HUMANIST PIONEER: A. EUSTACE HAYDON, 1880-1975

- W. Creighton Peden

...Through his childhood education, he was exposed to the intellectual dialogue emanating from the Enlightenment and the rise of modern science - a dialogue to which he later became a key contributor. Through school and church, young Haydon became exposed to and infatuated with major religions of the world and their distinctive cultures - an infatuation which eventually led to a career in comparative religion. Sarah Haydon recognized her son's potential and made it possible for him to attend McMaster University, where he studied for the Baptist ministry. At McMaster, Haydon distinguished himself as a star student, debater, and athlete, who from the beginning of University was encouraged by faculty to consider later doing a Ph.D. at either Harvard University or the University of Chicago.

At McMaster, as Haydon wrestled with the existential questions of life, he was confronted with the reality that many people have only a groping ideal of life and fail to grasp the grandeur of living. The realization that life is a perpetual struggle and disappointment for many placed a heavy burden upon young Haydon, which he shared with Edith Jones, his future wife: "it is the duty of those who can see the heavenly visions to take these people by the hand and raise them from the pit and teach them to see and understand the glories of poetry and religion and faith and love. Can we help? I want to, so much." Haydon expressed this vision as seeking "the higher" or perfect life here on earth and very much desired that Jones join him in this goal. He postulated that, if he could show people that it's a glorious thing to live the higher life, there would be no need to preach morality, for they would turn naturally to the Perfect Life.