Rev. Philander C. BAIRD, D.D.
"In the critical attitude of mind which many modern thinking men assume toward almost every measure, movement or establishment that the masses believe to be civilizing and cultural, the Church has come under criticism with the rest. To the superficial observer there may seem to be, in some sections, a foundation for assertions that there are symptoms of weakness and failure. How cheering then and inspiring is its refutation. Visit Oklahoma City and in the First Presbyterian Church, see the other side of the canvas, a picture of devoted zeal, of strengthening belief, of ever-widening scope of Christian usefulness. Largely has this state been brought about through the vitalizing power of its present pastor, Rev. Philander C. BAIRD.
Doctor Baird was born at DeWitt, Clinton County, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and is a son of Andrew Henderson and Isabel W. (CASTOR) Baird. Of Scottish descent, Andrew H. BAIRD was educated for the ministry, but ill health prevented service in that direction and prudence dictated an outdoor life, which he found in farming combined with school teaching. In early manhood he located in Ohio and from there went to Iowa and subsequently to Missouri.
It was on the Missouri farm that Philander C. BAIRD spent boyhood and youth, attending the public schools more or less regularly until nineteen years of age, when he took a course in the Paola (Kansas) Normal school, following which he taught school for a sufficient length of time to enable him to secure means for a college education, it being, just then, the aim of his ambition. After a course at Amity College, at College Springs, Page County, Iowa, he was graduated in 1891 and then entered the theological seminary at Xenia, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1894. His next advance was a post-graduate course, in Semitic languages, at the University of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1898, with his Ph. B. degree. His A. B. degree was secured in 1891 from Amity College, which in 1895 conferred the A.M. degree and in 1901 the degree of D.D. while the Xenia college conferred the B.D. degree in 1894.
In 1898 Doctor Baird was ordained to the United Presbyterian ministry and served as pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church of Burlington, Iowa, from 1898 to 1900, when he accepted the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and continued there until 1907, when he received a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, and entered upon his ministry here with a total church membership of a little upward of 500 individuals. As indicative of the vitalizing power before referred to as belonging to Doctor Baird, his church membership now numbers 1,300 and in 1911 the present magnificent church edifice was erected at a cost of $150,000. This splendid modern structure of modified Greek type deserves description, for its construction is unusual and its equipments for an outreaching efficiency that has had a wonderful influence on the civic and social life of the city.
The building itself, in external appearance, is extremely attractive and the inside fittings and furnishings are lavish and luxurious. The building is of steel construction and there is an effect of spaciousness in the auditorium, which nominally is supposed to seat an audience of 1,800 persons but often has accommodated a larger number. A great organ dominates the front of the auditorium, a modern instrument with chimes of bells. There are fifty-five rooms in the building, ranging from Bible study departments to kitchen, including ladies' parlors, a special room for men, a finely equipped nursery and accommodations for the social activities of old and young. The church has its own boiler house, its elaborate system of fire protection and its own vacuum cleaning plant. The church maintains six choirs, none singing on consecutive Sundays. Dominating everything, directing, vitalizing, sympathizing, upholding by sermon and personal service is Doctor Baird, a genial presence and dependable succor in time of distress, a man who holds the confidence and love of his congregation because it has faith in him and who is enabled to do the great work he is accomplishing because he has faith in himself.
Aside from his ministerial duties, Doctor Baird has long been busy and useful in other ways. In 1902 he was secured by the Redpath Lyceum Bureau and spent six years in the winter courses in the lecture field, and since then has done considerable lecturing during the summers, on the Chautauqua circuit. The subjects of some of Doctor Baird's lectures, which thousands have heard with profit and pleasure, were: "Gumption," a philosophical discourse on the simpler life elements of civilization, a plea for plain living; "Pegging Away, or Steps to the Hall of Fame," a question of the elements of success; and "Peerless America," a purely patriotic address. His popularity on the lecture field might have led a weaker man to have devoted every energy to that method of teaching, but it is as a religious teacher and leader that his greatest work has been done and in this direction have come the most valued compensations.
