DR. JOHN LAWRENCE SEATON, was born in Manchester, Ia., Jan. 25, 1873, Dr. Seaton was an 1895 graduate of the Epworth Iowa seminary and received his A.B. degree from Upper Iowa university in 1898, a year after he had been ordained to the Methodist Episcopal ministry. He then studied at the School of Theology of Boston University and served at the same time as associate pastor of the Morgan Memorial Institutional church of Boston. Subsequent charges were the Norwood, Mass., Methodist church and the Grandview Avenue church of Dubuque, Ia.

In 1904 Dr. Seaton began his work as an educator when he joined the faculty of Dakota Wesleyan as professor of psychology and Bible. In 1905 he earned his Ph.D. degree at Boston University and from 1913 to 1914 he was a Williams scholar at Harvard. From 1914 to 1919 he was president of the College of the Pacific. Then he was summoned to New York to become college secretary of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1924 he accepted the presidency of Albion College.

An acknowledged scholar, himself, he consistently improved the curriculum at Albion so that the college was recognized by the most significant accrediting agencies of the nation. During his incumbency a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established at Albion.

Among new buildings to appear on campus during Dr. Seaton's presidency were Susanna Wesley hall, the Kresge gymnasium, Stockwell library, the new Dean hall, reconstruction of the Gassette Library into administrative offices, transformation of the former cafeteria into a Home Economics center, the college power plant, and acquisition of the president's home and eight other properties for campus expansion. Albion acquired the president's residency on Michigan avenue. Several older buildings were remodeled, among them the former chapel, now called South hall; the Lottie Gassette library, now the administration building; and the old gym, converted into a home economics building.

When the men's residence hall was erected in 1948 it was named Seaton hall in his honor, three years after his retirement.

Though it is general practice for a president of Albion to retire at the age of seventy, the board of trustees of Albion requested President Seaton to remain at his post for another two years through the difficult days of World War II, when Albion hosted an Army Air crew detachment in addition to its own student body. Following his retirement Dr. Seaton still remained active in Methodist educational circles.

The recipient of many national and local honors, Dr. Seaton was former president of the University Senate of the Methodist Episcopal Church; president of the Association of American Colleges; chairman of the Commission on Colleges of the North Central Association; a 1932 and 1936 delegate to the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a delegate to the Uniting Conference in 1939. He was awarded honorary degrees by West Virginia Wesleyan, Dakota Wesleyan, Boston University, Principia and Albion College. He was a Mason, a Rotarian, a member of the Torch club, Tau Kappa Epsilon and Phi Beta Kappa.

It was Dr. Seaton, great admirer of Robert Browning, who gave Albion men and women Browning's credo, "The best is yet to be."

Seaton died in Short Hills, N.J., January 28. He was 88 and had been in failing health for several months. His body was brought from the East and services were held in Goodrich Chapel January 31, with President Louis W. Norris officiating. Assisting were former Dean Emil Leffler, Professor emeritus A.M. Chickering, Professor emeritus Louis W. Rowland who played the organ, and Professor David Strickler who sang two hymns. President Norris spoke of Dr. Seaton as "an educational and ecclesiastical statesman." Dean Leffler recalled that "He was equally at ease with a balance sheet or with the disciplines of the arts of the ivory tower." And Dr. Chickering in his tribute said, "He was earnestly dedicated to the liberal arts in a Christian atmosphere."

Bearers were Dr. Thomas M. Carter, chairman of the department of education; Dr. Joseph J. Irwin, chairman of the department of English; Marvin F. Pahl, registrar of the college; Acting Dean Walter B. Sprandel; R.G. Kelsey, office manager; and J.C. Bedient, '24, representing the alumni.

Interment was in Riverside cemetery, Albion. Survivors include his son, William David Seaton of New York; his daughter, Mrs. Mary Seaton McDonald of Short Hills, N.J.; and three granddaughters. His wife, Mrs. Jessie Davis Seaton, preceded him in death in 1946.

From "A Great Former President Passes," March 1961

• Dr. J.L Seaton Inaugurated. Ceremonies at M.E. Church are impressive. Bishop Thomas Nicholson gives formal charge. Other speakers are: Dr. K.L. Butterfield, Dr. Ames A. Maywood, Dr. Arthur H. Harrop, and Miss Woodena Tench. (1925, June 16). Albion Evening Recorder, 22(143).

• Dr. J.L. Seaton is new head of Albion College. New president educator for twenty years. College secretary of education Board of Methodist church accepts position here. He is unanimous choice of College board and faculty. (1924, May 15). Albion Evening Recorder, 21(119).

• Dr. Seaton elected university senate head, term is 4 years. Advisory body controls 150 Methodist colleges and universities throughout country. (1925, June 1). Albion College Bulletin, 21(3), 1.

• Dr. Seaton to be inaugurated on June 16th. Ceremonies for new president of Albion College will be the big feature of commencement week: Special committee is named.(1925, March 3). Albion Recorder.

• Dr. Seaton's inauguration in June. Faculty committee working on program. Commencement delayed one day for added activity of graduation week, date is June 17. (1925, March 17). Albion College Bulletin, 21(2).

• Inaugural of Dr. John Lawrence Seaton. (1925, October 15). Albion College Bulletin, 21(4), 13.

• Inauguration of Dr. J.L. Seaton occurs Tuesday. Albion College commencement to be historic. Formal introduction of new president into office will draw distinguished assembly; Class of 94 will received degrees on Wednesday. (1925, June 15). Albion Evening Recorder, 22(142).

• Inauguration of Seaton held at commencement time has not attempt at pompous display. Formally invested after year's service. Last three days of graduation week crowded; 96 diplomas given. (1925, October 15). Albion College Bulletin, 21(4).

• Inauguration with commencement. Dr. Seaton to have formal ceremony. Graduation week will have extra day for installation of president of a year. (1925, June 1). Albion College Bulletin, 21(3), 1, 13.

• Mrs. John L. Seaton. (1946, May). [Publication unknown], 11(3), 49.

• Seaton named new president. (1924, June). Alumni Bulletin, 20(3), 4+.

• Wife of Dr. Seaton dies at home after long illness. (1946, April 26). Albion Pleiad, 62(24).