THOMAS CARTER JOHNSON. (continued 2)

"On the first meeting with Dr. Duncan, were it only a hurried talk at a street-corner or a few minutes' conversation on a railway train, the first impression that came to the stranger from his sweet eyes and tender lips was the sense of a strange and overpowering love and loveableness in the man. The face and voice stole their way to the heart and mastered the affections. All the children were drawn to his caressing hands by a charm that their little hearts could not withstand. The negro servants in the houses that he visited could be seen to hang upon his words and to strive to catch his smile. The belle of the springs, on her way to the ball-room; the roughest mountaineer loafing on the skirts of a camp-meeting; boys and old men, the ignorant and the educated, had to yield themselves to the fascination of the fresh and guileless love that emanated from his beaming eyes and tender, penetrating voice. Whether he was moving with his exquisite grace, smiling and talking, through a parlor, or standing all aglow in his passionate eloquence beside his pulpit; whether he spoke to one man, soul to soul, in the quiet of his study, or faced the thousands of eyes that looked up to him from a great city church, or from the green hillsides of a rustic amphitheatre, the power that went forth from him, winning all hearts and softening all hardness, was the power of an exquisitely loveable nature, giving love richly and pleading for love in return. But as you listened to him, as you watched the play of his mobile features, and took in the rich, sweet tones of his voice, this first impression of the man's intense loveableness was deepened by the impression of his marvellous intellectual power. The shrewdness of his observation, the penetrating keenness of his intelligence, the splendid precision of his thought and of his utterance, took instantaneous possession of the hearer's mind. His knowledge of human character as men moved before him, his ready insight into the tangled web of human motives, was almost infallible. In spite of his boundless charity and graciousness, he was a man that could not be deceived or cheated. He took men in at a glance. The smile that curled around his lips, the light that sparkled in his eyes, showed to the dullest, as to the wiliest, that the secrets of their character were seen, that the very depths of their soul lay unveiled before him. Thus, when you talked with him, you were sure to feel that, while his love opened his heart to you, his intellect opened yours to him. In managing men, above all, in wielding the discipline of a college, the amazing quickness and penetration of his intellect made him the fittest of all men to control both character and conduct. The offender who came to hide his sin beneath a lie, found the lie impossible, and flung himself with passionate tears upon the love of the man that both understood and pitied his weakness. Even in great audiences, when he spoke to thousands of God and goodness, the veils of self-deception fell away before the glances that he shot into the souls of men. In all the history of Christianity no man ever pleaded for Christ before men with a mightier control over the secrets of human hearts, with a sharper penetration into the weakness and badness of each human soul. It was this union of moral with intellectual force, this union of the attractive power of love with the penetrative power of understanding, that gave to Dr. Duncan his unrivalled and irresistible control over the heart and intellect of the Virginia people. The world is so bad that we are apt to confuse amiability with silliness, and to see a sign of intellectual weakness in a good man's love and care for his fellow-men. But here, at least, it was one man as strong as he was good, a man that joined to the charm of a tenderly loving heart the power of a splendid genius and of an incisive intelligence. Thus he rose on the hearts of men to be a living power in our State and time. Thus to each man that saw much of him, to every human being that was exposed for long to the influence of his words and actions, the man, simple and kindly, and great in all his deeds, shone forth as the revelation of a higher life, as the proof and example of what Christ's teaching meant.

"The mystery both of the moral power and of the intellectual power of this great man lay in his astounding unselfishness; for the egoistic habit of mind is a hindrance not only to the moral but also to the intellectual progress of the man. A selfish regard for one's own interests, the bad trait of regarding all things and all men as subordinate to one's own designs, not only deadens the moral sensibility, but it even distorts and discolors all intellectual insight into the world. If we fail to care for other men's good by being so busy about our own, we fail equally to penetrate into their characters and to see the good and evil that is in them by being unable to remove from our intellectual vision the beam of our own desires and designs. From all these obstacles, to noble acting and to accurate thinking, Dr. Duncan was sublimely free. He had resigned himself so fully into the hands of God that he had ceased absolutely to care for his own advantage or to be perplexed by the contemplation of his own aims. Thus he moved through the annual courses of his serene and glorious activity, preaching and teaching and helping all good causes, with a mind unperverted from great things by any care for little ones, with a soul ready for any sacrifice, and, what is harder still, ready to throw itself into full and instantaneous sympathy with any soul that opened to his approach. In all his dealings with men, as friend with his friends, as preacher with his congregations, as teacher with his pupils, the loveliness and warmth of his affections were equalled only by the pliability and penetration of his intellect, by his wisdom in advising, by his discretion in helping.

"All the ordinary temptations to self-seeking fell off powerless from the supreme unselfishness of his nature. When the fame of his eloquence spread over many States; when he was acknowledged as the greatest orator of his church, and, perhaps, of his country; when the richest churches of the greatest cities offered him vast salaries to leave the struggling people and the impoverished college that he loved, he clung fast to poverty, and put aside, without a struggle, the temptations of ease and wealth. Even when temptation assailed him in craftier forms; when men told him of the mighty congregations that New York or St. Louis or San Francisco would pour forth to catch from him the words of life, he said that 'he loved his own people best, and must stay to help Virginia along.' Like his Master, he chose poverty rather than riches; like his Master, he chose to work in a little village, among a small band of disciples, rather than among the splendors and plaudits of cities; like his Master, he made of life one long series of sweetly-borne self-sacrifices. Before the spectacle of such sublime self-depression all words of common praise are unseemly. But to them that lived with him, who saw the great soul take up so bravely and bear so lovingly the burthen of poverty, trouble, and suffering, the life he led was a miracle of beauty and holiness, making the world brighter and nobler by even the remembrance of him.

"In his preaching, as in his life, the same blending of love with wisdom, of childlike simplicity with manly power, was revealed. There was no fierceness, no affectation, no struggling after oratorical effects; but, as the powers of his mind got into motion, as the thoughts rolled on, clear and massive, the words and sentences grew rich and lofty, the sweet voice swelled out into organ tones, the small and graceful figure swayed to the pulsations of his thought, and the beautiful face glowed with all the illumination of love. There was no theology in his sermons, no polemical divinity in his conception of divine truth. To love God, and to love men was for him, as Christ taught him, the sum of all righteousness. This power of love was the agency through which he did his work in the world. As the warmth of the sun controls all the processes of nature and commands all the movements of the universe, so warmth of love, as the central fact of God's moral government, was for him the source of all power, the means of subduing all wrong, and of bringing the world back into harmony with God's laws.

"No human life ever lived in this world of ours was attuned more fully to a loftier harmony. As we think of all the good deeds he did, of all the wise words he spoke, of his solemn yet tender warnings against evil, of the love that charmed so many souls to do right, of the sublime unselfishness that made his life a sacrifice to other men's good, we can feel that to us, in our own State, born of our own stock, in full sight of us all, a man has been given to live for our good, as nearly as man may, up to the life-story of the Christ himself.

"University of Virginia. T. R. PRICE."

The following is taken from the Minutes of the Virginia Conference, and was written by an old college mate, Dr. J. C. Granbery, now bishop:

"James Armstrong Duncan was born in Norfolk, Va., April 14, 1830. He was dedicated to God from his birth and trained in piety by his father, the venerable David Duncan, who has been prominent through two generations in the education of the youth of the Southern States, and who accepted the chair of Ancient Languages in Randolph-Macon College while James was a child; and by his mother, a woman of saintly character, who preceded her son by a few years to the heavenly land. In his boyhood he was a universal favorite, and displayed the gifts of mind and genial spirit and grace of manner which became so conspicuous in his riper years. We may mention his overflowing humor and gaiety, tempered with a kind and generous nature; and a wonderful power of mimicry, which furnished unbounded amusement to his comrades, and, indeed, to persons of mature age, but was never used to wound in feeling or reputation. In 1847, during one of those gracious revivals with which our church has been signally blessed year after year, he sought and found Jesus. In one of his latest and most effective sermons, he has described his conversion and affirmed that the vow of consecration then made had been the controlling principle of his ministry and the motive of those labors which his brethren sometimes thought excessive.

"He was licensed to preach probably the next year. The people of Mecklenburg still speak of his first sermons, in which they saw the prophecy of his future greatness. Having graduated in June, 1849, he was immediately placed in charge of a society in Alexandria, which had just organized in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. From that hour his popularity and success as a preacher and pastor began, and they steadily waxed fuller and more lustrous until his death quenched a star than which none shone with a purer and more brilliant radiance in the whole firmament of Methodism. A great revival attended his labors during the few months before the session of our Conference and the prosperity of the church was secured. He was kept on our northern border for nine years, in Fairfax, Leesburg, Alexandria and Washington—everywhere beloved with enthusiasm, everywhere successful in his ministry. Then followed nine years of faithful labor in the city of Richmond. In 1857 he was sent to Trinity, one of our oldest and most important stations. There had come a crisis in the history of that church. Its prosperity was already impaired and seriously threatened by the unfortunate location of the house of worship. The young pastor soon had the building crowded with an eager congregation. The eloquence of his discourses and the charm of his social manners were a theme of general comment throughout the city. Two series of sermons to young men and women proved peculiarly attractive, and resulted in extensive and lasting benefit. He took front rank among the pulpit orators of the land. All denominations flocked to hear him, and delighted in his company and friendship. These honors he bore with modest dignity and consecrated with godly simplicity to the service of the Master. A little band from Trinity determined, under his leadership, to build a handsome and commodious church on Broad street near the Capitol Square. In 1859 he was appointed to this new charge, and preached in a rented hall until the church was completed. It was dedicated in March, 1861, and, with the exception of two years, he continued in pastoral charge until the Conference of 1866. All this time his influence widened and deepened. He was a power in that city. When it became the capital of the Confederate States, and was crowded with representatives from all parts of the South, his faithful, spiritual, eloquent preaching entranced, edified, encouraged, and impressed with a saving efficacy an untold multitude, whose number eternity must reveal. No man in our day has accomplished more for Methodism or for the cause of Christ in the capital of Virginia than James A. Duncan.

"In addition to his pastorate, he edited the Richmond Christian Advocate from the fall of 1860 to the fall of 1866. With characteristic generosity he did this work without money and price—a free-will offering to the church, except the two years he devoted his whole time to the paper. The readiness and versatility of his talents were admirably shown in this office, for, with many other claims upon his time, he wrote not only the editorials, but much of the most popular and enjoyable correspondence with which the Advocate was enriched during those years. Great curiosity was aroused to find out the anonymous authors of series of letters published in the paper; but few, if any, suspected that they came from the fertile brain of the editor.

