Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-20
IT MARKS A NEW ERA
Formal Opening Of the Fall Session Of
Richmond College Last Night
PROF. MAsON's FINE ADDRESS.
He Speaks Of the school as an Or
EanIsation Of Teachers and
Patrons OF notwithstanding to
the New President.

The opening exercises of Richmond Col
lege took place last night and were
marked by interesting and entertaining
addresses and a large attendance of pa
irons. students, and friends Of the insti-
tuition. IL was the official starting Off of
the school under the new regime. and the
event marks new era in the school
Upon the rostrum sat Rev. DR.. W. w.
Landrum, Professor Frederick W. Boat
wright, the new president. Professor Sam
uel c. Mitchell. late OF Georgetown, Ky,
one of the new members OF the faculty,
Professor Otis Il. Mason, the government
ethnologist Of the Smithsonian Institu-
ton, the orator Of the evening, and Rev.
Or. II. w. Battle. Of Petersburg.
The exercises began with an earnest
prayer by Or. Battle. After the prayer
Rev. DR.. Landrum explained that in the
absence Of both Drs. Curry and Hatcher
he had been called upon to preside.
delightful duet. I'm the Fragrant Summer
Time was sung by Miss Hopkins and
Mr.. Haddon : Watkins.
PROFESSOR MASON'S ADDRESS.
This was followed by the introduction
by Rev. DR.. Landrum Of Professor Ma
son. That distinguished educator had
chosen for his theme The True Mission OF
the College" In commencing his splen-
did address Professor Mason spoke Of
the progress and development of Baptist
institutions Of learning. He paid high
compliments to the zeal and noble achieve
ments Of the young college presidents
of the country. adding that Richmond
If bn
learned, loyal. and jealous young men
who now assume charge of its affairs
The speaker took up the significance, I'm
pOrtance and growth OF knowledge, cul-
tCre, and PROCESS since the world began,
showing the part thai the mind has taken
in these things. He treated deliberately
the college az an organization Of learned
teachers and patrons of knowledge, seek
ers of knowledge. and the college as a
repository OF verified knowledge or truth
The college was the maker and keeper
OF all round men Of comprehensive minds,
Of broad views. and Of universal sympa-
thies. The college was spoken of as the
temple Of science. and president, trustee,
faculty. graduates, and friends had il
commended TO their vigilance.
CHARGE To THE PRESIDENT.
In concluding his admirable address
more especially to President BOatwright.
lie said:
Around Richmond College are encamp-
cd the spirits OF those who founded IL.
and those who here have discoursed most
elOquently i'm every field Of KNOWLEDGE I
pray that the music Of those souls may
be- engendered in yours, and that in the
handling Of this marvellous instrument
you may play more skilfully and ele-
gantly on their account. The list Of them.
living and dead, is too long for me TO re-
peat. but they and their excelencieS are
Wcll-knOwn to you.
Il commend to your good taste and
patient care and untiring energy this
organized body OF learned men. Most
happily and prayerfully do conf
mend 10 your loving watch-care the pre-
cious youth who will assemble here. 'D'
And now may the Framer and Con-
ductor Of the Universe and the Author OF
all knowledge lay His paternal hand on
trustees faculty, students, patrons, and
well-wishers of Richmond College. Let
Ms deVOutiy pray that this institution may
he an instrument i'm the production OF
that time when glory shall dwell in our
land. an institution where mercy or love
and truth or knowledge may meet to-
gether: where righteousness and peace
may kiss. that truth may spring up from
Richmond College 10 be allied with the
righteousness that IS 10 look down from
Heaven. And may the Lord give you that
which is good, and the land yield her in
crease"
\ NEW ERA FOR THE COLLEGE.
Professor Mason's address was received
with tremendous applause, and was foi-
lowed by a short talk by Professor Boat
wright, who said that already young men
had entered the college from several
States throughout the land. and that its
prospects were never brighter. IL was
new era, and marked an onward ana
upward course on the part OF the school,
of which all would be proud.
After a vocal selection. which was
charmingly rendered by Miss Hopkins.
Professor 5. G. Mitchell late OF George
town College CKentucky) was called upon
10 say few words. as the representative
of the new members Of the faculty. Ills
spsech was practical and forcsful, deal
ing more largely with higher scientific
education in the Baptist colleges OF the
South.
The exercises closed with vocal solos
by Mrs Durrett and the benediction by
Rev. Or. Battle.
one hundred and ten young men have
already matriculated Mt the college, and
tne work Of assigning them TO their
classes begins to-day.