BULLETIN (Mmnbta tErjjnloitual B?mtnary :-: :-: COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA :-: :-: Vol. XVIII JULY, 1925 No. 1 Seminary Begins Its Fall Session Wednesday, September 16, 1925, 5:00 o'clock P. M. Matriculation of New Students in the Chapel. Published Quarterly by the Board of Directors of the Theological Semi- nary of the Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. (Entered as Second-Class Matter July 11th, 1908, at the Postoffice at Columbia, South Carolina, Under the Act of July 16th, 1894) DR. R. C. REED The colleagues of Dr. Reed were startled about midday July 9th upon hearing of his sudden and unexpected death. He was found dead upon his bed just as he retired, showing no signs of pain or struggle. The funeral services were conducted in the Arsenal Hill Presbyterian Church, by Dr. Win. M. McPheeters, assisted by the Pastor Rev. Wade H. Boggs, Dr. R. T. Gillespie and Dr. John Wells. He was interred beside his wife in the Seminary plot of Elmwood Cemetery in this city. Dr. Reed will be sorely missed by Columbia Semi- nary and the entire Church. He is survived by three sons and two daughters, all of whom, except one, were present at his funeral. A fuller memorial on the life and service of Dr. Reed will be issued in a future Bulletin of the Seminary. FACULTY RICHARD T. GILLESPIE, A.B., B.D., D.D. PRESIDENT OF THE SEMINARY WILLIAM M. McPHEETERS, D.D., LL.D. PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT LITERATURE AND EXEGESIS HENRY ALEXANDER WHITE, A.M.,Ph.D.,D.D.,LL.D. PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT LITERATURE AND EXEGESIS *RICHARD C. REED, D.D., LL.D. PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY AND CHURCH POLITY MELTON CLARK, A.B., B.D., D.D. PROFESSOR OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION EDGAR D. KERR, A.B., B.D., D.D. PROFESSOR OF HEBREW AND COGNATE LANGUAGES JAMES BENJAMIN GREEN, A.B., D.D. PROFFESSOR OF DIDACTIC AND POLEMIC THEOLOGY HUGH R. MURCHISON, A.B., B.D., D.D. INSTRUCTOR IN MISSIONS WALTER P. TAYLOR, Ph.D. INSTRUCTOR IN ELOCUTION PERKINS PROFESSORSHIP OF NATURAL SCIENCE IN CONNECTION WITH REVELATION, AND CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS The duties of this Chair are distributed among the mem- bers of the Faculty. Smyth Lecturer, 1924-1925 Rev. A. M. Fraser, D.D. Smyth Lecturer, 1925-1926 Rev. S. L. Morris, D.D. Faculty Officers Chairman Richard T. Gillespie. Recording Secretary Hugh R. Murchison. Librarian Richard C. Reed. Executive Secretary Hugh R. Murchison. *Died July 9, 1925. NINETY-SEVENTH COMMENCEMENT With the conferring of degrees and the presentation of certificates to 23 young men, Columbia Seminary closed on May 6th her 97th session. Commencement exercises were held in the historic chapel on the Columbia campus, where for 95 years young ministers of the church have received their degrees and have bid farewell to their classmates and professors. From this chapel many have gone out to render distinguished service to the Church, and here many have come back, as to a shrine, to renew their vows, and to dedicate themselves afresh to their high calling. The spirit of commencement was marked by fine enthu- siasm, and the bright optimism, with which all who are connected with the Seminary look toward the future. The graduating class, as they presented themselves to receive their diplomas, were evidently stirred by the deep- est emotions of a young minister's soul. Realizing that school days are over, that now they must take their place and assume their full responsibility for leadership in the church and communit}^, these young men felt, as they could not have felt before, what a high privilege it is to be a minister of the Cross. There before the altar, where in days gone by many of our truly great and useful ministers have with high resolve pledged themselves to a worthy ministry, these young ministers, within their own hearts, renewed their vows of loyalty and allegiance to their Mas- ter, and pledged to Him faithfulness in the vocation to which they are called. Many friends of the graduating class were present, some having come from other states. Among these were Dr. J. A. Bryan of Birmingham, whose son was a graduate; Dr. J. O. Reavis, of Nashville; Dr. L. O. McCutchen, Chunju, China, and a number of the younger alumni of the Semi- nary. The Baccalaureate Sermon was delivered by Rev. Francis Gregg, D.D., Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill, S. C, who is an alumnus of the Seminary. The address before the Society of Missionary Inquiry was de- livered by Rev. S. W. McGill, D.D., Field