In 1892 Doctor Baird was united in marriage with Miss Ida May POLLOCK, who is a daughter of James Ross and Agnes Ellen (HARPER) Pollock, of College Springs, Iowa. The parents of Mrs. Baird were of Scotch descent but natives of Canada, and they came early to Iowa. The Pollocks claim the noted knight, Sir William Pollock, of Glasgow, Scotland, as an ancestor. Joseph R. Pollock was a prominent citizen of College Springs and the leading merchant. Doctor and Mrs. Baird have one son, Phillip Pollock Baird, who was born in 1897, and now at work for a master's degree, from Harvard University. Doctor Baird and family reside at No. 1011 N. Robinson Street, Oklahoma City.
With the enlightened understanding that helps make him what he is, Doctor Baird is not unmindful of public affairs and political influences and performs every duty of good citizenship. He is affiliated with the republican party but is too broad minded a man not to be able to recognize merit in other organizations.
Close as has been his devotion to the higher things of life, Doctor Baird has the wide vision that makes him understand men and their motives, and he has never hesitated at any time to mingle with his fellow citizens on an equal plane. Through sharing in their daily life and in their recreations as well he has, perhaps, exerted an influence that may not be measured. He belongs to the Oklahoma Division of the Travelers National Protective Association, which he is serving as chaplain, and occupies a like office with the Oklahoma State Underwriters Association. He is a charter member of the Oklahoma City Men's Dinner Club, and is a member of the Oklahoma City and Country Club. That Oklahoma City has been benefited by the life and activities of Doctor Baird is not a matter of question. His deeds and words, in public, in private or in the pulpit show forth a man of intellectual and moral integrity. His courage in facing the difficulties of early life may well be an inspiration to the hosts of young men in whom he is always interested and anxious to help, and his influence, practically and spiritually, to not only his congregation but to a still wider circle, has proved beneficial and lasting.
Source: A standard history of Oklahoma: an authentic narrative of its development from the date of the first European exploration down to the present time, including accounts of the Indian tribes, both civilized and wild, of the cattle range, of the land openings and the achievements of the most recent period, Volume 3 by Joseph Bradfield Thobum; The American Historical Society, 1916, pages 1025-1026
*******************************************************************************
Baird's Influences Always Cast For Church Harmony
Oklahoma City Presbyterians have lost a leader and worker and the city an honest citizen and friend in the death of Rev. Phil C. Baird, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Monday morning…. Baird has been the leading factor in the rapid growth of the First Presbyterian church in his sixteen years of ministry here….Funeral services for Baird will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. At the request of Mrs. Baird, a church funeral will be held with the ministerial alliance officiating. As Baird was a thirty-second degree Mason, Masons will attend the services.
Rev. E.B. Ringland will preach the funeral, while Rev. Forney Hutchinson, pastor of St. Luke's Methodist church, will make a talk. …
The benediction prayer service at Fairlawn cemetery will be pronounced by Rev. W.H. Urch and Ringland. Baird will be buried beside his son, Donald, who died in 1911….
Baird came to Oklahoma City in 1907 from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was born in DeWitt, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and spent the early years of his life on a farm there and later lived on a farm in Missouri. He was graduated from a normal school at Paoli, Kan., and in 1891 from Amity college, College Springs, Iowa.
He obtained his master of arts degree from Amity college in 1895 after finishing a course at a theological seminary at Zenia, Ohio, in 1894. He was given a doctor of philosophy degree by the University of Chicago in 1898 and a doctor of divinity degree in 1901 from Amity college.
(paragraph omitted)
Source: The Oklahoman Tuesday, 13 February 1923 2/13/1923
BAIRD SERVICE PLAN FINISHED
Elders Will Be Pallbearers; More Than Fifty Honoray Bearers Selected.
(paragraphs omitted)
Funeral services will start at 3 o'clock with the Lord's prayer led by Lawrence Johnson, the pastor's assistant. Baird's body will lie in state from 10 o'clock until 2 o'clock.
…. Mrs. Ray Truscott of Loveland, Colo., a sister of Mrs. Baird's will arrive at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning to attend the funeral.
