BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1879

BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.

The first mile-stone in the progress of this institution has been passed. The first graduates from some of its regular courses of study, have received their diplomas. The commencement exercises were held the past week.

The baccalaureate sermon was preached Sabbath, June 21, a condensed report of which is given in this number. The graduation of the class took place at the Tabernacle, Tuesday evening, June 24.

A large congregation was present, filling the main auditorium and gallery. The exercises were interesting, and very creditable to the class.

After introductory hymns and prayer, the salutatory, with an essay, “Life is what we make it,” was given by Edith Sprague. Oration, “Human Development,” by Geo. A. Carpenter. Essay, “Choicest Treasures, how and where we find them,” by Annie Boyd. Oration with Valedictory, “The Man of To-day,” by Eli B. Miller. A brief history of Battle Creek College and presentation of diplomas, by U. Smith. Address to graduating class, by S. Brownsberger.

These exercises were interspersed with singing by the College choir and instrumental music by the Sanitarium orchestra. In another column we give the able address of Prof. Brownsberger, to the graduating class. The correctness of the principles laid down, and the high order of thought by which it is characterized, will commend it to the approval of every reader. The essays and orations were well prepared and well rendered, doing justice to the important themes selected. Of these we need not speak particularly, as an abstract of them, and a further account of the proceedings, will be found in the College Record.

The degree of Bachelor of Science was conferred upon Bro. Miller. Bro. Carpenter and sisters Sprague and Boyd received diplomas of graduation in the Normal or Teacher’s course. Though this first graduating class is not a large one, it is a very encouraging beginning; and what it lacks in numbers is made up in quality. Quality, rather than quantity, is the College rule. This must be maintained, let the quantity be what it may.

While this is not the first fruits of the College, as many can testify who have spent a longer or shorter time within its walls, and are now out in the field doing manful service for the cause, it is a gratification that some have been found with the time and disposition to take up and complete some of the regular courses of study, and that many others are engaged in the same work. From these we expect that the greatest benefit of the institution will appear.

The friends of the College everywhere have reason to be encouraged by the success which has thus far attended this enterprise, and for its influence for the truth and right, which has been so marked and so widely felt. And now we have reached a point from which a new interest should be taken in this good enterprise by all our people. What has been done demonstrates what may be done when this school is patronized and supported as it should be.

All immediately connected with the school are full of interest in its behalf, making it their study how to add new features, and improve the present methods, to make it more efficient. The next thing of prime importance is the co-operation of the people. Then a grand success is certainly assured.

We wish all could have been present to witness the pleasant exercises of Tuesday evening. For a more full account see the College Record.