Karl G. Maeser and the Brigham Young University

KARL G. MAESER AND THE BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY* By Dr. Richard R. Lyman, Member of the Church Board of Education and of the Council of the Twelve Fifty years ago today, single-handed, Karl G. Maeser was sent to Provo by President Brigham Young to start a school. Four years later, or forty-six years ago, next Wednesday, Edison gave to the world the first successful incandescent lamp. Electrical development during the intervening period has made thrilling strides. This in- stitution, too, has had a phenomenal growth, and many of its alumni have achieved unusual successes. Today electricity gives to human organs of speech a super-human power. From the classrooms of this institution, where their lives touched the life of that great teacher, Karl G. Maeser, his students have become leaders in the communities of this inter-mountain West. Electric lights dispel the darkness, electric motors give us the strength of giants, we go by submarines into the depths of the ocean, by aeroplanes into the skies. During the same period, the original B. Y. Academy from a small beginning has been transformed into a great University. The boys and girls who came into the institution in its early days, having had extremely limited opportunities', necessarily had narrow vision. Karl G. Maeser opened the eyes of these young people, opened their minds, gave them information with which they laid the foundation for their future. This thorough, German scholar equipped these young folks with self-propelling powers. Many have gone on to successes that have astonished the most optimistic. Were Karl G. Maeser with us today, he would express surprise at the accomplishments of many of his students. In public office, both in State and Church, they are found adding glory to his name, to the name of the school whose foundation he laid, and bringing honor to themselves and to their communities. I was in many of his classes. I lived at his home. It was my good fortune to be near enough to him to see his unusual energy and to feel the tremendous power of his soul. Karl G. Maeser gave such inspiration that many of his students have become important factors in the work of the world. For example, from among them the people of Utah have selected and have represent- ing them at this very moment in the Nation's Capitol, two United States Senators, one Congressman, and one Justice of the Supreme Court. Find, if you can, another teacher with such a record! *An address given at the Brigham Young University, Provo. at the Semi- centennial Celebration, October 16, 1925.

KARL G. MAESER 265 Under the direction of President Brigham Young, Karl G. Maeser established this institution. Its purpose has been, and may it ever be, to teach young people that being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous; being kind, long-suffering, Christian-like and truly religious, is the life that gives the greatest joy. The lesson he aimed to teach was that the ages demonstrate such a life to be the only one that brings genuine satisfaction. He taught that the first of all the virtues is honor. May Providence continue to keep a watchful eye over the institution and with a powerful hand, continue its development and HEBER J. GRANT LIBRARY RECENTLY DEDICATED AT PROVO. BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY success. Blessed be the name and memory of that great religious teacher, that inspirer of young people, Dr. Karl G. Maeser. Blessed also be the name of that great pioneer leader, Brigham Young, who called Karl G. Maeser into the service, and for whom the institution is namedT And, in conclusion, blessed be the name of Heber J. Grant, the worthy successor of the founder of the school. It was President Grant who made possible the construction of this excellent and greatly needed library building which bears his name, and which we are dedicating today as a part of this Semi-centennial Celebration. Anticipation We'll joy in delightful anticipation; We'll revel in hope and be glad; If anything hinders the realization, It can't take the joy that we've had. San Diego, California, SATELLA JAQUES PENMAN.