Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-07
THE SEMINARY OPEN.
PROF. JOHNSON MAKES THE AID
DRESS TO THE STUDENTS.
COVENANTRRS PRESENT 4 FLAG.
UnfurIing OF the Emblem Attended
bro Makes the Presentation, and
DIR. Moore Speech OF Acceptance.

Union Theological Seminary was for
mally opened here yesterday, the seventy
fifth session of the institution and the
first session in its present home being in
aueurated under most suspicious circum-
stances. The session was begun with an
address to the students by Professor
Thomas G. Johnson, chairman or the
faculty OF the seminary, but the most IN
teresting exercises of the day were re-
served until the afternoon, when the
Covenanters of Richmond and Petersburg
assembled in Watts Hail and presented
10 the seminary a handsome blue-and-
white St. Andrews flag. The flag was I'M
furled from the tower of the adminlstra-
ton building by members of the Cove
nanters' band, and proudly it waved to
the breeze as the crowd, which was as
sembled on the lawn below. making al
most a sea OF upturned faces, cheered
Justify.
The flag was presented on behalf OF the
Covenanters by Rev. Or. j. w. kosepro'
pastor of Tabb-Street church, in Peters
burg and he was responded to by. Pro-
lessor Moore. Of the faculty, who very
dered the thanks of the institution Tor
the happy inspiration which had prompted
its gift Rev. DR.. Jere Witherspoon pre-
sided over the meeting, and made short
talk TO the Covenanters, while the prayer
was offered by Rev. DR.. Moses ID. Hoge.
The seminary opens under the most
favorable conditions. Its new home Is
well adapted for the purpose 1t is to
serve: there is ample space for the stu
dents, both in their ciass-rooms and in
their dormitory, something they did not
have in the old buildings in Prince Ed
ward. and the matriculation is larger than
ever before in the history of the institu-
ton Thus far eighty-six students OF
theology have matriculated, and will be-
gin their studies to-day.
WEIL-PLANNED BUILDINGS
The class-rooms will all be in the watts
Hall. and comfortable chairs have been
placed there for the students and plat
forms raised for the professors, while
charts are hung throughout the rooms,
on which appear the most important
events in Presbyterian and Biblical his
tory, arranged in chronological order.
The library contains already about 90
90 books, many exceedingly valuable
volumes being among the number and is
equipped with large tables and comfort
able chairs. The building is we'll lighted
nd a most comfortable place wherein
he students may spend their leisure
hours In communing with sages who have
Ong since passed away
The dormitory is furnished far better
than is the usual rule at institutions OF
" learning. Each student has his own
room, and the furniture in it is tastily
arranged. Abundant light is also sup
Piled. No longer does the student at
Union Theological Seminary have to burn
the midnight oil; gas manufactured on
the grounds is supplied him, and he may
study at night with impunity and no
fear Of running his eyes.
The Opening Exercises.
The exercises yesterday morning were
OF an exceedingly interesting character.
and Dr. Johnson's address was deep,
thoughtful discourse, full of wholesome
advice 10 the young men just beginning
their study OF the Bible. The discourse,
which was somewhat in the nature of
sermon, was based on the fifteenth verse
Oi the second chapter Of H. Timothy
Study TO show myself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word OF
truth"
After setting forth the fact that these
words we're addressed 10 a young man
just starting out IN the ministry OF
Christ the Professor enlarged upon them,
making his remarks Directs applicable
10 his auditors Said he: you think
you have heard the call OF the God or
all grace TO preach the blessed Gospel
Of His Son. You think that you are 10
d. pastors, evangelists. ministers In the
Church. You have gathered here after
conference with, and examination by
the rulers I'm Gods house throughout our
land. You have come 20 this place where
the Church, in obedience 20 the injunctiOns
laid upon IL in Gods Word, 10 com
NIT the teaching which II has received |
from prophets and apostles 10 faithful
men who shall be able 10 teach others. |
Also shall through chosen men. teach !
YOU and prepare you for the ministry |
You believe that you are among the num-
beI Of these faithful men TO whom the !
Gospel Is 10 be committed. You have !
launched yourself on your life courses. !
Listen then, 10 the injunction laid upon |
Timothy; they are equally applicable 10 |
you. Strive 10 show myself approved |
unto God a workman that needeth not |
10 be ashamed, handling without distor-
ton the Word OF God. Do ye give dit
gence here and now that ye, when tested
may be shown to be trustworthy work
men that have no need Of shame for the
character OF your work. handling Alright
the Word OF God"
MUST STUDY THE BIBLE.
The study Of the Bible was the best
way. the minister said, 10 succeed In the 1
ministry, and he enjoined his hearers