Basic HTML Version
4
SPRING
2013
In 1892, Protestant Minister, Reverend
Alexander MacLachlan held the first Athlet-
ics Field Day in Smyrna. The great success of
the event spurred MacLachlan into seeking
a permanent athletics field for his school. But
it was the same age old question: where could
he find the funds to purchase a piece of land?
Unbeknown to him, the S.S. Saghalien
Steamer ship was making its way to the port
of Smyrna. A couple were standing was on
the deck watching the Turkish coastline ap-
proaching. They would prove to be some of the
greatest friends that IC had ever known...
Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart Kennedy were
only supposed to dock in Smyrna for a few
hours until the Austrian Lloyd Steamship
sets sail again to Constantinople.
A millionaire magnate, Kennedy was a
staunch Protestant. Childless, the couple
donated much of their wealth to many
charities - among them educational
institutions. They particularly seemed to
favor Protestant ones. In fact, they had
just arrived from Beirut after visiting
the Reverend Daniel Bliss at the Syrian
Protestant College (today’s AUB).
For some reason, their trip to Constanti-
nople was postponed until the next day.
As the couple pondered their next move,
MacLachlan received a telegram from
his close friend, Reverend Daniel Bliss
(founder of AUB) informing him of the
couple’s trip to Turkey and suggesting that
MacLachlan make himself of service to
the Kennedy’s during their stay in Smyrna.
MacLachlan immediately made his way
to the quay and boarded the S.S. Sagha-
lien. Would the couple like to stay with
the MacLachlans until their ship sets sail?
The Kennedy’s politely expressed great
interest in seeing the school but insisted
on staying in a hotel.
The Adventures of
Alexander MacLachlan:
The Tennis court of the International College in the city of Smyrna is
used as roller skating rink.The Preparatory Hall is in the background,
over the wall, the Turkish quarter and the ruins of Mt. Pagus.
Library 1909