Secretary of the Assembly's Committee on Christian Education. Both 6 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY speakers brought helpful and inspiring messages, and were heard by large congregations of Columbia Presbyterians. Mr. John T. Brantley, President of the Board of Direc- tors, presided at the Commencement exercises Wednesday morning. On behalf of the Board he conferred the de- grees and presented certificates to the Class. Dr. Gillespie, the new President of the Seminary, delivered the address to the graduating class, and on behalf of the Faculty bid them Godspeed. THE PRESIDENT TO GRADUATING CLASS This is the first time I have attended commencement at the Seminary since I graduated seventeen years ago. I am here as President because the Board has called me and has urged me to come, and because I feel it is God's plan that I should be here. As I was sitting here on the plat- form, I could feel myself slipping away from the President's chair to a place in your midst. It seems but yesterday that I was a student sitting where you now sit, stirred by the same emotions, inspired with the same hopes, filled with the same aspirations which now crowd upon you and fill your soul. But I must not think of myself, nor forget that I am commissioned by the Board and the faculty to say a word of farewell as you go forth to your task. In my own ministry I have taken Samuel for my ideal, and for my motto have chosen his words, spoken when he relinquished to Saul his place of leadership in civil mat- ters and turned wholly to the duties of his prophetic office: "God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you, and I will teach you the true and the right way." I commend these words of the Prophet to you as a worthy and helpful motto. The Prophet must teach. The Christian minister also is a teacher. "And teach them all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Jesus said to His disciples, when He sent them forth to make disciples. Our Church recognizes this as the minister's function. He is the teaching elder of the Church. COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 7 God's people among whom you live and serve will look to you for instruction and guidance. They will hear you gladly and they will trust you. As a teacher your respon- sibility will be great. Many will learn from j t ou most that they know about God's plan for their lives, the shaping of many destinies will be in your keeping. You must teach your people "the true and the right way," not in the wisdom of man, but in the fear of God. Remem- ber that no man will be a good teacher who is not a good student. "Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordi- nances." You must follow the same course. You must be a student before you can teach. The possible field of study offers to you a wide range, and all knowledge will be pro- fitable, but always remember that the preacher's text book is the Bible. Prayer should occupy a large place in the minister's life, as it did with Samuel. He who forgets to pray in the morning will spend a fruitless day. Prayer keeps the heart warm, brings one close to God, and releases the mightiest forces in the universe. Effectual prayer is not the vain repetition of words. Prayer must be simple, direct, purposeful, unselfish. The prayer life of the minister's closet should be the outpour- ing of his heart. Here he may bring to God the problems of his daily life, his failures and achievements, his tempta- tions and victories, his fears and hopes, his sorrows and his joys. Here too the faithful pastor will bring the problems of his people, which are ever upon his heart, that he may find help and guidance in his desire to help them. The Prophet, whose example we do well to follow, is assured that failure to pray for his people is a sin against the Lord. "Spend much time in secret, Speak oft with thy Lord." You will be a more helpful preacher, and you will enter more fully into the prayer life with your people, if you are a faithful pastor. In some places, and with some ministers pastoral work is considered old fashioned, and some have abandoned it. But the pastoral office is divinely appointed, and there is today, as always, for the faithful, efficient pastor, a large and fruitful field. In your ministry magnify S COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY your pastoral office. Thereby your ministry will be en- riched, your fruit fulness increased, and your joy in service made full. During your three years in the Seminary, you have won the confidence and esteem of your instructors. We have learned to love you, and we shall always follow your career with the deepest interest. You are ambassadors of Christ. Exalt Him to the place of pre-eminence in your life and work. