Birmingham age-herald., 1895-06-13


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 Last Saturday night occurred an event which though publicly unheralded, yet was looked forward to with eager antic ipatiOn by many. It was the graduation social of the Taylor school. In accord anee with his ideas. Prof w. P. Taylor preferred that the entrance of his gradu- ates into life beyond the school should be simple and home-lke. Founded four years ago with the aVowed intention of fitting students for the highest uniVeisi- ties, this school has already sent out many students into colleges of our state and elsewhere. But the first class was made fully ready for graduation this year, and Saturday night found a host of parents and home folks ready to bid God speed to the graduates.
 The delightful exercises were held in the handsome rooms of the South High land Presbyterian church. The students of the school had made a wonderful transformation in the already beautiful suite of rooms by generous vases of cut flowers, palms, ferns and potted plants Every vacant nook and window ledge blosSOmed into beauty. SurpaSsing all this was the beauty and sweetness of the girls, who always throng the gath oringS of the Taylor school. The bOyS of course, were there. very attentive to the faintest wish or whisper of the fair ones. Mingling with the happy compa-
 
 flowing from the youthful hearts, were the parents and patrons of the school
 After brief season of gladstone greet ings, Professor Taylor welcomed the guests in hearty manner, and intro- duced the following order of exercises:
 Piano solo-Miss Ava H. Bradford.
 Recitation, Aux Italieus" ". r. Taylor
 Violo solo-Professor Norton, with piano accompaniment by Mrs. John Bar bour
 Piano solo-Mrs. Laura B. Ferguson.
 Recitation, Little Goldenhalr"-AIrs w. P. Taylor.
 Address and Presentation of Diplomas Capt. Joseph F. Johnston.
 : Farewell Address to Graduates-By the principal.
 The graduates were Miss Ava H. Bradford, niece of Maj. Joseph Hardie; Forney Johnston, son of Capt, Joesph F. JOhnston; Robert D. Johnston, Jr., son of Gen. R. D. Johnston.
 Space forbids discussion of the pro- gramme. The readings of Mrs. Taylor were in the usual finished style that leaves one little wondering that the press of New York and Brooklyn readily gave her the first place on the reading platform.
 Captain Johnston was in his best vein. Sound common sense was happily min gled with that delightful wit for which the hero of Jefferson" is so deservedly noted.
 Professor Taylor in his farewell words to the class spoke with deep feeling of the tender memories of the four years spent in Birmingham and of his joy in sending out such noble representatives of the school.
 Forney Johnston will take examina- tions for entrance to Princeton and also to Yale. Robert D. Johnston will like wise take the Princeton examinations. oc in bo hcra Herald, will spend the year in travelling and study in Europe. Such class is credit to Birmingham and to the school which has prepared them.
 Following this programme delightful suAl pleasant scenes and bearing glad testimony to the successful gathering of the Taylor school.
 The following prizes were announced during the evening:
 Prize for highest eXcellence-Forney Johnston.
 Prize for general excellence-Alva H. Bradford. Robert D. Johnston, Jr
 
 Among the many fine schools in Bir- mingham of which she is so justly proud, and which send out so many boys and girls so well equipped to meet the de- mands of life. none do more effective, thorough, quiet work that the Taylor school on South Highlands. While there are no commencement exercises, the pub lie is invited at all times to visit the school and make their own observations of the daily progress of each pupil and the methods by which they are taught. It is the individual need of each pupil that receive especial attention from Professor Taylor rather than grade. and the thoroughness and proficiency of each pupil is tested by rigid examination. Professor Taylor, who is the principal of the school, and who was graduated from Yale college with the highest honors. IS satisfied only with the best methods and the highest standards. Professor Fay Tor is a companion to his boys as well as teacher, and understands character building as well as text books. Besides this. he is a fine athlete, and eXcels in all outdoor sports. A wonderfully gifted man, full of noble ambitions, and far more ready to serve others than to seek honor for himself.
 Professor Taylor was graduated from Yale in the class of 1887, with degree of A. B. earned by four years hard work there Held high stand, was promi- nent in athletics as member of the crew, football team and as mile and half mile runner. Leader in religious work as dea- con of college church for four years, teacher in mission schools and leader in the Young Mems Christian association. He represented NeW GsIS 4dDl colleges at the International Young Mems Chris tian association at Atlanta in 1885, After graduation he entered the Young Mems Christian association work in Mas sachusetts, and was soon pro- noted to be state secretary of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. which is the highest position in college Young Mems Christian association work. Later he resigned from illness caused by overwork. He afterwards taught for two years in the leading preparatory school in Virginia, and sent students to every prominent southern college. He organized foot boil in Birmingham (where it was an unknown game before) and captalned the Athletic club team. He has served as official at many ath- lctic meetings here and in many promi- nent southern cities. A licensed minis ter of the gospel he has filled many pull pits in the city in very interesting and able manner. Once a stranger within our gates" he Is now president of the Christian Endeavor society. officer of the state Endeavor union. and of city union.