The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-01-10
The General Assembly's Theological
Seminary, Columbia, S. G.

This ancient school or the Prophets mas
suffered in common with every private indi
vidual and institution located in Dixie, by
the disastrous results of the late struggle for
freedom and independence. A large pro-
portion of its assets were invested in various
stocks and bonds, some of which lapsed into
nought, and the remainder have deteriorated
more or less in value.
The Faculty, noble, learned and veneer
able body of ecclesiastics, have had their sal
aries reduced almost to the non-supporting
point, yet still they stand their ground, and,
though SO poorly requited for their labors,
are rendering incalculable service to the
cause of Christ'S Kingdom.
Year after year select band of worthy
young ministers, thoroughly versed in the
blessed lore of the Scriptures, 60 forth full
plumed and clad in the armor of the gospel,
to proclaim Gods priceless salvation to lost
and ruined world.
These favored disciples have the privilege
of being reared at the feet of more than one
Gamaliel. First, there is the venerated and
lovely DR.. George Howe, the digniGed head
of the faculty, who for nearly fifty gears has
chung to the fortunes Of the Seminary with
out moments hiatus through sunshine and
shade. Even during the war he continued
to occupy his mansion just across the street
from the Institution, and jealously watched
over and guarded that sacred fame of learn
ing, when Sherman and his minions, torch
and sword in hand, were running riot through
the doomed city.
The Doctor is as remarkable for his piety
and modesty, as he is for his urbanity of
manners aud profound erudition.
Then, equally aged and more hoary in ap'
pearance is DR.. Plumer, who, though con.
nected with the Seminary but few years
only, is noted as one of the soundest and
ablest divines of his denomination.
The third member of the Faculty is the
accomplished and scholarly DR.. Woodrow,
50 well and popularity known as the editor of
that staunch journal, the Southern Pres6y-
terrain, and also the publisher, and response
bic head of the Quarterly Review, printed
under the auspices of the Southern Pfesby-
terrain Churohss
The Doctor, an acute thinker and polished
writer, is most valuable professor of the
chair of Natural Science in connexion with
Revelation.
Last but not least, should be mentioned
the Professor of Didactic and Polemic The
ology, Rev. ]. L. Girardeau, D. D., who is
one of the most popular and distinguished
pulpit orators in the Union. This eminent
divine has but recently become connected
with the Seminary by the unanimous voice of
the General Assembly, and his name and at
tainments will prove tower of strength to it..
Nor should the faithful tutor in Hebrew,
Mr.. Charles S. Hemphill, be forgotten in
the enumeration of the learned teachers of
the Theological school. He is thorough
scholar and Christian gentleman.
At present, owing to many pecuniary back
sets and other causes which may not be men
toned here the number of divinity students
has been reduced to twenty five, which, how
ever, will be increased by other additions in
January.
The instruction impaired is very thorough,
and the actual expenses of student have
been reduced to the minimum point.
Just now, the Seminary is much incon-
venienced by the failure of the Savannah au-
thorities in consequence of the late epidemic,
to pay the interest upon the bonds of that
city held by the trustees. We trust, how
ever, the embarrassment will not be but tenn,
porary, and the churches should see to it
that this excellent school of the Prophets is
fully sustained, and its usefulness preserved
unimpaired.
Our ellow-townsman, Hon. ]. ]. Gresham,
has been one of its most generous benefac-
tors.-MacOn Telegraph.