Frederic Corss Church, 1885-1966

Frederic Corss Church was born on October 3, 1885, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He attended Cornell University from 1905 to 1909, and was granted a fellowship from that institution to continue his studies in Europe from 1909 to 1912. He taught at Pennsylvania State University until the First World War which he spent as Y.M.C.A. secretary in Italy. In this capacity he organized many social events for the Italian troops, including films, musical evenings, holiday parties, and also provided quiet places for the troops to read and write letters--in some cases writing letters for the men who were illiterate. Changes in the administration at Penn State made his return to his former position unlikely, and he applied for other jobs.

In his diary entry for August 6, 1921 he wrote: "Telegram from Idaho offering Hulme's place for $2800. Accepted wondering if I was being taken at a disadvantage, being so far away." He continued teaching in the history department at the University of Idaho until his retirement in 1955. In 1925 a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established at the University of Idaho and Church became its first secretary, a position he held for over 25 years. He was also an honorary member and chapter advisor of Phi Delta Theta in Moscow, frequently hosting their yearly social gathering at his home.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church where he directed the choir, and for many years served as church secretary.

Church was considered an outstanding authority on the renaissance in Poland, and was a member of the Polish Academy of America. He was also a member of the Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, History and Geological Society. Among his books, book reviews, and articles is the book The Italian Reformers, 1534-1564, published in 1932.

Frederic Church spent his first night in Moscow as a roomer in the house built by Governor William J. McConnell located at 110 South Adams, and remained there, eventually as its owner, the rest of his life. While he owned the house he rented rooms to students. In his will he left the house to Latah County to be used by the Latah County Pioneer Association, the Moscow Historical Society, and other cultural organizations. It now houses the Latah County Historical Society which has restored the house to its turn of the century splendor, adding period furniture and replicas of the original carpeting and draperies.

Church died in Moscow at the age of 81 on October 14, 1966, and is buried in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania.

From the guide to the Papers, 1910-1966, (University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives)