The Board took steps to have erected new dormitories on the campus.
[Illustration: CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, Pace Medalist; Professor
Alleghany Institute.]
1883-1884.
This year, the anniversary year of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, was to prove the turning point in the financial history of the College. The movement towards the increase of the endowment was not general, but it was in the right direction. The first subscription was for $1,000, as in 1855; it was made by Mr. E. M. Tilley, of Berkley, Va., a Northern man living in that town, not then a member of the Methodist Church. The larger part of the funds raised was from the Norfolk district, apart from the subscription made by members of the Board at the annual meeting, June, 1884, which amounted to $9,000. From this time forward the increase of the capital of the College has been steady, and, at times, very material and gratifying.
[Illustration: JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., Sutherlin Medalist; Holston
Conference.]
The Virginia and Baltimore Conferences had, at their last session, directed that all funds raised this Centennial year should, unless otherwise specially noted, go towards the endowment fund of the College.
At the annual meeting the following received degrees:
A. M.
THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia.
A. B.
R. H. BENNETT, Virginia.
JAMES CANNON, Jr., Maryland.
N. H. ROBERTSON, Virginia.
THEODORE H. WHITE, Virginia.
James A. Duncan, of Virginia, won the Sutherlin medal. James Cannon, Jr., of Maryland, won the Pace medal. The number of matriculates for the session of 1883-'84 was 108.
[Illustration: JAMES CANNON, JR., Of Maryland; Pace Medalist; President
Blackstone Institute.]
1884-1885.
The session of 1884-'85 opened with 111 students. The President, in his annual report, said it was one of the most satisfactory that had occurred during his administration. Five new dormitories had been built to take the place of old ones. Steps were taken to build new houses for two Professors. He reported the acceptance of the chair of Greek and the Oriental Languages by Dr. Richard M. Smith, to which he had been elected at the last annual meeting.
[Illustration: DR. RICHARD M. SMITH, PH. D. (LEIPZIG), Professor of
Greek and the Oriental Languages (1885-1896).]
The following received degrees, June, 1885:
A. M.
R. H. BENNETT, Virginia.
JAMES M. PAGE, Virginia.
HARRY LEE STUART, Texas.
A. B.
WM. H. BARLEY, Virginia.
EUGENE H. RAWLINGS, Virginia.
F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland.
CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia.
Sutherlin Medalist.—THOMAS F. SHERRILL, of North Carolina.
Pace Medalist.—JAMES M. PAGE, of Virginia.
At a called meeting, held in Centenary Church, Richmond, Va., May 19, 1886, the following letter of resignation was laid before the Board:
"Bishop A. W. Wilson, President of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon
College:
"MY DEAR BROTHER,—The poor condition of my health through this entire session thus far admonishes me that I cannot continue to hold the presidency of the College. I am compelled, therefore, to hand you this, my resignation of the office, to take effect on the 1st of September next, which will give the Trustees a period of five months, though I am sure they will not need so much time, in which to secure a suitable person for my successor.
"It is a source of great gratification to me that I shall leave the
College in good condition in every respect.
"Yours very truly,
"W. W. BENNETT.
"ASHLAND, VA., March 31, 1886."
[Illustration: RICHARD HEBER BENNETT, A. M., Of the Virginia
Conference.]
[Illustration: THOMAS F. SHERRILL, OF N. C., Sutherlin Medalist, 1885.]
The resignation of Dr. Bennett was accepted, and a committee was appointed to notify him of the action of the Board, and to express to him the appreciation by the Board of the value of his services.
On motion, it was—
"Resolved, That at the annual meeting in June next the Board will proceed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. Bennett."
The President's annual report gave the attendance as 124 for the session ending June, 1886.
[Illustration: JAMES M. PAGE, A. M., PH. D., OF VIRGINIA, Pace
Medalist, 1885; Professor University of Virginia.]
On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following received degrees, viz.:
A. M.
F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland.
LANGHORNE LEITCH, Virginia.
M. L. SHACKELFORD, Virginia.
SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia.
A. B.
THOMAS J. BARHAM, Virginia.
JAMES S. CHAPMAN, Virginia.
FRANK L. CROCKER, Virginia.
ARTHUR K. DAVIS, Virginia.
F. V. RUSSELL, Virginia.
SAMUEL D. TURNER, Virginia.
D. D.
Rev. WILBUR F. TILLETT, Vanderbilt University.
Rev. H. MELVILLE JACKSON, Richmond, Va.
LL. D.
Prof. JAMES A. HARRISON, Washington and Lee University.
Sutherlin Medalist.—J. S. CHAPMAN, of Virginia. Pace Medalist.—LANGHORNE LEITCH, of Virginia.
[Illustration: JAMES S. CHAPMAN, Sutherlin Medalist; Attorney-at-Law.]
The Endowment and Investment Committee made the following gratifying announcement:
"We respectfully report that there has been raised, through the instrumentality of Prof. W. W. Smith, Dr. R. N. Sledd, and others, $43,000, $25,000 of which is in the hands of the local committee at Lynchburg, and the balance in the hands of Captain Richard Irby for collection."
Special credit ought to be given here to the liberal citizens of Lynchburg, who subscribed this amount of endowment, ever since kept separate, and designated Lynchburg Endowment Fund. This has brought into the current receipts each year about $1,500. It was the prophecy and forecast of greater liberality in 1891. From this time the professors and officers have always been paid their salaries promptly. The direct and material aid thus afforded was of great benefit, but the influence of such action on other communities and on individuals has been of far greater value. Lynchburg, therefore, deserves, and should have, the gratitude of every Randolph-Macon alumnus and friend.
[Illustration: LANGHORNE LEITCH, A. M., Pace Medalist; Missionary to
China.]
In the election to fill the office of President the following nominations were made:
Rev. John D. Blackwell, D. D., by Paul Whitehead.
Rev. Robert N. Sledd, D. D., by W. E. Judkins.
Rev. Wilbur F. Tillett, by J. E. Edwards.
Rev. John A. Kern, by W. T. Chandler.
Rev. Paul Whitehead, D. D., by P. A. Peterson.
Prof. Wm. W. Smith, A. M., by Richard Irby.
[Illustration: R. N. SLEDD, D. D., Class of 1855; First Vice-President of the Board.]
On the first ballot Prof. W. W. Smith received ten votes out of twenty.
On the second ballot he received twelve, and was declared elected.
