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She said the college would be awarding an honorary degree,
Doctorate of Humane Letters. She asked that Dr. Wayne C. Temple and
his sponsor, Chairman Robert Neal, stand at the front of the stage.
She acknowledged the works of Temple. Born in 1924 in Ohio, he has
become an internationally recognized authority on President Abraham
Lincoln. He is considered as a key resource for many historians.
Dr. Temple has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Master’s
Degree in Art and History, and Ph.D. in History.
He is the chief deputy director of the Illinois State Archives. He
has been honored with the Special Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial
edition of the Order of Lincoln, the highest honor awarded by the
State of Illinois.
Dr. Temple has a long line of services throughout his 92 years. He
served as a member of the U.S. Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial
Commission Advisory Committee in 2009. Has been on numerous councils
and boards related to the 16th President. He was editor-in-chief of
the Lincoln Herald, the only quarterly journal of Abraham Lincoln in
the world, and also the oldest such publication started in 1897. He
also has served on the Board of Governors for the St. Louis Shrine
Hospital for children.
And, he is a U.S. Veteran, service during WWII under General Dwight
D. Eisenhower.
Dr. Temple has authored several books including "Abraham Lincoln,
From Skeptic to Prophet," "By Square and Compass," "Saga of the
Lincoln Home," "The Taste Is in My Mouth a Little... Lincoln's
Victuals and Potables," "Abraham Lincoln and Illinois' Fifth
Capitol," and "Lincoln's Travels on the River Queen during the Last
days of His Life."
Temple will soon have a new release that will define the
relationship between Lincoln and the Hay family as well as John
Nicolay. The book is scheduled to be released in April.
Fansler concluded saying, “For his life-long commitment to historic
research, and prolific writing, it is appropriate that Dr. Wayne C.
Temple receive the Honorary Degree- Doctorate of Humane Letters.
The degree was confirmed by Blackburn, who then authorized the
presentation of the hood and diploma representative of that degree.
Dr.Temple took the podium and began by expressing appreciation to
the college, its Board of Trustees and faculty for the honor of the
doctorate.
He then delivered a detailed account from contents of his new
release. He began that telling with the account of four men coming
from different geographical areas; their migration to Illinois
brought them to Springfield, as well as another Illinois town,
Pittsfield.
The presentation was based on Dr. Temples new book coming out in the
spring that details the relationship between Lincoln, Milton Hay,
John Milton Hay and George Nicolay.
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Following Dr. Temple's talk, the Lincoln College Chorale took
to the risers at the back of the stage and gave a beautiful
rendition of “For Good” from the Musical “Wicked."
Then, Dr. Temple and Associate Professor Ron Keller had an
armchair discussion.
Keller asked first about Temples experience serving with General
Dwight Eisenhower. Temple described Eisenhower as being a kind
leader, and not one to worry about his own accomplishments. He
noted in particular that while the Interstate Highway system was
an Eisenhower idea, it was others who got the credit for it. He
also said that the reference to Eisenhower as ‘Ike” is
incorrect. Eisenhower was most often referred to as 'General'
during his career in the military and his Presidency.
In his book discussion and with Keller, he revealed that
contrary to a presentation given on Saturday in Mount Pulaski,
he indeed believed that Mary Todd Lincoln was “buggy." He noted
that mental illness was in her family as well. He also said that
Hay and Nicolay despised her.
A question from the audience inquired as to whether Lincoln
believed in God. Temple said that indeed he did, and in fact was
very spiritual. Where he differed from others was that he didn’t
define his faith with ritual. He wasn’t concerned about the
various churches and faiths or how those faiths perceived God.
He said in the end, in Lincoln’s mind regardless of what he was
called, they all worshiped one God. He also recounted that
Lincoln established chaplains during the Civil War who worked
with the various faiths to assure that all were represented.
Temple reminded the audience that while the Civil War was the
forethought of everyone, Lincoln dealt with many other
situations and accomplishments during his presidency, naming the
completion of the continental railroad as just one.
At the end of the session, the Lincoln College Chorale performed
the Alma Mater. Blackburn offered up the benediction.
Finally, all guests were invited to the Vance Family Dance
Studio for a reception and book signing event with Dr. Temple.
[Nila Smith]
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