Tufts University - Jumbo Yearbook (Medford, MA)

Page 14 text:

ifical import an awareness of the W hile recognizing the his aiice of the mid-point of the jiineteenth century for Tufts College, there variety of dates deterudined officially for anni¬ versary celebrations. The Semi-Centennial in June, 1905, commenjlorated the date of the form ollege, and the inauguration ' ' of Hosea Ballou as first President, in August, 1855. Even that cOTernony had been at first planned for 1904 by tliAxommittee of the Facul¬ ty and Trustees, in menm of the first Faculty meeting held in October, 54, when the first three students were in residence. Consideration has also been given to the cel ration of the lay¬ ing of the cornerstone of I lou Hall, July 19, 1853. At present the siting of the charter in 1852, providing the instijfiition with its structure of government, is consmered the official founding date and will be con emorated in 1952 instead of the 1955 ceremouy which was anticipated at the Semi-Centennial program. 1850 - ZuftOHia

Page 13 text:

JOHN M. RATCLIFF Dean of the School of Religion JOHN P. TILTON Dean of the Graduate School

Page 15 text:

All historical narration of the College must begin with the early proponents of an educational institution within the Universalist denomination who were recorded in the news¬ papers and church meetingsi during the first decade of the nineteenth century. The questions raised and proposals submitted were treated as matters of great need although requiring future action. In 1840 the Massachusetts Convention of Universalists resolved that it was expedient to establish a “seminary for the preparation of young men for the gospel ministry,” and ap¬ pointed a committee to nominate a “board of trustees, whose duty it shall be to select a site for an institution, to take a deed thereof in trust for this Convention, to raise funds, and to erect a suitable building, to appoint its prin¬ cipal and other officers.”