1887 | contents | 1889
Centre College Board of Trustees Minutes (Vol. 4 - 1888)

Page 190 [view page image]

Danville, Ky., April 25, 1888

The Board of Trustees met pursuant to call in the lecture room of the Theological Seminary. On motion Rev. Thomas H. Cleland, D.D., was elected temporary chairman, and on taking his seat opened the meeting with prayer. The following members were present: Rev. Thomas H. Cleland, D.D., Rev. Claud B. H. Martin, D.D., Rev. Stephen Yerkes, D.D., Rev. William C. Young, D.D., Rev. James P. Hendrick, D.D., Rev. Edward L. Warren, Messrs. William Ernst, George W. Welsh, William H. Kinnaird.

The secretary stated that the object of the meeting was to confer in regard to the presidency of the College and to take such steps as might be necessary to have the vacancy filled at the earliest possible period.

The treasurer of the College, Mr. J. A. Cheek, was present, and made a brief statement of the state of the finances of the College. He was requested to make inquiries about the outstanding notes due to College, especially the note of Mr. George Denny, and to report what was necessary in order to collect these notes. Ormond Beatty and Robert P. Jacobs were appointed a committee to report in regard to the Theological Fund of Centre College.

Several names were presented by the Board, from which it was hoped that a suitable and available person might be chosen as President of the College. After a free conversation Rev. William C. Young, D.D., Rev. Stephen Yerkes, D. D., William Ernst, Esq., and Dr. Ormond Beatty were appointed a committee to inquire by correspondence or otherwise for a suitable name to present to the board at its June meeting for President.

Necessary expenses of the committee were ordered to be paid by the Board.

Page 191 [view page image]

The Board then adjourned to meet at the regular time, 4 p.m. June 19, 1888.

Danville, Ky., June 19, 1888

Board of Trustees Centre College met pursuant to adjournment in the session room of the Second Presbyterian Church. The chairmanship of the Board having been made vacant by the death of Rev. Edward P. Humphrey, D.D., L.L.D. On motion of Dr. Young, Rev. Heman H. Allen was chosen temporary chairman. The following members were present: Rev. William C. Condit, D.D., William Ernst, Esq., Robert P. Jacobs, Esq., Rev. Thomas H. Cleland, D.D., Rev. Edward L. Warren, Rev. Julius W. Walden, William H. Kinnaird, Esq., Edward W. C. Humphrey, Esq., James A. Curry, Esq., Rev. Heman H. Allen, D.D., Rev. J. McClusky Blayney, D.D., Rev. William C. Young, D.D., Rev. Stephen Yerkes, D.D., Rev. James Hendrick, D.D., Rev. Claud B. H. Martin, D.D., George Nicholas, Esq.

Page 192 [view page image]

The following members who were elected at the last meeting of the Synod took the oath of office: Rev. Herman H. Allen, D.D., Rev. J. McClusky Blayney, D.D., Rev. William C. Young, D.D., Rev. Stephen Yerkes, D.D., Rev. James P. Hendrick, D.D., Rev. Claud B. H. Martin, D.D., George Nicholas, Esq.

On motion the minutes of the last regular meeting and also the minutes of the meeting of the Board in Lexington, September 22, 1887, and those of the meeting in Danville April 25th, were read and, with slight corrections, approved.

On motion Mr. J. A. Cheek, Treasurer of the College, read his report. This report, bearing the certificate of the Auditing Committee that it had been examined by them and found correct, was received and approved by the Board, and ordered to be put to record in the Financial Statement Book. See page 1.

The following resolution was then adopted:

The local Finance Committee are directed to examine the entire list of notes in the hands of the Treasurer, including those that have heretofore been reported as worthless, and to take such steps for the collection or securing such notes as they may deem proper. They are also directed to proceed as rapidly as possible in the collection of all outstanding notes, and to report what notes, now enumerated among the assets of the College, are deemed wholly worthless, in order that they may be no longer reported as part of the endowment of the College; for all which they are authorized to employ such legal counsel as may be necessary, or to make such compromises or adjustments as their judgment may approve, and to report to the Board at its next regular meeting.

The Faculty report and accompanying papers were submitted. They are as follows:

Page 193 [view page image]

The Faculty of the Centre College of Kentucky would respectfully present the following report for the year ending June 21, 1888, to the Board of Trustees for their consideration.

The following force of the collegiate departments has remained unchanged and the work of the College has been kept up to the standard.

