The American Missionary | Page 5

which of the three gave the best
evidence of the superior quality of its drill, in the exercises presented.
The Normal Department graduated a class of four, each presenting an
essay. Rev. C.W. Hiatt, of Cleveland, Ohio, delivered the address at the
close of the exercises of the normal department, taking for his subject
"Earnest Living," and the address was spoken of with high appreciation
by those who heard it.
The graduating exercises of the Collegiate Department were of unusual
interest. There was not a poor oration or essay presented. The breadth
of training given to the students at Fisk was especially noticeable in the
wide range of subjects selected.
The anniversary of the Alumni Association gave evidence that the
graduates of Fisk are true to the instruction of that institution, when
they take up their work in the world. Sixty-seven have graduated from
this institution; forty-two are teachers; eight, ministers; three, doctors;
two, editors; two, foreign missionaries; eight, lawyers; one is a student;
and one a real estate agent. Pretty good showing for Fisk!
The annual oration was delivered by the writer, subject, "The Student's
Workshop, Tools and Work."
The rendering of the Hallelujah Chorus by the full choir of trained
singers was especially fine, and reflected great credit upon the director.
* * * * *
TALLADEGA COLLEGE, TALLADEGA, ALA.
BY MRS. H.S. DEFOREST.
Talladega College observed its nineteenth anniversary June 9th to 13th.
The large gathering of students, alumni and friends, the enthusiasm and
interest manifested, and the report of what has been accomplished
during the past decade, showed the hold it has obtained on the hearts of
the people.
The exhibitions of Cassady School, which is the feeder for the higher
grades, were held the week previous. Large and delighted audiences
listened to the creditable performances of the young people, who
showed in their parts the faithful work of teachers.
On Sabbath morning, the baccalaureate sermon was preached by
Secretary C.J. Ryder, of Boston. Many valuable and practical lessons

for the graduating class were drawn from his somewhat unique text,
"And falling into a place where two seas met," Acts 27:41. Various
currents in life will bear us hither and thither unless we are founded
upon the rock and there abide. The closing words telling of the
inscription upon an ancient cross, teneo et tenior, will long abide as an
inspiration and help with those who heard.
At 4 P.M. the Sabbath-school prayer meeting gathered together
students and teachers in a tender farewell, and at night the missionary
sermon was preached by Rev. E.J. Penney, of Selma.
The examinations of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday gave evidence
of thorough work and of painstaking study.
On Wednesday night, four young men, graduates of the Theological
Department, were ordained. The sermon was preached by Rev. A.F.
Beard, D.D., the ordaining prayer offered by the President, a most
appropriate charge given by Pastor Snell of Birmingham, and the right
hand by the Moderator, Rev. J.R. Sims, of Shelby Iron Works.
The graduating exercises were held on Thursday morning. Six students
received diplomas from the Normal Course, and five were graduated
from the Theological Department. Essays and orations showed thought
and originality, and were well delivered. If all the noble sentiments
expressed are carried out in the lives of the speakers, a class has gone
out from our walls who will make a stand for truth and righteousness,
manly men and faithful womanly women.
After the conferring of diplomas and the awarding of prizes, President
DeForest gave a _resumé_ of the growth of the college during the ten
years of his connection with it. The number of students has increased
from 203 to 427, instructors from 9 to 18. In this time, theological
graduates have passed from 7 to 28, and normal from 18 to 64.
The alumni dinner was partaken of with relish by graduates and invited
guests, and after the physical man had been refreshed an intellectual
feast was spread. Older graduates testified to their indebtedness to the
College which by one, quoting the words of another, was said to be "de
main spring ob de fly wheel ob de whole conjunction." Visiting friends
spoke of their interest and satisfaction in the work of the school, and
Drs. Beard and Haygood, with appreciative and hopeful words, fittingly
closed the festivities.
On Thursday night, Dr. A.G. Haygood, Secretary of the Slater Fund,

the steadfast friend of the black man, gave an address. His eloquence,
wit and earnestness held a large audience in close attention for more
than an hour, and he left with them much matter for thought.
Teachers and pupils have now said good-bye and college halls are
vacant, but the work of the year will bear fruit as scores of students go
out to the labors of vacation in the