AG McGaw's Undergraduate Years

AG (Abert Gordon) left home for the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio on September 9, 1887 at the age of 23. He had taught locally and worked on the family farm, which was sold shortly after he arrived at College. "The Farm where I have spent almost all my life. Those acres over which my weary limbs have been dragged, as my mind turned to this place and longed for these opportunities. Now I have them, what will I do with them?"

Upon arrival he immediately made his way to Chapel and then met his room mate, a young man of less serious intent. AG became active in the YMCA, going to meetings regularly; he attended Presbytery meetings which were held at the College; prayer meetings and Chapel. He particularly enjoyed Bible class and expected to "get great good from it" thinking "it may be the means of doing good to others."

Like many Journal writers, AG makes regular entries during his first year at school. Entries cover sermons heard, excerpts of letters from family, chestnut and apple picking, class socials, football games and the like. But the theme of service to others is woven throughout. Upon his return to school after the Christmas break, he writes "What the outcome of '88 will be I know not, but I hope I shall have gained much in Christian life and the discipline of my mind."

Source Material

Fifteen or so years ago, Gerard and I went to Philadelphia to research Reverend Albert McGaw's papers at the library of the Presbyterian Church, USA. We photocopied many pages which went unread for a very long time. The papers were all handwritten and did not make for easy reading.

In October, 2004 a group from my church went to India on a trip that was similar to the one we are planning for 1010. I shared a room with my sister Eleanor and daughter Erica. Every night before we went to sleep we read the journal and letters. It was as if Albert was telling us his life while we traveled in his footsteps. We weren't able to finish reading all the letters during that trip. So now its time to pick it up; but not from where we left off. From the beginning.

Telling the Story

My India journey started a long time ago when my grandfather, Albert G. McGaw, was sent to India as a missionary of the Presbyterian Church. His story is told in personal journals and letters to the Mission Board. He and his wife Ella raised a family in Etah, a village in Uttar Pradesh, while caring for the people around them. Their youngest child, Sarah Elizabeth, was my mother. To her India was "home" and it is from her that my interest was raised.

There is much to tell about those early missionaries, and how their love has transformed lives of people today. There is the story of my daughter's experience in India and how that led to more meaningful involvement for me, my family and friends. And there is the story of a trip that has yet to unfold.

The best way to learn is through doing and this blogging business is no different, surely it will get easier and better in the weeks ahead.