The story of Whitman College, like the life of the man it
commemorates, gives a lesson in faith.
Dr. Cushing Eells was the co-worker with Whitman, and perhaps knew
the inner life of the man better than any other. After the massacre
he was driven from his post, but returned to the Indian country as
soon as it was opened to white people. He at once visited the tragic
grounds at Waiilatpui. As he stood uncovered at the great grave of
his beloved friends, he writes in his diary:
"I believe the power of the Highest came upon me, and I asked,
What can I do to honor the memory of these Christian martyrs who
did so much for the nation and humanity? I felt if Dr. Whitman
could be consulted he would prefer a high school for the benefit
of both sexes, rather than a monument of marble."
We must remember that at that time there were very few schools in the
Pacific States above the grade of the ordinary country district
school.
The subject impressed him, and as he thought and prayed, it came to
him as his life work and duty, to build such a monument. In memory of
his friend he laid the matter before his good wife, it met with her
cordial approval; and then before the Congregational Council, and
they enthusiastically indorsed the work, and in a closing minute
said, "The Whitman Seminary is in memory of the noble deeds and great
work of the late lamented Dr. Whitman and his noble wife."
[Illustration: MEMORIAL HALL WHITMAN COLLEGE.]
[Illustration: YOUNG MEN'S DORMITORY, WHITMAN COLLEGE.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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