The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-09-17
OPENING OF PARAMOUNT INSTITUTE.

| The formal opening of Paramount insti-
tute took place yesterday morning at the
| institute building, and was very inter-
esting occasion. At about Q o'clock, q
| goodly number of friends having gathered
in the chapel, Principal Tunnel called
| them to order, and after singing, and read
| ing of Scripture by the principal, prayer
was offered by Rev. +. A Bissell invoking
the divine blessing upon the institute.
Mrs. Garst, who was present as instructor
in the department OF vocal music. then
sang solo which was rendered with her
usual sweetness and richness of express
ion.
Mr. Tunnel then gave the opening adj
dress which, though not intended to be
formal, yet showed clearly that he had a
firm grasp of the situation-indeed, was
master of it, His conception of what is
involved in christian education was broad
and comprehensive and withal spiritual.
In few closing words he spoke
in behalf of his assistants, and of
the work which they were together
to undertake The president of the board
of trustees, Mr.. W. j. Corner, was then
introduced He disclaimed the intention
to make a speech-and then went on to
make good one. He referred 10 the 81 ad
contamination for which the friends of
Paramount had so long devoutly wished.
as about to be realized. The day of small
things was not to be despised. Nearly all
great institutions began under seemingly
discouraging circumstances. He spoke
also in behalf of the trustees, of the plans
and purposes ard work of the past few
months.
Another of the trustees, Rev f. A. Bis
sell, pastor of Plymouth Congregational
church, was called upon to speak. He
dwelt especially upon what had been done
to make the school thoroughly Christian
and spiritual in its aims and work. 1t
originated In the thought of Christian
pastor, Rev. J. H. Parker; 1t has been
heartily endorsed by the local association
of Congregational churches; it has also
received the unanimous support and en-
dorsement of the Congregational churches
of the state in general association; 1T IS
backed by the American College and Edu-
cation society, which represents the whole
denomination. What more could have
been doue to make Paramount institute
christian? Nothing except chrlrsian
man at its head, and christion instructors,
and these we have.
Here Mr. Corner rose and said there was
one man present, who perhaps was as
much interested in the institute, and had
done as much for it as any other man. Mr..
George c. Strong. and he should like 10
hear word from him. Mr.. Strong spoke
with a great deal Of earnestness and feeling
aF NJ
those. who with himself, had worked and
sacrificed for Paramount college. He gave
a short, but interesting sketch also OF the
beginnings of the undertaking.
Several times during the exercises refer
ence was made to Mr. II. Clifford. to whose
uutiriug efforts the present opening of
Paramount institute is most largely due,
and ali regretted that he could not take
part in these opening exercises. Mr..
Clifford had, however. been taking active
part in the opening of Paramount. as
presently appeared, when he arrived with
Miss Harriet r pease, the preceptress Of
the institute whom be met at the train.
Everyone was delighted with the rooms
which have been finished their bright.
cheerful appearance, and. above ALL
with the magnificent view to be
had from the building. The most ardent
admirer of the site Of Paramount Institute
would have been satisfied with the impress
sion made upon the visitors.
Miss Marie Mathis, who has the chair OF
French aad German, aroused considerable
enthusiasm in her department, and several
ladies not contemplating an academic
course have arranged 10 take language
lessons Of her.
The scholars who were present were en-
rolled, and the work planned for the NOR
row. There We're more more than the
trustees had expected, since nothing had
been done by way of canvassing. Still
others have applied for admission, and viii
be enrolled in a few days.