… Source: The Oklahoman Wednesday, 14 February 1923 2/13/1923
"In the critical attitude of mind which many modern thinking men assume toward almost every measure, movement or establishment that the masses believe to be civilizing and cultural, the Church has come under criticism with the rest. To the superficial observer there may seem to be, in some sections, a foundation for assertions that there are symptoms of weakness and failure. How cheering then and inspiring is its refutation. Visit Oklahoma City and in the First Presbyterian Church, see the other side of the canvas, a picture of devoted zeal, of strengthening belief, of ever-widening scope of Christian usefulness. Largely has this state been brought about through the vitalizing power of its present pastor, Rev. Philander C. BAIRD.
Doctor Baird was born at DeWitt, Clinton County, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and is a son of Andrew Henderson and Isabel W. (CASTOR) Baird. Of Scottish descent, Andrew H. BAIRD was educated for the ministry, but ill health prevented service in that direction and prudence dictated an outdoor life, which he found in farming combined with school teaching. In early manhood he located in Ohio and from there went to Iowa and subsequently to Missouri.
It was on the Missouri farm that Philander C. BAIRD spent boyhood and youth, attending the public schools more or less regularly until nineteen years of age, when he took a course in the Paola (Kansas) Normal school, following which he taught school for a sufficient length of time to enable him to secure means for a college education, it being, just then, the aim of his ambition. After a course at Amity College, at College Springs, Page County, Iowa, he was graduated in 1891 and then entered the theological seminary at Xenia, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1894. His next advance was a post-graduate course, in Semitic languages, at the University of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1898, with his Ph. B. degree. His A. B. degree was secured in 1891 from Amity College, which in 1895 conferred the A.M. degree and in 1901 the degree of D.D. while the Xenia college conferred the B.D. degree in 1894.
In 1898 Doctor Baird was ordained to the United Presbyterian ministry and served as pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church of Burlington, Iowa, from 1898 to 1900, when he accepted the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and continued there until 1907, when he received a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, and entered upon his ministry here with a total church membership of a little upward of 500 individuals. As indicative of the vitalizing power before referred to as belonging to Doctor Baird, his church membership now numbers 1,300 and in 1911 the present magnificent church edifice was erected at a cost of $150,000. This splendid modern structure of modified Greek type deserves description, for its construction is unusual and its equipments for an outreaching efficiency that has had a wonderful influence on the civic and social life of the city.
The building itself, in external appearance, is extremely attractive and the inside fittings and furnishings are lavish and luxurious. The building is of steel construction and there is an effect of spaciousness in the auditorium, which nominally is supposed to seat an audience of 1,800 persons but often has accommodated a larger number. A great organ dominates the front of the auditorium, a modern instrument with chimes of bells. There are fifty-five rooms in the building, ranging from Bible study departments to kitchen, including ladies' parlors, a special room for men, a finely equipped nursery and accommodations for the social activities of old and young. The church has its own boiler house, its elaborate system of fire protection and its own vacuum cleaning plant. The church maintains six choirs, none singing on consecutive Sundays. Dominating everything, directing, vitalizing, sympathizing, upholding by sermon and personal service is Doctor Baird, a genial presence and dependable succor in time of distress, a man who holds the confidence and love of his congregation because it has faith in him and who is enabled to do the great work he is accomplishing because he has faith in himself.
Aside from his ministerial duties, Doctor Baird has long been busy and useful in other ways. In 1902 he was secured by the Redpath Lyceum Bureau and spent six years in the winter courses in the lecture field, and since then has done considerable lecturing during the summers, on the Chautauqua circuit. The subjects of some of Doctor Baird's lectures, which thousands have heard with profit and pleasure, were: "Gumption," a philosophical discourse on the simpler life elements of civilization, a plea for plain living; "Pegging Away, or Steps to the Hall of Fame," a question of the elements of success; and "Peerless America," a purely patriotic address. His popularity on the lecture field might have led a weaker man to have devoted every energy to that method of teaching, but it is as a religious teacher and leader that his greatest work has been done and in this direction have come the most valued compensations.
