The Portland daily press., 1883-07-12
Dir. Eliphalat Clark.

Rev. Stephen Allen, formerly Presiding
Elder, furnishes the following communication
to lions Herald:
Probably no layman ever connected with the
Methodist church in Maine was more widely
known or more highly respected. His noble
presence, dignifed and gentlemanly bearing
and eminence in his profession. secured for
him the respect of all who knew him. His
Christian character and love for his church
and its institutions endeared him to his breth-
rem. He was always deeply interested in the
educational enterprises OF the church, as we'll
as in every good cause. For more than half
century he was member OF the board of trus-
tees of Maine Wesleyan Seminary, always
ready TO aid the institution by his money aud
wise eounsels.
When the institution had become deeply
embarrassed by the failure of the manuai
labor department, SO that the trustees lost the
Confidence of the public as financial managers,
and when the necessity of enlarged accommo-
dations had become pressing, in the year 1913
DR.. Clark suggested the plan of organizing a
separate board of trust, TO which the care OF
funds for educational purposes might be en-
trusted, SO that the public confidence might
be restored. The suggestion was adopted by
the Conference held in Portland in the July
following, and q committee consisting mostly
OF laymen was appointed and requested to
organize themselves under an act OF the Legis-
lature. The act of incorporation was obtained
in the year 1850, and the Board of Education
was Only organized soon after, by electing the
necessary officers. A circular was prepared
setting forth the object and importance OF
such board Of trust, which was published.
DIR. Clark was chosen president the next year
and held this office till the last meeting before
his death, when his failing health compelled
him TO resign. He always manifested deep
interest in this organization. even in the last
hoursof his life speaking of the Board of Edu-
cation to his friend, James Noyes the treasur-
er, with much feeling, and by his will leaving
a large legacy to this Board, to be held, in
trust, for the Maine Wesleyan Seminary and
Female College, upon certain very reasonable
conditions.
Dr. Clark was, therefore, the father Of the
Maine Wesleyan Board of Education, and, by
his will he becomes its most generous benefac-
tor. The object Of this board is expressed
in the third section of the charter, viz: "All
the estate of said corporation, both real and
personal, shall be used and improved to the
best advantage, and the annual income there
OF. together with the annual subscriptions, do
nations and contributions which shall be made
TO said corporation, besides contributions TO its
permanent funds, shall be applied to the sole
use and purpose OF education, under the direc-
tion of the Maine Conference of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, or in accordance with
the will of the donors"
The board, therefore, has two objects in view.
/, Safely and conveniently to manage the
funds placed in its care for educational pur-
poses; and, I'd, to establish close connection
between the conference and the seminaries OF
learning that may be its benefcisries. The
board has already performed a valuable service
not only by caring for funds but the agency
for raising funds for the Maine Wesleyan Sem
mary In 1868, and onward was conducted in
its name and under its authority, till the fnaH-
ciaf reputation OF the trustees was rescued
from reproach, and the credit Of the seminary
was established.
The funds of the board now amount to over
twenty thousand dollars, all safely invested,
and for the benefit of our seminary and col
lege at Kent's Hill. This amount will be
largely increased by the will of DR.. Clark,
who with wise forethought sought to make his
benefactions permanent blessing TO the
cause of education under the care OF the
church. DIR. Clark was one Of the first and
most generous in aiding the Maine Wesleyan
Seminary, in its struggles in 1858 and onward,
by starting a subscription with the sum Of one
thousand dollars. which sum he nearly
doubled befare the enterprise then on hand
was completed in 1860.
The advantages OF the Board Of Education,
as a board Of trust, are obvious. 1t Is COM
posed Of not more than nine men, selected for
their business qualities and for their con-
venience OF location, most of them living in
or near Portland, where these meetings can be
conveniently held. These trustees of colleges
and seminaries are usually numerous and
from widely-separated localities, and
their annual meetings are usually
burdened with businesses, allowing but
a poor opportunity for trans2cting financial
business. Unwise expenditures are often
made under such circumstances. The Wes-
leyan University ct Middletown has obtained
restriction upon the action Of the trustees, In
relation to finances, by an act of the Legisla-
ture. Eight or ten years ago it was found that
large amount of the invested funds of Bow
dom College had been expended for current
expenses. A special meeting Of the board was
called, and severe entrenchment OF expenses
was ordered, and a generous subscription start
cd, to restore the wasted funds. The Board Of
Education is, therefore, wise in its design. 1t
promises to be of great service hereafter to the
institution OF learning which may be connect
ed with the Maine Conference.
The church in the Maine Conference will
long have occasion to cherish the memory of
her most generous benefactor, as well as one
of her noblest men.