The students have shown themselves to be young men of average ability, diligence and of good morals. A few exceptional cases have been quietly disposed of.

The Faculty take great pleasure in stating that one of the members of the Senior Class, Lucien D. Noel, was the successful contestant for first honor in the Inter-collegiate oratorical contest held at Richmond, April 20, 1888.

The reports on the library, museum, scientific fund and a copy of the College Catalogue for 1887-8 are made a part of this report and submitted with it.

The College Home has continued under the charge of Mrs. Farrand with the usual success.

The Preparatory Department during the year was taught by James B. Walton as principal. The Faculty, to whom the matter was referred, deeming it best that a change should be made in the assistant, William C. Grinstead was retired, and Robert L. Pulliam, a graduate of Centre College, was engaged in his place. Before coming to the Preparatory, Mr. Pulliam had proved himself to be an efficient and earnest teacher, having sent for some

Page 194 [view page image]

years some excellently prepared students to the College.

The students have had their usual weekly recitations in the Bible. Dr. McKee taking all the classes from September to March and the other professors continuing the work after his departure. The regular daily exercises in the chapel were also held.

The following young men having completed the prescribed course are recommended for the degree of A.B. - Benjamin Franklin Bowen, James Graham Denny, Edmund Lyne Hann, Edward Brierly Nelson, Lucien Doty Noel, William Mansfield Stodghill, Joseph Atwood Vanarsdall, George Boone Vanarsdall, James Madison Walton.

For the degree of B.S. - Obadiah Brumfield Caldwell, Nathaniel Clay Cureton.

The Faculty, having examined certain documents certifying to the work done by the gentlemen named below, a former student of Centre College though not a graduate, but a graduate of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J., would respectfully recommend that the honorary degree of A.B. be conferred upon the Rev. S. Addison McElroy of Louisville.

Before concluding the report the Faculty desire to call the attention of the Board to one other matter not strictly college work.

Page 195 [view page image]

For several years Dr. Beatty has placed a sum of money in the hands of the Faculty for the purpose of employing an agent to canvas for students as far as possible for one man to do in the time allowed - part of the vacation. Mr. Thomas McWilliams has been so employed the past two years and some of our best students have come through his efforts.

As the other colleges have their special agents in the field, some of them all the time, men especially detailed for the purpose, we cannot afford to wait with our hands folded for students. To be really efficient this work should be done as far as possible during June, when the schools are closing, and July. A real good "drummer" is a hard thing to get, and we desire to suggest this matter for the consideration of the Board, hoping the individual members of your body may know of some eminently proper person for this position, and that your body may think the subject worthy of serious deliberation.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

The following is a summary of the report on the library:

Total volumes June 1, 1887 5,513
Donated during year 154
Purchased during year 21
Total to date 5,688

Besides these bound volumes there have been received 52 numbers of the official Gazette of the Patent Office and 25 pamphlets on various subjects.

Page 196 [view page image]

The report concludes as follows:

On taking charge of the library some years ago, I found an oil painting, a portrait, in a very bad condition and without frame. I understand it is the portrait of Mr. Samuel Laird, a former liberal donor to the funds of the College. I would respectfully suggest whether it would not be proper and wise to have it repaired, if possible, framed and hung in the chapel with the others.

(Signed) John C. Fales, Librarian

The report on Museum shows:

Number of entries on last report 3,068
Added during year 29
Total entries to date 3,097

The report on the Scientific Fund shows:

Balance due Prof. Fales last report $49.14  
Expended during year $112.42 $161.56
Annual appropriation $130.00  
Thermometer in Heil's Bill $2.00 $132.00
Balance due Prof. Fales   $29.56

On motion the Faculty Report and accompanying papers were referred to a committee consisting of Dr. Martin and Mr. Kinnaird with directions to report on same.

On motion Dr. Yerkes, Dr. Young, and Mr. Ernst were appointed a committee to report to a future meeting of the Board a minute on the death of Rev. Edward P. Humphrey, D.D., L.L.D., with discretionary power in preparing and publishing the same.

On motion Drs. Young and Condit and Mr. Ernst were appointed a committee to report a name for a permanent chairman of the Board.

Page 197 [view page image]

A committee consisting of Messrs. Humphrey, Curry, and Nicholas was appointed to examine the papers presented relating to the Preparatory Department and to make any recommendations they may deem proper in regard to this department.

