US-RPB-ms1MS.B1 Guide to Baccalaureate Addresses 1915-1988 Finding aid prepared by Brown University Library staff. Processing funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Brown University Archives
John Hay Library Box A Brown University Providence, RI, 02912 (401) 863-2148 email:archives@brown.edu
2012 August 29 This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2012 August 29 English Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) Baccalaureate addresses MS-1MS-B1 John Hay Library Special Collections
Box A Brown University Providence, RI 02912 Tel: 401-863-2146 email: hay@brown.edu
English 0.5 linear foot 1915-1988 The Baccalaureate addresses are a selection of addresses delivered to Brown University seniors upon their graduation, between 1915 and 1988. Brown University. Baccalaureate Addresses Historical note

The Baccalaureate sermon is traditionally preached on the Sunday preceding Commencement. Rev. Morgan Edwards may be said to have delivered the first baccalaureate sermon when he preached to the graduates in the evening of the first Commencement day in 1769. President Caswell was asked to deliver a baccalaureate sermon by the Class of 1872, the class which was entering college when he assumed the presidency and was leaving as he retired. It was customary for the president to deliver the baccalaureate sermon until Henry Wriston, the first president who was not a Baptist minister, assumed office. After that, guest preachers were invited. In February 1944, when a winter commencement was held during wartime without the usual ceremony, Mr. Wriston delivered a baccalaureate address at the request of the graduates. He continued to deliver the address at the following wartime commencements. In 1988 another president, Howard Swearer, was the baccalaureate speaker at the last exercises before leaving the presidency.

The above entry appears in Encyclopedia Brunoniana by Martha Mitchell, copyright 1993 by the Brown University Library. It is used here by permission of the author and the University and may not be copied or further distributed without permission.

 Addresses Series I 1915-1988 Bigelow, Gordon E. Kingdom of God 1 1953 May 31 Blake, Eugene Carson, 1906-1985. Baccalaureate sermon 1 1963 Bradford, Arthur Howe. Steeple against the sky 1 1943 May 30 Cranford, Clarence W. Faith to match these times 1 1958 June 1 Dawley, Powel Mills. Address 1 1955 June 5 Douglass, Truman B. Responsible community 1 1959 May 31 Gomes, Peter J. Constraints of conscience or A heart with skill to listen 1 1987 May 24 Hall, Raymond Stewart. Spiritual emphasis for the future 1 1946 February 24 Higgins, John Seville. You can't go home again 1 1954 June 6 Jones, Rufus M. Invincible surmise 1 1939 June 18 Kinsolving, Arthur L. Christ, our criterion 1 1938 June 19 Lindsay, Samuel Macauley. Bridges to a better world 1 1945 June 17 MacLennan, David A. You can take it with you 1 1950 June 4 Mackay, John A. Restoration of a lost image 1 1960 June 5 Pope, Liston. Beginning of knowledge 1 1957 June 2 Saunders, Wilbour E. When the generals disagree 1 1951 June 3 Swearer, Howard. Sound of silence 1 1988 May 29 Thomas, Albert Clark. Enthusiasm of a realist 1 1937 June 20 Thomas, Albert Clark. Companionship with the ultimates 1 1942 May 17 Thomas, Albert Clark. Identification of future ideas 1 1956 June 3 Tibbetts, Norris Lowell. What shall we do with peace? 1 1945 October 21 Collection information

The collection is organized in one series, Addresses, 1915-1988

The Baccalaureate addresses are organized in one series, Addresses, which is a selection of addresses made to Brown University seniors upon their graduation, between 1915 and 1988.

The speeches are arranged alphabetically. Among the speakers are Albert Clark Thomas and Howard Swearer. Most of the speeches were made between 1940 and 1959.

There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.

Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.

Baccalaureate addresses, MS-1MS-B1, Brown University Archives.

 Administrative information

Additional information

Names Brown University--Students. Subjects Baccalaureate addresses--Brown University Commencement ceremonies Occupations

Types of Materials Speeches RIAMCO Browsing Term Education