculty as a new era in Bethany's history was launched. In his first report to the Kansas Conference at its meeting in Fremont in 1905, Pihlblad identified the trends in higher education: 'On the basis of the pressure from the outside to follow the modern tendency to make the courses more or less elective, it is necessary to make some modifications in the curriculum . . . . We have sought, however, to retain the traditional approach while at the same time taking advantage of the valuable aspects of the new view by permitting some freedom of choice among areas and within subjects.' In March, 1906, the college faculty adopted new requirements for the bachelor's degree which included the following required subjects and distribution: ..."
"The primary function of teaching and learning engaged the attention of the faculty as a new era in Bethany's history was launched. In his first report to the Kansas Conference at its meeting in Fremont in 1905, Pihlblad identified the trends in higher education: 'On the basis of the pressure from the outside to follow the modern tendency to make the courses more or less elective, it is necessary to make some modifications in the curriculum . . . . We have sought, however, to retain the traditional approach while at the same time taking advantage of the valuable aspects of the new view by permitting some freedom of choice among areas and within subjects.' In March, 1906, the college faculty adopted new requirements for the bachelor's degree which included the following required subjects and distribution: ..."
- KANSAS CONFERENCE SMOKY VALLEY MEETING LOCATIONS OF THEIR TIMES -
Church in Salemsborg Church in Fremont
- On May 21, 1891 -
Eric Glad, J.A. Westerlund, Ernst F. Pihlblad, and Julius Lincoln
became the first baccalaureate degree graduates of Bethany College
Eric Glad, J.A. Westerlund, Ernst F. Pihlblad, and Julius Lincoln
became the first baccalaureate degree graduates of Bethany College
Source: "Bethany in Kansas" page 21
Dr. Lindquist continues on page 57 beginning Chapter 4: "Academic Enrichment (1921-1941)" with the following:
"When Dr. Pihlblad responded to the popular demand that he continue as president of Bethany, he and his associates initiated action immediately to strengthen the academic status of the College. Accreditation by the Northcentral Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools was imperative. President Pihlblad and the faculty fully realized the importance of membership in this association. The first formal step in that direction was taken in the resolution by the faculty in September, 1921, which read: 'For the best interest of the school and the alumni, definite steps should be taken to gain entrance to the North Central Association of Colleges.' Professors Deere and Welin were requested to investigate the requirements and report to the board. The action was endorsed shortly thereafter by the board."
"When Dr. Pihlblad responded to the popular demand that he continue as president of Bethany, he and his associates initiated action immediately to strengthen the academic status of the College. Accreditation by the Northcentral Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools was imperative. President Pihlblad and the faculty fully realized the importance of membership in this association. The first formal step in that direction was taken in the resolution by the faculty in September, 1921, which read: 'For the best interest of the school and the alumni, definite steps should be taken to gain entrance to the North Central Association of Colleges.' Professors Deere and Welin were requested to investigate the requirements and report to the board. The action was endorsed shortly thereafter by the board."
* * *
- Lydia's Photograph of a Pihlblad Faculty Gathering -
Lydia's photo of Bethany College President Dr. Rev. Ernst Pihlblad and his wife seated, Emil O. Deere standing directly behind Pihlblad.
- Deere and Pihlblad were taking the photographs on this faculty outing. -
Pihlblad's Photograph
Deere's Photograph
Pihlblad's two sons on the horses
For In Memoriam**Dr. Ernst F. Pihlblad, 1943, go HERE.
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated.
Copyright © since October 8, 2015 to Current Year
as indicated on main menu sections of
www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
