Regester, John Dickinson

John D. Regester was professor of philosophy and Dean at the College of Puget Sound (now University of Puget Sound), 1924-1965. Regester wrote his dissertation on Schweitzer in 1928 which was later published in 1931 by Abingdon Press, the first book on this great Bach organist and humanitarian. Because of this, Schweitzer always referred to Regester as his "First American Friend." Regester visited Lambaréné, Gabon, French Equatorial Africa, twice to see Schweitzer. The second time he arrived just a day or two after Schweitzer's funeral. This is the reason the collection includes African funeral relics (face masks and wooden bell). Normally these are buried with the body but due to Regester's special relationship with Schweitzer the Africans gave these precious artifacts to Regester.

From the guide to the John D. Regester Collection on Albert Schweitzer, 1960-1972, 1924-1974, (University of Puget Sound Archives)

John D. Regester was professor of philosophy and Dean at the College of Puget Sound (now University of Puget Sound), in Tacoma, Washington, 1924-1965. Regester wrote his dissertation on Schweitzer in 1928 which was later published in 1931 by Abingdon Press, the first book on this great Bach organist and humanitarian. Because of this, Schweitzer always referred to Regester as his "First American Friend." Regester visited Lambaréné, Gabon, French Equatorial Africa, twice to see Schweitzer. The second time he arrived just a day or two after Schweitzer's funeral. This is the reason the collection includes African funeral relics (face masks and wooden bell). Normally these are buried with the body but due to Regester's special relationship with Schweitzer the local Africans gave these precious artifacts to Regester.

From the description of Albert Schweitzer Collection, 1924-1974 1960-1972. (University of Puget Sound Library). WorldCat record id: 746574577