This week in Christian history: ‘Festival of Reason,’ Asa Mahan born, first American Episcopal bishop consecrated
Asa Mahan born – Nov. 9, 1800
This week marks the anniversary of when Presbyterian minister Asa Mahan, who served as the first president of what became Oberlin College, was born in Vernon, New York.
Mahan was ordained in the Presbyterian Church in 1829 and later became pastor at Sixth Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became an outspoken abolitionist.
After leaving Lane Theological Seminary, he accepted a request from Oberlin College founder John Shipherd to become the school’s first president.
“Mahan dedicated his efforts as president to encouraging his students to support the emancipation of slaves and the securing of rights to African Americans and women equal to those of white men,” noted the Ohio History Connection.
“He also hoped that Oberlin's students would live in a morally correct manner and avoid earthly desires. Mahan tried to impose his views on the faculty of the college. In 1850, Oberlin's faculty asked that Mahan change his views and practices. Mahan chose to resign.”
