The Monticellonian., 1895-08-16
GERARD COLLEGE.
Editor of MonticeIlnnlnIl.

est as GiTnrd College. This, if no other, he will be sure io visit Perhaps the world po- sesses na greater private charitable institu- tion than Girard The story of its founda- ton and the purposes of it's founder cannot fail to awaken deep interest in every phil aHthropic bosom.
 A strange fact-the man who did so much for the orphans of our country could not claim his lrth-plaee on American soil. Chance. or fate if you please, made him a resident of Philadelphia. Caught in dense fog off the mouth of Delaware Bay. this young French mariner, to escape imprison- ment on British man of war put in to the port of Philadelphia with his ship and cargo This WAS but few weeks before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At once embarking in trade, in the course of time Girard amassed great wealth. Dying in 1830 he gave the specific sum of two mil lion dollars to build the College, and left the greater part of his princely estate to endow it.
 The College buildings and grounds, beau tifully located and comprising forty-one acres in extent, are surrounded by high stone wall. A large party. of which the writer sas one, recently visited this justly celebrated institution. Before We could se- cure entrance, each one of the masculine gender was compelled to give satisfactory answer to the question "Are You Clergy mani" Woe to that luckless wight who should reply in the affirmative. "Depart from hence, I know you not" would be his inevitable doom. In explanation of the above questof. the gate keeper stated that no clergyman could have entrance there, for only qo0d men were allowed within the walls of this religious institution. A story is told something like this: One quiet Sabbath af- ternoon gentleman in n clergical looking suit, with silk hat and wearing solemn mien knocked at the gate for admittance. The gatc-keeper sized up his visitor n once, and said "Oh no, my friend, you can't get in here, you are q preacher /" ''The devil | Needless to say the gate was flung wide open and the visitor given royal entrance. This action was strictly in accordance with Gi- rard's will which among other things con tains this injunction .'I enjoin and require that no eeeesiastie, missionary or minister of any sect whatsoever, shall ever hold or ex- ercise any station or duty whatever in said College; nor shall any such person ever be admitted for any purpose, or as visitor within the premesis appropriated to the pur- poses of the said College" He states how not mean to cast any reflection upon any sect or person whatever; but since there are SO many sccts and such variety of opinion among them. that Ee desired to keep the tender minds of the orphans free from the excitement which clashing doctrines and sec taran controversy are SO apt to produce. But he enions upon the instru ctors of the College to nstil into the minds of the pu- pills the present principals of morality, so that on their entrance into active life, they may from inclination, eyince benevolence towards their fellow creatures, and love of truth. sobriety and industry, adopting at the same time such religious tenets as their ma tured reason may enable them to prefer. So strictly have the views as here expressed been put into effect, that a graduate of Gi- rard who becomes minister after leaving her walls, is never again permitted to return to his Alma Mater. This, 1 am told, has happened more than once in the history of the College. It is surprising to note, despite these prohibitions, that the officers and pu pils are required to attend worship daily in the Chapel before the opening of the schools, and after their close The exercises consist of singing. reading the Scriptures and pray ar. On Sundays, religious instruction is giv- en by lectures or addresses, delivered by the president of the College or some layman who may be invited, morning and afternoon, in addition to the daily worship.
 With this Aggression, let Us proceed up the beautifully laid walks, inclosing squares of surpassing floral loveliness, to the main Col lege building. Before us stands massive structure of white marble, of pure Grecean architecture, suggesting the age of Pericles. It is said to have no superior in this country for beauty of proportions and simplicity of design A colonnade of beautiful Corinth- an columns with their elaborately carved capitals forms portieo around the building. These marble columns are thirty-four in number, ffty-six feet high and seven feet in diameter at the base. The cost of these massive and elaborately carved columns was Sl3,0OO each The dimensions of this main building are 52 feS wide and POP feet long on the ground, to which is added flight of ten steps, around the entire structure.
 As you enter the South vestiuble. marble statue of stephen Grard, and q marble sar- cophagus containing his remains greet your vision. Upon the sarcophagus is simply the name Stephen Girard-while these words are added on the base of the statue-Wh0 Originated and EndoWed This College. The cost of tine statue was $500
 The most attractive room in this building for visitor is the museum which contains Girard's relics and belongings.
 But to describe each of the buildings in detail would be tircsome to the reader. In addition to this magnificent main building.