New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-11-06
GT0ssa 1'eunessee.

NAsHvILLE, Tenn, Oct. rs, 1879.
To ne Editor orne Nee National Era and cfn,en:
For the few minutes that shall devote to
you shall speak of the mission schools Of
Nashville, which are destined to illuminate
the many dark places In our State, and tho
world around us. No one can enter our city
for the first time, without having his eyes d.
rected to the hills which lie at the southern
extremity, upon one Of which stands group
of magnificent buildings, within tho walls of
which you would at once think there must be
light" You would have only 10 inquire of
the school boy to ascertain that that 10 the
location Of tho Central Tennessee College,
an institution that has during the last seven
years, shed light and knowledge among the
mass Of people Of the south. The Rev. Mr..
Broden, Of the NJ. T.. Church, Is principal of
the Institution. and surely he is the right man
in the right place. Filled with that zeal
which is SO peculiar to that denomination
this Reverend gentleman possesses the spir.
1t Of true philanthropist, which fits him for
his onerous position. One has only to know
him to love him. No one can acquaint him
self with the institution without admiring it.
The Presbyterian denomination which is
seldom if ever behind in the work Of educa-
ton, is doing its part in tho noble work here.
They have a fine school in operation which
has been etiectual in bringing about radical
change in the pupils. In connection with the
school is a young church under tue care of
the Rev. Mr.. McNiel, but as l shall at an
early date give you an account of the differ
ent churches, and pastors. will Tor present
leave this Institution. will now all your
attention to another under the auspices of
the American Missionary Society which will
be familiar to many hundreds of our readers
when | tell you mean the Fisk University.
They are not behind in the least, but stand
firm in the line. The name of this Universi
ty was sung, by the Jubilee Singers, far and
wide, in America and Europe, 80 that 1t is
we'll known to all lovers of education. This
noble school may well be called the Sun of
the South" 1t has been in operation about
eight years, and its demands having become
too great for its means, it became necessary
ings, one of which has been commenced
known as Jubilee Hall, located in the north
western part of the city, upon the very ground
where once stood battery in the defense Of
the Union. On the 2lst inst. l witnessed
the laying of the corner stone of the immense
building, the proceedings of which will give
you briefly. 1t having been previously an
nounced that the services would take place
at half past two O'Clock, long before that
hour arrived crowds of people from all parts
of the city began to assemble around the
foundation Of the building. The procession
started at two o'clock from the old school
building, headed by a band Of music, which
seemed to be the delight Of the multitude Of
children who swelled the ranks to several
hundreds. Nearly all the schools Of the city
ly grand one. After the usual religious ex-
ercises were performed large tin box con-
tanning articles to be deposited was placed
in the cavity ofthe corner stone, by the Rev.
+. NJ. Croweth, Corresponding Secretary Of
the American Missionary Association. We
had speeches from several distinguished gen.
tlemen of the city. Appropriate songs were
sung by the choir of the University, and as
the suns last rays shOne upon the tree tops
the many voices went up in praise to the
Maker and Giver of all.
The last, but by no means the least, Of
these institutions is the Baptist Theological
College. This school has for tho last six
years been preparing host of young men to
preach the gospel Of the Son of God. The
Institution is under the care Of the Ameri.
can Baptist Home Missionary Society. Rev.
Mr.. Phillips, a graduate of Brown Universi-
ty and Newton Theological Seminary is at
the head Of the school. This Rev. gentle
man is mighty indeed in the Scripture. His
work in this city and State will be felt when
struggles of the present day shall only be
known in history " y