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[Bizzell <pep...@sa...>]

Iption 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 _resume_ 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
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