In 1892 Doctor Baird was united in marriage with Miss Ida May POLLOCK, who is a daughter of James Ross and Agnes Ellen (HARPER) Pollock, of College Springs, Iowa. The parents of Mrs. Baird were of Scotch descent but natives of Canada, and they came early to Iowa. The Pollocks claim the noted knight, Sir William Pollock, of Glasgow, Scotland, as an ancestor. Joseph R. Pollock was a prominent citizen of College Springs and the leading merchant. Doctor and Mrs. Baird have one son, Phillip Pollock Baird, who was born in 1897, and now at work for a master's degree, from Harvard University. Doctor Baird and family reside at No. 1011 N. Robinson Street, Oklahoma City.
With the enlightened understanding that helps make him what he is, Doctor Baird is not unmindful of public affairs and political influences and performs every duty of good citizenship. He is affiliated with the republican party but is too broad minded a man not to be able to recognize merit in other organizations.
Close as has been his devotion to the higher things of life, Doctor Baird has the wide vision that makes him understand men and their motives, and he has never hesitated at any time to mingle with his fellow citizens on an equal plane. Through sharing in their daily life and in their recreations as well he has, perhaps, exerted an influence that may not be measured. He belongs to the Oklahoma Division of the Travelers National Protective Association, which he is serving as chaplain, and occupies a like office with the Oklahoma State Underwriters Association. He is a charter member of the Oklahoma City Men's Dinner Club, and is a member of the Oklahoma City and Country Club. That Oklahoma City has been benefited by the life and activities of Doctor Baird is not a matter of question. His deeds and words, in public, in private or in the pulpit show forth a man of intellectual and moral integrity. His courage in facing the difficulties of early life may well be an inspiration to the hosts of young men in whom he is always interested and anxious to help, and his influence, practically and spiritually, to not only his congregation but to a still wider circle, has proved beneficial and lasting.
Source: A standard history of Oklahoma: an authentic narrative of its development from the date of the first European exploration down to the present time, including accounts of the Indian tribes, both civilized and wild, of the cattle range, of the land openings and the achievements of the most recent period, Volume 3 by Joseph Bradfield Thobum; The American Historical Society, 1916, pages 1025-1026
*******************************************************************************
Baird's Influences Always Cast For Church Harmony
Oklahoma City Presbyterians have lost a leader and worker and the city an honest citizen and friend in the death of Rev. Phil C. Baird, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Monday morning…. Baird has been the leading factor in the rapid growth of the First Presbyterian church in his sixteen years of ministry here….Funeral services for Baird will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. At the request of Mrs. Baird, a church funeral will be held with the ministerial alliance officiating. As Baird was a thirty-second degree Mason, Masons will attend the services.
Rev. E.B. Ringland will preach the funeral, while Rev. Forney Hutchinson, pastor of St. Luke's Methodist church, will make a talk. …
The benediction prayer service at Fairlawn cemetery will be pronounced by Rev. W.H. Urch and Ringland. Baird will be buried beside his son, Donald, who died in 1911….
Baird came to Oklahoma City in 1907 from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was born in DeWitt, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and spent the early years of his life on a farm there and later lived on a farm in Missouri. He was graduated from a normal school at Paoli, Kan., and in 1891 from Amity college, College Springs, Iowa.
He obtained his master of arts degree from Amity college in 1895 after finishing a course at a theological seminary at Zenia, Ohio, in 1894. He was given a doctor of philosophy degree by the University of Chicago in 1898 and a doctor of divinity degree in 1901 from Amity college.
(paragraph omitted)
Source: The Oklahoman Tuesday, 13 February 1923 2/13/1923
BAIRD SERVICE PLAN FINISHED
Elders Will Be Pallbearers; More Than Fifty Honoray Bearers Selected.
(paragraphs omitted)
Funeral services will start at 3 o'clock with the Lord's prayer led by Lawrence Johnson, the pastor's assistant. Baird's body will lie in state from 10 o'clock until 2 o'clock.
…. Mrs. Ray Truscott of Loveland, Colo., a sister of Mrs. Baird's will arrive at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning to attend the funeral.
… Source: The Oklahoman Wednesday, 14 February 1923 2/13/1923
Rev. Philander C. BAIRD, D.D.
