The Portland daily press., 1870-07-01
Bangor Theological Seminary

This is the semi-centennial anniversary of
this institusion, and some historical details
will no doubt be interesting. By the kindness
Of the venerable DR.. Pond, now Professor of
Ecclesiastical History, have gathered the fol-
lowing facts: That as early as 1910, an as
sociation was formed in Portland called
" The Society for Promoting Theological Edu-
cation" 1t was designed to assist INDECENT
young men to the ministry in the newly set
tied posts of Maine. This was one of the
earliest education societies in the United
States. 1t was Incorporated in 1872, and Wig
orous attempts were made to carry into effect
the objects of the Society.
This Society by great exertions ia this coun-
try and in England obtained charter from
the Legislature of Massachusetts in February,
1914, designating certain individuals as "Tius-
tees OF the Maine Charity School," This was
the germ. Tne Trustees determined to plant
his germ in the midst OF those spiritual wastes
which it was intended to supply. In 1916
Hampden Academy opened its walls TO receive
it. In 1917 it was regularly organized with
three Professors.
In 1919 lot of land containing about sew
ell acres, situated in Bangor, was given to the
Seminary by the late Isaac Davenport, ESQ.,,
of Milton, Mass. This made a change OF
base; and in the autumn OF 1919 the re-
moval was effected. The first anniversary
was in 1920, Aug. I'd; six young men then re-
ceiVins diplomas.
In 1928 the first building was erected, hav-
ing its site on what is at present Vice Presi-
dent Hamlins garden. The Commons
House, in 1929 next arose. 1t is now occu-
pied as a dwelling house by two OF the Pro
lessons. The struggle of the Seminary during
its first dozen years was that OF life or death.
In 1882 the present Maine Hall was erected
and various donations had been made. In
1885 100000 were bestowed upon the Semi
nary by private and public gifts. The gilt
was reduced 10 one third by a business shock
occurring that year. Gentlemen OF Bangor
generously came forward in a later strait in
which the institution was threatened and
helped it. In 1850 S34 600 were given to en-
dow two proiessorships. In the same year
$4,000 more was bestowed by the Waldo
family OF Worcester, Mass.
In 1859 the chapel OF the institution was
dedicated. 1t was built at an expense OF
$4,000, through the efforts of society of la
dies in Bangor, the "Corban Society,"" In
1923 various gifts and legacies were receiv-
ed $4,000 from the estate of tfe late DIR.
Jacob Hayes of Charlestown, Mass, $1,000
from the late Hiram FOgg and $4,000 from
his brother, William Fogg, ESQ. OF New Yo.k,
$4,000 from Richard Buck, Esq. OF Brooklyn,
N. Y, and $4,000 from the late lchabod
Washburn, Esq. OF Worcester. Mass.
1t has library of more than $7,0O0,in worth.
1t has funds invested Tor the support of the
Professors and the aid of needy students to
the amount of S150O00, and more than five
hundred alumni, ministers of the gospel. 1t
is and has been under the auspices of the
Congregational Ede nomination, though other
denominations are not excluded, there being
now students OF various beliefs. q
The institution is situated on Seminary
Hill, fronting toward the east, having a grand
view ON every side.
1t has at present forty-two students and
four professors.
The semi-centennial anniversary occurs
the present year. The exercises will consist
OF an historical address by the Rev. DR.. Pond,
and other exercises. Ii.