Inasmuch as the history of the College has been so intimately linked with the life of President Smith for so many years, it is not necessary to say much of him just here. He was born in Fauquier county in 1848. His father, Richard M. Smith, afterwards moved to Alexandria, where he was associated with the celebrated Benjamin Hallowell in his school. Afterwards he became editor of the Alexandria Sentinel, which was removed to Richmond at the breaking out of hostilities, April, 1861. He afterwards edited the Enquirer. At the early age of sixteen William Waugh Smith volunteered in the Confederate service, in which he continued to the close of the war. After the war he was associated with his father in the publication of the Enquirer, which had been revived. He attended the University of Virginia one session. When the College was moved to Ashland, and his father became a Professor in it, he matriculated at the College and took the degree of A. M., with John Hannon, in 1873. After leaving College he became the assistant to his uncle, Albert Smith, at Bethel Academy, near Warrenton, Va., which rapidly grew into prominence as a school. Here he remained till 1882, when he was elected Professor of Moral and Mental Science in Randolph-Macon College. In 1885 he showed his great talent for raising funds for the College, by securing the "Lynchburg Endowment," in connection with Dr. R. N. Sledd and others. His energy and aptitude for administration, in addition to the successful experience he had gained at Bethel Academy, pointed him out as the man for the vacant position, and subsequent events have justified the selection.
[Illustration: PRESIDENT WM. W. SMITH, A. M., LL. D.]
[Illustration: RICHARD IRBY, SECRETARY AND TREASURER. Elected June, 1886.]
[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, LYNCHBURG, VA. Opened for Students 1893.]
[Illustration: [Five small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. Pictures
are individually captioned, as follows: "REV. R.M. SAUNDERS, Chaplain",
"PROF. KNIGHT.", "MISS LOUISE J. SMITH.", "PROF. SCHEHLMANN.", "PROF.
ADAMS." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY
RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]]
[Illustration: [Five more small pictures, displayed in a quincunx.
Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PRESIDENT SMITH.",
"PROF. SHARP.", "DR. MARTIN.", "PROF. ARMSTRONG.", "MISS PARRISH.". At
the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY
RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]]
[Illustration: [A third set of five small pictures, displayed in a
quincunx. Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PROF
LANDON", "MRS. SAUNDERS.", "PROF. RIDDICK.", "PROF. PAGE.", "DR.
TERRELL." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY
RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]]
On motion of John P. Branch (substitute for one offered by A. G. Brown), it was
"Resolved, That Richard Irby be appointed Secretary and Treasurer, the same to give half of his time to the business of the College."
His duties were defined as follows: To have charge of the financial and business concerns of the College, and also of the library, grounds, buildings, etc. This office was accepted, and he entered upon his duties the first day of July following.
At the same session the Board proceeded to fill the chair of Moral and
Mental Science and Biblical Literature. Rev. John A. Kern, of the
Baltimore Conference, was elected to the chair, and he accepted the
same.
Prof. Kern was a graduate of the University of Virginia. In 1866 he entered the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He had filled many of the most important appointments of that Conference, and was then, as now, esteemed a man of talent, and growing year by-year in ability and acceptability. The estimate placed on him by his friends was not too high, as his subsequent career has proven.
The Board accepted the libraries which had been offered to it by the Literary Societies, consisting of about four thousand volumes, and the Librarian was directed to consolidate them with the College Library. This was a much-needed and timely improvement, and became a nucleus for a library which, in course of time, will be, it is hoped, a credit to the College.
[Illustration: REV. JOHN A. KERN, D. D. Elected President of
Randolph-Macon College in 1897.]
The new President was requested to continue his efforts in raising funds for the endowment, which had so far been attended with laudable success. This he was not slow in heeding.
On account of failure to record the financial statement of 1886, the exact amount of net assets of the College cannot here be given.
The retiring President served nine years, almost identically the same period served by his predecessor, Dr. Duncan. His administration was also, like Dr. Duncan's, marked by great financial embarrassment, which had a depressing influence on a sensitive temperament like his was. That his days were shortened by the constant burden of care, like his predecessor's, can hardly be doubted. Both of them were, in a sense, martyrs to the cause of Christian education.
Dr. Bennett never regained his health. He moved to his farm, in Louisa county, and took work on the contiguous appointment at the Conference of 1886. While engaged in the work of his charge he gradually declined in health, and died June 7, 1887.
REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D.
"WILLIAM WALLACE BENNETT, son of Eli and Mary C. Bennett, was born in the city of Richmond, February 24, 1821. He was reared under the fostering care and social surroundings of Methodism, and was the subject of religious impressions from an early period.
"In 1839, under the ministry of Rev. Gervas M. Keesee, he made a profession of religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Portsmouth. Here, with the help of class-meetings and other social, as well as the public means of grace, his religious experience had a healthful beginning, that developed the elevated character and useful life that our beloved brother has bequeathed to the church. Soon after his conversion, he, and several others who were exercised about a call to the ministry, met and conversed upon the subject, and prayed for divine guidance, giving evidence that when he entered the itinerancy it was no rash adventure. In the fall of 1841, he removed to Mecklenburg county, where his brother, Rev. John R. Bennett, was in charge of the circuit. There he pursued his studies, obtained license to preach, and began his ministry, passing through what he conceived to be the crucial test of his call to preach. Discouraged, as he informed the writer, by what he conceived to be a failure in the pulpit before a large congregation, he was tempted to give up the ministry; but falling in the hands of an experienced and godly class-leader, who encouraged him by his counsel and his prayers, he returned to his work with renewed consecration, and a conviction too strong to be jostled again.
"From the best information obtained (the records of four years of this Conference being lost) he was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference in 1842, and travelled as junior preacher on Louisa and Bedford Circuits. In 1845-'46 he was in charge of Powhatan Circuit, and in 1847 was stationed in Charlottesville, where he availed himself of the educational advantages of the University of Virginia, and graduated in several of the schools in 1850. At the Conference of this year he was stationed in Washington city, organizing the first society of the M. E. Church, South, at our national capital. In 1851 he was elected Chaplain of the University of Virginia, but on account of sickness resigned the position. He soon, however, regained his accustomed health, and in 1852-'53 travelled Loudoun Circuit with W. W. Berry and John C. Granbery, respectively, as junior preachers. In 1854-'55-'56-'57 he was Presiding Elder of the Washington District. While on this appointment he was married, December 20, 1855, to Virginia Lee, daughter of Edward and Mary Kendall Lee Sangster, of Alexandria. A wise and happy union. In 1858-'59 he was appointed to Union Station, Richmond, and in 1860-'61 was stationed at Centenary, in the same city.
"In 1862 he was appointed Chaplain in the Confederate Army, and assigned to the superintendency of the Tract Association. Seeing the necessity of a more generous distribution of Bibles and religious literature among the troops, he arranged to go abroad for a supply, and during the last winter of the war successfully 'ran the blockade.' He had scarcely, however, entered upon the work in London when the war ended, and he returned to Virginia.
"In 1865-'66 he travelled Nottoway circuit, and in November, 1866, was appointed editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate. By judicious management and editorial ability, this necessary and popular journal was established on a promising basis. In 1874 Rev. J. J. Lafferty became his associate, who, in 1877, by satisfactory negotiations, assumed control, and was appointed editor of the paper. The motives influencing Dr. Bennett in this change were characteristic of the man and the result of thoughtful conversation. His successor well understood him, and tells us, in his affecting notice of his death, that 'he made known to him his uneasiness in conscience as to his position—that he was too stout in health to be out of the regular ranks. With much emphasis, he declared his wish to be found in the pastorate when God called him.' Before the Conference met in Lynchburg Dr. Bennett had arranged to change his position. It was then made to appear his duty to go to the college, and he yielded. But there must have been a peculiar joy when the summons came that he was in his loved employ—the shepherd of a flock.
