The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1883-05-09
For the Central Presbyterian.
Union Theological Seminary, Va

Aud VI hdy, 1000, SeNSHIeeu menuerS OI
the corporation being present. In pur-
suance of existing regulations, this COM
munication is furnished to the press. An
unusual amount of important business
was transacted. Items, which may inter-
est the reader, are selected from the re-
cords
In consequence of the regretted i'll
health of the President, (Dr. Kirkpat-
rick, who was present,) Vice-President
(the Rev. DR.. j. M, Atkinson, of North
Carolina) presided.
Examinations. committee of the
Trustees attended four and half DAYS
of the examinations, oral and written, and
made report of the fidelity of the pro-
fessors, and the general conscientious dill
igence of the students.
AbSenteeisn,.-It is matter of regret
that nearly half of the senior class were
necessarily absent from the examinations
and public delivery of diplomas, in con-
sequence of the meeting of their Presby-
teries at time which prevented a return
of these gentlemen to the institution to
receive their well-earned certificate of
having completed the full course Of ex-
tended study in the Seminary. This
continuing evil presents a question diff
cult of solution. The remedy is with the
Presbyteries; and committee (Rev.
Drs. Smith, Martin, and Hill) will
communicate with Presbyteries urging
some action, which these Church courts
may deem wise, and cooperation with
the Trustees to prevent, if practicable, this
undersigned injury to the students and
the Seminary. The absence of so many
of the undergraduates at the public an
niversary (and especially when a cul-
tured gentleman from the Synod of North
Carolina had, by invitation, prepared an
able and practical address for the occa-
sion,) caused unfavorable comment with
the Trustees and others. The Faculty
were instructed to remind students of a
desire that this shall not again occur
without proper excuse being rendered
Maturing BuSineSS.-To enable the
members of the corporation to discharge
the high trust confided to them, intelli-
gently and with due deliberation, the
secretary was instructed, annually, to
secure and print all reports from the sew
eral departments, and from committees
or individual trustees, (including action
OF the previous Assembly and Synods, J
and transmit the documents to each trus-
tee fifteen days before the annual meet
ing. Provision is made for full COM
mlttee of examination, with power Of
substitution of another trustee, In the
event the appointee on the committee
shall be unable TO attend, who shall be
at the Seminary five days before the an
nual meetings. All reports or other mat
ters shall be laid before this committee,
who are expected to prepare written re-
solutions or other minutes, for the Trus-
tees, who can then maturely consider,
amend, adopt, or reject the same, as to
them may seem wise.
AnniverSa1le8.-A committee is charged
with the duty to suggest and put into
execution measures designed to make the
commencements more attractive to Alum
nj students and the general public. 1t
is proposed to inaugurate, among other
means to this end, social, musical or
other inexpensive entertainments, to en-
able the Trustees and strangers to meet
the students socially, and form their ac-
quaintance, now prevented by the every
hour occupation in business. 1t may, it
is hoped, create desired esprit de corps
among the alumni and students, if these
reunions are established.
GynamaSlun1.-It is regretted that the
Trustees had not the means to establish
the gymnasium for which the students
presented a respectful petition. If the
friends Of the Seminary will furnish suf-
fcient money (by no means, at others,
found to be small sum- the wishes of
the students can be executed.
Increased InstTuction.-Pro was
made for the employment Of an assistant
instructor in Oriental literature, and in
other branches of study The Synod of
Virginia had sent down a record of de-
iverance on this subject. When the ar
rangements for this increased instruction
are matured, and the occupant of the po-
sition is appointed, further notice will be
sent to the Church and public
LeetureShips- Messrs Lacy, Rich
ardson, and Hill is conferred the duty of
enquiring and reporting on the expedien-
cy and practicality Of securing occasional
lectures on subjects Of interest to the stu
dents during the next and succeeding
terms.
NeV ProtessorShipS.-The Trustees du-
ly discussed and considered the propriety
and necessity Of creating one or more new
chairs Of instruction, re-arranging the
course Of study, and electlng additional
/ professors. A chair of English Biblical
study, to which shall be attached if here