alaureate 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 _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 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