"In 1877 he was elected President of Randolph-Macon College. This position he held for nine years, during, perhaps, its most critical history; but by able, kind, and impartial administration, with the confidence of his brethren in the ministry, the active co-operation of his professorial associates, and the affection of the students, the College accomplished a noble work. By his activity in visiting throughout the Baltimore and Virginia Conferences and elsewhere, and under his stirring appeals, the number of students compared favorably with other institutions, and a large amount of money was raised in the interest of the College. The sentiments of a writer from the Pacific coast, we are sure, find echo here, that 'Virginia Methodism owes Dr. Bennett a great debt for the work done by him at Randolph-Macon at the crucial period of its history.' He left the College an enduring monument of his heroic devotion, but, as many think, at the cost of his life. At the close of the session in 1886 his health was so impaired that he resigned the presidency of the College, and secured a retired home near Trevilian's, in Louisa county, hoping that relief from the burdens and cares of college work and the quiet of the country might nurse him back to health again. But, alas! his disease baffled the best medical skill and the loving attentions of his family and friends. He was prevailed upon during the summer to visit the mountains, and, with some slight improvement, he was in his place at the last Conference, believing that he could even then attend to the work on some fields that would be open, but naming none. The change disease had wrought in his robust frame was a subject of mournful remark by all that knew him, and grave apprehensions were felt that he would never recuperate. From that Conference he was sent to Gordonsville and Orange, where he gave for a time pastoral care and pulpit work that was surprising to his friends. But as the summer advanced, he was compelled to yield, and after a short confinement to his bed, his earthly labors ended.
"Dr. Bennett, in health, will always be remembered by his acquaintances as an incomparable specimen of physical manhood, with a face bearing the lines of strong character. Indeed, he seemed moulded for any work or position in Methodism. His mental endowments were of a high order. His early advantages were such as to secure a good English education, with some knowledge of Latin; and from our knowledge of the man, we may safely conclude that his opportunities were well improved. A schoolmate says of him: 'He was studious, with great grasp of intellect and steadiness of purpose.' The writer, and others, perhaps, will remember his modest reference to his fondness for reading while a boy, in using 'the first money he could command to subscribe for the Richmond Advocate,' which he subsequently edited with so much ability. By judicious reading and study, and by such collegiate helps as his appointments favored, he became the peer of any. Ten years before he was elected President of Randolph-Macon College he received from that institution the degree of D. D., was a member of every General Conference since 1858, and was a representative of our church at the Ecumenical Conference in London in 1881. The opinion of the editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate, no doubt, is the judgment of his brethren, that 'he was the best-rooted man in the Conference in theology, and saturated with church history, dogma, and doctrine.'
"As a preacher, he occupied the front rank in pulpit power, and his discourses were such as lived in the memory and hearts of his hearers. 'His sermons,' says Bishop Granbery, 'were stately, elaborate, and massive, mighty discussions of great truths, with wide range of thought, lucid and forcible argument, earnest, solemn, and often impassioned application.' Bishop Doggett says of him: 'Bennett, at times, is the greatest preacher I ever heard. His sermon at the late camp-meeting, on Matthew xxiii. 37, 38, surpassed anything I ever listened to from the pulpit. His description of the desolate house I can never forget. I remember,' says he, 'to have heard him at Charlottesville, on the flood, when for more than an hour the congregation seemed dazed by the power of his eloquence.'
"His character was differently analyzed by some of his friends, though all accorded him unexceptionable integrity, a high order of piety, and a noble, generous heart. His occasional serious expression and brusque manner awakened the suspicion with some that he was wanting in sympathy, but those who knew him best indulged no such estimate of him. With all his firmness of conviction and stern independence, where was to be found greater gentleness and consideration of the feelings of others? He was emphatically the friend of the friendless, the persecuted and neglected, and was unchanging in his friendships. He was slow to find fault, and indulged in no depreciation of others. At any time it required a great provocation, and something more than mere personal affront or injury, to evoke rebuke; but when it did come, it was felt, but was more the utterance of conscientious impulse than the ebullition of personal resentment.
"He was the head of a Christian household, where piety was fostered and practised, and where Methodism was honored. He, with his devoted wife, sought to make home attractive, and succeeded. While the proprieties of religious training and filial respect were never relaxed, there was no constraint on the freedom of social and religious intercourse, and no lack of sympathy for such enjoyments as were proper, entertaining and improving in a Christian home. He was looked up to by his family as a practical and safe counsellor, and beyond whom there was rarely even the desire to appeal. His brethren, I am sure, will endorse the sentiments of his distinguished eulogist: 'His virtues were many, steadfast and bright. The whole church will feel his loss. The Virginia Conference, as one man, will cherish his memory with deep admiration and love.'
"After his confinement to bed the ravages of his rare disease were very rapid and severe. He early sank into a comatose condition, yet responding when spoken to. It will be gratifying to his brethren, nevertheless, to know that his end was a great spiritual triumph. On Monday, June 6th, at an early hour, with the family and a few friends about him, fearful that he might pass away Without again rousing from his lethargy, his wife, under her stress of grief, urged all to united prayer. They knelt, and his eldest son led in prayer, expressing assurance of the blessed result to the dying husband and father, yet craving a lucid interval and some words of affectionate counsel. In a few moments he asked to be turned on his back, and, opening his eyes, he exclaimed, 'I am quickened up into a higher life!' When his wife exulted in such an answer to prayer, he said: 'My dear, I have known for more than forty years that God answers prayer.' Then, feeling his pulse, and turning to Dr. Wills, his physician, he said: 'I suppose this thing is steadily progressing to the end, is it not?' 'Yes,' said the doctor, 'but you have the Everlasting Arms around you.' 'Oh, yes,' he replied, 'and have had for more than forty years, and they have never failed me. But I have much to say, and must speak slowly, so I wanted to know how much time—a half hour?' 'Yes,' the doctor replied, 'perhaps several hours.' He then called his family—but we must drop the curtain on a scene in many respects too sacred and impossible to describe. With affectionate counsel to each, he commended them to God. When one of the family spoke of meeting him in heaven, he replied, 'And what a happy meeting that will be!' He then asked his physician if he had shown any signs of nervousness. When told he had not, with a tender consideration for his loved ones, he said: 'I did not want to excite the family unnecessarily, but I want you all to know that there is not a cloud, not the semblance of a shadow, dark or small, between my Lord and me. All is bright and clear.' He joined in singing that hymn of Christian triumph commencing, 'How happy are they,' and when the family, by reason of their emotions, were unable to sing, he carried the tune. He then sent messages of love to his friends and brethren. 'Give my love,' said he, 'to the professors and students of Randolph-Macon College, and may the blessing of God be upon them and their work forever.'
