No Idahoan has touched the nation, Idaho, or Boise State University quite in the same manner as Frank Church. Serving 24 years in the U.S. Senate, he created a legacy of unequaled public service. The natural grace and strength of his rhetoric, the unfailing and courageous ability to call us above self-interest, the eloquence of his ideas and the respect for mastery of learning, set him apart as a powerful example of what a politician can accomplish.
Born in Boise, Idaho on July 25, 1924, a third generation Idahoan, his future in politics started when he was a junior at Boise High School, he won the 1941 American Legion National Oratorical Contest with a speech titled “The American Way of Life.” In his speech, Church said:
“No matter how dark the future may be, a united America will move forward with unshakable courage and irresistible power toward unlimited democracy and happier times.”
After serving in the military, and attending college and law school, Church entered politics in 1956. He was 32, and became the fifth youngest member ever to sit in the U.S. Senate. He was a Senator until 1980, and there is almost no end to his involvement in key issues of the time period. As the country went through drastic changes, Church was there to represent his home state and its citizens. In the spring of 1976, Church sought the nomination for the Democratic candidacy for president but eventually withdrew in favor of Jimmy Carter.
Church also has a longstanding relationship with Boise State University. During the early 1950s after receiving his law degree, he taught speech and commercial law at Boise Junior College, and his wife graduated from BJC in 1942. In 1982, Boise State established the first endowed chair named after Church, and later the Frank Church Institute to promote civic engagement and understanding of public policy. The Frank Church Collection came to Boise State in 1984 and since then, hundreds of researchers from across the world continue to use the papers, a testament to the longevity of his legacy.
As we celebrate Frank Church’s 100th birthday, we are reminded of someone who made long-standing changes to Idaho and the nation. Visit the exhibit on the first floor of Albertsons Library and take a moment to celebrate and reflect on Frank Church – how his legacy made his mark on Idaho, the country and the world!