Our dear friends, we want to assure you that we are keenly aware of the serious challenges facing our beloved Principia community.  The Board has been meeting regularly by telephone for the past several days to discuss these issues.  In response to your concerns, we have invited approximately 30 representatives of both campuses to meet with us on Friday afternoon in St. Louis, prior to the joint staff metaphysical meeting.

We have heard from a number of faculty and staff members as well as students and alumni from around the country.  Some have expressed strong support and some have voiced strong discontent.  In the interest of moving Principia forward, we are not only receptive to, but encourage constructive dialogue with the Board of Trustees.  But we are deeply saddened that this matter appears to have degenerated into personal attacks when we all know from what basis our answers will come.

We seek counsel from members of both the St. Louis and Elsah communities and look forward to the discussions on Friday.  We also look forward to talking with students.  On Saturday we will convene a Board meeting to consider what actions are appropriate and in the best interest of Principia.

In her May 1930 message to the Board of Trustees, Mary Kimball Morgan wrote,

“The Principia, if it is anything, and it is, is a divine idea, born of God, established on Principle, reared in Truth, sustained by Love, and dedicated to God’s service.  Being a compound idea, all that goes to make up its wholeness must be perfect as the Mind it expresses.  Its substance is not in matter but in Spirit and therefore indestructible.  Its foundation is divine Principle therefore it cannot be shaken or disturbed.  It is founded on the Rock – Christ.  The storms of mortal malice are impotent to weaken it.  ‘Rooted and grounded’ in Love, nothing can undermine its support.”

All of us who love and support Principia have an opportunity, right now, to demonstrate God’s control over His idea.  We earnestly wish to see harmony and mutual trust restored in our community.  We are praying and listening and will then take action.

Sincerely,

The Board of Trustees

Katharine Bullock                   Helen Elswit                           Margaret Foerster
Willard Hanzlik                        William Hays                          Durant Hunter
Stuart Jenkins                         Michael Sharples                  Charles Spaulding, III
Christopher Towle