Catching Up on AG's College Years

September, 1889 begins junior year at Wooster. AG is boarding at Miss Alexander's club. He has to walk four block for meals: "exercise is a good thing and don't make the beefsteak any tougher." Nor more tender, apparently. Summer vacation was spent at Herseman, Illinois, and the surroundings on certain occasions were very agreeable. "I embraced some very precious opportunities in trying to better the conditions of a poor fellow."

"Another year of student life is before me. What will the record be?

My influence may become greater and more for good I believe than it has been in the past.

I sincerely ask God's help to live a pure and holy life, and one that will be helpful to fellow students.

I need to go to work, conscientiously, determinedly, persistently, attentively, systematically and prayerfully.

Oh Thou Triune God, my Heavenly Father, My saviour, my Comforter, my Guide, help me."

The next journal entry is on Jan. 8, 1890 which was spent happily in Herseman with his Uncle and family. With everyone at home, it is likely that more very precious opportunities arose. On January 20th he writes Ella's name in his journal for the first time.

Back to AG at Wooster

Year 2, College of Wooster - Letters from home are noted, including a brief summary of the contents and school life continues much the same. Attendance at YMCA meetings, Mission Board meetings, prayer and lectures and sermons continue to be highlights. His little journal contains sermon titles and reflection on Christ. He is taking Trigonometry, Latin, Greek, Biology and Recitation in addition to religion classes.

AG still rooms with Ed who is in the know about all kinds of campus happenings and has visitors, some of whom smoke. The entry for October 27, 1887 stands out from all the seriousness of other entries. "Sat. eve. Cloudy chilly day - have been to YMCA business meeting had a good one also mission board prayer. Have not studied much today. The excitement following the chicken stealing expedition has run high at times. Since it occurred last night as I became awake, about 1 o'clock last night by the crowd coming in my room to talk over the affair with Ed. I guess the thieves had a spiteful joke played on them, and badly scared. Lively times at table if Prohibition happens to come up for discussion." Concern for the poor farmers, wagons, small buildings and dogs as Halloween approaches.

Nov. 22 '87 Nightly meetings were held at the YMCA for 10 consecutive days. AG was blessed by having his own heart revived, but there were no professions of conversion. He exhorts himself to Be Cheerful, Be Neat, Do everything carefully.

Christmas vacation was spent pleasurably in Toledo with cousins where he enjoyed several handcar (?) rides and learned to skate.

Back at Wooster in January, 1888 AG 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." In February he stood up with 17 other students during a meeting to announce his intention to become a missionary.

The Spring term presents challenges in oration, where he is criticized for his delivery. Overall, he receives a 90 for his course work. Deep appreciation is expressed for the opportunities he has, and his desire to understand the Lord's plan for him and to do His work.

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."