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in deportment, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." As we bid you Godspeed, we pray that God's richest blessing, His best benediction may rest upon you. GRADUATING CLASS Twenty-three young men finished their work at the Semi- nary this spring. All of our graduates are permanently located and are quite busy with their work. The demand for men was far in excess of the supply. The following is a list of the graduates with their fields of labor: R. T. Baker, Brittain Group, Rutherfordton, N. C. ; T. C. Bryan, Mullins, S. C. ; E. C. Coates, Jr., Timmonsville, S. C. ; V. A. Crawford, Brevard, N. C. ; S. W. Dendy, Asst. Pastor, First Church, Columbus, Ga. ; C. K. Douglas, Olivet, McConnellsville, S. C. ; J. H. Dulin, Armstrong Memorial, Gastonia, N. C. ; M. A. DuRant, Iva and Good Hope, Iva, S. C. ; A. T. Elsberry, Nanaf alia, Ala. ; T. B. Hay, Ridge- way, Longtown and Lugoff, Ridgeway, S. C. ; L. C. La- Motte, First, Ft. Payne, Ala. ; J. W. McFall, Asst. Pastor. First Church, Winston-Salem, N. C. ; J. C. McGehee, Har- risburg, N. C; W. D. Mclnnis, Mt, Holly, N. C; C. E. Piephoff , Monaghan, Greenville, S. C. ; W. E. Smith, Doug- las Group, Douglas, Ga. ; G. F. Swetnam, Carrolton Group, Carrolton, Ala. ; W. S. Swetnam, Cedar Grove, Epes, Ala. ; R. D. White, James Memorial, Pacolet and Jonesville, Trough, S. C; B. H. Wiggins, Sandersville, Miss.; P. W. Wilson, Bethesda, Guthriesville, S. C. ; E. D. Wood, Lock- hart, S. C; R. L. Wood, Marion, Ala. COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 9 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors as now constituted is as follows: SOUTH CAROLINA: D. W. Robinson, Esq., Colum- bia, S. C; Rev. D. M. Douglas, D.D., Clinton, S. C; S. H. Edmunds, Litt.D., Sumter, S. C. ; Rev. Alexander Sprunt, D.D., Charleston, S. C; Rev. W. A. Hafner, Gaffney, S. C; Col. W. W. Lewis, York, S. C. GEORGIA: Rev. E. L. Hill, D.D., Athens, Ga.; Rev. F. K. Sims, D. D., Dalton, Ga.; Rev. A. L. Patterson, D.D., Savannah, Ga.; J. T. Brantley, Esq., Blackshear, Ga. ALABAMA: Rev. A. G. Irons, Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Rev. S. E. Hodges, D.D., Anniston, Ala. ; Rev. C. M. Boyd, D.D. ; Tuscaloosa, Ala. FLORIDA: Rev. W. J. Garrison, D.D., St. Petersburg, Fla. ; Rev. L. E. McNair, D.D., Jacksonville, Fla. MISSISSIPPI: Rev. -C. W. Grafton, D.D., Union Church, Miss.; Rev. J. B. Hutton, D.D., Jackson, Miss.; Judge R. F. Kimmons, Water Valley, Miss. With the approval of the Synods this fall, the number of Directors will be increased to twenty-one, three of whom are to be elected as directors at large. The Directors of the Seminary are men of large experi- ence, who are deeply interested in the progress of the church. They realize that a strong Seminary equipped for its task, is essential in providing an adequate well trained ministry, and they are laboring untiringly to make Colum- bia strong. NAME UNCHANGED The popular name of the Seminary has always been Columbia Theological Seminary, though this has never been the charter name. The Board of Directors at the annual meeting amended the charter to make the corporate name Columbia Theological Seminary. By this name the Seminary will continue to be known when it is removed to Atlanta. Preserving the historic name will preserve the identity of the Seminary and will secure to the Seminary in its new location the splendid his- tory already made and the imperishable traditions which have gathered about the Seminary during a hundred years of service. 10 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS The Seminary charter has been so amended that we may now hold property to the amount of $5,000,000. We hope our friends will help us secure this amount. A five million dollar Seminary in the South would render a great service to the cause of religion. Why not? MISSISSIPPI Nothing has more greatly encouraged us at Columbia than the accession to our territory of the Synod of Missis- sippi. By the addition of Mississippi Columbia's zone of influence is increased to reach from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean, and from the North Carolina-Tennes- see line to Key West, six hundred miles east and west, six hundred miles north and south. The following resolution expressing appreciation of the action of the Mississippi brethren was adopted by the Board : "The Board of Directors of Columbia Seminary