The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-12-17
What Howard University is Doing for
the Evangelization Of the Colored
People.

MessrS. d5torS,-Some Of your readers
will have unpleasant thoug hts when they
see mention of this University. The
writer has lately made visit to it with
these prepossessions against it. We un-
derstand that they are not altogether un-
founded, and that inquiry would show
causes well adapted in themselves to pre-
iudice good people. The object of our
visit, however, was not to inquire into its
history or to find out things in the past
which might be Justly criticised, but to
look into It's present condition, and to see
for ourselves what it is doing for the col
ored race. We were favored in having
for our guide Rev. DR.. A. W. Pitzer-
himself one of the Professors Of the In
stitution. He devotes one day in the
week to giving instruction to the Theo-
logical students (of whom there are about
! ffty) in Biblical Studies and horal Sci
ence, will only say in passing, that I
understand from gentlemen connected
with the institution that his instructions
are highly priced and that he is produc-
ing an excellent impression upon the
young men who come under his care
Professor Craighead, the successor of the
lamented Westcott, is, however, the chief
professor in the theological department.
He devotes his whole time to this service
and has under his charge Revealed The
oLoqv and Biblical History 1t was our
privilege to hear a recitation Of one Of his
classes in the Harmony on very diff
cult passage (the account Of the Resur-
rection Of jesus being under discussion,
and we were .de6ahts3 18th tire oaRaoss
and metnou oI i los,s 5neas
well as with tie intelligence, information,
accuracy, and promptness Of the students.
1t was an admirable exhibit of what is
being done in the preparation Of an edu-
Gated ministry for the colored race, and
we confess to profound gratitude to God
for what we saw and heard.
We also had the pleasure of a long con-
ference with DR.. Patton, the President of
the Institution, who is also Professor of
-He5reaU in the Theological Department.
1t was not our good fortune to meet DR..
Butler, Professor of Pastoral Theology
Homi1eticS, and Church History DR..
Patton was kind enough to show us
through the institution which we found
to be admirable ir its appointments. Its
lecture-rooms, halls, library, ETC., ETC.,
will compare favorably with any of our
colleges. 1t has a property which cost
half million of dollars. Its primary
and collegiate departments are well mann
ed, and It's facilities for educating those
who resort to its halls are first rate.
Our interest, however, centered in the
Theological Department, and when we
saw some forty intelligent earnest, and
studious young men, gathered from the
Southern States, some of whom have al
ready attainedS good degree Of culture,
and nearly all of whom seem to be doing
their duty faithfully, our hopes of the
progress and enlightenment of their race,
were very much revived, and we left,
giving a God-speed to DR.. Pitzer and his
coadiutors. DR. Patton seems to be the
right man in the right place-inteligent,
energetic, and deeply interested in the
work, courteous in manner, and evidently
determined to do all in his power for the
best interests of those committed to his
charge. There are Law and Medical
Departments connected with the institu-
ton. There are but few students in the
former, but some seventy-fve are study
ing medicine. We close by advising those
interested in the intellectual, moral, and
spiritual welfare of our colored people,
to visit this institution when they have
opportunity. 1t ought also to be stated
that our friend, Major T. J. kirkpatrick,
Of Lychburg, is one Of the trustees Of the
University, and that strong disposition
on the part of some to elect representative
Southern men to this position when op-
portunity offers X.