In browsing through The Story of Second Baptist, by Necola McCorkle Koechig, published in 1982 in anticipation of the sesquicentennial celebration in 1983 of the founding of the church, I was interested to note that Dr. Bitting was not one of the two ministers mentioned as having earned a doctorate degree, although he had several honorary Doctor of Divinity(D.D.) degrees as well as a Doctor of Sacred Theology(S.T.D.).
This is from WCB's "Reminiscences:"
I remained at college [Richmond College, now University of Richmond] six years continuously, getting my diplomas in every one of the nine different schools in the college, and taking my Master's Degree (M.A.) in June, 1977. I was too young, but there was nothing else to do, but to go ahead or else loaf. I was only four months over twenty years old when I took this degree and carried off the medal in philosophy and some few other college honors. I entered Crozer Theological Seminary the following September and was graduated there in June, 1880.
..and from "Family Lore," Dad adds the following:
Some years later, when the Phi Beta Kappa chapter was inaugurated at Richmond College, Dad was awarded its first PBK gold key. (Ken now has this key awaiting to award it to the next Bitting Phi Beta Kappa. Study hard kids!!)I'd always assumed that grandfather had earned his doctorate at Crozer. Considering his brilliance and the fact he already had a masters degree, could read and speak both Latin and Greek, this didn't seem like much of a stretch for three more years of study! So, this morning at around 11:30 I sent Crozer an email seeking information. Two hours later I had this reply!! Is that amazing or what?! Thank you Mrs. Sally Dodgson! ../;-) wcb
From: Sally Dodgson Dr. Mr. Bitting,
Your query re. your grandfather was forwarded to me. The Bitting name
is an important one in Crozer history. Your grandfather's father, the
Rev. Charles Carroll Bitting , D.D. was a corporate officer (trustee) of
Crozer from 1894 to 1899.
In the early years of theological education, seminaries did not grant
degrees. One was designated a graduate or recipient of a diploma only.
Degrees were not instituted by state boards of regents until sometime in
the early 1900s. Hence your grandfather held no degree from Crozer. I
shall include below the information which our records carry for William
Coleman Bitting, and you can compare it with what you have.
He was certainly an outstanding alumnus of Crozer.
Sincerely,
Sally Dodgson In 1970 Crozer Theological Seminary moved from Chester, PA, to Rochester, NY, where it joined with Colgate Rochester/Bexley Hall on "the hill" at the southeastern corner of Rochester, NY. The schools are now known as Colgate Rochester Divinity School/Bexley Hall/Crozer Theological Seminary. This brief history is quite interesting. Among other distinguished alumni of Crozer is the valedictorian of the Class of 1951, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brief biographies of the faculty show the school is richly endowed with talent and knowledge.
to Crozer email
To: "'wbitting@crl.com'"
Date: Fri, 8 May 1998 14:23:52 -0400
Subject: Degrees awarded in 1880?
1869-70 Classical and Commercial Institute, Lynchburg, Virginia
1877 M.A. degree from Richmond College
July 1877 Licensed to preach, Balto, Maryland
1880 Graduate, Crozer Theological Seminary
1880-81 Pastor, Lee St. Church, Balto
May 15, 1881 Ordained, Luray, Page County, Virginia
1881-82 Pastor, Front Royal
1881-83 Pastor, Luray, Virginia
1884-1905 Pastor, Mt. Morris, New York
1887 D.D. Howard College, Alabama
1889 D.D. Richmond College
1905-1924 Pastor, Second Baptist Church, St. Louis, Missouri
1907-28 Corresponding Secretary, Northern Baptist Convention
1910 D.D. Brown University
1916 S.T.D. University of Chicago
Lecturer, University of Chicago
Author of three books: Earthly Blooms from Heavenly
Stems (1900), Foundation Truths (1902), and Teaching
Pastor (1923)
Jan. 10, 1931 Died
Asst. to the President for Institutional Research
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