The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-12-08


member 81 the present faculty one
Known toiyou! an as Mrs: r: g. Nor.
row,
The work Of the succeeding princi-
pals, Profs. Romer, Gwynn, Barnes,
Ross, MCGOWAN, u. S.. Fleming again,
g. j. c. Bennett and the present effi-
Client head Of the school, DR.. Woodley,
all have contributed much to the
growth and development Of the institu-
ton Of which Fairmont is SO Justly
proud. OF those who have passed away
1t may be truthfuIly said, Though the
workman dies, his work lives on"
While all the principals wrought well
and It would seem to be invidious to
speak of one above another, still can
not refrain from referring to the i'm
portant service in behalf Of the Normal
school rendered by Mr.. ]. Walter
Barnes while he was at the head of the
institution. Not only did he extend its
influence in this section of the state,
but 1t was largely through his efforts
that the present Normal building was
erected, and increased appropriations
secured from the Legislature. Fairmont
should not forget those who have Ia
bored In its behalf.
Again has the school outgrown its
environment and its equipment and
seeks to take another progressive step.
This movement I heartily commend.
All should unite in the effort to have
the Fairmont Normal School continue
to be, as it has been for years, one of
the leading educational institutions of
the state. May the new location, on
larger area and with modern, up-to.date
buildings and equipment, render 1t an
instrument Of helpfulness and inspira.
ton to thousands of earnest young men
and young women OF West Virginia
who are seeking to prepare themselves
for efficient service in the world.
The past Is gone and we cannot re-
call it, but we may profit by its lessons
and experiences and more wisely direct
our course in the future.
So, reviewing the advancement al
ready made, and realizing more fully
the almost infinite possibilities of the
future, we may take increased courage
for the work yet to be done.
Plato says 1.-THE purpose Of educa-
ton is to give to the body and to the
soul all the beauty and perfection Of
which they are capable" thus to render
the individual an instrument OF happf-
ness to himself and others.
Accepting these great truths, it then
becomes the function of the public
school system to inculcate in the minds
of the youth of the land such princi-
piles as will give them this. broader
view of their relation to their fellow
men. This is accomplished largely by
the instruction given in the schoolroom
whose influence is carried to the home
and to society in general, thus raising
the moral and intellectual standard,
and producing higher quality of citi-
zenship.
And now, In closing, I sincerely ex-
press the hope that this splendid build
ing in which we are assembled tonight
may contribute much to the intellectual
and moral growth of Fairmont. Accom-
modating at It does somewhat cosmo-
politan population, it may add largely
to the upbulding of social conditions
here and become center of culture
and refinement for years to come. If
the true end of education is kept in
view in all the instruction given here,
then will this time, labor and expendf-
ture not have been in vain, but will
produce an abundant harvest, even an
hundred fold.