Then, with his heart going out to his brethren in the ministry, with whom he had labored so long and so successfully, he said: 'Give my love to the preachers—all of them. I am so weak my feelings would overcome me. I can only give them my general blessing.' At intervals till he died the expressions caught from his failing voice were, 'Hallelujah,' 'Glory to God,' 'The portals on high,' 'Always the blood—saved by it,' and almost with his expiring breath, and as if descriptive of his triumphant passage from earth to heaven, he exclaimed, 'I am rising higher and higher!' and at 1:15 o'clock P. M., June 7th, he passed away from his family, a wife and six children, all one in Christ, who, though desolated by their loss, are comforted in the blessed hope of meeting in heaven.
"His remains were carried to Randolph-Macon College, where solemn and touching services were held. The next day they were conveyed to Centenary Church, Richmond, one of his old charges, where, by request of his family, Rev. S. S. Lambeth, assisted by Bishop Granbery and some of the ministers of the city and vicinity, in the presence of a large number of friends and acquaintances, held appropriate and affecting services. His body was then carried to Hollywood cemetery and laid to rest 'till Christ shall bid it rise.'"
[Illustration: REV. W. G. STARR, A. M., D. D., Member Board of
Trustees.]
[Illustration: MAJOR C. V. WINFREE, Member Board of Trustees.]
This writer had intended to bring the History down to June, 1898. For reasons satisfactory to himself, but not necessary to be given here, he has concluded to discontinue the historical narration of events which occurred during the twelve years from June, 1886, to 1898. The Appendix will give some of the most important data, which may be interesting to many, and may be used by the future historian.
He cannot close this narration of events without again expressing his regret at the imperfections of this book, written and printed under many interruptions and difficulties; but he trusts that the intrinsic interest of the narrative will cause readers to overlook or forgive its imperfections and defects.
Hoping that some more competent writer may in due time take the crude materials given, along with others of like interest, and do full justice to the oldest of Methodist Colleges in America, he lays down his pen.
[Illustration: VIEW OF CAMPUS OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1896.]
APPENDIX.
DEGREES CONFERRED.
SESSION 1886-1887.
DEGREE GRADUATES.
A. M.
Eugene H. Rawlings, Virginia.
Arthur K. Davis, Virginia.
A. B.
George C. Bidgood, Virginia.
Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland.
John L. Bruce, Virginia.
Thomas E. Hunt, Virginia.
James Lindsay Patton, Virginia.
Henry R. Pemberton, Virginia.
George Shipley, Maryland.
D. D.
Rev. Peter Archer Peterson, Virginia Conference.
MEDALISTS.
Sutherlin Medalist.—W. H. H. Joyce, Maryland.
Pace Medalist.—James C. Martin, Virginia.
[Illustration: REV. JOHN L. BRUCE, Missionary to Brazil.]
[Illustration: REV. FRANK W. CROWDER, East New York Conference.]
SESSION 1887-1888.
DEGREE GRADUATES.
A. M.
George Shipley, Maryland.
James C. Martin, Virginia.
A. B.
W. Douglas Macon, Virginia.
Peyton B. Winfree, Virginia.
Paul Pettit, Virginia.
James W. Howell, Virginia.
Carlton D. Harris, Virginia.
James C. Dolley, Virginia.
Sutherlin Medalist.—Frank W. Crowder, Maryland. Pace Medalist.—George Shipley, Maryland.
[Illustration: [A collage of three photographs arranged in a triangle, captioned "DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH AND CHAPEL, AND LABORATORIES, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND"]]
[Illustration: REV. W. H. H. JOYCE, Baltimore Conference.]
[Illustration: REV. JAMES LINDSAY PATTON, A. B., Missionary Protestant
Episcopal Church to Japan.]
[Illustration: REV. WM. McGEE, TRUSTEE. Founder McGee Endowment Fund.]
[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, captioned "COLLEGE BUILDINGS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA., 1897."]]
[Illustration: JOHN P. PETTYJOHN. Founder of Science Hall.]
SESSION 1888-1889.
DEGREE GRADUATES.
A. M.
Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland.
Thomas W. Page, Virginia.
A. B.
Charles D. Ragland, Virginia.
J. Gilchrist Herndon, Virginia.
B. S.
W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia.
Sutherlin Medalist.—A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. Pace Medalist.—Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia.
D. D.
Rev. A. P. Parker, Missionary to China.
[Illustration: PROF. JOHN L. BUCHANAN, LL. D., Elected Professor of
Latin, 1889.]
SESSION OF 1889-1890.
DEGREE GRADUATES.
A. M.
J. Jordan Leake, Virginia.
C. Dabney Ragland, Virginia.
John S. Richardson, Virginia.
W. Carroll Vaden, Virginia.
A. B.
E. C. Armstrong, Maryland.
W. B. Beauchamp, Virginia.
W. Asbury Christian, Virginia.
Wellford H. Cook, Virginia.
C. C. Cunningham, Virginia.
Samuel W. Eason, Virginia.
W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia.
W. Levi Old, Virginia.
Marshall R. Peterson, Virginia.
Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia.
Samuel C. Starke. Virginia.
H. M. Strickler, Virginia.
Walter L. Turner, Virginia.
Geo. W. Warren, Virginia.
D. D.
Rev. W. E. Judkins, Virginia Conference.
Rev. B. W. Bond, Baltimore Conference.
Sutherlin Medalist.—Joseph H. Riddick. Jr., Virginia. Murray Scholarship Medalist.—A. R. Dudderar, Maryland. Pace Medalist.—Frank G. Newbill, Virginia.
SESSION 1890-'91.
A. M.
Charles Hall Davis, Virginia,
Samuel W. Eason, Virginia.
De La Warr B. Easter, Virginia.
W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia.
D'Arcy Paul Parham, Virginia.
Samuel C. Starke, Virginia.
A. B.
Benj. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia.
George E. Barnett, Maryland.
Benj. W, Beckham, Virginia.
Henry D. Blackwell, Virginia.
Major S. Colonna, Jr., Virginia.
Charles Hall Davis, Virginia.
Alfred R. Dudderar, Maryland.
Gustavus W. Dyer, Virginia.
Robert L. Fultz, Virginia.
John Calvin Hawk, W. Va.
Aretas M. Hughlett, Virginia.
Walter R. Old, Virginia.
George H. Ray, Jr., Virginia.
Robert T. Webb, Jr., Virginia
LL. D.
Prof. C. T. Winchester, of Wesleyan University, Connecticut.
D. D.
Rev. Walter R. Lambuth, of Japan.
Rev. James F. Twitty, Virginia Conference.
Rev. Edward M. Peterson, Virginia Conference
Rev. William E. Evans, Virginia Conference.
