The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-05-14
TO HAVE A
PRESIDENT
Plan Proposed at Union
Theological Seminary.
MAY ELECT DIR. MOORE
An Affecting Scene in Connection With
the Resignation of Rev. Dr.. R. p.
kerr-Resolution Are
Adopted.
MAY ELECT DIR. MOORE

At the final meeting Of the Board OF
Trustees of Union Theological Seminary,
held yesterday morning In connection
with the commencement exercises attend
Ing the close of the ninety-flrst school
year. there developed strongly en-
dorsed movement looking to an import
ant change in the management OF the In
stitution
Up to this time the Seminary has been
under the direct supervision OF chair
man of the faculty. Different members
would fill the position at different times.
passing 1t around as it were. For some
time DR.. w. w. Moore was at the head
of things. He is now spending some
time travelling abroad for his health,
which has been extremely poor, but which
under the influence Of foreign climates Is
now rapidly improving.
The proposed change contemplates the
< abolition of the office Of chairman Of the
faculty and the institution in Its stead
Of the Office Of president of the Seminary.
The proposition was made by Mr. George
w. Watts. one of the most generous bene-
factors of the Seminary and to all ap-
pearances 1t met with instant favor.
Several expressions of approval were
made and the matter was finally referred
TO committee for investigation. The re-
port Of this committee will be submitted
at the meeting of the board next year.
There are evidences that the report will
recommend the election OF president and
like as not DR.. Moore will be the one
chosen. The election Of DR.. Moore would
be natural development in the course
of events.
Behind the new proposition Is the all
pervading idea of a great endowment for
the Seminary. The president II elected,
will perhaps do but little faculty work.
He will spend much OF his time in the
field and devote his best energies to the
raising Of funds for the Seminary. And. II
the president be elected there will be no
election of financial agent, provided
for at the session on Tuesday.
AN AFFECTING SCENE.
To the great regret Of all, the Rev. DR..
r. p Kerr, who was reelected only
Tuesday, rendered his resignation as pres
ident Of the Board Of Trustees. DR.. Kerr
cc1templates accepting a call to the
Roundary-Avenue Church, of Baltimore,
and as was to be expected, his resignation
came as matter of course. In his place
the board elected as Its president the Rev.
Thornton Whaling, D. D., Of Lexington,
Va, one of the best known Presbyterian
ministers In the State.
The scene after the resignation of DR..
Gerr was an affecting one. Perhaps no
testimonial of a peoples good will has
gone more straight to his heart than the
words of the members of the board, adj
dressed to DR.. Kerr. One after another
the ministers and laymen as well arose
to express to him their great love and
esteem and their sincere sorrow at his
con ing departure. DR.. Kerr all but broke
Gtwr completely under 1t all. At one
point he could not restrain his tears
Before 1t adjourned the board, by way of
putting into concrete form Its sentiments
with reference to the resignation of Its
distinguished presidnet. adopted the fol-
lowing resolutions:
Resolved. That in accepting the resig-
nation of tho Rev DR.. R. P. Kerr as
president, the board records It's deep APP
probation Of his untiring and valuable
Y services to the Seminary, both before
and during his connection with the board
We recognize and express our sincere
gratitude for his earnest and wise efforts,
especially in securing the removal of the
Seminary from Hampdcn Sidney and In
its establishment in its present magnf-
cent equipment In Richmond. in which
ne proved himself the true and devoted
friend OF the Seminary.
TN parting with DR.. Kerr we extend
to him our best wishes for happy and
successful pastorate in his new field, to
which we shall follow him with affec-
tionate re!mnembrance and our earnest
The Commencement Exercises.
The commencement exercises were held
at II o'clock In the morning In the Col
1ege chapel. and proved of the most in
teresting character. The day was an
ideal one for the occasion. and the sun
shine In the beautiful grounds surround
Ing the Seminary. and likewise In the
faces of all those present. made of the
Scene most attractive one.
Quite large assemblage of the friends
OF the Seminary We're present, including
number of we'll known ministers from
various parts Of the State. Upon the
platform were DR.. Kerr. president Of
the board: the members OF the faculty.
DIR. Whaling. DR.. Hopkins and DR.. III
NJ White. Immediately In front of the