The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1857-11-27
ATHENS FEMALE COLLEGE.

have RETAINED from speaking in reference te
this institution. But the time has arrived
when it is proper to say word or two about
it, and to call public attention to the en-
terprise.
The College was commenced by MeMinn
Lodge of Odd Fellows. The Lodge subse.
quently sold the property-the buildings be.
ing unfinished-to the Methodist Episcopal
Church. The property was rendered to the
tlolston Conference at its last session
through Rev. s. PHILLIPS, and was unani-
mOusy received as a Conference College
The Board of Trustees feel confident that
they will be able to complete the buildings
at an early day, as they have an energetic
and persevering Agent, in the person of Mr..
Phillips, who will present the claims Of the
institution to the people, and solicit funds in
behalf of the enterprise. For ourself, we
feel the more confident of its success, be-
cause we know that the body of men under
whose patronage and control the institution
is placed, are capable of building up and sus-
tanning it. They have now under their pat
ronage and auspices Female College, at
Asheville, N. c., which we are justi6able in
saying is one of the most fourishing and
successful educational Institutions in all tho
South. As regards the fears entertained by
some, that The Conference might take charge
of too many Schools, we think such fears
are groundess. Phe Conference has but
one Female School now, and we think it
could sustain three as easily as one. They
have the material, the energy, and the ability
to do it, and their efforts will command sue
cess.
The institution named at the head OF this
article, is at the right place. 1t is near the
centre of East Tennessee, in the midst of
one of the best and most productive sections
in the State With an abundance of excel
lent water, Athens is, without doubt the
healthiest village in East Tennessee. Be-
sides this, it has the advantage Of being on
what is soon TO be the greatest thoroughfare
in the Union, and is of easy access from every
direction. The centre of rich and fertile
region, with population that in morals and
excellence Of character will compare favora-
bly, with any other community, and free, in
n great degree, from the frivolities and vani-
ties of places of larger pretensions, no more
eligible location for Female College could
have been selected. We are certain no one
will doubt the praclicability or usefulness of
such an institution MS it is proposed to build
up hereof its advantages and happy inhu-
ences not only to this immediate neighbour
hood, but in every direction. We are behind
other portions of the State as regards schools,
and ought now to wake up. There is no Fe-
male College within, perhaps, two hundred
miles of this place, and there are hundreds
of young females who would be educated
here, whose parents and guardians cannot
send them so far from home to school. So
that in every respect the enterprise CON-
mends itself to the friends of female educa-
ton.
We learn the Trustees are about securing
the services Of President for the institution
of acknowledged ability, who has had much
experience as teacher. The School, though
controlled by the Conference, will not be sec
tartan. And 10 conclusion for the present,
we call upon, not only our town and county,
but all East Tennessee, and other sections of
country, TO give aid and encouragement to
the enterprise. 1t will not only be promotive
Of education and morals, and advance the
great cause Of Christianity, but it will save
thousands Of dollars annually which are now
expended in sending our daughters to dis
lance to be educated. No one can fail to
perceive at once that such an institution will
prove blessing not only here, but that its
healthful influences would be felt through
every part Of this division of the State
The College building, when completed, will
accommodate two hundred students, perhaps
more. We hope the people will meet the
Agent with smile, and give him that mate
rial aid and encouragement which the impor-
lance of the enterprise merits and should
readily command.