The following persons connected with the Congregational, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian denominations, having pursued studies in the Theological Department, now leave the University to engage in the work of the Ministry in their respective churches: George V. Clark, Atlanta, Ga.; Thomas H. Datcher, Washington, D.C.; Jarrett E. Edwards, Columbia, S.C.; John H. T. Gray, Prince George’s County, Md.; Thomas H. Jones, Baltimore, Md.; William A. Shannon. Washington, D.C.; Emory W. Williams, Prince George’s County, Md.
Those whose good fortune it was to be present will “not willingly let die” the pleasant memories of the Commencement day at Hampton, Va., on the 19th May, 1881. Representatives of widely circulated journals have made public record of many good things said and done on this occasion. Some of the incidents will interest readers of the MISSIONARY.
The illness of Mrs. Garfield, regretted by all, prevented the President’s attendance. General Howard, Governor Holliday of Virginia, Rev. Dr. Potter, and other representative men and women, contributed largely to the pleasures of the day. The full and most interesting report to the corporation of Principal Armstrong gave satisfactory evidence of the God-blest success and continuing usefulness of this noble enterprise. A large edition of this valuable paper will be issued, and will, it is hoped, be widely circulated. No report of any year in Hampton’s history has been more satisfactory.
An account of the public exercises of the day for the MISSIONARY must necessarily be brief. At 8.30 a. m. the new Academic Hall was dedicated. Bishop Payne, of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, in most appropriate words and manner, offered the dedicatory prayer. General Howard followed in an address of marked ability, and of broad and liberal and most approved views, admirably presented, basing his brief and pertinent remarks upon the duties of the hour in reference to the negro on the editorial in the Memphis _Appeal_ reproduced in the May MISSIONARY. Governor Holliday, of Virginia, was introduced to General Howard. Both had lost an arm in battle. With their left hands in cordial grasp, they exchanged fraternal salutations. The incident gave unaffected pleasure to all who witnessed it.