Charles Chapin Tracy, missionary, philanthropist, educator, first ...

CHARLES CHAPIN TRACY 11
to settle there permanently without associates. But
in 1862, it was decided to locate the Theological
Seminary and the Girls' Boarding School of the Mission
at some point in the interior, and Marsovan was
selected as the place. Accordingly, in 1863 Mr. and
Mrs. Dodd were transferred from Smyrna, and Rev.
and Mrs. J. F. Smith and Miss Eliza Fritcher, new
recruits from America, were designated to Marsovan.
One day Mr. Leonard, Mr. Dodd, and Mr. Smith
mounted their horses and climbed the Dere Keuy
bridle path away up to the top of a magnificent spur
of the Tavshan Mountains. The view from there
includes the whole plain and range after range of
mountains beyond. A vision opens before the eyes
worthy to be compared with that of Moses on Mount
Nebo. And there, under a pine tree, with prayer to
God and definite planning for their mission work, these
three men organized Marsovan Station, and elected
their chairman, secretary, and treasurer. The spirit
of wisdom, power and grace was upon the group from
the start.
MORNING DAYS IN MARSOVAN
Mr. and Mrs. Tracy reached Marsovan, October
28th, 1867, after a horseback ride of three days up
from the coast over the mountains, through the forests,
and along the valleys, and they were welcomed, as
only missionaries can welcome one another, by Mr.
and Mrs. Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and Miss
Fritcher. Mr. Dodd had already fallen a victim to the
scourge of cholera in 1865, and his body lies in the
serene God's acre in one corner of the mission com-