Samuel Logan Brengle papers

Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle was born in Greencastle, Indiana on June 1, 1860. As a member of the class of Indiana Asbury University 1883, the last class before the name was changed to DePauw University, Sam Brengle showed an unusual talent. From high school days he had been bewitched by words. He won many prizes with his oratorical ability. In addition to his interest in declamation Brengle taught a Sunday School class in College Avenue Methodist Church for four years he was in college. Continuing his studies at Boston Theological Seminary, he became interested in the Salvation Army, newly established in this country in Boston. As the seminary course was completed he turned down a request to minster in a new, influential church in South Bend, Indiana. Instead he began in long career in the Army. In London he trained under General William Booth, the Army's founder, later he carried his ministry to this country. During his lifetime he preached in many parts of the world. DePauw University honored Brengle in 1914 with a D.D. degree. He returned to the campus in 1933, three years before his death, for his 50th anniversary and was photographed with the members of his class.