On motion Mr. George W. Welsh, Jr., was added to the local committee on repairs.

On motion the Board adjourned to meet at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning.

8:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 20th, 1888

The Board reassembled. The minutes of yesterday's meeting were read and approved.

The report of the committee on the Faculty Report was read, received, and after discussion, was recommitted.

On motion the question of a change of time in the class of the College year was referred to a committee consisting of Drs. Martin and Young.

The report of Committee to which was referred the papers relating to Preparatory Department was received and approved and is as follows:

The Committee to whom the consideration of the Preparatory Department of the College was referred, would report as follows:

That for an exhibit of the receipts and expenditures furnished us we find them to be as follows:

Page 198 [view page image]

Average annual receipts for the last three years     $215.00
Expenditures:      
  Assistant $800.00  
  Rent $75.00  
  Fuel $40.00  
  Janitor $60.00 $975.00
      $1,525.00

From this you will observe the sum of $1,525 is left as the compensation of the Principal of the Preparatory Department, Prof. James B. Walton. This your committee consider as not too much for the services of so worthy, energetic, and efficient a Principal as Prof. Walton. We would therefore recommend that the present arrangement with Prof. Walton be continued.

(Signed) Edward W. C. Humphrey, James A. Curry, George Nicholas

On motion, the subject of the further endowment of the College was taken up for consideration and after a free conversation the following subscriptions were reported for the object and the condition mentioned in the paper to which they are appended:

We the undersigned members of the Board of Trustees of Centre College now in session with a view to the increase of the general endowment of the College, and as an earnest expression of our judgment that an immediate increase should be made to said endowment, and with hope that it may encourage others to subscribe to said endowment hereby pledge ourselves to pay to the Treasurer of the Board the amounts set opposite

Page 199 [view page image]

our several names for the general endowment of the College:

William C. Condit   $2,100.00
William Ernst Payable 4 years after date, with interest from date; also $180 one year from date, $120 in two years,$60 in three years. $1,000.00
    $360.00
Robert P. Jacobs In one, two, and three years with interest from date. $1,000.00
Thomas H. Cleland   $100.00
Edward L. Warren Payable $500 July 1st, 1888, $500 January 1st, 1889 $1,000.00
William H. Kinnaird Payable in five years $500.00
Edward W. C. Humphrey   $500.00
James A. Curry In five annual payments bearing 6% interest $500.00
J. McCluskey Blayney In five years with interest from date $1,000.00
William C. Young In five years with interest $1,000.00
Stephen Yerkes In two years with interest from date $500.00
James P. Hendrick   $100.00
Claud B. H. Martin   $300.00
    $7,700.00

It is understood that all these subscriptions bear interest from date.

A motion was made to appoint Dr. J. McCluskey Blayney an agent of the Board to apply to the church in Kentucky or elsewhere for an increased endowment of Centre College. The motion was

Page 200 [view page image]

laid on the table for the present.

On motion, the Committee of the Synod of Kentucky appointed to consider and report to that body some measure by which the wishes of the Alumni of Centre College might in some degree be consulted in the election of Trustees of the College, was requested to urge upon the Synod the importance of its hearty cooperation in the further endowment of the College.

The Committee to nominate a suitable man for permanent Chairman of the Board presented the name of Rev. J. McCluskey Blayney, D.D., who was thereupon unanimously elected by the Board.

On motion, the hour for recess was fixed at 12:30 p.m. and that for reassembling at 2:30 p.m.

The subject of conferring degrees was taken up.

On motion, the Degree of A.B. was conferred on the following members of the Senior Class, recommended for that degree by the Faculty - Benjamin Franklin Bowen, James Graham Denny, Edmund Lyne Hann, Edward Brierly Nelson, Lucien Doty Noel, William Mansfield Stodghill, Joseph Atwood Vanarsdall, George Boone Vanarsdall, James Madison Walton.

Also the degree of B.S. on the following members of the Senior Class recommended for that degree - Obadiah Brumfield Caldwell, Nathaniel Clay Cureton.

Also A.M. in course on:

Hon. Wilkins G. Anderson, Class of 1859
Rev. Charles T. Thomson, Class of 1878
William K. Argo, Class of 1879
John L. Bosley, Class of 1882
Rev. Worden P. Nicholas, Class of 1883
Rev. Marcus M. Allen, Class of 1884

Page 201 [view page image]

Rev. William E. Knight, Class of 1884
William P. Sandidge, Class of 1884
Clarence K. Crawford, Class of 1884
James A. Williams, Class of 1885

The Honorary Degree of A.B. was conferred on: Rev. S. Addison McElroy, Louisville

On motion it was resolved to confer the degree of D.D. on the present occasion upon not more than four persons.