"Two years he was pastor of the Washington-Street Church, in Petersburg. Such men as D'Arcy Paul loved to speak of the rich spiritual feasts on which he fed them from the pulpit, and the no less precious influence of his pastoral visits. In that city he suffered a severe spell of nervous fever, his first illness since childhood.

"This brings us to a third era of nine years in his eventful life. After the war Randolph-Macon College re-opened and feebly struggled for life. Dr. Duncan was among the strongest advocates of its removal from Boydton to Ashland. The Board of Trustees resolved on this critical movement in the summer of 1868. The Faculty resigned, and an election was held to fill the vacant places. Dr. Duncan was unanimously chosen President. He signified promptly a disposition to accept the responsible post, but demanded a few days in which to carry the question in private prayer to the God whose he was and whom he served. Repeatedly and emphatically he declared the singleness of purpose with which he entered on this office, and that he would not remain one day in it if it were not for the conviction that he was thereby serving most efficiently the church of Christ.

"No one who knew the man doubted his sincerity and simplicity of aim. He never sought self. He was indifferent to wealth in a degree which some even censured as extreme. He served not ambition. The esteem and approval of good men he must have prized, but never, so far as we know, did he exhibit any undue concern about such things. He belonged to Christ, and to the church for Christ's sake. He went in the courage of faith and the spirit of consecration to the College, and devoted himself to the duties in the chair of Moral Philosophy and in the presidency. The halls were filled with a larger number of students than had ever sought its advantages in its palmiest days before the war. He governed by his personal influence, by the love and confidence with which he inspired the young men, and diligence and good behavior were the rule with rare exceptions.

"The reputation of the institution for a high grade of scholarship and thoroughness of culture was inferior to that of no other college in the land. Young preachers, often numbering more than forty in a single session, sat under his special lectures in theology, and were moulded by his example and his teaching. With the authority of a prophet, with the gentleness of a father, he preached to the students, week after week, the word of life, and saw many of them accept with glad heart the yoke and burden of Christ. In private they revealed to him all that was in their hearts, and sought his sympathy and counsel. In public, whatever the occasion on which he spoke, they hung breathless on his lips, and received what he said as if from an angel of God. Those who have attended the Commencements can bear witness to the outgushing of love, the wise and noble utterances, the manly frankness and boldness, and the tenderness, almost motherly, with which he bade those young men farewell in unstudied words of genuine eloquence, and the beaming faces, the streaming eyes, the thunders of applause with which they responded. Nor were these his only labors. Often during the sessions he hurried off to preach in city or country at the call of the churches of the Virginia and Baltimore Conferences, or in order to raise money for the College. The summer vacation was no rest to him, but his busiest period. Incessantly he travelled through the two Conferences, speaking on Christian education, and speaking at District Conferences, at protracted and camp-meetings. He was in labors more abundant, not sparing himself, never reluctant to help in any good work. Everywhere he was sought, everywhere he was welcome. Thousands ascribe to him, under God, their first impulse to serve Christ, their revival from a lukewarm and languishing state, or their fuller consecration and seeking of a higher spiritual life. We may safely affirm that no man of his own generation has so powerfully impressed the religious character of an equal number within the bounds of these two Conferences as James A. Duncan. He was elected to the General Conferences of 1866, 1870, and 1874. That of 1870 he did not attend, his duties at the College not allowing his absence. He lacked only a few votes to be chosen bishop at that session, several delegates of this body, who held him in high admiration, and thought him in every way worthy of the honor, withholding their votes because they believed him essential to Randolph-Macon College. From that time the mind of the whole church turned to him as the fittest person to be elected to the episcopacy. In 1876 he attended the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church as one of three fraternal messengers from our General Conference, and his address on that occasion was marked by its catholic spirit, fervent love for Christ, and grand and thrilling eloquence.

"In the summer of 1874, exhausted by ceaseless toil of travel and preaching, and exposed to a malarial atmosphere at a camp-meeting, he was seized with a fever, which took a typhoid phase, and he lay for weeks at the point of death. For one year he was scarcely fit for any work, and though he afterwards rallied and resumed his course of untiring labors, the seeds of disease lurked in his system, and often developed in severe spells of sickness; yet he worked on, cheerful, energetic, consumed with zeal. The past summer he spoke and preached with an ardor, power, and success equal to his happiest efforts in the years of his vigorous health. Sunday, September the 9th, he was in Baltimore, to preach at the re-opening of Trinity, and this he did, in the forenoon with great power, despite intense physical pain. On his return to Ashland it was found that his jawbone was decayed, and poison diffused throughout his frame. Erysipelas attacked his face. His sufferings were great, but borne with patience and sweetness. He sat up, however, a part of each day, and seemed not to suspect that his end drew near. Monday morning, the 24th, he fell asleep in Jesus.

"Oh! the surprise, the shock, the grief of heart, the sense of loss, the feeling of desolation, which that news produced. Crowds attended his funeral at Broad-Street Church, which, by a marble tablet, acknowledges him its founder, and Bishop Doggett pronounced his eulogy. Memorial services were held in Richmond, Petersburg, and Baltimore. Resolutions of highest praise were passed by Quarterly Conferences and by the faculties of colleges and universities. The secular and religious press honored his memory with heartfelt tributes; but all these honors fell far short of expressing the reverence and love with which he is cherished in thousands of hearts and thousands of homes. We yield to our sorrow of personal bereavement, and then chide ourselves for the selfishness when we ought to be grieving over the loss to the church. We think with sadness and almost with despondency of the bereavement of our College, and Conference, and Church, and tears fill our eyes, and a sword pierces our heart, at the unbidden suggestion of the void in our own life which the death of this dear, this noble friend and brother has made.

"We have said little of his private life. He was early married to Miss Twitty, of North Carolina, who for many years proved a companion and helpmeet worthy of such a man, and passed away in 1870. He married in 1873, Miss Wade, a daughter of a minister of the Baltimore Conference, who ministered to him and comforted him through the last years of his life, years of comparative weakness and pain, and now mourns, yet in resignation and trust, his death. He leaves four children of the first and one of the second marriage. The widow and children have the deepest sympathies and fervent prayers of this Conference.

"A few more words we must say about this loved brother. He was a natural orator. Perhaps this remark should be changed, not to abate its force, but to enlarge its application. He was a born talker, equally gifted in conversation and in public discourse. He had every physical advantage—grace of attitude and gesture, a voice which everybody likened, in sweetness, richness, and compass, to the organ, and, we must add, to the organ when struck by a master musician, for he had his voice under perfect command, and moderated it to convey the fullest variety of pure and worthy sentiment; a countenance on which one loved to gaze, handsome in repose, lovely when lit up by the noble thoughts and feelings of his great soul. He had every intellectual and moral advantage; a ready flow of happy diction, which seemed perfectly spontaneous, and yet exactly suited the thought; a playful humor, and, when needed, keenness of wit and satire which added zest to his serious speech, but detracted not from its weight; a quick insight into the heart of a subject, judgment remarkably sound, the logical spirit without slavery to logical forms, and an imagination which could sport like a butterfly amid flowers, or soar like an eagle beyond the clouds; sensibility delicate, deep, strong—acute sympathy with his fellow-man; a response in his feelings to everything true, pure, generous, and grand. Above all, he was full of the Holy Ghost, and could say, 'For the love of Christ constraineth me.' His adaptation to all classes of hearers, to all classes of circumstances, was marvellous. He could interest and edify the child, the unlettered, the cultivated, the scholar, with equal ease. Every variety of style came naturally to him, from a familiar home talk, through all gradations of argument, instruction and pathos, to the impassioned, sublime and overwhelming appeal. The earnestness and simplicity of his soul were ever manifest; that he preached not self, not philosophy, not human wisdom, not excellency of speech, but Christ and him crucified, not for fame, but to win souls.

"In his social and pastoral qualities he no less excelled. Others have equalled, none surpassed him in diligence and fidelity; but who can compare in charm, in breadth and tenderness of sympathy, in aptness to guide and comfort, in power to draw forth trust and love? Place him in any parlor, at any table, among the rich or poor, and he would be the centre of attraction—every eye fixed on him, every ear attend his voice. Let him sit by the bed of any invalid, though a stranger before that hour, and soon he would soothe and cheer, and the heart would open to his words as though he had been a life-long friend. The young and old, men and women, the rude and the cultivated, felt free to confide to him their troubles and ask his sympathy and aid; yet, in the narrower circle of long-tried friendship and of home, never did there beat a truer, more constant, more generous heart; so unselfish, so frank, so forbearing, so trustful, so magnanimous, never giving up a friend, though he may have strayed far, and long, and fallen low; never slow in responding to any call for help.

"But we must close this sketch. He was our favorite and our ornament, we might almost say our idol; but we glorify God in him. He has been taken away in his prime, at the height of his usefulness, when we were leaning on his counsel and strength, when we were rejoicing in the prospect of many years of his company and service. But we thank God for his example, his work, and his prayers. He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him."

A meeting of the Board was called, to assemble at Broad-Street Church October 4, 1877, to make provision for the College after the loss of President Duncan. Dr. A. W. Wilson, vice-president, announced his death, and a committee, consisting of Dr. W. W. Bennett, Dr. Samuel Rodgers, and Hon. Wm. Milnes, Jr., was appointed to report suitable resolutions to the Board, and they presented the following, which was unanimously adopted:

"Resolved, That, as the Board of Trustees of Randolph-Macon College, we have the deepest sorrow in our hearts in announcing to our church and people the great loss we have sustained in the death of Rev. James A. Duncan, D. D., our late President. His devoted life as a Christian minister and his constant and arduous labors for the past nine years in behalf of Randolph-Macon College, and the high position to which he and his co-laborers in the Faculty have brought the institution, demand that our people should give some expression of their appreciation of this work, which, in its widening influence, we trust shall abide for generations to come. And in the judgment of this Board nothing can more adequately express our conviction of the value of his life and work for the College and the cause of Christian education than that the church should determine to raise a 'memorial fund' of $100,000 for the accomplishment of an earnest and often-expressed wish of our deceased President, the permanent endowment of the College and the enlargement of its sphere of usefulness."

The presidency of the Board having been made vacant by the death of President Duncan, Rev. W. W. Bennett was elected to it.

To fill the presidency of the College, Rev. W. W. Duncan, brother of the late President, was elected.

At an adjourned meeting, held in Lynchburg, Va., November 16, 1877, Secretary Rev. Paul Whitehead presented a letter from the Rev. W. W. Duncan, Professor in Wofford College, South Carolina, declining the presidency, to which he had been elected in July last. This declination and the financial embarrassment of the College elicited the hearty interest of the Virginia Conference, then in session. A large committee from that body was appointed to confer with the Board to concert measures which would meet the serious condition of the affairs of the College. The joint conference was held for several days.

