The exercises were opened with prayer and Scriptural reading, after which the Principal, Mr. Frederick W. Foster, made an address of welcome, marked for its practical force and fine discretion. The visiting Secretary then, in an address of half an hour, gave his understanding of the importance of Christian education as the solution of National problems, both North and South, closing with a formal God-speed to this institution as it started forth on its noble career. To this address, Rev. Mr. Tate, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, made a scholarly, eloquent and touching response. He reviewed the work of the Association for his people, eulogized the friend who had made this special benefaction, and urged upon his hearers to make the most, under God, of the high privileges thus brought to them from afar.
Informal addresses from both white and colored visitors followed. The eloquent periods of Dr. L.P. Todd, dwelling fully upon the brotherhood of man, the witty and practical remarks of Prof. John Schackleford, of Kentucky State College, and the wise and cogent exhortations of Rev. W. S. Fulton, D.D., cannot be reported; suffice it to say, that they gave a spiritual uplift and fine dignity to the occasion. These noble men are staunch supporters of our work, and freely give to our corps of teachers the benefits of fatherly and fraternal fellowship.
A resolution expressing the gratitude of the colored people for this generous gift was adopted with enthusiasm, and the inspiring exercises came to a close with the praises of God in the well-known words of Bishop Ken: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.”