The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-06-16
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF BUCH-
TEL COLLEGE.

To the Ohio U1iuersaliSt Contention:
On behalf of the trustees of Buchtel Col
lege hereby present the principal facts Pc
culiar to that institution within the past year,
and also add an abstract of resources and
liabilities
Since the last annual session of this Con-
vention the financial progress of the college
has been greater than that of any previous
year in it's history.
Gift of Hon. John r. Buchtel.
At the annual commencement June 20, 1887.
the Hon. John r. Buchtel surpassed any of
his previous benefactions. great though they
have been, and gave to the College securities
valued at $174, 400.
Since March, 1887, Mr.. Buchtel has been an
invalid; but, this magnificent gift, made
since his affection, is sufficient evidence that
though paralysis has laid hold of his limbs,
his soul has suffered no contraction. This
Akron Universalist. whose life and fortune
have been devoted to the institution since its
founding, has given altogether about $475,O 900.
Grouse Gymnasium.
At the last meeting of the Board of Trus-
tees, President Cones repeated recommended
ton that the college provide facilities for
physical culture was approved by the Board
and referred to the executive committee.
That committee met on the 4th day July, at
the home of Br. Buchtel. The Hon. Geo. W.
Grouse, citizen of Akron, and a member of
Congress, was present. The presidents pro-
ject was here given shape, and within thirty
days the architects plans were completed,
$4,000 was raised and the building named
after Mr.. Grouse. who gave 5000 at the start,
and has since given 5000 more. The gym
nasium is now complete both in its structure
and equipment, and cost about 1922 900. 1t has
been open to students for several weeks and
instruction is systematically given by Prof.
Chas. s. Howe who was trained in gymnastics
at Johns Hopkins University.
Ashton Prize Fund.
In October last, Mr.. Oliver C. Ashton, of
Bryan, o., endowed three prizes in elocution
and oratory of $1,000 each, for each of the
three highest classes. For this purpose he
gives $1,000. and provides that the annual in
come on each 1900 shall be divided into a
first and second prize for each class in the
proportion of two to one.
In pursuance of Mr.. Ashton's purpose, the
faculty of the college have made regulations
providing for annual contests in elocution
and Oratory; and the first contest viii take
place on Monday evening, the 18th inst.
This fund will forever be known as the sol
liver c. Ashton Prize Fund" and will annually
call forth competition among many students
for the honoTs of their respective classes in
public speaking. 1t seems to me that money
can scarcely be put TO an educational use
more worthy than this and those who desire
TO promote the cause of high intellectual eff
fort will do well to follow Mr.. Ashton's most
excellent example. and establish similsr
prizes in other departments of learning.
Ryder BequeSt.
In the month of March. Rev Dr. VIM. Fl.
Ryder, of Chicago, well known to you all for
his great ability and high Christian character.
departed this life; and, by his last will and
testament. he made Buehtel College one OF his
residusry leRatees. II cannot certainly be
known how much the College will realize
from this bequest until the estate Is fully adj
ministered; but, from personal Investigations.
we feel safe in saying that the sum will no
be less than $4,000.