has heard with the greatest possible pleasure that the Synod of of Mississippi has accepted the invitation of the Controlling Synods of Columbia Seminary and has appointed repre- sentatives to serve on the Board. The Board extends a most cordial welcome to the Missis- sippi Brethren to service in the affairs of the Seminary ; and willingly share with the Brethren all the responsibilities and privileges of such a service in behalf of this venerable institution." A STRONGER SEMINARY WITH A LARGER FIELD Columbia Seminary in her new location will cling to all that is best in her past and will seek to preserve these things as a priceless heritage. In a location that is ideal, with a beautiful, spacious campus, new buildings and equipment, her endowment more than doubled, and the loyal and enthusiastic support of five synods, the future of Columbia Seminary is bright, the opportunity for service greatly increased. COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 11 ALUMNI MEETING During the meeting of the General Assembly, in Lexing- ton, the Alumni who were present held a dinner meeting at the Lafayette Hotel. The Moderator, the Stated Clerk, Dr. Chester, and Dr. Morris were present. Our visitors ex- pressed, keenest interest in the future of Columbia, and confidence that her future is bright with promise. A number of interesting addresses were made, and the Alumni pledged their loyalty to the Seminary in the follow- ing resolution which was unanimously adopted: "1. We, the alumni of Columbia Theological Seminary, assembled at Lexington, Ky., do greatly rejoice in the prog- ress and success of the movement to remove and relocate the Seminary in Atlanta. We believe that the Seminary in its new location near the center of its territory, with new buildings and equipment, and an enlarged program will be in position to render a larger and more useful ser- vice. 2. We commend the wisdom of the Board and controlling S.ynods in their decision to remove the Seminary to At- lanta, and we pledge to them and to our Alma Mater loyalty and cooperation in their effort to enlarge the scope of the Seminary's influence and to broaden its field of service. 3. We heartily approve the policy of the Board in its effort to render the largest possible service to the whole church and to our mission fields at home and abroad. 4. We most heartily and unreservedly endorse and com- mend the selection made by the Board of a President, Rev. Richard T. Gillespie, D. D., and believing that he has been sent to the Kingdom for such a time as this we promise him our full cooperation in his work. 5. In view of the tremendous task before the Seminary, and the need of Divine guidance and help in the accom- plishment of the same we earnestly request the General Assembly to unite with us in a special prayer that God may guide and direct those charged with the responsibility of bringing this movement to a successful completion and that our beloved Moderator, the Rev. George Summey, D. D., be requested to lead in this prayer." 12 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Where Past, Present and Futr BEGINNING OF THE SEMINARY The Seminary had its beginning in December, 1828. in Lexington, Ogle- thorpe County, Georgia. Dr. Thomas Goulding, pastor of the Lexington Presbyterian Church, was its first Professor, and was permitted to retain for a time his pastorate. He taught the first class of five members in his home in Lexington. EARLY YEARS IN COLUMBIA, S. C Early in January, 1830, Dr. Goulding, with his few students, moved to Columbia and was domi- ciled in the parsonage of the Presbyterian Church procured for his use. The next year he moved into the buildings occupying the present site of the Seminary. They were not then what they are now. The center building is the same, but it was then flanked by two small buildings, which have given way to the two com- modious dormitories, known as Simons and Law Halls. That same year, 1831, Dr. George Howe was elected Professor of Biblical Literature, and the first class began the prescribed course of the- ological studies. The curriculum was modeled after Andover and Prince- ton. Two years later Kev. Aaron W. Leland was elected to the Chair of Christian Theology, Dr. Goulding having been transplanted to that of Ecclesiastical History and Polity. Dr. Goulding the First Professor Proposed Plan Fd n Ca bs First Location Ln COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 13 Meet In Columbia's History THE NEW PROPOSI- TION Columbia Theological Seminary began its work in the home of Dr. Thomas Goulding at Lex- ington, Ga., in 