The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-07-29
Keokuk Female Seminary.

suhnt 70 adJOufnm0nt Win the same gentle
men officiating as officers. The President
then stated that the Board of Trustees have
met during the week and authorised him to
present q plan Of organization which hewould
then read. In reading he did not consider
the plan offered as definite expression of all
that might be desired, but rather as basis Of
discussion, with view of calling out the
opinions of others. Two ideas are embodied
in the report, namely: cooperation of all the
Protestant churches in the city in unison
under representatives elected by each as
curators, and Board of Stockholders, who
should have the financial matters under their
control. The report was then read, being as
follows:
AT a meeting of the Trustees of the Keokuk
Female Seminary, together with one of the Protes-
tant minister's and in accordance with the ex-
pressed wish Of some of the citizens met in this
house one week ago, it was agreed to submit the
following plan Of procedure to this meeting to
further the upbuilding of the Female Seminary to
high position of usefulness:
1st. That q Board of Curators be elected to
consist Of two members from each of the Protes-
tant religious denominations in this city, that
they be chosen at as early day possible by
the several churches representing such denomna-
tions that each denomination elect one Curator to
serve two years, and to year, At this
6rst election, and hereafter, at q stated time in
each subsequent year, that each denomination
elect Curator to remain in ONCE two years, thus
filing the vacancies occurring in the Board of
Curators that these Cnrators have all the pow
ers usually held by Curators Of such institutions
I'd. That effort be made TO raise at least
$1o,000 subscriptions Of Stock for the purchase
of a house and other property needed for . first
class Female Seminary; that shares Of Stock shall
be $50; that when amount of funds deemed
sufficient, tless than $40 00O shall be subscribed
then the holders Of said Stock shall meet and elect
Board of Trustees for the management Of the
funds for the benefit Of the Keokuk Female Sem
mary, and make all such arrangements and regu-
atons in regard to said funds ssthey deem proper.
When, upon the suggestion of Col. RANKIN,
Rev. Mr.. WEsrovER moved that it be accept
ed, with the view of bringing the subjectjbe
fore the meeting. Motion carried.
Mr. A. McMIcKIx then moved that it be
adopted.
Col RANKIN said it was hardly to be sup
posed that this meeting was fully prepared to
act definitely on matter So important as
this-the establishment of q basis of organi-
zation of all the denominational influences in
this city into one harmonious cooperation.
The little interest manifested by the several
churches ought to be accepted as evidence
against such action at this time as against the
plan itself. For his part he was opposed to
it. He was not in favor of an Institution
based on special church action and organiza-
ton, but rather upon broader basis which
shall enlist the support of all classes, whether
they belong to any church or not-would leave
the idea of definite church support entirely
out. Why embarrass it by definite church
action when there were 80 many antagonistic
elements among them? Such is not neees-
sary to show its opposition to Catholicism.
being Protestant in character is sufficient. Ii
| is better to take such men in town whose
! qualifications are known and admitted with
out reference to any church to which they may
belong and give the institution into their
hands to determine its course. Any other
| action would lead to confnsion-all know the
antagonistic elements in the churches all over
the country. They never harmonic. This
may not be bad for society, but rather bene
fetal. Yet such elements in an institution o
learning would not do. Denomina.ional in
fuence will show itself The Unitarian
Presbyterian, Universalist, Episcopalian and
other church influences cannot agree. Nc
/ man should be rejected because of his church
relations. He should be an enthusiastic and
l l.
educated and intelligent, then with the
proper person at the head of the institution te
interest and control public sentiment, and
command influence, money could be raised.
A good teacher is indispensable first and
must be secured.
| Mr.. CLARK did not wish to discuss the plan
offered by the President or Col RANKIN bu,
the apathy manifested showed clearly tbs
meeting was not prepared to act; he would
therefore suggest that plans be submitted by
those who felt an interest in the subject, have
them published, compare them and then de-
eide on what seemed for the best at a subse-
quent meeting.
Rev. Mr.. WEsToyER felt some hesitation,
because of being comparative stranger here
in presenting his views, but he was in favor o.
the plan offered by the President; thought il
might be modified some for the better re-
garded IT as important that united action be
had at once, if the school be opened this fall
Delays and discussion are hardly admissible
now; did not believe any institution of learn
ing can survive long withoutthe fostering care
Of the Christian religion, those planted
without this idea for basis are generally
compelled to change if they would succeed. +
Col. RANKIN interrupted by asking if there
was single institution in the country tha,
have succeeded onsuch church combinations
Mr.. WEsrovER said he would answer pres
emily. A building was necessary FIRST. II
regard to the antagonism Of the churches, he
had some doubts he had had long public
experience, and failed to discover it in othe,
places, and if such were the case here, it mus
be an exception TO the rule, in his view ofths
matter. So far ~ his experience here wa,
concerned, it was not the case, for he had
been very kindly received and treated By the
pastors and members Of the other denomina-
tions. The University Of Chicago was an ex.
ample Of successful church combination. and
4 = {