Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-07-31
Selett .lflisteaar1g.
From the Southern Presbyterian.
YoRKvILLE F. G. INSTITUTE.

| YOhh V1lIiE r. ". lNSI1IU UIEi.
The annual examination of the Yorkville
Female Collegiate Institute and other exer-
cises of its first commencement took place
on the lst and second days of July. Itwas
my good fortune to be present on that occa-
sion, and to witness all its exercises. A va
riety of considerations influence me to make
a statement of my impressions of this Tnsti-
tuition, and its claims as place Of educa-
ton.
Yorkville is situated on high and heal
thy ridge, and has always been avllage rath-
er distinguished for its moral tone and the
steady habits of its citizens. Since its con,
nection with Columbia by Railroad, its growth
has been rapid Many of those who have
been added to its population are among the
better citizens of the country. There arc in
the town FIVE churches, viz: Methodist,
Presbyterian, Independent Presbyterian, AS
sociate Reformed, and Episcopal. At its Au-
tumnal sessions in 1852, Bethel Presbytery
took incipient measures to establish an insti-
tuition of high order for the education of fe-
males. Yorkville was subsequently chosen
as the place for its location, and the Rev. j.
NJ Anderson was appointed Principal of this
school Under his guidance with the ener-
getic cooperation of Board of Trustees
chosen by the Presbytery, beautiful location
was procured in the village and building
sufficient for the accommodation Of three
hundred pupils has been completed. At the
recent commencement class of eleven young
ladies received diplomas. In the progress
of this Institution the corps of instructors
have been increased to seven. Those now
connected with it are the following:
Mr. Anderson, the Principal native of
York District, and graduate of the South
Carolina College. He abandoned the prac-
tice OF law in Yorkyille with hattering pros
poets in that profession, and was licensed to
preach by Bethel Presbytery in the fall Of
1916. He was subsequently pastor of the
church at Ebenezer till compelled by disease
to abstain measurably from public speaking.
He now fills the professorship of Rhetoric,
Evidences of Christianity, intellectual Phi
losophy, &c, in the Institution, which he
contributed much to orig ginate and bring to
its present position. His method of teach,
ing shows that he has somewhere made the
intimate acquaintance of DR.. Thornwell.
The Rev James A. r. Adams fills the
professorship of Mathematics. He is a ma,
tive of York District, and graduate of the
University of Georgia while that institution
was under the Presidency of DR.. NJ. Wad-
DELL After leaving college he spent some
time in teaching, and completed regular
course in the Theological Seminary insCo,
lumbia. Since that time he has constantly
been engaged in the work of the ministry in
North Carolina and this State. In the
Spring of 1851 he, took charge of the church
in Eorkyi,lc and established \ school of which
the present college is but an expansion.
Mr. Matthew Elder is professor of Ancient
Languages and the Natural Sciences. Mr..
Elder is a native of Chester District, Ru-
ling Elder of the Associate Reformed church
and an instructor of long experience in his
native District. His scholarship, skill and
fidelity are beyond question.
Miss Anna Warner Curtis teaches the
French language, Natural History, History,
Music, or anything else that may be needful
in the regular course Of college studies. Miss
Curtis has had a considerable experience as
au instructrcss in New York and various
parts of this State, and everywhere has pro-
we'd herself highly efficient in the business
of instruction.
The department of music is under the
special direction of Professor Kern assisted
by the Misses Underwood and Curtis. Of
the qualifications of this corps, am not COM
petent to speak with confidence; being a
stranger to all but the last, and having no
skill in music. Their instructions have, how.
ever, given entire satisfaction to the commu-
nifty and patrons of the Institution. In ad-
dition to her services in the department of
music, Miss Underwood gives instruction in
drawing, painting and other branches of or
namental education in which her services are
highly appreciated.
The preparatory department is under the
direction of Miss McElwee, young lady of
fine accomplishments, and who, also, is said
to have received very substantial educa-
ton.
The examination and other exercises of
the occasion, made the impression on my
mind, that the instructions impaired in this
Institution arc solid of the kind adapted
to dtvely ,c the intellectual powers and train
the md to close application, and that pa
rents who wish their daughters taught to
think for themselves and to reason correct
Is, may safely cntrust them to the care of
those who have charge of this Institution.
The location is fortunate The building
stands in beautiful grove, having the town
I in front and majestic forest in the back
ground. The religious privileges are am
pie. In addition to the religious instruc-
tions afforded in the Institution itself, the
pupils have access to all the churches in
town. There is a weekly prayer:meetipg and
Sabbath school in the Presbyterian church,
and preaching every Sabbath day.
There is no Stewards hall in which young
ladies are required to board But the pre-
parations for receiving boarders are ample.
Mr.. Anderson resides within few yards of
the college building, and is prepared to re-
ceiye considerable number into his family.
A nunnhnr of familios ,r;thin q nonraninnt