Sutherlin Medalist.—Robert W. Patton, of Virginia
[Illustration: CLASS OF 1890.]
[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, BEDFORD CITY, VA, 1890.]
[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1890."
Names are given as follows:
1. M. R. Peterson
2. W. B. Beauchamp
3. E. C. Armstrong
4. W. L. Turner
5. C. C. Cunningham
6. W. A. Murrill
7. Hon. J. W. Daniel, Orator.
8. W. H. Cooke
9. J. S. Richardson
10. W. A. Christian
11. G. W. Warren
12. Prof. J. B. Crenshaw
13. Prof. R. M. Smith
14. Prof. J. L. Buchanan
15. Prof. R. E. Blackwell
16. Pres. W. W. Smith
17. Prof. W. A. Shepard
18. Prof. R. B. Smithey
19. Prof. J. A. Kern
20. W. C. Vaden
21. D. B. Easter
22. C. D. Ragland
23. H. M. Strickler
24. S. W. Eason
25. J. H. Riddick, Jr.
26. J. J. Leake
27. S. C. Starke]]
[Illustration: FRANK G. NEWBILL, A.M., Pace Medalist, 1890.]
[Illustration: A. R. DUDDERAR, A. B.]
[Illustration: REV. ROBERT W. PATTON, Chaplain of 2nd Virginia Regiment (1898).]
SESSION 1891-1892.
A. M.
George Pilcher, Virginia.
Charles L. Melton, Virginia
A. B.
R. H. T. Adams, Jr., Virginia.
Hall Canter, Virginia.
Wm. Holmes Davis, Virginia.
Thos. R. Freeman, Virginia.
Willie D. Keene, Virginia.
David H. Kern, W. Virginia
Bolivar Clarke Nettles, Texas
Scott Ray, Virginia.
W. R. Smithwick, N. Carolina
J. S. Zimmerman, Maryland
Harry L. Moore, Maryland.
Sutherlin Medalist.—I. W. Eason, Virginia.
Pace Medalist.—Jos. N. Latham.
Murray Medals.—Scholarship, Harry Ludwell Moore, Maryland;
Proficiency, James Elliott Wamsley, Virginia.
[Illustration: HARRY LUDWELL MOORE, A. B., PH. D., Instructor at Johns
Hopkins University; Professor Smith College, Massachusetts.]
SESSION 1892-1893.
A. M.
C. C. Cunningham, Virginia.
Geo. W. Russell, Virginia.
Homer H. Sherman, Virginia.
Wm. J. Whitesell, Virginia.
A. B.
R. H. Hood, North Carolina.
James T. Myers, Maryland.
Alfred C. Ray, Virginia.
Clarence H. Rector, Virginia.
B. S.
Homer H. Sherman, Virginia.
D. D.
Rev. W. T. Young, Virginia. Conference.
Sutherlin Medalist.—Joseph Deming Langley, Virginia. Murray Medalists.—Scholarship, Homer H. Sherman, Virginia; Proficiency, Thomas M. Jones, Virginia.
[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, FRONT ROYAL, VA., BUILT 1892.]
[Illustration: JOS. N. LATHAM, Pace Medalist, 1892.]
[Illustration: JAMES E. WAMSLEY, Prof. Kentucky Wesleyan College.
Murray Medalist.]
[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, captioned "PRESIDENT'S HOUSE, PROFESSOR'S HOUSE, GYMNASIUM, RAIL ROAD STATION, ASHLAND, VA."]]
[Illustration: REV. JAMES T. MYERS, A. B., Missionary to Japan.]
SESSION 1893-1894.
A. M.
E. C. Armstrong, Maryland.
B. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia.
*R. Ferguson, Sr., Virginia.
R. Ferguson, Jr., Virginia.
*John W. Jones, Idaho.
Frank G. Newbill, Virginia.
Andrew Sledd, Virginia.
James E. Wamsley, Virginia.
A. M. Hughlett, Virginia.
* Under the old law existing when his A. B. was taken.
A. B.
W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina.
R. W. Buchanan, Virginia.
H. M. Carter, Dist. Columbia.
Evan A. Edwards, Maryland.
W. T. A. Haynes, Virginia.
Thos. M. Jones, Virginia.
John L. Terrell, Texas.
S. H. Turner, Virginia.
Ernest Linwood Wright, Virginia.
D. D.
Rev. William H. Christian, Virginia Conference.
Sutherlin Medalist.—Andrew Sledd, Virginia.
Murray Medalist.—Scholarship, Thomas Madison Jones, Virginia; Proficiency, George Virgil Rector, Virginia.
[Illustration: JOS. D. LANGLEY, Sutherlin Medalist—1893.]
[Illustration: CLASS OF 1895.]
[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1895."
Names are given as follows:
1. D. T. Merritt.
2. A. H. Whisner.
3. C. M. Baggarly.
4. J. T. Porter.
5. E. L. Woolf.
6. R. E. Leigh.
7. C. E. Armentrout.
8. H. Fletcher.
9. I. H. Blackwell.
10. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas.
11. Prof. R. M. Smith.
12. Prof. R. E. Blackwell.
13. Pres. W. W. Smith.
14. Prof. J. A. Kern.
15. Prof. R. B. Smithey.
16. Prof. E. W. Bowen.
17. Prof. A. C. Wightman.
18. C. G. Evans.
19. B. M. Beckham.
20. H. A. Christian.
21. J. D. Hank, Jr.]]
SESSION 1894-1895.
A. M.
Benj. M. Beckham, Virginia.
Henry A. Christian, Virginia.
C. G. Evans, North Carolina.
Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia.
A. B.
C. E. Armentrout, Virginia.
Carroll M. Baggarly, Virginia.
Irving H. Blackwell, Virginia.
Henry A. Christian, Virginia.
C. G. Evans, North Carolina.
Howard Fletcher, Virginia.
Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia.
Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia.
John B. Henry, Maryland.
Robert C. Howison, Virginia.
Richard E. Leigh, Mississippi
Daniel T. Merritt, Virginia.
Benj. F. Montgomery, Virginia.
James T. Porter, Maryland.
A. H. Whisner, West Virginia.
Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia.
D. D.
Rev. John C. Kilgo, President Trinity College, North Carolina.
Sutherlin Medalist.—-David Spence Hill, Missouri.
Murray Medalists.—Proficiency, Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia;
Scholarship, Charles E. Armentrout, Virginia.
[Illustration: THOMAS MADISON JONES, Murray Scholarship Medalist, 1894.]
[Illustration: DAVID SPENCE HILL, Sutherlin Medalist, 1895.]
[Illustration: FACULTY AND OFFICERS AND CLASS OF 1896.]