1828. Columbia Theological Seminary is therefore 97 years old. Columbia Theological Seminary was located at Columbia, S. C, in 1830. It has had a long and honored record. It has rendered a noteworthy service to the Presbyterian Church. Columbia Theological Seminary is owned and controlled by the Synods of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The controlling Synods have unitedly voted to ac- cept the invitation of the Synod of Georgia to locate in the city of Atlanta. The Presbyterians of Atlanta have pledged $315,000 for buildings and equipment of the new Seminary plant. A magnificent site of forty acres near the city limits of Atlanta has already been donated by interested friends. This offer has been accepted by the Board of Directors of the Seminary. The Synod of Georgia, outside of Atlanta, is now conducting a state- wide campaign to secure $250,000 for endowment. With the completion of the Georgia campaign building of the new seminary plant will immediately begin. the New Seminary us LEXINGTON, Ga. Dr. Gillespie the New President 14 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY HOME COMING At the Alumni meeting in Lexington, Brother J. B. Ward, of Bainbridge, Ga., made the suggestion that we have a great home-coming of Alumni at the 1927 commence- ment, since this will be the last Commencement held on the Columbia campus. If the Alumni would consider this suggestion and discuss it this fall at Presbytery and Synod, we could no doubt ar- range for a very profitable and happy meeting. The Fac- ulty is ready to cooperate. Those of us who are in Colum- bia will do all possible to help make it a success. THE SEMINARY CHAPEL For one year, 1886-87, the Seminary was closed. During that year Winthrop College was organized in our chapel with one teacher and seventeen pupils. Each year, on Founder's Day, the Senior Class makes a pilgrimage to the Chapel and there holds appropriate exercises commemorat- ing the founding of the College. It is the desire of Win- throp Alumnae to preserve as a shrine this chapel, where, beginning in an humble way, their college started on her great career. The Alumnae Association of Winthrop College. Kock Hill, S. C, in their annual meeting adopted a resolution directing their Secretary to secure for Winthrop College the Seminary Chapel. They wish to remove the chapel and to rebuild it as it is on the Winthrop campus. If the Alumnae of Winthrop have so much sentiment for our chapel, it would seem that our own Alumni might feel an even stronger attachment. The chapel could be re- moved to the new campus, and rebuilt there, using the same material and furniture. The rebuilding of the old chapel on the new campus would most effectively link the past with the present and the future, and would bind up as one unbroken entity the history of the Columbia Campus with the history of the Atlanta Campus, and would be a center about which the imperishable traditions of the past would be preserved. COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 15 A HISTORIC SHRINE Educational instiutions preserve and cherish those things which are intimately associated with their life and work. The Chapel is intimately associated with the life of the Seminary and the Church. Here the great men of her Faculty, those who have gone and those who remain, have preached and taught and in- spired young men with enthusiasm, zeal and consecration for their high mission. Here, like the young prophet in the Temple, young ministers have for three quarters of a century with deep emotion and high resolve consecrated themselves to their holy mission saying "Lord, send me." From this sacred spot our alumni have gone out in a steady stream carrying with them the benediction of their teachers and the blessing of God. It would be a fine thing for the old students, when they come to the new campus, to find there the old Chapel with its hallowed associations and its precious memories. To come again within its lowly walls and rededicate themselves to their sacred task, would be a rich privilege. PRESIDENT WILSON CONVERTED IN SEMINARY CHAPEL The little Chapel which sits on the extreme eastern side of the Seminary is the place where President Woodrow Wilson first made a public profession of his faith in Christ. He was a youth of 16 years, residing in the home of his father, Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, D.D., a Professor in Columbia Seminary at the time. This interesting and important fact was made known to us by the Rev. Dr. A. M. Fraser, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Staunton, Va., where Woodrow