Who Was Kin Takahashi?
Kin Takahashi came to Maryville College in 1888 after having spent two years in a Hopkins Academy in Massachusetts. At the end of his second year in the States, Kin, whose parents were Shintoist and Buddhist, converted to Christianity. At hearing of his conversion, Kin’s parents cut off all financial support. Through another Hopkins student, Kin learned of Maryville College and the College’s commitment to aid financially-strapped young students who wanted a college education. In Kin Takahashi’s short time as an undergraduate, he started the first football team, organized self-help projects for financially strapped students and, most notably, spearheaded the building of Bartlett Hall. According to By Faith Endowed, a history of Maryville College written by professors emeriti Dr. Arda Walker and Dr. Carolyn Blair, Kin wanted to show his appreciation for Maryville College before he graduated. Combining two of his passions – athletics and religion – Kin decided the campus needed a Y.M.C.A.
