08 Feb On This Day in UB History: February 8 (Fermin Hoskins)

John Jacob Glossbrenner served as bishop for 40 years, 1845-1885, easily the longest tenure of any UB bishop. Next in line, at 28 years, was Fermin Hoskins, who passed away on February 8, 1935.

Hoskins was a most interesting guy. He grew up in Oregon, the tall son of hardy pioneers who had trekked cross-country from the Carolinas. He was Lincolnesque in bearing, scholarly, a deep thinker, voracious reader, powerful preacher, formidable debater, and parliamentarian extraordinaire. Hoskins was known for his aversion to wearing ties, for fearlessly advocating holy living, and for peppering sermons with scientific and archaeological facts.

Hoskins served as president of a seminary and two different colleges, including a year at Huntington College (1911-1912). He became bishop in 1905, taking the place of 24-year bishop Milton Wright. He served his last eight years alongside 24-year bishop Walter Musgrave, and his last four years with Albert Johnson, who would go on to serve 22 years as bishop.

“Home” was a 400-acre cattle ranch in Idaho, which Hoskins usually left with his wife and four daughters as he roamed across the Church. He retired in 1933, returning to the ranch in Idaho and passing away two years later.