Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-06-06
PIONEERS JOIN
IN JUBILEE JOY
Sixty Men and Women, Bent
With Age, Participate in
Pathetic Celebration.
40 ORGANIZERS; TWO LIVE
Announcement Made of Death of DIR.
j. Magny. First Student of Gus
tavus Adolphus College.


Augustana college was enacted last
night at the pioneer session OF the
jubilee celebration Between so and
60 old and feeble men and women,
bent with age but full OF the spirit Of
the occasion. occupied the big stage
as the guests of honor OF Augustana
college for the evening. They were
pioneers in the church work OF Angus
tana synod, some having been mem
bers OF the synod since its organiza-
tion One of the pioneers who was
on the program to speak-Dr ]. Magny
Of Carlton, Minn.-died last wednes-
day. DR.. Magny was the first student
Of Gustavus Adolphus college when
DR.. Norelius organized that institu-
ton. For whole year DR.. Magny
was the only student at the college.
DR.. Andreen spoke touchingly on the
sudden and unexpected departure OF
the old Minnesota pioneer, declaring
that 1t was a forcible reminder of the
fact that the earliest laborers in the
synod are nearing the brink OF the
grave.
The most dramatic incident occurred
when DR.. n. Forsander OF Augustsna
seminary, himself a white-haired man.
stood on the platform at DR.. Andreen's
request and called the roll of the 25
ministers and Is laymen who we're
present at the meeting at Clinton,
Wis, when the synod was organized
90 years ago. AS each name was
called, DR.. Forsander paused and
waited for an answer. But three re-.
plies came-from two ministers and
one layman. The two ministers were
DR.. e. Norelius, president OF the
synod, and Rev. G. Peters OF Rock
ford. The layman was John Erlander,
also of Rockford, who has been a
member OF the First Lutheran church
OF that city since the organization.
Rev. Mr.. Peters was pastor of the
Rockford church for many years, but
Is now blind and retired from service.
Reviews Early Work of synod
DR.. NJ. c. Ranseen of Chicago was
the principal speaker at the session,
his speech being a comprehensive re-
view of the early work in the synod
His stories of school life when Angus
tana college was located at Paxton be-
tween 1863 and 1875 were exceedingly
interesting, some provoking much
merriment. In addition to DR.. Ran
seems address, five-minute speeches
We're scheduled by pioneers. but each
speaker became so enthused that he
spoke much longer.
Rev. Mr.. Peters was the first to
speak. DR.. Andreen led thC blind
pioneer minister to the front Of the
platform, where he delivered his
speech. It was full Of touching refer
ences to the trials and difficulties
which the early organizers Of the
synod were forced TO endure. and the
recital brought tears to many in the
audience.
Rev. P. Beckman of Tory, Idaho,
was the next speaker on the program.
but he had sent word that he was too
old and feeble to come, but sent greet
ings instead. DR.. Norelius took Rev.
Mr.. Reckman's place on the program,
speaking at considerable length.
DR.. A W. Dahlsten OF Window, Kan
one of the first students under Pro
fessor l. P. Esbjorn at the time Au-
gustana college was established in
Chicago, told of "reminiscences OF early
school days. He told of the subjects
studied under Professor Esbjorn. who
was the only instructor, and OF pranks
played by the students.
Osborn Breaks Down.
Captain NJ. Osborn of Minneapolis.
son of Professor l.. p. Esbjorn, also
spoke of early days in the synod. He
told of the organization Of the An
dover Lutheran church by his father,
Professor L. p. Esbjorn.
Il am the only living member of the
original 13 persons who signed as
members of the first church in the
Augustana synod. organized by my
father at Andover in 1880" shouted
Captain Osborn. Then he broke down
and wept like a child.
DR.. ]. Telleen OF Berwyn, Ill. for.
merly OF Rock Island. closed the pro-
gram with an address on the missions.
He urged the synod to take advantage
OF the opportunities which are now
open in the heather world and aid in
the spread OF the gospel
Greetings from Colleges.
The afternoon session was devoted
to hearing greetings from the other
colleges of the synod through their re-
spective presidents. One of the presi-
dents-A c. Youngdahl Of Northwest
ern college. Fergus Falls, Minn.-was
unable to be present, but sent a tele-
gram instead, which was read by DR..
Andreen. In addition to the college
presidents, DR.. Z. Norelius, president
of the synod, made brief remarks. also
Rev NJ. Noyd, former president OF
Luther college. who has aided in so
Letting the jubilee endowment fund.
DR.. Andreen responded briefly to the
greetings extended by the sister in
situations of the synod.
Council Meets Tonight.