Wilson was baptized in his infancy. Dr. Fraser during his recent visit to the Campus to deliver the series of Smyth Lectures, made an informal address at the Chapel, in which he spoke of the classmate, the late Rev. Frank J. Brooke, D.D. (of the Class of '80). Dr. Brooke spent the year 'T2-'T3 in Columbia in the home of Dr. W. S. Plummer in preparation for Davidson Col- lege. While here he and a Seminary student organized a prayer meeting which they held in the Chapel. It was at 16 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY one of those prayer meetings the young Wilson made pub- lic choice of Jesus Christ. He and Dr. Brooke were later classmates and life long friends. THE CENTENNIAL The Seminary was established in Lexington, Ga., in 1828, and was removed to Columbia two years later. It will, therefore, reach its hundredth anniversary in 1928, and will hold its centennial celebration on the new campus, in At- lanta, in 1928. A hundred years of continuous service is a record of which we can be proud. Columbia is proud of the record she has made and of the service her graduates have rendered. A suitable program worthy of the occasion is being pre- pared for the centennial celebration. This occasion will, no doubt, be the outstanding event of a generation in the church. THE CENTENNIAL CLASS The class which enters this fall will be our Centennial Class. The class will spend two years in Columbia and will be the first to graduate in Atlanta. We are anxious that this should be a good class, and we have assurance that it will be. Those who have so far registered are unusually well prepared and give promise of strong leadership in the church. REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS A decidedly pleasing freshness will greet the student body on its return to the campus. In the dormitories all grates have been rebuilt, walls calcimined, floors, and woodwork thoroughly cleaned, painting done where needed, and all furniture put in good repair. Before the close of last session the dining hall and social rooms were redecorated, which makes these quarters very attractive. Portions of the campus have been regraded and filled in. Already these portions are covered with a beautiful carpet of Bermuda and other lawn grass. COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 17 SUPPORTING LEAGUE The President at the outset of his administration is con- fronted with the problem of a budget larger than the in- come of the Seminary. The budget was largely fixed be- fore he took charge, and is $48,000. The possible income for this year is: from endowment $20,000; from benevolent gifts of the churches $20,000; Total $40,000. When the Georgia Campaign is completed and the funds collected, and when the property in Columbia has been dis- posed of, our investments should be more than doubled, which means that better days are ahead. In the meantime, however, to avoid a deficit for the next three years, it will be necessary for the friends of Columbia to provide an additional fund of eight thousand dollars per year. If distributed among many this will be a burden to none. To meet this emergency a "Supporting League" is pro- posed. Every friend of the Seminary is asked to enroll as a member of the League. If you will help with this emergency problem, cut out the following card, fill in the amount you wish to give, whether it is large or small, sign and return the card. Please do this now. Desiring to assist the President in his effort to conduct the work of the Seminary without a deficit, I hereby enroll as a member of the Sup- porting League of Columbia Theological Seminary, and I promise to con- tribute each year for a period of three years the sum of .Dollars, and to forward the same on, or before the day of each year. I request the President to notify me ten days before date of payment. I reserve the right to cancel this pledge at any time by giving notice to the President. Name Street, or Rt. Post Office Date 192... 