"In the critical attitude of mind which many modern thinking men assume toward almost every measure, movement or establishment that the masses believe to be civilizing and cultural, the Church has come under criticism with the rest. To the superficial observer there may seem to be, in some sections, a foundation for assertions that there are symptoms of weakness and failure. How cheering then and inspiring is its refutation. Visit Oklahoma City and in the First Presbyterian Church, see the other side of the canvas, a picture of devoted zeal, of strengthening belief, of ever-widening scope of Christian usefulness. Largely has this state been brought about through the vitalizing power of its present pastor, Rev. Philander C. BAIRD.
Doctor Baird was born at DeWitt, Clinton County, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and is a son of Andrew Henderson and Isabel W. (CASTOR) Baird. Of Scottish descent, Andrew H. BAIRD was educated for the ministry, but ill health prevented service in that direction and prudence dictated an outdoor life, which he found in farming combined with school teaching. In early manhood he located in Ohio and from there went to Iowa and subsequently to Missouri.
It was on the Missouri farm that Philander C. BAIRD spent boyhood and youth, attending the public schools more or less regularly until nineteen years of age, when he took a course in the Paola (Kansas) Normal school, following which he taught school for a sufficient length of time to enable him to secure means for a college education, it being, just then, the aim of his ambition. After a course at Amity College, at College Springs, Page County, Iowa, he was graduated in 1891 and then entered the theological seminary at Xenia, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1894. His next advance was a post-graduate course, in Semitic languages, at the University of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1898, with his Ph. B. degree. His A. B. degree was secured in 1891 from Amity College, which in 1895 conferred the A.M. degree and in 1901 the degree of D.D. while the Xenia college conferred the B.D. degree in 1894.
In 1898 Doctor Baird was ordained to the United Presbyterian ministry and served as pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church of Burlington, Iowa, from 1898 to 1900, when he accepted the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and continued there until 1907, when he received a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, and entered upon his ministry here with a total church membership of a little upward of 500 individuals. As indicative of the vitalizing power before referred to as belonging to Doctor Baird, his church membership now numbers 1,300 and in 1911 the present magnificent church edifice was erected at a cost of $150,000. This splendid modern structure of modified Greek type deserves description, for its construction is unusual and its equipments for an outreaching efficiency that has had a wonderful influence on the civic and social life of the city.
The building itself, in external appearance, is extremely attractive and the inside fittings and furnishings are lavish and luxurious. The building is of steel construction and there is an effect of spaciousness in the auditorium, which nominally is supposed to seat an audience of 1,800 persons but often has accommodated a larger number. A great organ dominates the front of the auditorium, a modern instrument with chimes of bells. There are fifty-five rooms in the building, ranging from Bible study departments to kitchen, including ladies' parlors, a special room for men, a finely equipped nursery and accommodations for the social activities of old and young. The church has its own boiler house, its elaborate system of fire protection and its own vacuum cleaning plant. The church maintains six choirs, none singing on consecutive Sundays. Dominating everything, directing, vitalizing, sympathizing, upholding by sermon and personal service is Doctor Baird, a genial presence and dependable succor in time of distress, a man who holds the confidence and love of his congregation because it has faith in him and who is enabled to do the great work he is accomplishing because he has faith in himself.
Aside from his ministerial duties, Doctor Baird has long been busy and useful in other ways. In 1902 he was secured by the Redpath Lyceum Bureau and spent six years in the winter courses in the lecture field, and since then has done considerable lecturing during the summers, on the Chautauqua circuit. The subjects of some of Doctor Baird's lectures, which thousands have heard with profit and pleasure, were: "Gumption," a philosophical discourse on the simpler life elements of civilization, a plea for plain living; "Pegging Away, or Steps to the Hall of Fame," a question of the elements of success; and "Peerless America," a purely patriotic address. His popularity on the lecture field might have led a weaker man to have devoted every energy to that method of teaching, but it is as a religious teacher and leader that his greatest work has been done and in this direction have come the most valued compensations.
