COMMENCEMENT AT TILLOTSON.

REV. J. I. DONALDSON,
Pastor Plymouth Congregational Church, Dallas, Texas.

The very interesting exercises at Tillotson College Commencement this year began with the final examinations in all the branches taught in this institution, Wednesday, May 22d; these lasted through Friday of the same week. Friday night the President's reception to the graduating class was held in the beautiful reception rooms of the Girls' Dormitory. This was an unusually inspiring occasion.

Sunday morning, May 26th, at 10.30 o'clock, after listening to the very inspiring music, "A New Heaven and a New Earth," and the " Te Deum Laudamus," everyone listened with rapt attention to the Baccalaureate Sermon of President I. M. Agard, from Deut. 33:25, " As thy days, so shall thy strength be." This sermon was ably prepared, and forcefully delivered. Following the sermon was the " Hallelujah Chorus," sung most impressively by the large chorus class of the College.

Tuesday and Wednesday the people's attention was almost entirely devoted to viewing the exhibitions in the industrial department of the school. This was, indeed, interesting, and the displays in the girls' department were exceptionally well done ; neatness and accuracy were everywhere evident.

The Class Day exercises, Tuesday morning, were fruitful of good things. Rev. R. J. Briggs, D D., of the First Congregational Church of Austin, delivered a magnificent address in his own masterful way.

Tuesday afternoon was partially taken up with the business meeting of the Alumni. At this meeting, among many other interesting things that were done, the Alumni decided to raise, by the first of next September, $150 toward securing a printing press for the College. Sixteen dollars of this money was raised in cash at this meeting.

It is everywhere observable that Tillotson College has a very industrious, efficient and enthusiastic Christian President in the person of Dr. I. M. Agard, and that he has surrounding him an excellent corps of teachers. The outlook for Tillotson's usefulness was never brighter than now. The Alumni went away highly pleased and filled with hope for the future of the school.

 

TILLOTSON COLLEGE.

ISAAC M. AGARD, PH.D., PKKSIDENT.

From a beautiful elevation and buildings which stand severe in the earnestness of their high purpose, Tillotson College looks out upon the ambitious city of Austin and its charming river valley, while the spacious grounds, shaded by mossy groves and cooled by pure, refreshing breezes, belong to a school location almost ideal. The chapel the classrooms, the industrial halls, the dormitories seem everywhere to breathe the spirit of heroic founders and teachers and aspiring students. The records of bygone years show faithful application and conscientious care, and, as one goes outside, mingling with ministers and teachers and men of public service, it soon becomes apparent that Tillotson is held in honor.

For nearly thirty years Tillotson College has stood for the higher Christian education of colored students in the Southwest, but in our time, and especially in a rapidly developing country, no institution can rest on past achievement. Everything will be left behind which does not itself make rapid strides. To send forth a few hundred well trained students, as the years go by, is a high honor, but, to do only this, when larger prospects are open, is ignoble. In time, location and quality of work—our College has held a strategic position from the start—should give her first place among colored schools west of the Mississippi River. Such a high mission can only be maintained through a larger ambition and heroic effort on her part, and prompt and liberal encouragement by her friends.

Among the pressing needs of the College are the strengthening and enlarging of her industrial departments. It may be urged that ours is not primarily an industrial school. We are indeed here to make men and women, strong in character and intellectual acquirements, fit leaders of a rising race. We believe that it is our great privilege to develop higher and collegiate departments, but, even if we had no other aim than to build up these, for this alone we would magnify the workshop. We also need means to equip our scientific departments, to furnish supplies for our classrooms, provide books for our library and periodicals for our reading rooms. We need much repairing for our buildings, and one or two new buildings for growth and progress in our work. If the College is to reach out broadly, inspire confidence and enthusiasm widely, and grow vigorously, these needs must be supplied.

In business, there are times and places where a wise investment will return a hundredfold. In military conquests, there are points, often easily occupied, but so vital that they would be cheaply gained at almost any cost. Tillotson College is such a point in the A. M. A. field to-day, and this is a critical period in her life. To stand still, to act feebly and irresolutely, is to lose her high privilege and give up all. I believe there is no other place in the whole Southland where a moderate expenditure promises so large returns.

Our College believes in self-help. She does not idly ask for aid. On her own grounds she is waging the contest for a larger life, but there is much that she cannot furnish, and only her large-hearted friends in the North can supply. With confidence she makes her appeal.