After the joint conference was concluded, on the 19th of November, the Board proceeded to elect a President of the College. The result of the first ballot was: For R. N. Sledd, 6 votes; for W. W. Bennett, 6 votes. Necessary to a choice, 7.

The second ballot resulted in the same vote.

The third ballot, other members having come in, resulted as follows: W. W. Bennett, 9 votes; R. N. Sledd, 5 votes. Necessary to a choice, 8 votes. So Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., was declared elected.

[Illustration: BISHOP W. W. DUNCAN. Elected President 1877.—Declined to accept.]

[Illustration: REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D., President of the Board of Trustees, 1877; President of the College. 1877-1886.]

Resolutions respecting the death of William Willis, Jr., late treasurer of the Board, who had died since the last meeting of the Board, were adopted.

At this meeting Rev. Thomas A. Ware resigned his place as Agent.

The new President, when elected, was the editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate, of which he had been the proprietor, wholly or in part, for ten years. He was a leading man in the Virginia Conference, and largely acquainted with the ministers and people of the church in Virginia and elsewhere, having been a member of the General Conference for a number of sessions. He was in the full vigor of manhood. His education had been secured at the University of Virginia. Having been an active member of the Board for years, and frequently on important committees of the Board, and having lived in Ashland for a number of years, he was thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the College. He felt and appreciated the great purposes of its establishment and the capabilities which it might be endowed with by the action of the church. He also knew what a burden he was about to take up and carry—a burden which had taxed the energies and heart of his predecessor; but, hopeful and sanguine, he probably did not appreciate the full weight of the burden which was to test his heart and energies, in turn, to their utmost strain. It was well that he was hopeful and trustful.

Dr. Bennett commenced his duties with the following colleagues in the Faculty December 1, 1877: Robert Emory Blackwell, A. M., Professor of English and Modern Languages; Harry Estill, A. M., Professor of Mathematics; William A. Shepard, A. M., Professor of Chemistry; Charles Morriss, M. A., Professor of Greek and Latin.

At a meeting of the Board, held in Baltimore, March, 1878, the Faculty was increased by the election of William Waugh Smith, A. M., to the chair of Moral and Mental Philosophy. Some time afterward he entered upon his duties as professor, and his connection, in some capacity, has continued to this day. Of his connection with the College more will be recorded further on in this narrative.

[Illustration: GRAY CARROLL, Sutherlin Medalist, 1878; District Solicitor, Little Rock, Ark.]

At this meeting it was proposed to have published a memorial volume of the late President Duncan. That it was not done promptly, and in a manner worthy of him, is, and always will be, a source of regret to those who knew and loved him. This affords another instance and example of how little has been done to let the lives and labors of Virginia's gifted men speak after they are dead. Surely he was worthy of a fitting biography.

[Illustration: RICHARD B. DAVIS, A. B., 1862., Member Board of Trustees.]

At the annual meeting, June, 1878, the President, in his annual report, gave the number of students in attendance as 141, from twelve different States. He reported a revival of religion as having occurred, with twenty converts among the students.

[Illustration: FRANK NOLAND, First "Pace" Medalist, 1878; Assistant Editor "Landmark."]

An effort has been made, with some success, to retire the floating debt of the College, amounting to about $23,000, on some of which ten per cent. interest was being paid, averaging eight per cent. The President was hopeful of good patronage and retiring the debt.

The following, on recommendation of the Faculty, received degrees, viz.: Henry A. Boyd, of North Carolina, A. M.; Mansfield T. Peed, of Virginia, A. M.; William J. Sebrell, of Virginia, A. B.; Wilbur Fisk Tillett, of North Carolina, A. B.; M. P. Rice, B. S.

The "Sutherlin Medal for Oratory" was won by Gray Carroll, of Virginia.

The "Walton Greek Prize" went to Clarence Edwards, of Virginia.

[Illustration: PROF. R. BASCOM SMITHEY, A. M.]

The "Pace" medal for the best English essay was awarded to Frank Noland, of Virginia, the first to win it. This medal was offered by Mr. James B. Pace, of Richmond, Va.

Prof. Harry Estill resigned, July 8, 1878, the chair of Mathematics after ten years' service. He was the last of President Duncan's Faculty to leave. He went to the Washington and Lee University, and took the same chair at that institution, his Alma Mater.

To the chair thus vacated Royal Bascom Smithey (A. M. 1876) was elected, and he has filled it with great satisfaction to his pupils and the Board to the present time (1898).

[Illustration: CLARENCE EDWARDS, A.M., "Pace" Medalist, 1879; Attorney-at-Law.]

The old chapel was consumed by fire March 12, 1879. Fortunately there was nothing in it but the furniture, which was saved. It had a varied history. Before the war it was a ball-room; during the war a hospital; after the war a place for religious service for nearly eleven years. Its walls had resounded with the eloquence of Duncan, Wightman, Guard, Ran. Tucker, Rosser, Bennett, and others. In it many of Randolph-Macon's brightest sons had received their diplomas; in it many had been "born again" to a new life. Services were held afterwards in the Mathematical lecture-room in the Pace building until the "Duncan Memorial" building, with church and chapel, had been completed.

[Illustration: CHARLES W. TILLET, A. B., Sutherlin Medalist, 1879; Member of North Carolina Senate.]

Immediate steps were taken to erect the new building, and Rev. George W. Nolley took an active and successful part in raising the funds for its erection. The ladies of the church also did a good part in this work; also the Faculty and the students.

In June, 1879, the Finance Committee reported that about one-half the "floating debt" had been subscribed. Nevertheless, for want of endowment, the current expenses of the year had exceeded the income. They therefore recommended that the President be requested to devote his time and attention specially to the raising of funds for retiring the debt.

The following degrees were conferred, viz.:

A. M.

T. E. CRENSHAW, Virginia. CLARENCE EDWARDS, Virginia. WM. J. SEBRELL, Virginia.

A. B.

WILLIAM H. EDWARDS, Virginia.

Clarence Edwards won the "Pace" medal.

Charles W. Tillett won the "Sutherlin" medal. The number of students for the session of 1878-'79 was 123.

The session of 1879-1880 was not marked by much that is worthy of record.

The President of the College devoted his time largely in raising funds to discharge the debt of the College. In his annual report, June, 1880, he announced the completion of the new College chapel, built in place of the old chapel.

Although there was an increase of students, still the expenses exceeded the income by over $3,300.

At the commencement, June, 1880, degrees were conferred as follows, viz.:

A. M.

JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, of Virginia.

A. B.

W. W. SAWYER, Virginia. CHAS. W. TILLETT, N. Carolina.

D. D.

Rev. ADOLPHUS W. MANGUM, A. M., Prof. University of North Carolina (Class 1854).

At a called meeting of the Board, held at Danville, Va., November, 1880, the announcement was made that the sum required to cancel the debt of the College had been subscribed. This gratifying result was achieved by the long and arduous labors of Dr. Bennett, President of the College.

[Illustration: DOCTOR M. JAMES, Of West Virginia. Sutherlin Medalist.]

1880-1881.

The following received degrees at the annual commencement, June, 1881:

A. M.

JOSEPH C. JONES, Virginia. JOHN B. CRENSHAW, Virginia. BASIL W. WATERS, Maryland. JAMES C. SHELTON, Virginia. ROBERT W. TOMLIN, Virginia. JAMES W. MORRIS, Virginia.

A. B.

JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. JOSEPH C. TERRELL, Virginia. D. M. JAMES, West Virginia. WM. B. CRENSHAW, Kentucky. E. E. HARRELL, N. Carolina.

The following resolution was adopted by the Board, on motion of Dr. Paul Whitehead:

"Resolved, That the Rev. W. W. Bennett, D. D., President of this College, deserves, and we hereby tender to him, the thanks of the Trustees for the patient and indefatigable manner in which he has performed the duty committed to him of raising, by subscription, the amount necessary to pay the debt of the College, amid discouragements and difficulties which have rendered the work at once thankless and toilsome."

[Illustration: JESSE TALBOTT LITTLETON, Prof. Emory and Henry College; Pace Medalist, 1880.]

In the annual report of the President the following items are noted: The number of students matriculated was 128. The debt of the College had been considerably reduced by collection of subscriptions. The Finance Committee reported that if the subscriptions were paid up the financial condition of the College would be better than it had been at any period of its recent history.

[Illustration: REV. BASIL W. WATERS, A.M., Missionary to Japan.]

At the close of this session, after spending four years in College, diplomas in Greek and Mathematics, and the Mathematical prize were awarded to a young man whose subsequent career has marked him as one of the first mathematical scholars of the age. This was David W. Taylor, of Louisa county, Va. In September, 1881, he was second among one hundred and fifty candidates for entrance as cadet engineer at the United States Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy June, 1885, standing first in his class each year; was ordered to the flagship of the European station, under the command of (then) Captain Dewey; then sent to the Royal Naval College at Greenwich, near London, England, taking at that place a three-years' course in naval architecture and marine engineering; graduated there in 1888 at the head of his class, receiving the highest marks ever obtained for the course by either an English or foreign student. He is now (1898) an assistant to Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Repair, Washington, D. C.

[Illustration: REV. SAMUEL RODGERS, D. D., Vice-President of the Board of Trustees.]

[Illustration: JAMES W. MORRIS, A. M. Sutherlin Medalist; Pace Medalist, 1881; Missionary to Brazil.]

1881-1882.

At the close of the year 1881-'82 the following received degrees:

A. M.

R. E. L. HOLMES, Virginia. EDGAR A. POTTS, Virginia. EDMUND S. RUFFIN, Virginia. JOSEPH T. REESE, Georgia.

A. B.

HUGH C. DAVIS, Virginia. J. P. MAUZY, Virginia. THOMAS N. POTTS, Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. CHARLES B. STUART (Class 1845), Texas.

Sutherlin Medalist.—SAMUEL M. GARLAND, of Virginia. Pace Medalist.—JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, of Maryland.

The number of students, by the President's report, was 100, a decrease of 28.

[Illustration: DAVID W. TAYLOR, Mathematical Prize, 1881; Naval Constructor, U. S. Navy.]

[Illustration: BISHOP A. W. WILSON, President Board of Trustees.]

The completion of the Duncan Memorial Church was announced. The credit of this work was given to ladies of the congregation, who had worked with great zeal and efficiency to raise the needed funds.

At the annual meeting President W. W. Bennett tendered his resignation of the presidency of the Board of Trustees and of the College.

Bishop Alpheus W. Wilson was elected president of the Board, and Rev. John D. Blackwell vice-president.

[Illustration: HUGH C. DAVIS, A. B., 1882, Attorney-at-Law.]

The vacancy of the presidency of the College was not filled, but the Board adjourned to meet in Centenary Church, Richmond, July 19, 1882, to fill the office. Petitions were laid before the Board, sent by a number of ministers and friends of the College, and also by a large number of the students, asking the Board to re-elect Dr. Bennett to the presidency of the College.