In 1892 Doctor Baird was united in marriage with Miss Ida May POLLOCK, who is a daughter of James Ross and Agnes Ellen (HARPER) Pollock, of College Springs, Iowa. The parents of Mrs. Baird were of Scotch descent but natives of Canada, and they came early to Iowa. The Pollocks claim the noted knight, Sir William Pollock, of Glasgow, Scotland, as an ancestor. Joseph R. Pollock was a prominent citizen of College Springs and the leading merchant. Doctor and Mrs. Baird have one son, Phillip Pollock Baird, who was born in 1897, and now at work for a master's degree, from Harvard University. Doctor Baird and family reside at No. 1011 N. Robinson Street, Oklahoma City.
With the enlightened understanding that helps make him what he is, Doctor Baird is not unmindful of public affairs and political influences and performs every duty of good citizenship. He is affiliated with the republican party but is too broad minded a man not to be able to recognize merit in other organizations.
Close as has been his devotion to the higher things of life, Doctor Baird has the wide vision that makes him understand men and their motives, and he has never hesitated at any time to mingle with his fellow citizens on an equal plane. Through sharing in their daily life and in their recreations as well he has, perhaps, exerted an influence that may not be measured. He belongs to the Oklahoma Division of the Travelers National Protective Association, which he is serving as chaplain, and occupies a like office with the Oklahoma State Underwriters Association. He is a charter member of the Oklahoma City Men's Dinner Club, and is a member of the Oklahoma City and Country Club. That Oklahoma City has been benefited by the life and activities of Doctor Baird is not a matter of question. His deeds and words, in public, in private or in the pulpit show forth a man of intellectual and moral integrity. His courage in facing the difficulties of early life may well be an inspiration to the hosts of young men in whom he is always interested and anxious to help, and his influence, practically and spiritually, to not only his congregation but to a still wider circle, has proved beneficial and lasting.
Source: A standard history of Oklahoma: an authentic narrative of its development from the date of the first European exploration down to the present time, including accounts of the Indian tribes, both civilized and wild, of the cattle range, of the land openings and the achievements of the most recent period, Volume 3 by Joseph Bradfield Thobum; The American Historical Society, 1916, pages 1025-1026
*******************************************************************************
Baird's Influences Always Cast For Church Harmony
Oklahoma City Presbyterians have lost a leader and worker and the city an honest citizen and friend in the death of Rev. Phil C. Baird, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Monday morning…. Baird has been the leading factor in the rapid growth of the First Presbyterian church in his sixteen years of ministry here….Funeral services for Baird will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. At the request of Mrs. Baird, a church funeral will be held with the ministerial alliance officiating. As Baird was a thirty-second degree Mason, Masons will attend the services.
Rev. E.B. Ringland will preach the funeral, while Rev. Forney Hutchinson, pastor of St. Luke's Methodist church, will make a talk. …
The benediction prayer service at Fairlawn cemetery will be pronounced by Rev. W.H. Urch and Ringland. Baird will be buried beside his son, Donald, who died in 1911….
Baird came to Oklahoma City in 1907 from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was born in DeWitt, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and spent the early years of his life on a farm there and later lived on a farm in Missouri. He was graduated from a normal school at Paoli, Kan., and in 1891 from Amity college, College Springs, Iowa.
He obtained his master of arts degree from Amity college in 1895 after finishing a course at a theological seminary at Zenia, Ohio, in 1894. He was given a doctor of philosophy degree by the University of Chicago in 1898 and a doctor of divinity degree in 1901 from Amity college.
(paragraph omitted)
Source: The Oklahoman Tuesday, 13 February 1923 2/13/1923
BAIRD SERVICE PLAN FINISHED
Elders Will Be Pallbearers; More Than Fifty Honoray Bearers Selected.
(paragraphs omitted)
Funeral services will start at 3 o'clock with the Lord's prayer led by Lawrence Johnson, the pastor's assistant. Baird's body will lie in state from 10 o'clock until 2 o'clock.
…. Mrs. Ray Truscott of Loveland, Colo., a sister of Mrs. Baird's will arrive at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning to attend the funeral.
