Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-09-23
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY.
How . Representative Christian Institutio
- IL 10 BE Established

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY.
How Representative Christian Institution
--- IL 10 BE Established
People who have been Watching the growth
Of plans for the establishment in this city of
the Methodist National University, and who
have wondered what amount Of money would
be necessary before such great institution
could be built need wonder no more, for Bishop
Hurst. chancellor of the university, has come
out with appeal for $40, 600, 900. In the first
place the title Of the university has been set
tled-it is "The American University" no
more, no less Following this title is the ap-
peal which is addressed to "The members and
friends Of the Methodist Episcopal church in
America" Attention il directed to the fact
that 1.-THE establishment of great and repre-,
sentative Christian university at the national
capital has been undertaken" and then the
safeguards of organization are referred to-
The institution is under the auspices OF the
Methodist Episcopal church and responsible to
its authorities; the chancellor and at least two
thirds Of the trustees must be members OF the
church and the trustees can only assume office
when their appointments have been approved
by the general conference Of tho Methodist
Episcopal church.
says the bishop. 1T consists Of ninety-two
acres ut the northwestern end of Massachu-
sets avenue extended, and has cost 500, O00
This sum has been contributed by the citizens
of Washington. Competent Judges estimate
its present value largely in excess of the orig
ina1 cost"
WHY IN WARRINGTON
Under the heading, "why in Washington"
Bishop Hurst makes the following argument:
The fitness Of the national capital
AS An educational center has not es-
canQl al Of ~ aha
seristic far-sightedness George Washington
fixed upon it as the one best location for truly
national university. He spoke and wrote fire.
Qaently OF the Importance of it, planned for
such an institution and in his will devised stock
equal to SIS. 900 as the foundation of fund for
his favorite national university Generous
men added subscriptions to his bequest. From
his days to our own distinguished statesmen
and educators have from time to
time renewed the advocacy of the
project. Recently American citizens Of the
Roman Catholic church have wisely and gen.
erousiy established an institution here which
shall represent its faith, promote its interests
and become the heart of its educational system.
We admire their courage and the keenness of
their vision. We deem it due to our church,
also, and to our position in the. Protestant
family, to undertake the establishment of an
institution Of learning which shall represent
the highest educational ideals and that spiritual
life on account of which the world has deemed
why in Washington? Because Of the I'M
equaled facilities of the national capital as a
distributing center for great intellectual and
moral forces, and because of the incompatible
advantages for scientific and literary investi-
CATION presented by the general government
American university life is destined to center
here. The Congressional, departmental and
technical libraries, the Smithsonian Institution
the National Museum. the Army and Navy
Medical Museum, the great naval observatory.
the Departments of Agriculture and Labor the
patent office, the geological survey. the bureau
OF ethnology. the botanical garden the museum
OF hygiene, the department of education and
the many subdivisions of scientific inyestiga-
tlon, under the direct patronage of the gov
eminent, are gratuitOusly furnished and con-
stantiy multiplying. Money given for educa-
ton here must go farther than anywhere else
In the country, because of these priceless ac-
cessories. A student in the American Uniyer-
sity will find outside its walls another univer-
sity and constantly within reach.
COMMITTED TO THE WORK.
"The Methodist Episcopal church is thor
oughly committed to the undertaking through
the approving action of the bishops, numerous
annual conferences, the representatives of our
benevolent societies and publishing houses, the
editors of our periodicals, the board of control
of the Epworth League members of the tacul-
ties OF many OF our largest institutions Of learn
ing, large number of pastors and assurances
OF support from representative men and women
in all parts of our country. Members Of other
Christian bodies have given practical ex-
preston to their qualification at the Inaugural
ton Of the work. But we stand before the
Protestant churches, and the whole world, as
the sponsors in this undertaking. and are
pledged to its successful prosecution. We do
not sbun the responsibility, for We believe it a
divine purpose. The history of our church
proves that IL our best hours Of exaltatlon we
do not fear, but welcome. a providential
burden. A great opportunity now throws its
door wide open. We must enter. Oppor-
tunity. in such a case, means duty. Duty
ueans faith and conservation"
PLAN OF THE UNIVERSITY.
Brief reference is made to the plan of the
university. 1t is proposed to receive as
students young men and women whose aca-
IDENTICAL studies have been completed and to
furnish them with the amplest facilities for the
broadcast culture in post graduate and profess
siOnal studies. 'We shall endeavor SO to plan, ~
says the bishop, ''as to satisfy the supreme
need OF the multitudes who, having graduated
at our colleges, instead Of being lost in some
skeptical wilderness, shall here find. in a pure
atmosphere of Christian learning, superior
means for securing the best special prepare
ton for their intended career.
The institution we propose is Of no ordi-
nary magnitude. 1t is designed to represent
the highest form Of Christian education, to be
dN eApOutHt VI tue Dcst forces Christian
thought and activity. and to express at this
center of our civil and political influence, the
firm faith OF our people and their devotion to
Christ and His kingdom. We cannot afford to
make if inferior to the strongest in the Union.
That which we offer Him should be the best
In addition to money for the endowment of
professorships, lectureships, fellowships and
studentships, funds will be required for halls
of science, philosophy, languages and litera-
ture, history, law and medicine, besides dor
mitories and professors houses. For this
purpose We estimate that $40, 600 900 must be
dedicated to God and humanity.
"For this sum- the bishop goes on, i've ap-
peal to the Methodist Episcopal church, with
Its two and quarter million of communicates.
with its fifteen thousand ministers and with its
Epworth leagues Of three hundred and fifty
thousand members, soon to become five hun
dred thousand. In one month, if the svmpa-
thy aud will are equal to the providential coca
sion and necessity, this entire sum can be
given. By such an act the Methodist Episcopal
church can add another rich benefaction to the
American people for all time to come We
must do our part to enforce and perpetuate the
example of our immortal founders.
ITO all the Methodist bodies in America.
numbering 4,8S7 900 members, we appeal for
help in aiding to establish the American Uni
versity, which, We hope shall prove a cement
ing bond for our Methodist churches in every
part Of the country and shall project into the
future the piety of our common Epworth and
the learning Of our common Oxford
ITO all friends Of Christian education, under
1 tlntA