CLASS OF 1852

Rev. Elnathan Ellsworth Strong, D.D., for twenty-eight years editorial secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, died April 2 at his home in Auburndale, Mass., after a gradual failure in health extending through several years.

Dr. Strong"was born in Hardwick, Vt., May 2, 1832, his parents being Elnathan and Jane (Chamberlain) Strong. After graduation he studied for the ministry at Andover Seminary, where he graduated in 1855. After an interval of several years, he ordained in 1859 as pastor of the Congregational church in South Natick, Mass., where be remained until 1865; he was then pastor at Waltham, Mass., until 1878. His work in the pastorate was characterized by thoroughness and whole-heartedness, and he left it onlv after he had been thrice summoned to serve the American Board in various capacities. The call which he finally accepted was one to edit the organ of the Board, the Missionary Herald. With only clerical assistance he practically carried the burden of producing a monthly missionary magazine, and its files, beginning with 1879 and ending with 1906, testify to his journalistic ability in the steady improvement of the publication from year to year, as he broadened its scope and increased the attractiveness of its pages.

His editorial touch is also seen m two compilations which he brought together, one entitled "Mission Stories of Many Lands," and the other "In Lands Afar." The annual "Almanac" of the Board, which was started in 1886, was of his planning, and was a constant object of his care. For a number years he was also clerk of the Prudential Committee of the Board. In 1903 he headed a deputation sent to visit the African missions of the Board. He and his colleagues embodied their investigations into the difficult situation which they had been sent to investigate, in a sixty-page pamphlet of permanent interest and value.

During all the years of Dr. Strong's service (his doctorate was bestowed by Dartmouth in 1883) he had large influence in shaping the policy of the Board, and showed remarkable insight into men and missions, his judgment being usually proved sound by the outcome of events.

December 16, 1856, Dr. Strong was married to Elizabeth Gilman, daughter of Rev. David M. Mitchell of Roxbury, Mass.,. who survives him, with their three children, Annie C., William E. (Dartmouth '82), and Arthur M. (Dartmouth '92), The older son succeeded his father in the editorial secretaryship.