The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-11-16
Notable Impetus Is Given the Cause of Education By the Dedication of This Handsome School to
 It's Future Work.
BY BURR BLACKBURN.

Synodical college for men and imme- diately after the institution was dedi- cated by the Synod in a fervent prayer Lord.
 The greatest day in the history of the Presbyterian church in the state of Ala bama, as widely expressed was galaxy of thought and marked the second step in the great educational movement, which carried the whole membership with it in great tidal wave of enthusiasm The speakers included some of the most beloved and talented preacher and teach CTS that ever came from the institu-. tions of the south.
 Address of Welcome.
 The address of welcome in the name of the citizens of Anniston was delivered by Congressman S. J. Bowie. of Brming ham, who, until recently. was one of the city's most prominent citizens. In part he suoke as follows
 Tt gives me more than ordinary pleas ure to welcome you to this hall, to this edifce. and to the hospitality of this splendid city. which, in this case, has no limitations, and is set apart with no bounds. We welcome you not in the usual sense in which we greet the stran- ger within our gates, not merely be- cause of the splendid body to which you belong, and the great church which you serve, but rather for the high and noble mission which consecrates your presence with us on this occasion.
 "rhe value, the significance, the ini- portance of education, has ever been one of the distinctive features of the church to which you belong. This is found not only in your ministry, of whom it is required in the highest degree, but of your lay membership well. Indeed l doubt if you could find an illiterate son or daughter of a Presbyterian parent within the confines of this synod. And yet obviously true as this statement is, this college and the Presbyterian High school at Selma represent the first or ganized, successful efforts of the mem bership of this church to establish schools for young men distinctly their own.
 The Best Service.
 We count it peculiarly fortunate to have your first college located within the confines of this thriving, enterprising city. We need it. It is an inspiration to us, as well as an advantage. The church needs it and the state needs it. It is not intended to teach theology nor sec tarianism in any form. It is bigger and broader than that
 "The theory of selfIhelp, that greatest of all character builders, is also wrought out in it's plan and scope. The benefits and advantages of this college are not confined to any walk or station in life. The son of the parent who can afford 1t may pursue his studies in an uninter- rupted way. but as l understand its plan, the boy in the humble walks of life. de- pendent upon his own exertions, will not only be helped he will be encouraged to devote a portion of his time to useful industry. so he can earn a part, if not all, of his expenses.
 Keystone of Arch.
 Tn this particular this college repre- sents new departure in educational matters in Alabama and in the south gen erally. The plan has been tried with sue cess in many of the great schools of the north notably, Yale university. but with us 1t is comparatively, if not quite, a new experiment-and yet there is no req son why it should not succeed. Indeed, think it represents the greatest advance we could have made.
 "srime was when education was for the few. Sufficient for the masses if they could work with their hands. But a brighter day and a truer conception Is upon us We now understand, at least al, but a few, who are so few as only to emphasize the rule, that education is for all and in all; that true progress can only be made as education becomes universal.
 And then there was another stage in our development when very limited ed ucation. the R's, was deemed sufficient for the ordinary citizen and only few could hope for the benefits and advan- tages of a college course.
 At last however. the full truth is upon us. that while many may and always will neglect it. the highest advantages in this regard should be opened to those having the least opportunities.
 '.To go through a good college and do ones full duty is a great benefit to anybody, under any circumstances, but to work through, to train the hand as well as the head, to conquer difficulties 10 overcome obstacles, to achieve knowledge through labor. and to consecrate labor with knowledge, seems to me to embody the best form and highest development of human character Self help. this is the splendid keystone of the arch of this edifice.
 Just an Acorn.
 "Gentlemen of the Synod or Alabama, you are indeed fortunate to have this great privilege. this great trust. committed to your hands. The institution, as you see and know is in its infancy. Though it was nominally or partly opened last year. Yet this one represents really its beginning. About seventy-five students have enrolled. although no real oppor- tunity to advertise for, or solicit students has presented itself.
 ''The college is therefore in its very in- fancy. It needs your support. 1t needs your guiding influence. It needs the help of all who approve its plan and it's work and it will succeed. Just as surely as ''tall oaks from little acorns grow" just so surely will this institution conceived in the noblest sentiment and consecrated