18 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY We sincerely hope you will not thoughtlessly put aside this request that you take part, if only a small part, in the Supporting League. The Seminary greatly needs the sym- pathetic cooperation of her friends during the next three years. A GIFT OF LOVE From our Senior Alumnus The following letter from the oldest alumnus of Colum- bia Seminary reveals such a fine spirit of loyalty and en- thusiasm that we are, with Dr. Petrie's permission, printing it, feeling that it will be to others a source of encourage- ment and gratification, as it is to the President. "Charlottesville, Va. June 5, 1925. Dear Dr. Gillespie : I thank you for aksing me to help dear old Columbia Semi- nary. Though long living among a people who feel deep- est interest in their local institutions, I have never ceased to love Columbia Seminary, my father's Alma Mater and mine. I am, I believe, now the Senior Alumnus of Colum- bia Seminary. I am the sole survivor of the class graduat- ing in 1862. Dr. E. M. Green, of Danville, Ky., was my classmate at Oglethorpe, 1859. We two are the sole sur- vivors of that class, and there are none living of earlier date. Dr. Green graduated in Columbia 1863. I am count- ing on being at Columbia's Centennial in 1928. I hope sometime to make your acquaintance. I wish for you great success in building up the Seminary. I enclose check for $50.00 cash. Use it for the Seminary as you think best. It is not a part of a tithe, but a gift of love. Yours truly, George L. Petrie." COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 19 THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE SEMINARY A brief Avord about the present status of the Seminary. Modesty forbids our paying a just tribute to the men who compose the present Faculty. Fortunately they can speak for themselves. It is enough that they enjoy the full con- fidence of the Church. They can be trusted to conserve and nourish and bring into larger fruitfulness the precious interests entrusted to them. They are forward looking men, anxious to see the leadings of God's providence and willing to follow it. But they are also backward looking men. Behind them are the authoritative voices to which their ears are ever attentive; behind them are the fathers who wrought mightily for God, and who left a rich heritage of faith and achievement that is not to be forgotten. Looking both forward and backward they see nothing to shake their belief in the essential soundness of the distinctive principles which gave birth to our Church and for which it has hitherto stood. OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE Our horizon is widening. When the Seminary was founded it took South Carolina and Georgia both to form one Synod, and that at its best was not a large Synod, seventy-three ministers, eleven licentiates, one hundred and twenty-eight Churches, and eight thousand five hundred and sixt}^ communicants. It contained five Presbyteries, two in Georgia and three in South Carolina. Now there are five Synods owning and controlling the Seminary, and these contain a communicant roll of more than one hundred and twenty-eight thousand. These Synods cover a territory stretching East and West six hundred miles, and stretching North and South six hundred miles. The line that bisects this territory passes through Atlanta. With the Seminary placed at this strategic point, a sober vision sees great things in the near future. The golden age lies there. The dawn of that age is already brightening into clay. 20 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THE GREATER COLUMBIA CAMPAIGN Key. S. W. McGill, D. D., Louisville, Ky. According to Dr. J. Sprole Lyons, Chairman of the Campaign Committee in Georgia for Columbia The- ological Seminary "the At- lanta campaign was a second mile campaign." It was at first proposed that $500,000 be raised in Georgia for the purpose of re-establishing Columbia Seminary in Georgia where it had its be- ginning. Of this amount $250,000 was to be raised in Atlanta Presbytery and $250,000 to be raised in the rest of the Synod of Georgia. The original plan was that the funds raised in Atlanta Presbytery were to include the cost of the site. It had also been suggested that the proceeds of the sale of the old build- ings in Columbia be credited to the fund to be raised in Atlanta for buildings. The money raised in the Synod of Georgia was to be for Endowment. This looked like a large task. The coming of Dr. Richard T. Gillespie to Columbia Seminary to be its President filled the Board of Directors, the faculty, the student body, the alumni and all friends of Columbia with new hope and enthusiasm. The securing of this able leader just at the time when plans were being made for u a Greater Columbia" made possible a lengthen- ing of the cords and a strengthening of the stakes for theo- logical education in the South. Atlanta Presbyterians began to investigate. They soon discovered something of the meaning of the establishment of Columbia Seminary in the heart of the great southeastern territory. The more they thought of it the larger their COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 21 ideas became. They discarded the idea of