At the adjourned meeting, held July 19, 1882, Dr. Bennett was re-elected President, almost unanimously, and he accepted the oflice. He stated that he had labored under a wrong impression in regard to the sentiments of the Board when he resigned the presidency.

[Illustration: DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH.]

At a called meeting, held in November, 1882, the resignation of Charles Morris, Professor of Latin and French, was made known to the Board. This resignation was accepted with expressions of the high appreciation by the Board of the personal character and fidelity of Prof. Morris. He accepted a professorship in the University of Georgia.

Prof. William W. Smith was elected to have charge of Latin and Greek.

At the Annual Conference, held in November, 1882, the annual assessment made by the Conference for the College was increased by $500, making it $3,500, which amount has been the assessment to this date, June, 1898.

[Illustration: CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Sutherlin Medalist; Member of Congress from Virginia.]

1882-1883.

The degree men for the year ending June, 1883, were

A. M.

JOHN F. BLACKWELL, Virginia. W. A. CRENSHAW, Virginia. JOHN MORRIS, Georgia. E. E. HARRELL, N. C. LEWIS MILLER, Massachusetts.

A. B.

GEORGE B. DAVIS. Virginia. JOHN D. EPES, Virginia. THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia. SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia. JOHN NEWTON MCCORMICK, Maryland.

D. D.

Rev. W. S. BLACK, of the North Carolina Conference. Rev. W. E. EDWARDS, of the Virginia Conference. Rev. P. H. WHISNER, of the Baltimore Conference.

Sutherlin Medalist.—CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia. Pace Medalist.—CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, Virginia.

[Illustration: JOHN MORRIS, A. M., Professor of English, University of Georgia.]

Thomas Branch, Esq., who had served on the Board for forty years, tendered his resignation as a trustee. This was received, with a resolution of the high appreciation of his services as president of the Board and trustee, and his liberality and devotion to the College. He was succeeded by his son, John P. Branch.

The President's report showed the attendance to be 114. In this report the President recommended the system of co-education of males and females for the first time. The recommendation of the President was not adopted.

The Board took steps to have erected new dormitories on the campus.

[Illustration: CHARLES EMORY KREGLOE, Pace Medalist; Professor Alleghany Institute.]

1883-1884.

This year, the anniversary year of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, was to prove the turning point in the financial history of the College. The movement towards the increase of the endowment was not general, but it was in the right direction. The first subscription was for $1,000, as in 1855; it was made by Mr. E. M. Tilley, of Berkley, Va., a Northern man living in that town, not then a member of the Methodist Church. The larger part of the funds raised was from the Norfolk district, apart from the subscription made by members of the Board at the annual meeting, June, 1884, which amounted to $9,000. From this time forward the increase of the capital of the College has been steady, and, at times, very material and gratifying.

[Illustration: JAMES A. DUNCAN, D. D., Sutherlin Medalist; Holston Conference.]

The Virginia and Baltimore Conferences had, at their last session, directed that all funds raised this Centennial year should, unless otherwise specially noted, go towards the endowment fund of the College.

At the annual meeting the following received degrees:

A. M.

THOMAS D. NEWSON, Virginia.

A. B.

R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. JAMES CANNON, Jr., Maryland. N. H. ROBERTSON, Virginia. THEODORE H. WHITE, Virginia.

James A. Duncan, of Virginia, won the Sutherlin medal. James Cannon, Jr., of Maryland, won the Pace medal. The number of matriculates for the session of 1883-'84 was 108.

[Illustration: JAMES CANNON, JR., Of Maryland; Pace Medalist; President Blackstone Institute.]

1884-1885.

The session of 1884-'85 opened with 111 students. The President, in his annual report, said it was one of the most satisfactory that had occurred during his administration. Five new dormitories had been built to take the place of old ones. Steps were taken to build new houses for two Professors. He reported the acceptance of the chair of Greek and the Oriental Languages by Dr. Richard M. Smith, to which he had been elected at the last annual meeting.

[Illustration: DR. RICHARD M. SMITH, PH. D. (LEIPZIG), Professor of Greek and the Oriental Languages (1885-1896).]

The following received degrees, June, 1885:

A. M.

R. H. BENNETT, Virginia. JAMES M. PAGE, Virginia. HARRY LEE STUART, Texas.

A. B.

WM. H. BARLEY, Virginia. EUGENE H. RAWLINGS, Virginia. F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. CLAUDE A. SWANSON, Virginia.

Sutherlin Medalist.—THOMAS F. SHERRILL, of North Carolina. Pace Medalist.—JAMES M. PAGE, of Virginia.

At a called meeting, held in Centenary Church, Richmond, Va., May 19, 1886, the following letter of resignation was laid before the Board:

"Bishop A. W. Wilson, President of the Trustees of Randolph-Macon College:

"MY DEAR BROTHER,—The poor condition of my health through this entire session thus far admonishes me that I cannot continue to hold the presidency of the College. I am compelled, therefore, to hand you this, my resignation of the office, to take effect on the 1st of September next, which will give the Trustees a period of five months, though I am sure they will not need so much time, in which to secure a suitable person for my successor.

"It is a source of great gratification to me that I shall leave the College in good condition in every respect.

"Yours very truly,

"W. W. BENNETT.

"ASHLAND, VA., March 31, 1886."

[Illustration: RICHARD HEBER BENNETT, A. M., Of the Virginia Conference.]

[Illustration: THOMAS F. SHERRILL, OF N. C., Sutherlin Medalist, 1885.]

The resignation of Dr. Bennett was accepted, and a committee was appointed to notify him of the action of the Board, and to express to him the appreciation by the Board of the value of his services.

On motion, it was—

"Resolved, That at the annual meeting in June next the Board will proceed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. Bennett."

The President's annual report gave the attendance as 124 for the session ending June, 1886.

[Illustration: JAMES M. PAGE, A. M., PH. D., OF VIRGINIA, Pace Medalist, 1885; Professor University of Virginia.]

On the recommendation of the Faculty, the following received degrees, viz.:

A. M.

F. P. HAMMOND, Maryland. LANGHORNE LEITCH, Virginia. M. L. SHACKELFORD, Virginia. SYDNEY B. WRIGHT, Virginia.

A. B.

THOMAS J. BARHAM, Virginia. JAMES S. CHAPMAN, Virginia. FRANK L. CROCKER, Virginia. ARTHUR K. DAVIS, Virginia. F. V. RUSSELL, Virginia. SAMUEL D. TURNER, Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. WILBUR F. TILLETT, Vanderbilt University. Rev. H. MELVILLE JACKSON, Richmond, Va.

LL. D.

Prof. JAMES A. HARRISON, Washington and Lee University.

Sutherlin Medalist.—J. S. CHAPMAN, of Virginia. Pace Medalist.—LANGHORNE LEITCH, of Virginia.

[Illustration: JAMES S. CHAPMAN, Sutherlin Medalist; Attorney-at-Law.]

The Endowment and Investment Committee made the following gratifying announcement:

"We respectfully report that there has been raised, through the instrumentality of Prof. W. W. Smith, Dr. R. N. Sledd, and others, $43,000, $25,000 of which is in the hands of the local committee at Lynchburg, and the balance in the hands of Captain Richard Irby for collection."

Special credit ought to be given here to the liberal citizens of Lynchburg, who subscribed this amount of endowment, ever since kept separate, and designated Lynchburg Endowment Fund. This has brought into the current receipts each year about $1,500. It was the prophecy and forecast of greater liberality in 1891. From this time the professors and officers have always been paid their salaries promptly. The direct and material aid thus afforded was of great benefit, but the influence of such action on other communities and on individuals has been of far greater value. Lynchburg, therefore, deserves, and should have, the gratitude of every Randolph-Macon alumnus and friend.

[Illustration: LANGHORNE LEITCH, A. M., Pace Medalist; Missionary to China.]

In the election to fill the office of President the following nominations were made:

Rev. John D. Blackwell, D. D., by Paul Whitehead. Rev. Robert N. Sledd, D. D., by W. E. Judkins. Rev. Wilbur F. Tillett, by J. E. Edwards. Rev. John A. Kern, by W. T. Chandler. Rev. Paul Whitehead, D. D., by P. A. Peterson. Prof. Wm. W. Smith, A. M., by Richard Irby.

[Illustration: R. N. SLEDD, D. D., Class of 1855; First Vice-President of the Board.]

On the first ballot Prof. W. W. Smith received ten votes out of twenty. On the second ballot he received twelve, and was declared elected.

Inasmuch as the history of the College has been so intimately linked with the life of President Smith for so many years, it is not necessary to say much of him just here. He was born in Fauquier county in 1848. His father, Richard M. Smith, afterwards moved to Alexandria, where he was associated with the celebrated Benjamin Hallowell in his school. Afterwards he became editor of the Alexandria Sentinel, which was removed to Richmond at the breaking out of hostilities, April, 1861. He afterwards edited the Enquirer. At the early age of sixteen William Waugh Smith volunteered in the Confederate service, in which he continued to the close of the war. After the war he was associated with his father in the publication of the Enquirer, which had been revived. He attended the University of Virginia one session. When the College was moved to Ashland, and his father became a Professor in it, he matriculated at the College and took the degree of A. M., with John Hannon, in 1873. After leaving College he became the assistant to his uncle, Albert Smith, at Bethel Academy, near Warrenton, Va., which rapidly grew into prominence as a school. Here he remained till 1882, when he was elected Professor of Moral and Mental Science in Randolph-Macon College. In 1885 he showed his great talent for raising funds for the College, by securing the "Lynchburg Endowment," in connection with Dr. R. N. Sledd and others. His energy and aptitude for administration, in addition to the successful experience he had gained at Bethel Academy, pointed him out as the man for the vacant position, and subsequent events have justified the selection.

[Illustration: PRESIDENT WM. W. SMITH, A. M., LL. D.]

[Illustration: RICHARD IRBY, SECRETARY AND TREASURER. Elected June, 1886.]

[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, LYNCHBURG, VA. Opened for Students 1893.]

[Illustration: [Five small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "REV. R.M. SAUNDERS, Chaplain", "PROF. KNIGHT.", "MISS LOUISE J. SMITH.", "PROF. SCHEHLMANN.", "PROF. ADAMS." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]]

[Illustration: [Five more small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PRESIDENT SMITH.", "PROF. SHARP.", "DR. MARTIN.", "PROF. ARMSTRONG.", "MISS PARRISH.". At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]]

[Illustration: [A third set of five small pictures, displayed in a quincunx. Pictures are individually captioned, as follows: "PROF LANDON", "MRS. SAUNDERS.", "PROF. RIDDICK.", "PROF. PAGE.", "DR. TERRELL." At the bottom of the page, the quincunx is captioned, "FACULTY RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE, 1893-1898.]]