[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "Faculty and
Officers and Class of 1896." Names are given as follows:
1. P. H. Drewry.
2. H. O'B. Cooper.
3. S. D. Boyd, Jr.
4. J. S. Poindexter.
5. J. Mullen.
6. Prof. Knight.
7. Prof. Blackwell.
8. J. H. Robertson.
9. P. H. Williams.
10. F. W. Hilbert
11. G. T. Tyler, Jr.
12. A. S. Thompson, Ins. Ph. Cul.
13. Prof. Bowen.
14. Prof. Easter.
15. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas.
16. Prof. Kern.
17. Pres. Smith.
18. Prof. Smithey.
19. Rev. W. E. Judkins, Chaplain.
20. Prof. Wightman.
21. M. E. Smithey.
22. C. M. Kilby.
23. C. W. Watts.
24. S. H. Watts.
and, unnumbered, at the bottom of the list, W. S. Anderson.]]
[Illustration: CLASS 1896-'97. [The names of the classmates are written in staggered rows, corresponding to their places in the picture. From left to right and top to bottom, roughly, they are: Wise, Dulin, Blackwell, Litchfield, Scott, Dolly, Simpson, Colonna, Kilby, McCartney, Campbell, Licklider, Blanchard, Carter, Tyler, Cooper.]]
[Illustration: [A collage of twelve photographs, arranged in a circle, and captioned "FACULTY AND OFFICERS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1897.]]
SESSION 1895-1896.
JUNE, 1896.
RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE.
A. M.
W. S. Anderson, West Virginia.
Clinton M. Kilby, Virginia.
N. H. Robertson, Virginia.
Stephen H. Watts, Virginia.
A. B.
John F. Blackwell, Virginia.
Stephen D. Boyd, Jr., Virginia
Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia.
Patrick H. Drewry, Virginia.
John C. Granbery, Jr., Virginia.
F. W. Hilbert, Maryland.
James Mullen, Virginia.
John S. Poindexter, Virginia.
John H. Robertson, Virginia.
Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia.
John A. G. Shipley. Maryland.
George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia.
Charles W. Watts, Virginia.
P. H. Williams, North Carolina.
Sutherlin Medalist.—Boyd Valentine Switzer, Virginia.
Pace Medalist.—Walter Sewall Anderson, West Virginia.
Murray Medalists.—Scholarship, Patrick H. Williams, North Carolina;
Proficiency, Frank Allen Simpson, Virginia.
RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE.
A. M.
Emma E. Cheatham, Virginia.
E. B. Williams, North Carolina.
JUNE, 1897.
RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE.
A. M.
W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina.
Horace Campbell, Virginia.
Hall Canter, Maryland.
Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia.
Fred. W. Hilbert, Maryland.
Bradford Kilby, Virginia.
Albert H. Licklider, Virginia.
G. V. Litchfield, Jr., Virginia.
James E. McCartney, Virginia.
George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia.
A. B.
William H. Best, Maryland.
William Veitch Boyle, Maryland.
Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia.
William B. Colonna, Virginia.
David Hough Dolly, Virginia.
John Henry Dulin, Virginia.
Neil Courtice Scott, Virginia.
Frank A. Simpson, Virginia.
Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia.
D. D.
Rev. Collins Denney, Baltimore Conference, Prof. Vanderbilt
University.
Sutherlin Medalist.—William Martin Blanchard, North Carolina.
Murray Medalists.—Scholarship, Frank A. Simpson, Virginia; Proficiency, George L. Bradford, Virginia.
RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE.
A. M.
Sallie Adams, Virginia.
Martha A. Franklin, Virginia.
Esten Holmes Jennings, West Virginia.
A. B.
Celeste Alspaugh, N. Carolina.
Edith S. Blackwell, Virginia.
Martha McGavock, Virginia.
SESSION 1897-1898.
Randolph-Macon College, since June, 1886, has grown into a system of colleges (female as well as male), and fitting schools for both sexes. At the joint commencement, held at Lynchburg, Va., June 6-9, 1898, all these schools were represented. The Lynchburg Daily News gave the report of the commencement, as follows:
"The big Randolph-Macon joint commencement was formally opened by a reception tendered the visiting students, alumni, and friends of the school at the Woman's College. An address of welcome was made by Chancellor W. W. Smith. The night was beautiful, the skies being clear and studded with glittering stars. An immense crowd was present, and the profound silence that prevailed during the speech evidenced the deep interest with which it was being received.
"The various trains yesterday brought the students and the visiting alumni to the city. The Union station on their arrival presented an animated scene. The young men and young ladies seemed determined to make of the occasion a delightful excursion, and an experience worth carrying in their memories for many years to come. Everybody remarked on the personnel of the students, and their quiet demeanor. They made a fine impression, and their sojourn in the city promises to be profitable to all interested.
"Randolph-Macon College is represented by about ninety students; the Front Royal Academy, by seventy; Bedford City Academy, by about eighty; the Blackstone Female Institute,* by one hundred and thirty-five; and the Danville Female Institute, by sixty. As there are at the Randolph-Macon Woman's College, including the day scholars, two hundred and twenty young ladies, the total number of students present is between six and seven hundred.
*Not a school of the system, but present by special invitation.
"To adequately describe the appearance of the College with its elaborate decorations would be a herculean task. All that artistic taste and ingenuity of invention could suggest was abundantly in evidence. As the street-cars moved rapidly over the hill at the base-ball park in the direction of the College, the first glimpse of the building was obtained. To the observer it looked like a light glimmering and glowing in the night. As the car drew nearer it was seen that the large structure, from one end to the other and all over the front, was alive with varicolored Chinese and Japanese lanterns, which shed a soft and pleasant radiance over the scene. On the big campus, hanging to the branches of the trees and arranged in symmetrical lines on hundreds of poles, were lanterns without end. Down to the left of the building, where the ground slopes gently to a ravine, seats were placed in comfortable positions. Everybody seemed to be there for the purpose of spending a pleasant time and contributing to his neighbor's happiness. Callers were received in the large and spacious parlor on the first floor just to the left of the main entrance. To everyone was extended such a warm, cordial welcome that he felt at once as if he were perfectly at home and as if he were just where he ought to be.
TUESDAY.
"While the reception Monday night at the Woman's College may be said to have opened the exercises of the Randolph-Macon joint commencement, yet Tuesday morning the first regular programme was carried out in the auditorium at Moorman's Warehouse, which, long before the time announced for the first number, was crowded with a happy, well-dressed and interested audience.
"In the bright sunlight of the pleasant morning the scene presented in the auditorium was indeed good to look upon. The draping of the entire edifice was most skillfully carried out; the ceiling covered with blue and white cloth, while the sides of the building were hidden by artistic folds of lemon and black.
"A well-built stage, extending the entire width of the spacious auditorium, and decorated with potted plants and flowers, afforded plenty of room for the speakers, visitors, and contestants for honors. Arrangements were made to comfortably seat some two or three thousand people, fully that many chairs being placed in regular rows, divided by two aisles extending the length of the hall.
"The pupils of the different schools and colleges being among the first to arrive, the spare time was utilized for a rehearsal of college songs, interspersed with the different college yells of the system, some of which occasioned hearty laughter.
