EARL
MARLATT, CLASS OF 1912
May 24, 1892 - June 13, 1976
Earl B. Marlatt was born on May 24, 1892 in Columbus, Indiana. He and
his twin brother, Ernest F. Marlatt, were the youngest of eight brothers
and sisters, all of whom graduated from DePauw University.
Dr. Marlatt taught school in Rushville and Raleigh, Indiana, was
associate editor of a Kenosha, Wisconsin newspaper, and served in World
War I before enrolling at the Boston University School of Theology. He
earned an S.T.B. degree in 1923 and began teaching in the School of
Theology that same year. In 1938, Dr. Marlatt began a seven-year tenure
as dean of the school. In 1945, he accepted an endowed chair in
philosophy and religion at Perkins School of Theology at Southern
Methodist University. He retired from that position in 1957.
Dr. Marlatt was an internationally recognized authority and collector
of church hymns. It was discovered by reading through this collection
that it was his intent to establish a museum for his collection of
hymns. In addition, Dr. Marlatt himself wrote the lyrics for a number of
hymns.
Dr. Marlatt served as president of both the Boston Browning Society
and the Boston Author's Club. He was named Poet Laureate of Indiana for
1970/71. He is the author of four books: Chapel Windows, which
was published in 1924; Protestant Saints, which was published in
1928; Lands Away, which was published in 1944; and Cathedral,
which was published in 1956.
Dr. Marlatt established a very close friendship with poet Katherine
Lee Bates -- who wrote America the Beautiful. They corresponded
frequently during their friendship of five years (1924-1929) -- and many
of these letters are part of this collection (though restricted until
1993).
Dr. Marlatt died on June 13, 1976 at his home in Winchester, Indiana.
He was 84 years old.