… Source: The Oklahoman Wednesday, 14 February 1923 2/13/1923
"In the critical attitude of mind which many modern thinking men assume toward almost every measure, movement or establishment that the masses believe to be civilizing and cultural, the Church has come under criticism with the rest. To the superficial observer there may seem to be, in some sections, a foundation for assertions that there are symptoms of weakness and failure. How cheering then and inspiring is its refutation. Visit Oklahoma City and in the First Presbyterian Church, see the other side of the canvas, a picture of devoted zeal, of strengthening belief, of ever-widening scope of Christian usefulness. Largely has this state been brought about through the vitalizing power of its present pastor, Rev. Philander C. BAIRD.
Doctor Baird was born at DeWitt, Clinton County, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and is a son of Andrew Henderson and Isabel W. (CASTOR) Baird. Of Scottish descent, Andrew H. BAIRD was educated for the ministry, but ill health prevented service in that direction and prudence dictated an outdoor life, which he found in farming combined with school teaching. In early manhood he located in Ohio and from there went to Iowa and subsequently to Missouri.
It was on the Missouri farm that Philander C. BAIRD spent boyhood and youth, attending the public schools more or less regularly until nineteen years of age, when he took a course in the Paola (Kansas) Normal school, following which he taught school for a sufficient length of time to enable him to secure means for a college education, it being, just then, the aim of his ambition. After a course at Amity College, at College Springs, Page County, Iowa, he was graduated in 1891 and then entered the theological seminary at Xenia, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1894. His next advance was a post-graduate course, in Semitic languages, at the University of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in 1898, with his Ph. B. degree. His A. B. degree was secured in 1891 from Amity College, which in 1895 conferred the A.M. degree and in 1901 the degree of D.D. while the Xenia college conferred the B.D. degree in 1894.
In 1898 Doctor Baird was ordained to the United Presbyterian ministry and served as pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church of Burlington, Iowa, from 1898 to 1900, when he accepted the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and continued there until 1907, when he received a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, and entered upon his ministry here with a total church membership of a little upward of 500 individuals. As indicative of the vitalizing power before referred to as belonging to Doctor Baird, his church membership now numbers 1,300 and in 1911 the present magnificent church edifice was erected at a cost of $150,000. This splendid modern structure of modified Greek type deserves description, for its construction is unusual and its equipments for an outreaching efficiency that has had a wonderful influence on the civic and social life of the city.
The building itself, in external appearance, is extremely attractive and the inside fittings and furnishings are lavish and luxurious. The building is of steel construction and there is an effect of spaciousness in the auditorium, which nominally is supposed to seat an audience of 1,800 persons but often has accommodated a larger number. A great organ dominates the front of the auditorium, a modern instrument with chimes of bells. There are fifty-five rooms in the building, ranging from Bible study departments to kitchen, including ladies' parlors, a special room for men, a finely equipped nursery and accommodations for the social activities of old and young. The church has its own boiler house, its elaborate system of fire protection and its own vacuum cleaning plant. The church maintains six choirs, none singing on consecutive Sundays. Dominating everything, directing, vitalizing, sympathizing, upholding by sermon and personal service is Doctor Baird, a genial presence and dependable succor in time of distress, a man who holds the confidence and love of his congregation because it has faith in him and who is enabled to do the great work he is accomplishing because he has faith in himself.
Aside from his ministerial duties, Doctor Baird has long been busy and useful in other ways. In 1902 he was secured by the Redpath Lyceum Bureau and spent six years in the winter courses in the lecture field, and since then has done considerable lecturing during the summers, on the Chautauqua circuit. The subjects of some of Doctor Baird's lectures, which thousands have heard with profit and pleasure, were: "Gumption," a philosophical discourse on the simpler life elements of civilization, a plea for plain living; "Pegging Away, or Steps to the Hall of Fame," a question of the elements of success; and "Peerless America," a purely patriotic address. His popularity on the lecture field might have led a weaker man to have devoted every energy to that method of teaching, but it is as a religious teacher and leader that his greatest work has been done and in this direction have come the most valued compensations.
