Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-09-29

in the chapel. This building is model
of simplicity and beauty, and is capable
of seating comfortably three or four hun
dred persons. For this occasion it had
been decorated with the most exquisite
taste. The audience were first seated.
and then the corps Of instructors, en-
tered in procession, arrsyed in
the Oxford gown and I cap, pre-
ceded by the Chancellor and Vice-Chan-
cellor, who wore hoods, in addition TO the
gown and cap. Meanwhile melodious
and melting strains, from an unseen min
strelsy, stole upon the ear and stirred the
hidden depths Of the soul. The Profes.
sors took seats in the chaucel, the
Chancellor and Vice. Chancellor being
respectively, on the right and left of the
altar. The chancel with its simple but
lovely decoration, the bishops by the altar
in their crimson hoods, the professors in
their quaint and sombre gowns, presented
tableau at once novel, impressive and
beautiful.
The morning prayer was read by Rev.
c. A. Coley. The lessons (selected) were
then read by Rev. F. L. Knight, ID.
Then after the first three collects, the
hymn Come holy spirit heavenly
dove" was sung by the choir. Then
followed the Bidding Prayer, by the Vice
Chancellor, Bishop Quintard, appropri-
ate in conception and impressively de-
livered. The litany was then said by
Rev. A. W. Clarke, of Mississippi. After
this, special prayers were read by the
Vice Chancellor for Gods blessings upon
the University of the South; for the
heads of the institution, and for the Holy
Catholic Church throughout the world,
its unity, purity, order, peace and doc
trine. Then followed the hymn, suited
to the occasion, commencing,
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and corner-stone."
After this the communion Office was said
by the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor
taking the epistle and assisting in the
administration of the elements. After
this Bishop Green, with q very earnest
manner, delivered an address, in SUBJ
stance as follows, though ] cannot pre-
tend to give his language with exactness:
ADDRESS OF BISHOP GREEN.
II cannot permit these exercises to
close without some remarks expressive
of my gratitude to Almighty God that
we have been enabled at length TO inau-
gurate this great enterprise, aud express
sive, toe, of my strong confidence in the
ultimate and ample success which will
crown the efforts this day initiated. 1t
is now more than twelve years since the
conception was first entertained by that
great and noble spirit, Bishop Polk, of
establishing University under the
auspices of the Episcopal Church in the
Southern States. He communicated his
plan to the bishops of the several dio-
ceses, who received the suggestion with
favor, and steps were promptly taken to
carry the design into execution. 1t was
determined to organize a University
upon q scale commensurate with the
almost illimitable means which the
Church could then command. The
scheme comprehended thirty distinct
colleges, with Faculties composed of the
highest talent and scholarship to be pro-
cured in this country or Europe. The
location of the University was matter
of grave and protracted consideration.
Lookout Mountain, Huntsville, Selma,
Athens, Atlanta and other places(as many
believe, as there were cities that claimed
the nativity Of Homer), were thought of,
and pressed upon the consideration of the
with the proffer Of endow-
ments and inducements of the most lib
eral character. This lovely mountain
was at last selected, as combining, in a
greater degree than other localities, the
requisites for great institution Of learn
ing. The bishops and other trustees from
the several dioceses, assembled on this
spot, and, with earnest prayer and i'm
posing ceremony, laid the cornerstone,
luarried from pure Tennessee marble.
The prospect for q complete realization
of our hopes was most auspicious. We
we're soon, however, to witness an illus
ration of the truth that man proposes,
out God disposes. The war came with
Is devastation, and left the South
wreck. Further effort in behalf OF the
University was, for the time, neces-
Iarily suspended. But the friends
If the great enterprise we're reluc-
ant to abandon it. and at q
Meeting Of the trustees, within the past
ew weeks, il was resolved 10 organize
he junior department of the university,
Nth a competent corps of in structors, in |
he hope that it may gradually expand |
nto the dimensions Of the magnificent |
cheme contemplated at the beginning.
low far this hope will be realized must |
mainly depend, Of course, upon the resto-
alton Of the material prosperity Of the
'outh. The institution opens to-day
uder circumstances which inspire hope
/ may say confidence. The
lead Master Of the department ofinstruc-
ion is gentleman who enjoys the IN.
United confidence Of everybody gen.
leman Of the highest character and ac-
His assistants are ike
rise gentlemen Of character and cultiva-
ion, who possess our entire confidence.
he gentleman 70 whom was intrusted
be design aud construction Of the build
1gs, has discharged the trust with zeal
I'd ability worthy Of all praise And
ou With profound solicitude We commit
bis enterprise, 10 what We fondly hope
iay prove q career Of progressive aud ex-
anding usefulness. To the young men
HON see before me, let me say that il
Iill. lam sure. be . source Of proud and
leasing reflection, in after life, that you
ere the fret 70 enroll y0ur names as
i1denfs At this university. When, in
oming years, stately structures, deii-