John M. Moore: July 21, 1904-September 26, 1998

John M. Moore July 21, 1904-September26, 1998 Friends Historical Association records its profound appreciation for the many fine and varied services rendered by our Honorary Director, John M. Moore, both to the Association and to Quaker history and practice. His interests and education focused on philosophy and religion. He received degrees from Park College in Missouri, from Harvard University, Union Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He taught ethics and religion atHamilton Collegebefore going to Swarthmore College in 1943, where he became Professor of Philosophy and Religion. Later, he also served for many years as Associate Dean and Registrar of the college. This administrative experiences led to his appointment as Acting Director ofFriends Historical Library, a position which he held for two years, retiring finally from the college in 1973. John's early publications include his doctoral dissertation, Theories of Religious experience: with special reference to James, Otto, and Bergson (1938) and a pamphlet, The Place of Morals and Religious Values in Programs ofGeneral Education (1952). He wrote articles which appeared in scholarly journals ofreligion, and provided contributions to other works. John's interest in Quakerism developed after he came to Swarthmore. In 1 948 he and his wife, Margaret, and their two daughters joined Swarthmore Monthly Meeting, in which the couple took an active part during their many years of residence in the community. John gave particular service to the Friends Historical Association: as a member of the Board of Directors 1972-1977, Editor of Quaker History 1974-1980, and as President 1980-1985. He was named an Honorary Director in 1986. He also served on several committees, including the Curatorial, Nominating, and Publication Committees. The Association asked John twice to edit books on Quaker history: Friends in the Delaware Valley: Philadelphia Yearly Meeting 1681—1981; and, as co-editor with J. William Frost, Seeking the Light: essays in Quaker history in honor of Edwin B. Bronner. This second work was published jointly by Pendle Hill and the Friends Historical Association in 1986. John Moore shared responsibility for yet another book of Quaker history. After leaving theirhome in Swarthmore in 1 985, John and Margaret became residents of The Hickman Home in West Chester, Pa. For a book to commemorate the 1991 centennial of the Friends Boarding Home of Concord Quarterly Meeting and The Hickman, John Moore wrote the history of the founding and challenging development of these two Quaker institutions. John Child shared responsibility for the book. John Moore relates with clarity the difficult steps along the way taken by caring Friends who also needed to be practical business managers through times of economic turbulence and changing governmental regulations. John's his- John M. Moore83 torical account is a masterful summary of the rather complicated history of the joining together of the two institutions. John Moore's insight, his spirit ofhelpfulness, and his good humor made him a supportive and encouraging colleague in any cooperative endeavor. We shall continue to miss him. We express our gratitude for his contributions to the work and aims of our Association. Edwin B. Bronner Jane R. Smiley ...