[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON INSTITUTE, DANVILLE, VA.]
"Upon the arrival of Chancellor Smith, the representatives of the various schools of the system took their places upon the stage, as well as those pupils who were to contest for the elocution and declaimer's medals. After music by the band and prayer by Rev. Oscar Littleton, the first number was announced, it being a contest for the declaimer's medal of Randolph-Macon Academy, of Bedford City. Mr. J. K. Holman opened with a humorous selection entitled 'Uncle Peter and the Trolly Car.' He was followed by Mr. W. E. Wood, who declaimed an historical poem of the revolutionary period, 'The Black Horse and His Rider.' Between this contest and the next the pupils of the Bedford school, accompanied by the band, rendered with much spirit an 'Academy' song, the words of which were composed by Wirt Holloway, a pupil.
"A contest for the recitation medal of the Randolph-Macon Institute, of Danville, followed, the first being Miss Janie Howard, who had chosen a dialect story, 'Rubaiyat of Doc Sifers.' 'The Set of Turquoise' was delivered by Miss Sue Bethel. The young ladies of the Danville Institute then closed their part of the programme with their favorite song, 'The Lemon and Black,' in the course of which they were assisted by the young men of the system.
"J. William Kight came forward as a representative of the Academy at Front Royal, and with a humorous description of a New England debating society, in which he gave practical illustrations of the different classes of village oratory.
"Mr. J. L. Humphrey, also of the Front Royal Academy, gave a declamation entitled 'Laska.'
"The contest for the Woman's College medal was introduced by Miss Nellie
Underwood, whose subject was 'The Courtin' of T'Nowhead's Bell.'
"Miss Underwood was followed by Miss Hathryn P. Acree, whose subject was
'Parnassius and the Captive.'
"The rendition of the Woman's College song, 'Merry Girls of R. M. W.
C.,' was followed by the contest for the Woman's College Medal for best
address. The contestants were Miss Addie Taylor and Miss Sadie Jacobs.
Miss Taylor was the first speaker. Her subject was 'The Supremacy of the
Anglo-Saxon.' Miss Jacobs' subject was 'Demands of Our Civilization.'
"The closing exercise was the contest for the Sutherlin orator's medal of the Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. The contestants were F. Raymond Hill, B. A. Wise, E. K. Odell, and S. M. Janney.
"Mr. Hill opened the contest with an oration on 'The Price of Progress.'
"Mr. Janney's subject was 'What For?'
"'The Power of a Noble Example' was the subject of Mr. Wise's oration.
"Mr. Odell followed in an oration entitled, 'De Oratoribus.'
The exercises were closed with the singing of the Commencement Chorus.
"A feature of the morning's programme, which was of a decidedly interesting character, was the calisthenic drill, under the direction of Miss Alice Hargrove, of a number of young ladies of the Woman's College.
FIELD-DAY EXERCISES.
"Tuesday afternoon was devoted to field day exercises in the Rivermont base-ball park. A sound mind in a sound body has for a long time been a leading maxim in the Randolph-Macon system. Each institution has its well-equipped gymnasium, under the instruction of an efficient instructor, and during the unseasonable days of winter every student of the system is required to go through an hour's drill in the gymnasium three afternoons in the week.
The average man gets his idea of college athletics from the base-ball and foot-ball teams, which generally tour the State annually. Randolph-Macon recognizes the fact that base-ball and foot-ball are but a small part of college athletics, and consequently every student is encouraged to allot a portion of his time to the general training of his body, and especially to athletic feats requiring more or less skill and grace. In early spring, at each school in the system, a day known as Field-Day is set aside for athletic exercises, for which prizes and medals are offered as a special inducement, to ensure a large number of contestants.
THE CONCERT.
"Tuesday night a concert was given at the Opera-House by the young ladies of the Woman's College and the Danville Female Institute. Of the character of the music of the programme the highest praise has been spoken. In the instrumental and the chorus selections the participants presented music of the highest perfection music that possessed a charm and inspiration for every listener.
WEDNESDAY.
"About half-past nine o'clock Wednesday morning the students of the several schools and colleges, together with the alumni, met at old St. Paul's Church, on Church street, and there, after forming into a procession and led by the band, marched to the auditorium. Here the graduating class, in orthodox cap and gown, ascended the stage, where, with the alumni, they were seated in chairs arranged in semi-circular lines, forming altogether a pleasing and impressive picture.
"A few minutes were spent in rehearsing college songs. In this connection it may be well to note that the Randolph-Macon system is rich with songs suitable for commencement season, and written principally by those who have studied within its classic halls. After prayer by Rev. Dr. James A. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. W. S. Bell, president of the Class of '98, introduced Miss Blanche E. Cheatham, of Martinsville, who delivered the salutatory address.
"The history of the Class of '98 and its twenty-nine members was told by Mr. J. T. Porter, and as each name was called it was greeted with applause, while the historian made a brief comment upon its owner. The Class song of '98, composed by Mr. E. T. Adams, Jr., was next sung, after which Miss Lily G. Egbert, of Atlee, Va., read the class poem, an original composition entitled 'The Evolution of a Soul.'
"Mr. J. E. McCulloch, of Roanoke, delivered the class oration.
"The Hall song, evidently a favorite with the male students, was sung with considerable spirit, especially the chorus, which eulogizes as 'the very best of all' the two halls of the two rival literary societies, those of Washington and Franklin. The president of the class next introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, of Richmond, who read a class prophecy, in which she drew vivid pictures of the bright futures awaiting many of this year's class.
"Mr. Sydenstricker, of Loudoun, read a paper entitled 'Recommendations.' In it he indicated, with a prescient knowledge of seemingly remarkable accuracy, the future employments and professions of the members of the graduating classes of Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and the Woman's College, Lynchburg.
"After singing 'Gaudeamus,' the last will and testament of the graduating classes of the two institutions was read by Mr. F. C. Campbell, of Ashland. Again was the audience treated to a series of 'hits' at the expense of certain members of the faculties, pupils, etc., of the two schools.
"The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience.
MR. TILLETT'S ADDRESS.
"After singing 'The Randolph-Macon Roundelay,'the alumni address was delivered by Hon. Charles W. Tillett, of North Carolina. This eloquent speaker dwelt in feeling terms upon the great Randolph-Macon System. The foundation, he declared, had been laid with enduring material, and to-day all could unite in applauding the distinguished success of the master hand. The occasion was one on which a little glorification was pardonable, and every Randolph-Macon man and woman might well feel proud of his or her alma mater, and particularly of the joint commencement, which they all recognized as the grandest and most successful commencement of Randolph-Macon's career.
"The exercises were brought to a close with the singing of the song,
'Alma Mater, O.'
THE BALL GAME.
"An immense crowd gathered at the park in the afternoon to witness the ball game between the Bedford and the Front Royal Academies. The boys from Bedford had the best of the contest from start to finish, and won out by a score of 13 to 1."