On motion of John P. Branch (substitute for one offered by A. G. Brown), it was

"Resolved, That Richard Irby be appointed Secretary and Treasurer, the same to give half of his time to the business of the College."

His duties were defined as follows: To have charge of the financial and business concerns of the College, and also of the library, grounds, buildings, etc. This office was accepted, and he entered upon his duties the first day of July following.

At the same session the Board proceeded to fill the chair of Moral and Mental Science and Biblical Literature. Rev. John A. Kern, of the Baltimore Conference, was elected to the chair, and he accepted the same.

Prof. Kern was a graduate of the University of Virginia. In 1866 he entered the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He had filled many of the most important appointments of that Conference, and was then, as now, esteemed a man of talent, and growing year by-year in ability and acceptability. The estimate placed on him by his friends was not too high, as his subsequent career has proven.

The Board accepted the libraries which had been offered to it by the Literary Societies, consisting of about four thousand volumes, and the Librarian was directed to consolidate them with the College Library. This was a much-needed and timely improvement, and became a nucleus for a library which, in course of time, will be, it is hoped, a credit to the College.

[Illustration: REV. JOHN A. KERN, D. D. Elected President of Randolph-Macon College in 1897.]

The new President was requested to continue his efforts in raising funds for the endowment, which had so far been attended with laudable success. This he was not slow in heeding.

On account of failure to record the financial statement of 1886, the exact amount of net assets of the College cannot here be given.

The retiring President served nine years, almost identically the same period served by his predecessor, Dr. Duncan. His administration was also, like Dr. Duncan's, marked by great financial embarrassment, which had a depressing influence on a sensitive temperament like his was. That his days were shortened by the constant burden of care, like his predecessor's, can hardly be doubted. Both of them were, in a sense, martyrs to the cause of Christian education.

Dr. Bennett never regained his health. He moved to his farm, in Louisa county, and took work on the contiguous appointment at the Conference of 1886. While engaged in the work of his charge he gradually declined in health, and died June 7, 1887.

REV. W. W. BENNETT, D. D.

"WILLIAM WALLACE BENNETT, son of Eli and Mary C. Bennett, was born in the city of Richmond, February 24, 1821. He was reared under the fostering care and social surroundings of Methodism, and was the subject of religious impressions from an early period.

"In 1839, under the ministry of Rev. Gervas M. Keesee, he made a profession of religion, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in Portsmouth. Here, with the help of class-meetings and other social, as well as the public means of grace, his religious experience had a healthful beginning, that developed the elevated character and useful life that our beloved brother has bequeathed to the church. Soon after his conversion, he, and several others who were exercised about a call to the ministry, met and conversed upon the subject, and prayed for divine guidance, giving evidence that when he entered the itinerancy it was no rash adventure. In the fall of 1841, he removed to Mecklenburg county, where his brother, Rev. John R. Bennett, was in charge of the circuit. There he pursued his studies, obtained license to preach, and began his ministry, passing through what he conceived to be the crucial test of his call to preach. Discouraged, as he informed the writer, by what he conceived to be a failure in the pulpit before a large congregation, he was tempted to give up the ministry; but falling in the hands of an experienced and godly class-leader, who encouraged him by his counsel and his prayers, he returned to his work with renewed consecration, and a conviction too strong to be jostled again.

"From the best information obtained (the records of four years of this Conference being lost) he was admitted on trial into the Virginia Conference in 1842, and travelled as junior preacher on Louisa and Bedford Circuits. In 1845-'46 he was in charge of Powhatan Circuit, and in 1847 was stationed in Charlottesville, where he availed himself of the educational advantages of the University of Virginia, and graduated in several of the schools in 1850. At the Conference of this year he was stationed in Washington city, organizing the first society of the M. E. Church, South, at our national capital. In 1851 he was elected Chaplain of the University of Virginia, but on account of sickness resigned the position. He soon, however, regained his accustomed health, and in 1852-'53 travelled Loudoun Circuit with W. W. Berry and John C. Granbery, respectively, as junior preachers. In 1854-'55-'56-'57 he was Presiding Elder of the Washington District. While on this appointment he was married, December 20, 1855, to Virginia Lee, daughter of Edward and Mary Kendall Lee Sangster, of Alexandria. A wise and happy union. In 1858-'59 he was appointed to Union Station, Richmond, and in 1860-'61 was stationed at Centenary, in the same city.

"In 1862 he was appointed Chaplain in the Confederate Army, and assigned to the superintendency of the Tract Association. Seeing the necessity of a more generous distribution of Bibles and religious literature among the troops, he arranged to go abroad for a supply, and during the last winter of the war successfully 'ran the blockade.' He had scarcely, however, entered upon the work in London when the war ended, and he returned to Virginia.

"In 1865-'66 he travelled Nottoway circuit, and in November, 1866, was appointed editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate. By judicious management and editorial ability, this necessary and popular journal was established on a promising basis. In 1874 Rev. J. J. Lafferty became his associate, who, in 1877, by satisfactory negotiations, assumed control, and was appointed editor of the paper. The motives influencing Dr. Bennett in this change were characteristic of the man and the result of thoughtful conversation. His successor well understood him, and tells us, in his affecting notice of his death, that 'he made known to him his uneasiness in conscience as to his position—that he was too stout in health to be out of the regular ranks. With much emphasis, he declared his wish to be found in the pastorate when God called him.' Before the Conference met in Lynchburg Dr. Bennett had arranged to change his position. It was then made to appear his duty to go to the college, and he yielded. But there must have been a peculiar joy when the summons came that he was in his loved employ—the shepherd of a flock.

"In 1877 he was elected President of Randolph-Macon College. This position he held for nine years, during, perhaps, its most critical history; but by able, kind, and impartial administration, with the confidence of his brethren in the ministry, the active co-operation of his professorial associates, and the affection of the students, the College accomplished a noble work. By his activity in visiting throughout the Baltimore and Virginia Conferences and elsewhere, and under his stirring appeals, the number of students compared favorably with other institutions, and a large amount of money was raised in the interest of the College. The sentiments of a writer from the Pacific coast, we are sure, find echo here, that 'Virginia Methodism owes Dr. Bennett a great debt for the work done by him at Randolph-Macon at the crucial period of its history.' He left the College an enduring monument of his heroic devotion, but, as many think, at the cost of his life. At the close of the session in 1886 his health was so impaired that he resigned the presidency of the College, and secured a retired home near Trevilian's, in Louisa county, hoping that relief from the burdens and cares of college work and the quiet of the country might nurse him back to health again. But, alas! his disease baffled the best medical skill and the loving attentions of his family and friends. He was prevailed upon during the summer to visit the mountains, and, with some slight improvement, he was in his place at the last Conference, believing that he could even then attend to the work on some fields that would be open, but naming none. The change disease had wrought in his robust frame was a subject of mournful remark by all that knew him, and grave apprehensions were felt that he would never recuperate. From that Conference he was sent to Gordonsville and Orange, where he gave for a time pastoral care and pulpit work that was surprising to his friends. But as the summer advanced, he was compelled to yield, and after a short confinement to his bed, his earthly labors ended.

"Dr. Bennett, in health, will always be remembered by his acquaintances as an incomparable specimen of physical manhood, with a face bearing the lines of strong character. Indeed, he seemed moulded for any work or position in Methodism. His mental endowments were of a high order. His early advantages were such as to secure a good English education, with some knowledge of Latin; and from our knowledge of the man, we may safely conclude that his opportunities were well improved. A schoolmate says of him: 'He was studious, with great grasp of intellect and steadiness of purpose.' The writer, and others, perhaps, will remember his modest reference to his fondness for reading while a boy, in using 'the first money he could command to subscribe for the Richmond Advocate,' which he subsequently edited with so much ability. By judicious reading and study, and by such collegiate helps as his appointments favored, he became the peer of any. Ten years before he was elected President of Randolph-Macon College he received from that institution the degree of D. D., was a member of every General Conference since 1858, and was a representative of our church at the Ecumenical Conference in London in 1881. The opinion of the editor of the Richmond Christian Advocate, no doubt, is the judgment of his brethren, that 'he was the best-rooted man in the Conference in theology, and saturated with church history, dogma, and doctrine.'

"As a preacher, he occupied the front rank in pulpit power, and his discourses were such as lived in the memory and hearts of his hearers. 'His sermons,' says Bishop Granbery, 'were stately, elaborate, and massive, mighty discussions of great truths, with wide range of thought, lucid and forcible argument, earnest, solemn, and often impassioned application.' Bishop Doggett says of him: 'Bennett, at times, is the greatest preacher I ever heard. His sermon at the late camp-meeting, on Matthew xxiii. 37, 38, surpassed anything I ever listened to from the pulpit. His description of the desolate house I can never forget. I remember,' says he, 'to have heard him at Charlottesville, on the flood, when for more than an hour the congregation seemed dazed by the power of his eloquence.'

"His character was differently analyzed by some of his friends, though all accorded him unexceptionable integrity, a high order of piety, and a noble, generous heart. His occasional serious expression and brusque manner awakened the suspicion with some that he was wanting in sympathy, but those who knew him best indulged no such estimate of him. With all his firmness of conviction and stern independence, where was to be found greater gentleness and consideration of the feelings of others? He was emphatically the friend of the friendless, the persecuted and neglected, and was unchanging in his friendships. He was slow to find fault, and indulged in no depreciation of others. At any time it required a great provocation, and something more than mere personal affront or injury, to evoke rebuke; but when it did come, it was felt, but was more the utterance of conscientious impulse than the ebullition of personal resentment.

"He was the head of a Christian household, where piety was fostered and practised, and where Methodism was honored. He, with his devoted wife, sought to make home attractive, and succeeded. While the proprieties of religious training and filial respect were never relaxed, there was no constraint on the freedom of social and religious intercourse, and no lack of sympathy for such enjoyments as were proper, entertaining and improving in a Christian home. He was looked up to by his family as a practical and safe counsellor, and beyond whom there was rarely even the desire to appeal. His brethren, I am sure, will endorse the sentiments of his distinguished eulogist: 'His virtues were many, steadfast and bright. The whole church will feel his loss. The Virginia Conference, as one man, will cherish his memory with deep admiration and love.'

