1930–31 Volume 55 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

Chapter GrandRev. Dr. Perry S. Allen, Wooster,'74 (Charter Member)The Rev. Dr. Perry S. Allen,Wooster, '74, died suddenly of grippeat his home in Philadelphia, November8, 1930. He was president of thePresbyterian Ministers' Fund, the oldestlife insurance company in America,a position he had held for thirtysixyears.Dr. Allen was well known amonginsurance men as well as in theecclesiastical field. Due to his workin building up the Ministers' Fundsince he took the presidency, he hasbeen declared by insurance journalsto be one of the geniuses of the vocation.Dr. Allen was born in Butler, July4, 1854, a son of Richard Boyd Allenand Mary Vanderland Stoops ,'Vllen.He was graduated from Wooster Collegein 1874 and prepared for theministry at the Western TheologicalSeminary, Pittsburgh. He becameknown as a powerful preacher andmuch of his interest seemed to liein the welfare of his brother clergymen.It was logical, therefore, that heshould become president of the PresbyterianMinisters' Fund when thatposition became vacant in 1894. Atthat time the organization had' alreadya long and honorable record,having been established in 1717. Thefund began as a means of relief forministers' widows and orphans. Itobtained a charter in Philadelphia in1759 from King George II, under thename of the Presbyterian Ministers'Fund.During the presidency of Dr. Allen,the assets of the fund were increasedfrom $517,000 to $19,000,000,and while in 1893 it paid no dividends,in 1929 it paid out $527,936.Dr. .Vllen was for some years pastor[190]of the Green Hill PresbyterianChurch, Philadelphia. He was a memberof the National Geographical Society,the American Academy ofPolitical and Social Science, the HistoricalSociety of Pennsylvania, thePresbyterian Historical Society andthe Merion Cricket Club.A charter member of old Ohio Deltaat Wooster, Dr. Allen retained hisinterest in $A ® and prized highlyhis membership in the Golden Legion.Dr. Allen had been greatly interestedin literature, and had publishedmany verses. One written only ashort time ago, dealt with the subjectof death. It read:GOD WILL BE WITH METhere are myst'ries in life to be solved.There are crises in life to be passed.When the ways- of the world are involvedWith no haven for anchor at last;When the sky seems to frown and appall.But God will be with me through all.It has always been thus in my life.And supported by memories dear,I have nothing to dread in the strifeAnd there is naught to discourage norfear.As by faith I triumphant recall.That God will be with me through all.Whatsoever the crises may be.And whatever its gain or its loss.If it should be God's will to call meI shall answer my name at the cross.And before His Great Throne I shallfall.For God will be with me through all.• •*• •Edwin T. Otis, Oregon, '32Members of Oregon Alpha weregreatly bereaved when news camelast spring that our beloved brother,Edwin T. Otis, of Alameda, California,was killed in an auto accident.Brother Otis, in company with