FRANKLIN HALL.
"At night the exercises of the 'Frank' Hall were introduced with prayer by Rev. W. H. Atwill. The declamations were: 'The Fireman's Prayer,' by W. W. Wood, of Bedford; 'The Innocent Drummer,' by Miss Bethel, of Danville, and 'The Village Schoolmaster,' by J. L. Humphrey. W. J. Gills, of the College, delivered an oration on 'True Patriotism,' and the exercises closed with an essay by Miss Lula B. Woolridge, of the Woman's College, on 'Triumphant Life.' The Society medals were awarded as follows: John Kilby, of Suffolk, for declamation; F. C. Campbell, of Ashland, for debate, and Marvin E. Smithey, of Brunswick, for improvement in debate.
THE ALUMNI BANQUET.
"The annual banquet of the Alumni Association was held at the 'Carroll'
Wednesday night from 11 to 2 o'clock. After half an hour's feasting, the
remaining time was devoted to speeches of prominent members of the
Association. The following toasts were responded to: 'Randolph-Macon
College,' Dr. J. A. Kern; 'Randolph-Macon Woman's College,' Dr. N.
Knight; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Bedford), Principal E. Sumter Smith;
'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Front Royal), Dr. B. W. Arnold;
'Randolph-Macon Institute' (Danville), Miss Nellie Blackwell;
'Blackstone Female Institute,' Rev. James Cannon, Jr.; 'Board of
Trustees,' Dr. E. B. Prettyman; 'Randolph-Macon of 1898,' J. E.
McCulloch; 'The Alumni,' Charles W. Tillett; 'Glories of the Past,'
Captain Richard Irby; 'Randolph-Macon of the Future,' Dr. W. W. Smith."
[Illustration: EDWARD S. BROWN, A. B.]
The oldest alumnus present was Edward S. Brown (Class 1843), a prominent and most estimable citizen of Lynchburg, who matriculated in 1837.
Letters were received from the oldest alumnus now living, and one of the members of the graduating Class of 1839, who, with Thomas H. Garnett, of Buckingham county, Va., of same class, still survives.
The oldest living alumnus, Dr. Theophilus S. Stewart, of Marietta, Ga., graduated in 1836. He accompanied Dr. Olin to Europe, and took his degree of M. D. in Paris in 1839.
The letters of Dr. Stewart and Rev. James F. Smith, of Spartanburg, S.
C., referred in tenderest terms to the College.
[Illustration: DR. THEOPHILUS S. STEWART, A. B., (Class, 1836.)]
"Thursday. The opening prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Arnold, of North Carolina, at the conclusion of which the Commencement hymn (No. 1) was sung by the students to the air of 'America,' all standing. Bishop Vincent, of Kansas, the speaker of the occasion, was then introduced by the chancellor. The Bishop, who is a man of fine appearance, with a pleasant voice, launched forth in these words: 'Notable days to the individual, to associations, to state and to church, come into all lives. This is an interesting day to the individual, to families, and to the institution. It is a day of an ending and a day of a beginning. I see a picture, as I stand in this place to-day, of closing doors and of doors ajar, the end of complete or partial course of study and the beginning of lessons in the great school of life. Here, with the fragrance and flowers, under the spell of music, beneath these glorious skies and amid these mountains of Virginia, we need not only to look backward, but to look forward.'
"He closed his address as follows: 'Above all things, a man wants character; for if you presented yourself at the gate of heaven without the quality that would make you worthy to dwell there, you would find the beauties and glories of the home of God uncongenial to you. Live, not that you may have your name in Washington with a big pension or something of that kind, but in order that you may contribute to the betterment of the environment of those about you.'
"To the students before him he said he would recommend the whole world and the universe as a university in which to learn and in which to strive to ascend to the university of the most high God.
HONORS AWARDED.
"After a song, 'Columbia, the Pride of the Nation,' the distinguished under-graduates were announced by printed sheets. Then followed the awarding of prizes and medals, the Randolph-Macon Institute, of Danville, being first, followed in regular order by the Randolph-Macon Academy, Bedford City; Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal; Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, and Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.
"Diplomas in courses were awarded by President Kern, of the Randolph-
Macon College, and Vice-President Knight, of the Randolph-Macon Woman's
College.
THE GRADUATES.
"Degrees were conferred on the following:
RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE.
A. M.
Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia.
A. Judson Chalkley, Virginia.
David Hough Dolly, Virginia.
James C. Dolly, Kentucky.
James T. Porter, Virginia.
Raymond R. Ross, Virginia.
Frank A. Simpson, Virginia.
Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia.
Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia.
A. B.
William Solon Bell, Virginia.
William G. Burch, Virginia.
F. C. Campbell, Virginia.
Merrick Clements, Maryland.
Carl Hall Davis, Virginia.
F. B. Fitzpatrick, Virginia.
Frank R. Hill, West Virginia.
Edward B. Jones, Virginia. H.
Alfred Allen Kern, Virginia.
LeRoy E. Kern, Virginia.
James E. McCulloch, Virginia.
Geo. L. Neville, Jr., Virginia.
Arthur V. Nunnally, Virginia.
Robert H. Sheppe, Virginia.
Hampden H. Smith, Virginia.
H. Sydenstricker, W. Virginia.
James T. Walker, Virginia.
RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE.
A. B.
Lily Garland Egbert, Virginia.
Eloise Richardson, Virginia.
Blanche E. Cheatham, Virginia.
Cornelia Poindexter, Virginia.
MEDALISTS.
Sutherlin Medal. Samuel McPherson Janney, Virginia.
Murray Medals. Proficiency Medal, Thomas Moody Campbell, Virginia;
Scholarship Medal, George Lafayette Bradford, Virginia of
Randolph-Macon College.
Walton Greek Prize. David H. Dolly, Virginia.
Medal for Best Essay. Sadie Jacobs, Virginia of Randolph-Macon Woman's
College.
WASHINGTON SOCIETY.
"With the excellent programme of the annual celebration of the Washington Literary Society the exercises of the joint commencement of the Randolph-Macon system of educational institutions were brought to a close.
"Prayer was offered by Bishop Granbery, after which Edwin B. Jones, president of the society, welcomed those present, and introduced J. W. Kight, of Front Royal, who entertained his hearers with a short, humorous sketch. Miss Swanson, of the Danville Institute, followed with a dialect recitation, entitled 'Writin' Back to the Home Folks.' 'Flying Jim's Last Leap' was the declamation given by Mr. Taylor, of the Bedford City Academy, and the next was an oration by F. Burke Fitzpatrick, of Randolph-Macon College. His speech was devoted to prophesying as to the future of Virginia, basing his remarks upon the record of the past.
"Miss Edith Cheatham's address was 'College Men and Women.'
"The programme was brought to a close by an oration, 'A Great Work; Our
Share in It,' delivered by Frank A. Simpson, of Richmond, Va.