"After his confinement to bed the ravages of his rare disease were very rapid and severe. He early sank into a comatose condition, yet responding when spoken to. It will be gratifying to his brethren, nevertheless, to know that his end was a great spiritual triumph. On Monday, June 6th, at an early hour, with the family and a few friends about him, fearful that he might pass away Without again rousing from his lethargy, his wife, under her stress of grief, urged all to united prayer. They knelt, and his eldest son led in prayer, expressing assurance of the blessed result to the dying husband and father, yet craving a lucid interval and some words of affectionate counsel. In a few moments he asked to be turned on his back, and, opening his eyes, he exclaimed, 'I am quickened up into a higher life!' When his wife exulted in such an answer to prayer, he said: 'My dear, I have known for more than forty years that God answers prayer.' Then, feeling his pulse, and turning to Dr. Wills, his physician, he said: 'I suppose this thing is steadily progressing to the end, is it not?' 'Yes,' said the doctor, 'but you have the Everlasting Arms around you.' 'Oh, yes,' he replied, 'and have had for more than forty years, and they have never failed me. But I have much to say, and must speak slowly, so I wanted to know how much time—a half hour?' 'Yes,' the doctor replied, 'perhaps several hours.' He then called his family—but we must drop the curtain on a scene in many respects too sacred and impossible to describe. With affectionate counsel to each, he commended them to God. When one of the family spoke of meeting him in heaven, he replied, 'And what a happy meeting that will be!' He then asked his physician if he had shown any signs of nervousness. When told he had not, with a tender consideration for his loved ones, he said: 'I did not want to excite the family unnecessarily, but I want you all to know that there is not a cloud, not the semblance of a shadow, dark or small, between my Lord and me. All is bright and clear.' He joined in singing that hymn of Christian triumph commencing, 'How happy are they,' and when the family, by reason of their emotions, were unable to sing, he carried the tune. He then sent messages of love to his friends and brethren. 'Give my love,' said he, 'to the professors and students of Randolph-Macon College, and may the blessing of God be upon them and their work forever.'

Then, with his heart going out to his brethren in the ministry, with whom he had labored so long and so successfully, he said: 'Give my love to the preachers—all of them. I am so weak my feelings would overcome me. I can only give them my general blessing.' At intervals till he died the expressions caught from his failing voice were, 'Hallelujah,' 'Glory to God,' 'The portals on high,' 'Always the blood—saved by it,' and almost with his expiring breath, and as if descriptive of his triumphant passage from earth to heaven, he exclaimed, 'I am rising higher and higher!' and at 1:15 o'clock P. M., June 7th, he passed away from his family, a wife and six children, all one in Christ, who, though desolated by their loss, are comforted in the blessed hope of meeting in heaven.

"His remains were carried to Randolph-Macon College, where solemn and touching services were held. The next day they were conveyed to Centenary Church, Richmond, one of his old charges, where, by request of his family, Rev. S. S. Lambeth, assisted by Bishop Granbery and some of the ministers of the city and vicinity, in the presence of a large number of friends and acquaintances, held appropriate and affecting services. His body was then carried to Hollywood cemetery and laid to rest 'till Christ shall bid it rise.'"

[Illustration: REV. W. G. STARR, A. M., D. D., Member Board of Trustees.]

[Illustration: MAJOR C. V. WINFREE, Member Board of Trustees.]

This writer had intended to bring the History down to June, 1898. For reasons satisfactory to himself, but not necessary to be given here, he has concluded to discontinue the historical narration of events which occurred during the twelve years from June, 1886, to 1898. The Appendix will give some of the most important data, which may be interesting to many, and may be used by the future historian.

He cannot close this narration of events without again expressing his regret at the imperfections of this book, written and printed under many interruptions and difficulties; but he trusts that the intrinsic interest of the narrative will cause readers to overlook or forgive its imperfections and defects.

Hoping that some more competent writer may in due time take the crude materials given, along with others of like interest, and do full justice to the oldest of Methodist Colleges in America, he lays down his pen.

[Illustration: VIEW OF CAMPUS OF RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1896.]

APPENDIX.

DEGREES CONFERRED.

SESSION 1886-1887.

DEGREE GRADUATES.

A. M.

Eugene H. Rawlings, Virginia. Arthur K. Davis, Virginia.

A. B.

George C. Bidgood, Virginia. Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. John L. Bruce, Virginia. Thomas E. Hunt, Virginia. James Lindsay Patton, Virginia. Henry R. Pemberton, Virginia. George Shipley, Maryland.

D. D.

Rev. Peter Archer Peterson, Virginia Conference.

MEDALISTS.

Sutherlin Medalist.—W. H. H. Joyce, Maryland. Pace Medalist.—James C. Martin, Virginia.

[Illustration: REV. JOHN L. BRUCE, Missionary to Brazil.] [Illustration: REV. FRANK W. CROWDER, East New York Conference.]

SESSION 1887-1888.

DEGREE GRADUATES.

A. M.

George Shipley, Maryland. James C. Martin, Virginia.

A. B.

W. Douglas Macon, Virginia. Peyton B. Winfree, Virginia. Paul Pettit, Virginia. James W. Howell, Virginia. Carlton D. Harris, Virginia. James C. Dolley, Virginia.

Sutherlin Medalist.—Frank W. Crowder, Maryland. Pace Medalist.—George Shipley, Maryland.

[Illustration: [A collage of three photographs arranged in a triangle, captioned "DUNCAN MEMORIAL CHURCH AND CHAPEL, AND LABORATORIES, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND"]]

[Illustration: REV. W. H. H. JOYCE, Baltimore Conference.]

[Illustration: REV. JAMES LINDSAY PATTON, A. B., Missionary Protestant Episcopal Church to Japan.]

[Illustration: REV. WM. McGEE, TRUSTEE. Founder McGee Endowment Fund.]

[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, captioned "COLLEGE BUILDINGS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, ASHLAND, VA., 1897."]]

[Illustration: JOHN P. PETTYJOHN. Founder of Science Hall.]

SESSION 1888-1889.

DEGREE GRADUATES.

A. M.

Edwin W. Bowen, Maryland. Thomas W. Page, Virginia.

A. B.

Charles D. Ragland, Virginia. J. Gilchrist Herndon, Virginia.

B. S.

W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia.

Sutherlin Medalist.—A. M. Hughlett, Virginia. Pace Medalist.—Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. A. P. Parker, Missionary to China.

[Illustration: PROF. JOHN L. BUCHANAN, LL. D., Elected Professor of Latin, 1889.]

SESSION OF 1889-1890.

DEGREE GRADUATES.

A. M.

J. Jordan Leake, Virginia. C. Dabney Ragland, Virginia. John S. Richardson, Virginia. W. Carroll Vaden, Virginia.

A. B.

E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. W. B. Beauchamp, Virginia. W. Asbury Christian, Virginia. Wellford H. Cook, Virginia. C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. W. Levi Old, Virginia. Marshall R. Peterson, Virginia. Jos. H. Riddick, Jr., Virginia. Samuel C. Starke. Virginia. H. M. Strickler, Virginia. Walter L. Turner, Virginia. Geo. W. Warren, Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. W. E. Judkins, Virginia Conference. Rev. B. W. Bond, Baltimore Conference.

Sutherlin Medalist.—Joseph H. Riddick. Jr., Virginia. Murray Scholarship Medalist.—A. R. Dudderar, Maryland. Pace Medalist.—Frank G. Newbill, Virginia.

SESSION 1890-'91.

A. M.

Charles Hall Davis, Virginia, Samuel W. Eason, Virginia. De La Warr B. Easter, Virginia. W. Alphonzo Murrill, Virginia. D'Arcy Paul Parham, Virginia. Samuel C. Starke, Virginia.

A. B.

Benj. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. George E. Barnett, Maryland. Benj. W, Beckham, Virginia. Henry D. Blackwell, Virginia. Major S. Colonna, Jr., Virginia. Charles Hall Davis, Virginia. Alfred R. Dudderar, Maryland. Gustavus W. Dyer, Virginia. Robert L. Fultz, Virginia. John Calvin Hawk, W. Va. Aretas M. Hughlett, Virginia. Walter R. Old, Virginia. George H. Ray, Jr., Virginia. Robert T. Webb, Jr., Virginia

LL. D.

Prof. C. T. Winchester, of Wesleyan University, Connecticut.

D. D.

Rev. Walter R. Lambuth, of Japan. Rev. James F. Twitty, Virginia Conference. Rev. Edward M. Peterson, Virginia Conference Rev. William E. Evans, Virginia Conference.

Sutherlin Medalist.—Robert W. Patton, of Virginia

[Illustration: CLASS OF 1890.]

[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, BEDFORD CITY, VA, 1890.]

[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1890." Names are given as follows:

1. M. R. Peterson 2. W. B. Beauchamp 3. E. C. Armstrong 4. W. L. Turner 5. C. C. Cunningham 6. W. A. Murrill 7. Hon. J. W. Daniel, Orator. 8. W. H. Cooke 9. J. S. Richardson 10. W. A. Christian 11. G. W. Warren 12. Prof. J. B. Crenshaw 13. Prof. R. M. Smith 14. Prof. J. L. Buchanan 15. Prof. R. E. Blackwell 16. Pres. W. W. Smith 17. Prof. W. A. Shepard 18. Prof. R. B. Smithey 19. Prof. J. A. Kern 20. W. C. Vaden 21. D. B. Easter 22. C. D. Ragland 23. H. M. Strickler 24. S. W. Eason 25. J. H. Riddick, Jr. 26. J. J. Leake 27. S. C. Starke]]

[Illustration: FRANK G. NEWBILL, A.M., Pace Medalist, 1890.]

[Illustration: A. R. DUDDERAR, A. B.]

[Illustration: REV. ROBERT W. PATTON, Chaplain of 2nd Virginia Regiment (1898).]

SESSION 1891-1892.

A. M.

George Pilcher, Virginia. Charles L. Melton, Virginia

A. B.

R. H. T. Adams, Jr., Virginia. Hall Canter, Virginia. Wm. Holmes Davis, Virginia. Thos. R. Freeman, Virginia. Willie D. Keene, Virginia. David H. Kern, W. Virginia Bolivar Clarke Nettles, Texas Scott Ray, Virginia. W. R. Smithwick, N. Carolina J. S. Zimmerman, Maryland Harry L. Moore, Maryland.

Sutherlin Medalist.—I. W. Eason, Virginia. Pace Medalist.—Jos. N. Latham. Murray Medals.—Scholarship, Harry Ludwell Moore, Maryland; Proficiency, James Elliott Wamsley, Virginia.

[Illustration: HARRY LUDWELL MOORE, A. B., PH. D., Instructor at Johns Hopkins University; Professor Smith College, Massachusetts.]

SESSION 1892-1893.

A. M.

C. C. Cunningham, Virginia. Geo. W. Russell, Virginia. Homer H. Sherman, Virginia. Wm. J. Whitesell, Virginia.

A. B.

R. H. Hood, North Carolina. James T. Myers, Maryland. Alfred C. Ray, Virginia. Clarence H. Rector, Virginia.

B. S.

Homer H. Sherman, Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. W. T. Young, Virginia. Conference.

