Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-06-12

count among the choicest, have largely fallen
I'm this first month OF summer.
Your thoughtful courtesy and generous
kindness, have added TO that group another
choice June day, another red letter day of
life. Dear friends for Z, and for all your
kindness, my heart thanks you. The theme
you have assigned me- has scarcely been out
OF my thought. one waking hour, during the
four years now ending.
twas my fortune to- be moderator OF the
synod of Michigan during that memorable de
bate in Detroit, Ia October 1853, the Immediate
result OF which was the appointment of Il com
mittce to consider the feasibility of establish
ing College in connection with the Presby-
terrain church of this state.
Among the friends of the enterprise was the
late DR.. j. Ambrose Wight 'whusc praise is
i'm all the churches" His influence before the
synod of Michigan. and with his own people nj
Bay City, was among the chief agencies in
giving us this institution. 1t was because of
his confidence in DR.. Wight. as his pastor, that
MIR. Folsom. who being dead, yet speaketh'
gave that first generous contribution of nifty
thousand dollars, which made the college at
once possibility. Then followed the efficient
services of DR.. Theodore Nelson. OF his UNI
selfish efforts need only say, they led directly
To the timely. noble gift of Mr.. Wright which
changed the institution from possibility to
fact. and won for the college "A host OF friends,
in a field which no other man could reach.
Other men have done grandly for our College
but to these four, more than to any Others we
are indebted for what W % see tonight. AS the
sources of material strength, Alexander
Folsom Esq. and 4. w. Wright Esq will al
ways stand preeminent, and Drs. Wight and
Nelson will ever be equally conspicuous
ms those whose sagacity and foresight laid the
plans for what was to be- and pushed them 10
results. Many names are honorably associat-
ed with the brief history of our college, but l
need mention no others on this occasion.
Among the prime objects before the friends
of the College in Synod, was the establishment
of an institution which should be distinctively
known by its work rs Christian college. By
the blessing OF God the hope and purpose of
our friends has been realized 10 an extent
which should make us all most devoutly thank
ful tonight. The education given TO students
here has been thoroughly GOOD, as judged by
any standard, and best of all it has been so
leavencd with christian truth, that definite and
positive results have been seen, in the winning
of our young people for Christ, and pointing
them toward service for Him, which will bear
fruit TO his honor and glory, as the years go by.
The two words in which you have stated my
theme. "Our College" have seemed to me, as
have used them on many occasions, suggestive
OF that interest, sympathy and cordial support
which the Presbyterian church must feel and
exercise IN order to the permanent success of
this institution.
That little pronoun ''oUR" is emphatic
There must be deep affection in the heart of
its friends which these words well explain
"oUk COLLEGE" or it can meyer be what we
hope for 1t is therefore with intense earn
estuess urge tonight upon every friend OF
this institution, Give to ii a warm place in
your hearts, work for it, pray for it, love II
and God will make our College all we fondly
anticipate. ! have faith in this institution. Ii
will live. Cor it was founded and nurtured i'm
prayer. | expect great things, not perhaps as
men count. | do not look for large numbers
of students, nor do | think large number de-
sirable but do look for such worthy work
here, az shall honor God and bless all who
touch "our college For the privilege of hav-
ing some small part in shaping the character
of this institution, during its infancy. / shall
never cease 10 be thankful. To it and to its
trustees and faculty pledge my hearty sup.
port and best endeayor To those who have
shared with me the labor OF these years,
wish tonight to express my deep gratitude
for your generous support, aud uuyaryng
kindness. The success OF this institution is the
result OF your patient aInest toll, and deem
myself especially honorcd, in having been as
sociated with you during these years.
And now, dear young friends, whom / shall al
ways dare aud love to call my boys and girls, let
me leave with you this one word-Be loyal to ''our
College,
/ thank you most sincerely for the generous
thought and affection which suggested this plea
SAINT gathering. May the Lord bless you, and may
you, and all be His when lie comes TO make
up His Jewels
Through all the years which lie shall give. !
shall bear you with me, my girls and boys, loved
prisoners lin the round tower Of my heart"
The familiar pres ence and eloquent words # the
speaker produced marked cile t on his hearers
and there were many moist eyes as he flashed.
The applause had scarcely ceased when Mr.. Ely
begged leave 10 offer suggestion and make a
motion 1t has been suggested he said, that
to the two college colors now worn by the stud
ents third bc added the three henceforth 10
form the college colors. in tender memory OF Dr..
Hunting, aud he moved that Miss X. l.. Booth be
appointed a committee to choose a suitable color.
The motion was carried with "a shout and the
company after lingering little separated happy
in the success of the banquet but saddened by the
thoughts inseparable from it. The Toast Master
in his closing remarks. expressed the feeling OF
all when he said $50 long watchful care and
unsellsh efforts, 20 long noble lives and per
feet examples Of Christian manhood shall have II
place in our memories and spot near hearts
so long shall We remember and reverence the
name and character OF the first President Of Alma
College, our beloved friend, DR.. Hunting.