Several names were offered by various members of the Board for the degree and upon balloting the degree was conferred on:

Rev. W. O. Goodloe, Seymour, Indiana
Rev. J. J. Lucas, Allahabad, India
Rev. S. M. Neal, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Rev. E. L. Warren, Louisville, Kentucky

The report of the Committee on the Faculty report was presented, approved, and adopted and is as follows:

The Committee appointed to consider the annual report of the Faculty recommend:

1. That the report be approved and that the request of the Faculty, asking the Board to confer the Honorary degree of A.B. on S. A. McElroy be granted.

2. That in the review of the year, we make grateful mention of the Divine favor to the College and record our hearty approval of the faithful service of the Faculty.

3. That an appropriation of $150.00 be made to the departments of Prof. Fales and Prof. Nelson, being $130 to the former and $20 to the latter.

Page 202 [view page image]

4. That a committee of three be appointed to consider the religious interests of the College, especially as to modes of instruction and habits of worship, and report to the next meeting what changes, if any, are needful.

(Signed) Claud B. H. Martin, William H. Kinnaird

Drs. Martin and Yerkes and Robert P. Jacobs, Esq., were appointed a committee to carry out the recommendation in Section 4 of the report of the committee on the Faculty Report. See foregoing minute for this recommendation.

A committee consisting of Messrs. Ernst and Humphrey was appointed to confer with a committee which had already been appointed by the Synod of Kentucky, the object of which was to devise and propose a method by which the Alumni of the College might have a voice in the selection of members of the Board of Trustees of Centre College.

On motion the Board then went into the election of a President of the College, and a ballot having been taken, it appeared that Rev. William C. Young, D.D., was elected by a vote of thirteen with two blanks, the requisite constitutional majority of two-thirds. On motion the election was then with great cordiality made unanimous by a rising vote.

On motion, his salary was fixed at $2,500 a year, payable quarterly as the other Professors salaries; and-the use of the President's house, free of rent.

A committee consisting of the Chairman Dr. Blayney and Mr. Ernst was appointed to notify Dr. Young of his election.

Page 203 [view page image]

Dr. Young appeared and the chairman announced to him his election to the Presidency of Centre College. Dr. Young in a frank and earnest speech expressed his acceptance of the office and his purpose to devote his best energies to the discharge of the duties devolving on him.

On motion Drs. Martin, Yerkes, and Young were appointed a committee to prepare a suitable minute in reference to Dr. Beatty's retirement from the Presidency of the College.

On motion C. W. Garth was elected a member of the Board in place of Rev. Edward P. Humphrey, D.D., L.L.D., deceased, and the Secretary was requested to report his election to the Synod for confirmation.

On motion it was resolved that a committee of this Board consisting of Rev. Dr. Blayney, Chairman of the Board, and Wm. Ernst, Esq., be and hereby is appointed to cooperate with the President elect in an earnest effort to secure subscriptions for the general endowment of the College to the amount of $100,000.

On motion it was resolved that when the Board adjourned it shall adjourn to meet at 8:15 this evening.

On motion it was resolved that the sale of the Creek Bottom lot by the Financial Committee for $40 be approved, and the Chairman of the Board was authorized to make a title to the same.

The following committees were appointed for the ensuing year:

Page 204 [view page image]

Financial Committee: Messrs. Ormond Beatty, George W. Welsh, and Robert P. Jacobs
Committee on Repairs: Messrs. John C. Fales, George W. Welsh, Guy E. Wiseman, and George W. Welsh, Jr.
Auditing Committee: Messrs. Robert P. Jacobs and George W. Welsh
Committee on Investments: Messrs. Edward W. C. Humphrey, Edward L. Warren, George Nicholas, and C. M. Garth

On motion it was ordered that the traveling expenses of members from a distance be paid.

8:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 20

The Board reassembled.

The Committee on the times of opening and closing the sessions of the College made a report which was adopted and is as follows:

That the session of the College shall hereafter open on the second Wednesday of September, beginning in 1889. No other change was recommended.

