The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1907-05-19
A TRIBUTE.
To One Who Did Much for a Great
Institution.

Editor The Advertiser:
In your issue of the 18th inst, Is a
report by. Will T. Sheehan from Marion,
anent Judson Commencement, in which
he gives brief resume of President
Patrick's eleven years administration.
l am a graduate of Judson, class Of
SO. l am personally acquainted with
him All honor to him for his part,
and 1t IL noble part, in making the
Judson a grand school! l rejoice in
Judson's progress and growth, as do all
her daughters, but there. are some
facts of which we must not be unmind-
full. :.
Speaking of the large number of
pupils for the present year, Mr.: sheehan
the splendid administration of Presi-
dent Robert G. Patrick When he
assumed charge. Judson had 100 stu
dents.F
one might Judge that this was the
highest number ever having been en-
rolled On the other hand, we find that
about 1880 or 1881, the dormitories
pills enrolled. Why, then. the decrease?
We remember that about 'SS or 'S9, the
hudson was burned to the ground. New
and handsomer buildings took the
place of the old, but not unhampered by
debt. In 1893 Hard Times" was the
cry; 1t was disastrous year. and the
In '94-'95 the debt on Judson, which
was fast accumulating interest. was
$4,000. This money must be paid or
the Judson closed.
The great and noble DIR. S. W. Aver
cite was, during these years, Presi-
He was gentleman and scholar.
whose quiet dignity, and firm admins
tration commanded honor; whose de-
votion to duty, and kindness to pupils.
commanded love. and whose loyalty to
his religious convictions commanded the
respect of all who knew him. His
memory shall ever be green in the
hearts of. his pupils; we honored him as
our President, loved him as teacher and
friendi His heart was burdened with
this financial hs o crisis How Was nn the
gested plans, a noble teacher, who is
still Identified with Judson, Miss Anne
Kirtley,. had a plan which would start
girls, the Conversation Club" to be-
gin chain letter, also to ask friends
for contributions. With hard times
staring us In the face, and feeling that
our feeble efforts would avail naught,
she encouraged us. Indeed, Fate had
almost decreed that Judson's once ma
testic head should never penetrate the
lowering clouds; but on, chain letters
brought no mean sum; we were happy
when our friends responded to our ap-
peals. one generous Baptist subscribing
$1,000. Notwithstanding the fact that
he had often made generous donations,
had educated three daughters there,
also.
Just as the clouds were rifting, the
sky Frightening, just as his efforts
were bringing forth some fruits in
September. '96, DIR. Averette died, and
who knows but the stress of these years
FASTENED his end? Let us not forget
DR.. Averette, Miss Kirtley and the
Conversation Club"
DR.. Patrick was the man for the
place. his works have reaped a rich
harvest and our hearts are glad.
Long live Judson, our alma mater!
a "A1umna'
rThere was nothing in Mr.. sheehan's
Ia fNayr A-tfx
said above. He only pictured present
conditions, as compared with conditions
existing when present administration
began. There was no desire to detract
in the least from the work of DIR. Aver
cite. and in letters 10 The Advertiser
some months ago in reference to Jud-
son. the splendid part borne by DR.
Averette was given by Mr.. Sheehan In
a strong and forcible way