In 1892 Doctor Baird was united in marriage with Miss Ida May POLLOCK, who is a daughter of James Ross and Agnes Ellen (HARPER) Pollock, of College Springs, Iowa. The parents of Mrs. Baird were of Scotch descent but natives of Canada, and they came early to Iowa. The Pollocks claim the noted knight, Sir William Pollock, of Glasgow, Scotland, as an ancestor. Joseph R. Pollock was a prominent citizen of College Springs and the leading merchant. Doctor and Mrs. Baird have one son, Phillip Pollock Baird, who was born in 1897, and now at work for a master's degree, from Harvard University. Doctor Baird and family reside at No. 1011 N. Robinson Street, Oklahoma City.
With the enlightened understanding that helps make him what he is, Doctor Baird is not unmindful of public affairs and political influences and performs every duty of good citizenship. He is affiliated with the republican party but is too broad minded a man not to be able to recognize merit in other organizations.
Close as has been his devotion to the higher things of life, Doctor Baird has the wide vision that makes him understand men and their motives, and he has never hesitated at any time to mingle with his fellow citizens on an equal plane. Through sharing in their daily life and in their recreations as well he has, perhaps, exerted an influence that may not be measured. He belongs to the Oklahoma Division of the Travelers National Protective Association, which he is serving as chaplain, and occupies a like office with the Oklahoma State Underwriters Association. He is a charter member of the Oklahoma City Men's Dinner Club, and is a member of the Oklahoma City and Country Club. That Oklahoma City has been benefited by the life and activities of Doctor Baird is not a matter of question. His deeds and words, in public, in private or in the pulpit show forth a man of intellectual and moral integrity. His courage in facing the difficulties of early life may well be an inspiration to the hosts of young men in whom he is always interested and anxious to help, and his influence, practically and spiritually, to not only his congregation but to a still wider circle, has proved beneficial and lasting.
Source: A standard history of Oklahoma: an authentic narrative of its development from the date of the first European exploration down to the present time, including accounts of the Indian tribes, both civilized and wild, of the cattle range, of the land openings and the achievements of the most recent period, Volume 3 by Joseph Bradfield Thobum; The American Historical Society, 1916, pages 1025-1026
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Baird's Influences Always Cast For Church Harmony
Oklahoma City Presbyterians have lost a leader and worker and the city an honest citizen and friend in the death of Rev. Phil C. Baird, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Monday morning…. Baird has been the leading factor in the rapid growth of the First Presbyterian church in his sixteen years of ministry here….Funeral services for Baird will be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. At the request of Mrs. Baird, a church funeral will be held with the ministerial alliance officiating. As Baird was a thirty-second degree Mason, Masons will attend the services.
Rev. E.B. Ringland will preach the funeral, while Rev. Forney Hutchinson, pastor of St. Luke's Methodist church, will make a talk. …
The benediction prayer service at Fairlawn cemetery will be pronounced by Rev. W.H. Urch and Ringland. Baird will be buried beside his son, Donald, who died in 1911….
Baird came to Oklahoma City in 1907 from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was born in DeWitt, Iowa, May 7, 1863, and spent the early years of his life on a farm there and later lived on a farm in Missouri. He was graduated from a normal school at Paoli, Kan., and in 1891 from Amity college, College Springs, Iowa.
He obtained his master of arts degree from Amity college in 1895 after finishing a course at a theological seminary at Zenia, Ohio, in 1894. He was given a doctor of philosophy degree by the University of Chicago in 1898 and a doctor of divinity degree in 1901 from Amity college.
(paragraph omitted)
Source: The Oklahoman Tuesday, 13 February 1923 2/13/1923
BAIRD SERVICE PLAN FINISHED
Elders Will Be Pallbearers; More Than Fifty Honoray Bearers Selected.
(paragraphs omitted)
Funeral services will start at 3 o'clock with the Lord's prayer led by Lawrence Johnson, the pastor's assistant. Baird's body will lie in state from 10 o'clock until 2 o'clock.
…. Mrs. Ray Truscott of Loveland, Colo., a sister of Mrs. Baird's will arrive at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning to attend the funeral.
… Source: The Oklahoman Wednesday, 14 February 1923 2/13/1923
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