The following paper relating to Dr. John L. McKee was then adopted:

In settlement of all matters of controversy between Dr. John L. McKee, Vice President of the College, and the Board concerning his salary and all claims or demands of every kind against the Board, it is ordered that the treasurer of the College pay to Dr. McKee out of the proceeds of the note of Mrs.

Page 205 [view page image]

Laura Ray, which have been heretofore collected by him, the sum of $1,200 and surrender to Dr. McKee the note of Mrs. Margaret Barrett for the balance due thereon, and the balance of the proceeds of the Laura Ray note is ordered to be added, if not already done to the principal, of the Vice President's fund, and that in the future the salary of Dr. McKee is to be such income and only such income as may be realized from the Vice President's fund. This action is dependent upon Dr. McKee's acceptance thereof, and which, being in the Board he signified, and also by subscribing this paper.

(Signed) John L. McKee

The Board then adjourned to meet at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning.

The meeting was closed with prayer by Dr. Allen.

On motion it was resolved that the thanks of the Board be presented to Dr. McMurtry for his continued favor in the lectures which he has without compensation so generously delivered to the students on the subject of Physiology, etc., and the Secretary is directed to send him a copy of this resolution.

9 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 1888

The Board reassembled.

The Committee on Dr. Beatty's resignation

Page 206 [view page image]

made the following report which on motion was adopted:

Whereas by the election of Dr. Young the way is open to Dr. Beatty to retire from the Presidency of the College, according to his purpose and desire as expressed by his resignation two years ago, therefore

1. Resolved that the Board hereby accept Dr. Beatty's resignation and release him from all the official obligations of the Presidency; this resignation to take effect at such time as may be agreed upon between Drs. Beatty and Young.

2. Resolved that the Board hereby recommend the appointment of Dr. Beatty to the chair of Metaphysics in Centre College, earnestly requesting him to assume the duties thereof and providing as compensation the sum of $500 for one hour's service a day, for five days in the week.

3. Resolved that the Board record its grateful recognition of Dr. Beatty's devotion to the College in consenting to bear the burdens of the Presidency during the two years since his presenting his resignation to this Board - an example of self-sacrifice which ought to stimulate us all to nobler efforts for the welfare of the College.

4. Resolved that we express our profound sense of the benefits the College has received from Dr. Beatty's long, faithful, and efficient service, in the relations he has sustained to the institution for more than fifty years; and in now accepting his resignation of the office which he has so long filled with

Page 207 [view page image]

distinguished ability, we do extend to Dr. Beatty the assurance of our sincere and most affectionate regard and invoke upon him the blessing of Almighty God.

(Signed) Claud B. H. Martin, William C. Young, Stephen Yerkes

On motion the Board immediately proceeded to Dr. Beatty's election. He was elected Prof. of Metaphysics by the unanimous vote of all the members of the Board present (fourteen) and his salary and work was fixed according to the recommendation of the Committee.

A committee consisting of Dr. Blayney and Messrs. Ernst and Jacobs was appointed to make arrangements for the public inauguration of the President elect.

On motion the Chairman of the Board, or in his absence Dr. Yerkes, was instructed to announce at the close of the Commencement exercises the action of the Board in the election of a President.

On motion it was resolved that when the Board adjourns it shall adjourn to meet in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Wednesday, October 10, 1888, at 12 o'clock noon.

The reading of the minutes was called for and referred to the adjourned meeting. On motion the Board then adjourned and was closed in prayer by Dr. Yerkes.

Ormond Beatty, Secretary

Page 208 [view page image]

Frankfort, Ky., October 11, 1888

At the session of the Synod the Board of Trustees of Centre College was convened by the Chairman, Dr. J. McCluskey Blayney, and Dr. William C. Condit was appointed secretary pro tem. The following seven members were present: Messrs. Warren, Allen, Blayney, Hendrick, Martin, Garth, Condit.

The following resolutions were adopted:

Resolved, That the following rates of commission be paid for collecting the subscriptions made to Centre College: for those paid on or within six months after maturity one and one-half per cent; for those paid after six months but before eighteen months, five per cent; for those paid after eighteen months, ten per cent. Provided, however, that on all sums of $1,000 or over, given by one person, not more than five per cent shall be paid, no matter when collected.

Resolved, That the actual necessary expenses of the Committee appointed by the Board to secure subscriptions for the College, in the prosecution of their work, be paid out of the money raised by them.

There being no other business, the Board adjourned.

(Signed) William C. Condit, Secretary pro tem