MEMORIAL EXERCISES 431 



large influx of students; the College halls were soon filled to overflowing,, 

 and his own house — "the castle on the hill" — was crowded with enthusi- 

 astic students. This was no sudden boom, to flare up in sudden blaze 

 and go out in more painful darkness, but the impetus then imparted to 

 the College has continued to this day. It is not too strong language to 

 say that he made the new course and planted it upon an enduring basis, 

 yet strengthened and enlarged the old course. He did not build up by 

 tearing down. 



PERSONAL CHAEACTER. 



The personal character and influence of President Willits were strong 

 elements in his success. He knew every student, could call them by 

 name and recognize them wherever found. He visited them in their 

 rooms, knew their history, and recognized their individual peculiarities, 

 difiiculties and temptations. By a wonderful intuition he seemed to enter 

 into the life of every student, and his care over them was almost sleep- 

 less. He once told me that he never retired for the night without first 

 going the rounds of the halls to see that everything was safe and quiet. 



One element of his success was his religious character. Edwin Willits 

 was a whole-hearted Christian. A staunch Presbyterian, he let his light 

 shine before men. During his presidency there was no line of street cars 

 from the College to Lansing by which students could attend divine 

 service in the city churches. For many of the students the morning hours 

 of Sunday were aimless and idle. To remedy this he instituted a series 

 of Bible talks for 9 o'clock Sunday morning, which were such a treat, 

 intellectually and morally, that the chapel was soon crowded with de- 

 lighted listeners. The Sunday afternoon services by the clergymen of 

 Lansing were continued, not because 2:30 p. m. was an ideal hour for 

 worship, but because the ministers of Lansing could not be secured for 

 other hours. Attendance was not compulsory, yet the chapel was well 

 filled; the Sunday school and Bible classes were well attended and the 

 moral and religious atmosphere at the College was healthy. 



In recalling the history of those who have been pillars in the College 

 edifice but who have passed away, one is painfully reminded of the 

 evanescence of human life. 



''One by one the roses fall." 



One by one the oaks come down. President Williams, Secretary How- 

 ard, Judge Wells, Secretary Baird, President Abbot, President Willits. 

 How fast they pass away. Yet June returns with its roses, and though 

 the oak must fall the forest lives on. So the College. Though the great 

 leaders pass beyond, the College remains — a beneficence for the present 

 and a hope for all coming time. 