the use of the proceeds of the sale of the old buildings and said they would raise the money without this help. Then Atlanta Presbyterians' faith progressed. They said they would raise the $250,000 in the city of Atlanta alone. Then their faith grew and they undertook to secure the full amount in At- lanta exclusive of the site. Feb. 11-17, 1925 were great days for Presbyterianism in Atlanta. A group of more than three hundred Presbyterian men and women gave their time without reserve to the promotion of the cause of Columbia Seminary. The pas- tors and church officers cooperated in a splendid way. The closing Victory celebration was held on Tuesday evening Feb. 17th. in the spacious dining room of one of the lead- ing hotels. The workers were seated at the tables. Every available space was occupied by Presbyterians who had come to hear "the final reports." When the last word was in the subscriptions totaled $314,400. In addition to this a splendid wooded site of forty acres had also been secured. No wonder these Presbyterians sang together "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." In The Synod The campaign for Columbia Seminary having met with such splendid success in Atlanta, the next step was the pros- ecution of the work in the Synod of Georgia. It was defi- nitely understood that the oversubscription secured in At- lanta was not to be applied to the $250,000 to be secured in the Synod but that the full amount as originally agreed would be provided by Georgia Presbyterians outside of At- lanta. Because of the Every Member Canvass in the local churches in March and on account of other engagements in other Synods it was not possible to begin the campaign in the Synod until April 1st. It is significant to note the reports of Atlanta pastors at a ministers meeting following the annual every member canvass. According to Atlanta pastors, every Atlanta Pres- byterian Church had the best every member canvass in the history of their respective churches. They would not say 22 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY "in spite of the Seminary campaign" but they preferred to say "on account of the Seminary campaign." One pas- tor stated "the Seminary campaign has made every Presby- terian problem easier." Headquarters were opened at 17 Poplar Street for the campaign in the Synod. The organization perfected in- cluded the Executive Department, the Finance and Account- ing Department, the Publicity Department, the Field De- partment, the City Department and the Speakers Bureau. The work of all departments is under the direction of the Georgia Synod's Committee of Christian Education. This committee consists of Dr. J. Sprole Lyons, Chairman, Dr. Xeal L. Anderson. Mr. J. T. Brantley, Mr. J. Bulow Camp- bell, Rev. S. J. Cartledge, Rev. F. G. Hartmen, Dr. E. R. Leyburn, Mr. W. D. Hooper, Dr. J. H. Patton, Rev. R. F. Simpson and Mr. Edgar Watkins. The trained Staff of the General Assemblys Committee of Christian Education was brought into the field and put to work. This staff has assisted in securing more than eleven million dollars for the work of Christian Education in four- teen of the Synods of our Church. There has been no failure in any Synod and no one is thinking of anything but complete success for Columbia Seminary in Georgia. Successful campaigns have already been conducted in every Presbytery in Georgia. The Field Department is canvassing the smaller Churches. The City department has had successful campaigns in a number of the city cen- ters. Because of the intervention of the summer season there will be a brief period of slowing up of the work. Begin- ning with September and continuing until every Presby- terian Church in Georgia has been visited, the campaign for Greater Columbia will be pushed with all vigor. It be- hooves every loyal Presbyterian, concerned for the welfare of our beloved Church, to pray for Gods richest blessing upon the work and the workers during coming days. ADD A CODICIL TO YOUR WILL A bequest to Columbia Seminary will yield perpetually an annual income which will be used to train young men and to prepare them for the ministry. "How shall they preach, except they be sent?" Paul, in Romans 10:15. FORM OF BEQUEST The proper form of a bequest is as follows: "To the Board of Directors of the Theological Seminary of the Synods of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, to them and their successors, I give and bequeath the sum of (or I devise a certain parcel or tract of land, etc.), to be applied by them to the uses and benefit of said Seminary, as follows, " etc. PCS : THE CO.. COLD