Sutherlin Medalist.—Joseph Deming Langley, Virginia. Murray Medalists.—Scholarship, Homer H. Sherman, Virginia; Proficiency, Thomas M. Jones, Virginia.

[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY, FRONT ROYAL, VA., BUILT 1892.]

[Illustration: JOS. N. LATHAM, Pace Medalist, 1892.]

[Illustration: JAMES E. WAMSLEY, Prof. Kentucky Wesleyan College. Murray Medalist.]

[Illustration: [A collage of four photographs arranged in a square, captioned "PRESIDENT'S HOUSE, PROFESSOR'S HOUSE, GYMNASIUM, RAIL ROAD STATION, ASHLAND, VA."]]

[Illustration: REV. JAMES T. MYERS, A. B., Missionary to Japan.]

SESSION 1893-1894.

A. M.

E. C. Armstrong, Maryland. B. W. Arnold, Jr., Virginia. *R. Ferguson, Sr., Virginia. R. Ferguson, Jr., Virginia. *John W. Jones, Idaho. Frank G. Newbill, Virginia. Andrew Sledd, Virginia. James E. Wamsley, Virginia. A. M. Hughlett, Virginia.

* Under the old law existing when his A. B. was taken.

A. B.

W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. R. W. Buchanan, Virginia. H. M. Carter, Dist. Columbia. Evan A. Edwards, Maryland. W. T. A. Haynes, Virginia. Thos. M. Jones, Virginia. John L. Terrell, Texas. S. H. Turner, Virginia. Ernest Linwood Wright, Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. William H. Christian, Virginia Conference.

Sutherlin Medalist.—Andrew Sledd, Virginia.

Murray Medalist.—Scholarship, Thomas Madison Jones, Virginia; Proficiency, George Virgil Rector, Virginia.

[Illustration: JOS. D. LANGLEY, Sutherlin Medalist—1893.]

[Illustration: CLASS OF 1895.]

[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "CLASS OF 1895." Names are given as follows:

1. D. T. Merritt. 2. A. H. Whisner. 3. C. M. Baggarly. 4. J. T. Porter. 5. E. L. Woolf. 6. R. E. Leigh. 7. C. E. Armentrout. 8. H. Fletcher. 9. I. H. Blackwell. 10. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. 11. Prof. R. M. Smith. 12. Prof. R. E. Blackwell. 13. Pres. W. W. Smith. 14. Prof. J. A. Kern. 15. Prof. R. B. Smithey. 16. Prof. E. W. Bowen. 17. Prof. A. C. Wightman. 18. C. G. Evans. 19. B. M. Beckham. 20. H. A. Christian. 21. J. D. Hank, Jr.]]

SESSION 1894-1895.

A. M.

Benj. M. Beckham, Virginia. Henry A. Christian, Virginia. C. G. Evans, North Carolina. Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia.

A. B.

C. E. Armentrout, Virginia. Carroll M. Baggarly, Virginia. Irving H. Blackwell, Virginia. Henry A. Christian, Virginia. C. G. Evans, North Carolina. Howard Fletcher, Virginia. Josiah D. Hank, Jr., Virginia. Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia. John B. Henry, Maryland. Robert C. Howison, Virginia. Richard E. Leigh, Mississippi Daniel T. Merritt, Virginia. Benj. F. Montgomery, Virginia. James T. Porter, Maryland. A. H. Whisner, West Virginia. Ernest Lee Woolf, Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. John C. Kilgo, President Trinity College, North Carolina.

Sutherlin Medalist.—-David Spence Hill, Missouri. Murray Medalists.—Proficiency, Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia; Scholarship, Charles E. Armentrout, Virginia.

[Illustration: THOMAS MADISON JONES, Murray Scholarship Medalist, 1894.]

[Illustration: DAVID SPENCE HILL, Sutherlin Medalist, 1895.]

[Illustration: FACULTY AND OFFICERS AND CLASS OF 1896.]

[Illustration: [Key to the illustration captioned, "Faculty and Officers and Class of 1896." Names are given as follows:

1. P. H. Drewry. 2. H. O'B. Cooper. 3. S. D. Boyd, Jr. 4. J. S. Poindexter. 5. J. Mullen. 6. Prof. Knight. 7. Prof. Blackwell. 8. J. H. Robertson. 9. P. H. Williams. 10. F. W. Hilbert 11. G. T. Tyler, Jr. 12. A. S. Thompson, Ins. Ph. Cul. 13. Prof. Bowen. 14. Prof. Easter. 15. Richard Irby, Sec'y and Treas. 16. Prof. Kern. 17. Pres. Smith. 18. Prof. Smithey. 19. Rev. W. E. Judkins, Chaplain. 20. Prof. Wightman. 21. M. E. Smithey. 22. C. M. Kilby. 23. C. W. Watts. 24. S. H. Watts. and, unnumbered, at the bottom of the list, W. S. Anderson.]]

[Illustration: CLASS 1896-'97. [The names of the classmates are written in staggered rows, corresponding to their places in the picture. From left to right and top to bottom, roughly, they are: Wise, Dulin, Blackwell, Litchfield, Scott, Dolly, Simpson, Colonna, Kilby, McCartney, Campbell, Licklider, Blanchard, Carter, Tyler, Cooper.]]

[Illustration: [A collage of twelve photographs, arranged in a circle, and captioned "FACULTY AND OFFICERS, RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE, 1897.]]

SESSION 1895-1896.

JUNE, 1896.

RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE.

A. M.

W. S. Anderson, West Virginia. Clinton M. Kilby, Virginia. N. H. Robertson, Virginia. Stephen H. Watts, Virginia.

A. B.

John F. Blackwell, Virginia. Stephen D. Boyd, Jr., Virginia Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. Patrick H. Drewry, Virginia. John C. Granbery, Jr., Virginia. F. W. Hilbert, Maryland. James Mullen, Virginia. John S. Poindexter, Virginia. John H. Robertson, Virginia. Marvin E. Smithey, Virginia. John A. G. Shipley. Maryland. George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia. Charles W. Watts, Virginia. P. H. Williams, North Carolina.

Sutherlin Medalist.—Boyd Valentine Switzer, Virginia. Pace Medalist.—Walter Sewall Anderson, West Virginia. Murray Medalists.—Scholarship, Patrick H. Williams, North Carolina; Proficiency, Frank Allen Simpson, Virginia.

RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE.

A. M.

Emma E. Cheatham, Virginia. E. B. Williams, North Carolina.

JUNE, 1897.

RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE.

A. M.

W. M. Blanchard, N. Carolina. Horace Campbell, Virginia. Hall Canter, Maryland. Henry O'B. Cooper, Virginia. Fred. W. Hilbert, Maryland. Bradford Kilby, Virginia. Albert H. Licklider, Virginia. G. V. Litchfield, Jr., Virginia. James E. McCartney, Virginia. George T. Tyler, Jr., Virginia.

A. B.

William H. Best, Maryland. William Veitch Boyle, Maryland. Karl S. Blackwell, Virginia. William B. Colonna, Virginia. David Hough Dolly, Virginia. John Henry Dulin, Virginia. Neil Courtice Scott, Virginia. Frank A. Simpson, Virginia. Boyd Ashby Wise, Virginia.

D. D.

Rev. Collins Denney, Baltimore Conference, Prof. Vanderbilt University.

Sutherlin Medalist.—William Martin Blanchard, North Carolina.

Murray Medalists.—Scholarship, Frank A. Simpson, Virginia; Proficiency, George L. Bradford, Virginia.

RANDOLPH-MACON WOMAN'S COLLEGE.

A. M.

Sallie Adams, Virginia. Martha A. Franklin, Virginia. Esten Holmes Jennings, West Virginia.

A. B.

Celeste Alspaugh, N. Carolina. Edith S. Blackwell, Virginia. Martha McGavock, Virginia.

SESSION 1897-1898.

Randolph-Macon College, since June, 1886, has grown into a system of colleges (female as well as male), and fitting schools for both sexes. At the joint commencement, held at Lynchburg, Va., June 6-9, 1898, all these schools were represented. The Lynchburg Daily News gave the report of the commencement, as follows:

"The big Randolph-Macon joint commencement was formally opened by a reception tendered the visiting students, alumni, and friends of the school at the Woman's College. An address of welcome was made by Chancellor W. W. Smith. The night was beautiful, the skies being clear and studded with glittering stars. An immense crowd was present, and the profound silence that prevailed during the speech evidenced the deep interest with which it was being received.

"The various trains yesterday brought the students and the visiting alumni to the city. The Union station on their arrival presented an animated scene. The young men and young ladies seemed determined to make of the occasion a delightful excursion, and an experience worth carrying in their memories for many years to come. Everybody remarked on the personnel of the students, and their quiet demeanor. They made a fine impression, and their sojourn in the city promises to be profitable to all interested.

"Randolph-Macon College is represented by about ninety students; the Front Royal Academy, by seventy; Bedford City Academy, by about eighty; the Blackstone Female Institute,* by one hundred and thirty-five; and the Danville Female Institute, by sixty. As there are at the Randolph-Macon Woman's College, including the day scholars, two hundred and twenty young ladies, the total number of students present is between six and seven hundred.

*Not a school of the system, but present by special invitation.

"To adequately describe the appearance of the College with its elaborate decorations would be a herculean task. All that artistic taste and ingenuity of invention could suggest was abundantly in evidence. As the street-cars moved rapidly over the hill at the base-ball park in the direction of the College, the first glimpse of the building was obtained. To the observer it looked like a light glimmering and glowing in the night. As the car drew nearer it was seen that the large structure, from one end to the other and all over the front, was alive with varicolored Chinese and Japanese lanterns, which shed a soft and pleasant radiance over the scene. On the big campus, hanging to the branches of the trees and arranged in symmetrical lines on hundreds of poles, were lanterns without end. Down to the left of the building, where the ground slopes gently to a ravine, seats were placed in comfortable positions. Everybody seemed to be there for the purpose of spending a pleasant time and contributing to his neighbor's happiness. Callers were received in the large and spacious parlor on the first floor just to the left of the main entrance. To everyone was extended such a warm, cordial welcome that he felt at once as if he were perfectly at home and as if he were just where he ought to be.

TUESDAY.

"While the reception Monday night at the Woman's College may be said to have opened the exercises of the Randolph-Macon joint commencement, yet Tuesday morning the first regular programme was carried out in the auditorium at Moorman's Warehouse, which, long before the time announced for the first number, was crowded with a happy, well-dressed and interested audience.

"In the bright sunlight of the pleasant morning the scene presented in the auditorium was indeed good to look upon. The draping of the entire edifice was most skillfully carried out; the ceiling covered with blue and white cloth, while the sides of the building were hidden by artistic folds of lemon and black.

