The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-06-02
UNIVERSITY IS
CLOSED WITH
FINE PROGRAM
STATE SCHOOL AT GAINESVILLE
HOLDS EIGHTH ANNUAL CON-
MENcEMENT EXERCISES, SUc-
CESSFUL YEAR HAVING BEEN
ENJOYED - PRESIDENT A. A.
MURPHREE PRESIDED.
BY JESSE E. BURTz.

J6SSE -. Il.
Gainesville, June with gentle
zephyrs of a spring morning playing
through the branches of Sweetwater
creek, historic and romantic little
stream which has trickled through the
ravine in the heart Of this city for
ages, bringing happiness and affording
resting places for many children and
grown-ups as well, the first official ex-
ercises of the eighth annual COM
mencement of the university of Flor
ida were opened here in the big city
tabernacle, which commands an i'm
posing position on the banks of Sweet
water and all nature seemed at its
best. Although the services were an
nounced to begin at IL o'clock, as
early as 10 o'clock visitors began to ar
rive, and at the hour set for the SER
vice to begin the building was well
filled, but those who came early had no
to complain, as the seats were COM
Portable and the audience was good
natured.
The exercises, which were impress
sively presided over by President A.
A. Murphree, of the university, began
with a prelude by the university or
chestra, followed by an invocation by
Rev. John G. Anderson, pastor of the
First Presbyterian churhc.
The audience sang Holy, Holy Holy.
Holy, Lord God Almighty after which
Rev. J. J. Clear read from the Scrip
lures. After another prayer by Rev.
Edgar Wilson of the First Methodist
church. and the announcements by
President Murphree, Mr.. j. Oscar Mil
Ter, musical director at the university,
treated the audience to a delightful
vocal solo, Before the Crucifix." Mr..
Miller is not only a talented vtolinist
and pianist, but possesses rich voice,
which was heard to advantage upon
this occasion.
President Murphrae in his usuaI
eloquent and impressive manner al
ways attracts the closest attention of
his hearers. presented the orator of
the day, Stonewau Anderson, D. D.,
secretary, board of edu-
cation, Methodist Episcopal church,
South, whom President Murphree said
had come all the way from his far-off
home in Nashville, Tenn, to honor the
with his presence. AS a
Christian gentleman, a scholar and an
orator the speaker made some pretty
illusions to DR. Anderson, which were
carried out in the magnt-
fcent commencement sermon, and
which is said to be one of the most
mastery efforts ever heard by a
Gainesville audience.
After gracefully acknowledging
President Murphree's remarks, DR.. An
derson preached an excellent sermon.
Following this eloquent sermon by
one of the south's most noble men, the
audience was invited to join in the
hymn, More Love to Thee, Oh Christ
and the benediction by DR.. Anderson
closed the first days exercises, which
held under the auspices of the Univer-
sity of Florida.
Mondays Program.
Mondays program promises to prove
Of especial interest, as the exercises
comprise the defamation contest for
Of me- dali hxyr to
tives of the freshman and sophomore
classes in the morning at 10 o'clock.
There is bright array of oratorical
talent on either side and the friend
lest rivalry is existing between the
contestants. The program for this |
event had not been made public to-
day, but it goes without saying that
the respective contestants will be in
position to defend the various SUBJ |
jects which have been assigned.
At o'clock Monday afternoon the |
annual business meeting of the alumni !
association will be held, which will |
be followed by the annual banquet at |
the white house. This is always one |
Of the pleasantest incidents of uni
versity commencement exercises, as it |
brings together many students of the
former state institutions which have |
low been amalgamated, and these an
1ual gatherings bring great pleasure
md many reminis censes from the
gang" There is no doubt but that |
Is usual, there will be some good col !
eye stories, well told.
In the evening at O'Clock, at the |
will be the oratorical con-
ests for the board of control medal, /
oy representatives of the junior and |
senior classes, and the program prom
ses to be an interesting one, as some
# the most widely known young men
n the state will be contestants.