The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-06-26
Buchtel College, Akron, o.

To the Ohio UniUersolst Contention !:
In accordance with provision of
the organic law of Buchtel College, I
come before you on behalf of its
Board of Trustees, to render state
ment concerning the past years work
of the institution.
AS most of you know, Buchtel
College owes its origin to this con-
vention. This body it was which,
some thirty-one years ago, set in
motion those forces which developed
from year to year, and finally took
definite form in the incorporation of
Buchtel College. Being thus so
closely identified with the establish
ing of the institution, and as mat
ter of course, deeply interested in it's
welfare, it was but natural that this
convention should make provision in
the laws governing the college by
which it might exercise effectual
control over the administration of its
affairs. And so it was entirely fitting
that those intrusted with the more
immediate conduct of the business of
the college should be required, at
stated intervals, to render to this
Convention an account OF their
stewardship. In pursuance of its
own provisions then, this conven-
ton, year after year, is asked to listen
to a statement of the main features
of the progress and workings of the
college.
President.
The one event in college affairs of
the past year which stands foremost
among all the others in Importance
is the selection of new college
president.
On June 30, 1896. by the resigna-
ton of DIR. o. Cone, the presidency
of the college became vacant. The
trustees at that time not being pre-
pared to choose man permanently
for the place, appointed Prof. G. M.
Knight to serve as provisional presi
dent until permanent arrangements
could be made.
The duties of this position, so far
as the internal work is concerned,
have been performed during the year
with marked satisfaction. The best
of feeling among faculty and stu
dents has prevailed, and never, in
the history of the institution, l am
told, has more efficient and thorough
work been accomplished.
The fact that Prof. Knight has had
his own full department work to
carry on, has precluded the posi-
bility of his undertaking any of the
outside work which properly devol-
yes upon a president. For like rea-
sons the presidents classroom work
was taken care of during the fall
term by others of the faculty.
Early in the year one question of
considerable anxiety was,-how to
dispose of the presidents classes for
the winter and spring terms.
At the close of last summers va
cation the Akron church and parish
found itself without a pastor. In
looking for suitable man to fill this
place, the committee having the mat
ter in charge availed itself of infor-
nation as to certain men which had
been secured by committee ap-
pointed by the College Trustees to
recommend new College President.
As a result Rev. Ira A. Priest, then of
Massachusetts,, was called to the
Akron pastorate in October, 1896.
Then, upon the opening of college
lOI Iu6 WlulcI tCIIuS MI L AAOot Wuo
installed in charge at the presidents
classes and also to conduct morning
chapel exercises in the college.
1t is unnecessary here to go into
further detail and tell you how sat
isfactory this arrangement has prov
en-.
Suffice it to say that the Board of
Trustees met on May 20, 1897, and
unanimously elected Rev. Mr.. Priest
to the responsible position of Presi-
dent of Buchtel College.
In making this selection, the trus-
tees recognized that Mr.. Priest pos
sessed an especial advantage for I'M
dertaking the duties of the presiden-
cy, from his close relationship with
the college during the year. He was
already familiar with the internal
workings of the college; he was ac'
quainted with the students; and he
had become largely informed as to
the needs of the institution.