"A well-built stage, extending the entire width of the spacious auditorium, and decorated with potted plants and flowers, afforded plenty of room for the speakers, visitors, and contestants for honors. Arrangements were made to comfortably seat some two or three thousand people, fully that many chairs being placed in regular rows, divided by two aisles extending the length of the hall.

"The pupils of the different schools and colleges being among the first to arrive, the spare time was utilized for a rehearsal of college songs, interspersed with the different college yells of the system, some of which occasioned hearty laughter.

[Illustration: RANDOLPH-MACON INSTITUTE, DANVILLE, VA.]

"Upon the arrival of Chancellor Smith, the representatives of the various schools of the system took their places upon the stage, as well as those pupils who were to contest for the elocution and declaimer's medals. After music by the band and prayer by Rev. Oscar Littleton, the first number was announced, it being a contest for the declaimer's medal of Randolph-Macon Academy, of Bedford City. Mr. J. K. Holman opened with a humorous selection entitled 'Uncle Peter and the Trolly Car.' He was followed by Mr. W. E. Wood, who declaimed an historical poem of the revolutionary period, 'The Black Horse and His Rider.' Between this contest and the next the pupils of the Bedford school, accompanied by the band, rendered with much spirit an 'Academy' song, the words of which were composed by Wirt Holloway, a pupil.

"A contest for the recitation medal of the Randolph-Macon Institute, of Danville, followed, the first being Miss Janie Howard, who had chosen a dialect story, 'Rubaiyat of Doc Sifers.' 'The Set of Turquoise' was delivered by Miss Sue Bethel. The young ladies of the Danville Institute then closed their part of the programme with their favorite song, 'The Lemon and Black,' in the course of which they were assisted by the young men of the system.

"J. William Kight came forward as a representative of the Academy at Front Royal, and with a humorous description of a New England debating society, in which he gave practical illustrations of the different classes of village oratory.

"Mr. J. L. Humphrey, also of the Front Royal Academy, gave a declamation entitled 'Laska.'

"The contest for the Woman's College medal was introduced by Miss Nellie Underwood, whose subject was 'The Courtin' of T'Nowhead's Bell.'

"Miss Underwood was followed by Miss Hathryn P. Acree, whose subject was 'Parnassius and the Captive.'

"The rendition of the Woman's College song, 'Merry Girls of R. M. W. C.,' was followed by the contest for the Woman's College Medal for best address. The contestants were Miss Addie Taylor and Miss Sadie Jacobs. Miss Taylor was the first speaker. Her subject was 'The Supremacy of the Anglo-Saxon.' Miss Jacobs' subject was 'Demands of Our Civilization.'

"The closing exercise was the contest for the Sutherlin orator's medal of the Randolph-Macon College, Ashland. The contestants were F. Raymond Hill, B. A. Wise, E. K. Odell, and S. M. Janney.

"Mr. Hill opened the contest with an oration on 'The Price of Progress.'

"Mr. Janney's subject was 'What For?'

"'The Power of a Noble Example' was the subject of Mr. Wise's oration.

"Mr. Odell followed in an oration entitled, 'De Oratoribus.'

The exercises were closed with the singing of the Commencement Chorus.

"A feature of the morning's programme, which was of a decidedly interesting character, was the calisthenic drill, under the direction of Miss Alice Hargrove, of a number of young ladies of the Woman's College.

FIELD-DAY EXERCISES.

"Tuesday afternoon was devoted to field day exercises in the Rivermont base-ball park. A sound mind in a sound body has for a long time been a leading maxim in the Randolph-Macon system. Each institution has its well-equipped gymnasium, under the instruction of an efficient instructor, and during the unseasonable days of winter every student of the system is required to go through an hour's drill in the gymnasium three afternoons in the week.

The average man gets his idea of college athletics from the base-ball and foot-ball teams, which generally tour the State annually. Randolph-Macon recognizes the fact that base-ball and foot-ball are but a small part of college athletics, and consequently every student is encouraged to allot a portion of his time to the general training of his body, and especially to athletic feats requiring more or less skill and grace. In early spring, at each school in the system, a day known as Field-Day is set aside for athletic exercises, for which prizes and medals are offered as a special inducement, to ensure a large number of contestants.

THE CONCERT.

"Tuesday night a concert was given at the Opera-House by the young ladies of the Woman's College and the Danville Female Institute. Of the character of the music of the programme the highest praise has been spoken. In the instrumental and the chorus selections the participants presented music of the highest perfection music that possessed a charm and inspiration for every listener.

WEDNESDAY.

"About half-past nine o'clock Wednesday morning the students of the several schools and colleges, together with the alumni, met at old St. Paul's Church, on Church street, and there, after forming into a procession and led by the band, marched to the auditorium. Here the graduating class, in orthodox cap and gown, ascended the stage, where, with the alumni, they were seated in chairs arranged in semi-circular lines, forming altogether a pleasing and impressive picture.

"A few minutes were spent in rehearsing college songs. In this connection it may be well to note that the Randolph-Macon system is rich with songs suitable for commencement season, and written principally by those who have studied within its classic halls. After prayer by Rev. Dr. James A. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. W. S. Bell, president of the Class of '98, introduced Miss Blanche E. Cheatham, of Martinsville, who delivered the salutatory address.

"The history of the Class of '98 and its twenty-nine members was told by Mr. J. T. Porter, and as each name was called it was greeted with applause, while the historian made a brief comment upon its owner. The Class song of '98, composed by Mr. E. T. Adams, Jr., was next sung, after which Miss Lily G. Egbert, of Atlee, Va., read the class poem, an original composition entitled 'The Evolution of a Soul.'

"Mr. J. E. McCulloch, of Roanoke, delivered the class oration.

"The Hall song, evidently a favorite with the male students, was sung with considerable spirit, especially the chorus, which eulogizes as 'the very best of all' the two halls of the two rival literary societies, those of Washington and Franklin. The president of the class next introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, of Richmond, who read a class prophecy, in which she drew vivid pictures of the bright futures awaiting many of this year's class.

"Mr. Sydenstricker, of Loudoun, read a paper entitled 'Recommendations.' In it he indicated, with a prescient knowledge of seemingly remarkable accuracy, the future employments and professions of the members of the graduating classes of Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and the Woman's College, Lynchburg.

"After singing 'Gaudeamus,' the last will and testament of the graduating classes of the two institutions was read by Mr. F. C. Campbell, of Ashland. Again was the audience treated to a series of 'hits' at the expense of certain members of the faculties, pupils, etc., of the two schools.

"The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience.

MR. TILLETT'S ADDRESS.

"After singing 'The Randolph-Macon Roundelay,'the alumni address was delivered by Hon. Charles W. Tillett, of North Carolina. This eloquent speaker dwelt in feeling terms upon the great Randolph-Macon System. The foundation, he declared, had been laid with enduring material, and to-day all could unite in applauding the distinguished success of the master hand. The occasion was one on which a little glorification was pardonable, and every Randolph-Macon man and woman might well feel proud of his or her alma mater, and particularly of the joint commencement, which they all recognized as the grandest and most successful commencement of Randolph-Macon's career.

"The exercises were brought to a close with the singing of the song, 'Alma Mater, O.'

THE BALL GAME.

"An immense crowd gathered at the park in the afternoon to witness the ball game between the Bedford and the Front Royal Academies. The boys from Bedford had the best of the contest from start to finish, and won out by a score of 13 to 1."

FRANKLIN HALL.

"At night the exercises of the 'Frank' Hall were introduced with prayer by Rev. W. H. Atwill. The declamations were: 'The Fireman's Prayer,' by W. W. Wood, of Bedford; 'The Innocent Drummer,' by Miss Bethel, of Danville, and 'The Village Schoolmaster,' by J. L. Humphrey. W. J. Gills, of the College, delivered an oration on 'True Patriotism,' and the exercises closed with an essay by Miss Lula B. Woolridge, of the Woman's College, on 'Triumphant Life.' The Society medals were awarded as follows: John Kilby, of Suffolk, for declamation; F. C. Campbell, of Ashland, for debate, and Marvin E. Smithey, of Brunswick, for improvement in debate.

THE ALUMNI BANQUET.

"The annual banquet of the Alumni Association was held at the 'Carroll' Wednesday night from 11 to 2 o'clock. After half an hour's feasting, the remaining time was devoted to speeches of prominent members of the Association. The following toasts were responded to: 'Randolph-Macon College,' Dr. J. A. Kern; 'Randolph-Macon Woman's College,' Dr. N. Knight; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Bedford), Principal E. Sumter Smith; 'Randolph-Macon Academy' (Front Royal), Dr. B. W. Arnold; 'Randolph-Macon Institute' (Danville), Miss Nellie Blackwell; 'Blackstone Female Institute,' Rev. James Cannon, Jr.; 'Board of Trustees,' Dr. E. B. Prettyman; 'Randolph-Macon of 1898,' J. E. McCulloch; 'The Alumni,' Charles W. Tillett; 'Glories of the Past,' Captain Richard Irby; 'Randolph-Macon of the Future,' Dr. W. W. Smith."

[Illustration: EDWARD S. BROWN, A. B.]

The oldest alumnus present was Edward S. Brown (Class 1843), a prominent and most estimable citizen of Lynchburg, who matriculated in 1837.

Letters were received from the oldest alumnus now living, and one of the members of the graduating Class of 1839, who, with Thomas H. Garnett, of Buckingham county, Va., of same class, still survives.

The oldest living alumnus, Dr. Theophilus S. Stewart, of Marietta, Ga., graduated in 1836. He accompanied Dr. Olin to Europe, and took his degree of M. D. in Paris in 1839.

The letters of Dr. Stewart and Rev. James F. Smith, of Spartanburg, S. C., referred in tenderest terms to the College.

[Illustration: DR. THEOPHILUS S. STEWART, A. B., (Class, 1836.)]

"Thursday. The opening prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Arnold, of North Carolina, at the conclusion of which the Commencement hymn (No. 1) was sung by the students to the air of 'America,' all standing. Bishop Vincent, of Kansas, the speaker of the occasion, was then introduced by the chancellor. The Bishop, who is a man of fine appearance, with a pleasant voice, launched forth in these words: 'Notable days to the individual, to associations, to state and to church, come into all lives. This is an interesting day to the individual, to families, and to the institution. It is a day of an ending and a day of a beginning. I see a picture, as I stand in this place to-day, of closing doors and of doors ajar, the end of complete or partial course of study and the beginning of lessons in the great school of life. Here, with the fragrance and flowers, under the spell of music, beneath these glorious skies and amid these mountains of Virginia, we need not only to look backward, but to look forward.'