Furman University - Bonhomie Yearbook (Greenville, SC)

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As ;« partial result of this failure there was a cessation for about two years. Then on a bleak morning in .Ianmiry. 1 it was whispered half timidly, half hopefully around in the town of innsl orough that I'rot. . K. Bailey would open at that place on the first Monday in February a Manual Labor (’iassieal School. The morning arrived and with it were brought back to tlie hearts of many the bright hoj cs of former days. But just as the sun of their fondest hopes was scattering the last drifting mist from their hearts a cloud suddenly rose and hovered heavily above them. In May the academic building was burned. In the following year, however, Dr. W. Hooper of North Carolina was chosen president of the Theological Department and thus the work of educating the ministry was continued even through days of gloom and discouragement. And in those dark days of struggle were instilled in the hearts of many noble young men thoughts and ideas that have blest South Carolina in after days. In the vear 1S|0 Doctor Hooper was succeeded in the presidency hv Dr. J. L Reynolds, and in the course of four years he was in turn succeeded by |)r. .1. C. Furman. This eminent teaeher had as his co-worker Ucv. .1. S. Mims. Professor of Systematic 'Theology, and Rev. Peter C. Fdwards. Professor of Hebrew ami Biblical Kxegesis. Fnder their skilful guidance the institution began to flourish in a more marked degree. Indeed, after a few years an invitation was sent from Greenville asking that the school Ik- moved into her borders. 'The news of this soon spread to all (ptarters of the State, and the enlargement of the institution and removal to Greenville was the general topic in Baptists circles. T bring the proposed change to a reality. Doctor Furman, in |s4S, was successful in securing $7t ,00o for Furman Fniversity with the understanding that it he located at Greenville. ‘Three years later the proposed change was effected, and again, under the leadership of Dr. James C. Furman, the door- of Furman Academy and Theological Seminary were opened, and about sixty students found their way into her sacred rooms. Twelve months more witnessed the birth of the Standard College of Liberal Arts. This year also marks the arrival on the campus of that eminent man and teacher. Dr. Charles Ilallette Jnd on. Alter the death of Professor Mims in I.n.m, James P. Boyce assumed charge of the Theological Department of the Fniversity. He had as his worthy associates in the Seminary John A. Broad us, Basil Manly, and William W iHiatus. 'This famous quartet did much in promoting the cause of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 2!

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A. Brief History of Furman University TUI ' record !• urmnn I niversii' is that of struggle, sacrifice and triumph. In exulting er ’hr splendid triumphs one iiinv In- inclined !«• form ? the strenuous struggles and silent .saeriliee. ilia have placed Furman whore site now stands. Then patiently attend, kind reader, while we present the p«ran unr events transpiring, which have developed statist by stage the grand oh I in l it uf i »n which we all love to call Furman University, Twotr v-‘ . years hefore tin- writing of the I cc)ura?iou of American I ndopmdt nee tin re was a man nanud Oliver Hart, who went from place to place speaking and working: tor a Baptist school in Smith Carolina. Alter his earthly eaiver was ended the agiiatiin for an educated ministry was taken up I I)r. Bichard Furman, who migrated with his parents from New York. Doctor Furman will over he remembered as iho first president of the Triennial '••uvention of Baptists, the founder of Mere r University of Georgia. and llaniilte.ii Fniversitv of New York. For a number of years this faiihful. ilevmtt man pleaded and worked for a Baptist institution of learning in South Carolina, hut he did not live to see it- real ineeption. However, the dreams and plans of this earnest worker pu-sed into the heart- of others, who in the year IS27 founded al the old F.dgetield eoinihouse the institution that lias ever home hi- inline Furman Academy and Theological Institute. The Academy l«gau its eventful course with onlx otic man at its helm. Tin fill ore looked dark and gloomy, and for two long years the institution I ingem! • u l»e verirc of disbandment. At this impending crisis if was -uggested l» Basil Manly, Sr., then tin- influential young pastor • ; the Fdgefield Baptist Church, that the Academy lie moved to a place not lar trom the Savannah Biver. 'Tlie convention, believing that they could secure the c H»peralion of the Georgia Baptists, according!.' removed 'lie school to a location near the Georgia line. The results were not SO good as expected and in IS. )!) the (‘onveiition deeidi d to take the institution to the High Hills ot the Santee. Here with discouragement on all side dames Hartwell and Samuel Turman lively opened the treasury of their minds to a few thirsty young men who had been given -eholnrshins at the institution. For four years these generous-hearted instructor- foiled and strived in order to keep llu door ot the Academy open. But the scheme of the M'holarships proved futile, and in lS3f the doors were closed and tin students sorrowfully made their way toward home. 20

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The I Diversity continued in a prosperous condition for a few rears. The dawn a- bright and hopeful. Bn? ».n I lie? trumpet blast wm heard in the distance and the elond of the «•- niinir conflict began to gather. The strife wm evident, and on it shadowy ev« two hundred and .»i. ty young men who had gathered within Funnan » peaceful walls to sit at the feet of sueli gifted men a •hidson. Furman. Boyce. Broadtis. Williams and Manly, laid aside their l ook and in response to the clarion call of their Udoved State marched forth to war. After four long years of martial conflict the drooping ling of the annihilated ('otifcderaey was furled, and the weary, half starved, half clothed, brokenhearted ('onfederate. returned to their devastated Southland. But the ruins themselves seemed to breathe into the hearts of the weary soldiers a new Iiojh-. and truly did they show a heroism which was equal to that shown so many times on the battle plain. Once more tile eyes of the Baptists of South Carolina were turned toward Furman. But nothing could now he seen save the Main Building standing in grey outline on a lonely campus of about fifty acres. What could he done f Curing an interval of four years several attempt to answer ibis question were made. But it was not til! I stiff that the school was permanently on sure ground. I’nder the presidency of ! octor I-'urman. who continued to -.erve in this capacity till 18S|, the school, year after year, breathed more freely. In the year fssi l r. Charles Manly assumed coiitr. I ami directed opera lions wisely and well until his resignation in 1 !»7. During his administration the financial agent, R. II. (iriWifh. was successful in raising a considerable endowment fund. New buildings also were erected on the campus, among which welt- -hidson Cottage, erected hv the Baptist ladic- of South Carolina at a cost of $g.'00. and (iriiKrh Mall at a similar cost. At the termination of Doctor Manly's incumbency. Dr. A. I Montague was chosen president. The administration of this brilliant man was one of great undertaking and accomplishment. During the first year that he was officially connected with the l’niver.-dly two modern and much-needed buildings were erected on the campus- Montague Hall (the- dormitory), at a cost of $12,000, and -Iudsoii-Alumni Hall (the auditorium . costing 22.001). Dr. Edwin M. Potcal. the present President, succeeded Doctor Montague iu l‘.M)3. hi this year, through the untiring efforts of the financial agent. Rev. .foe! I. Allen, subscriptions amounting to -S12.r ,000 were secured for Furman's endowment. Of ihi- amount $21,000 was given l y that grand old man,” who gave his rime, talent and fortune to the institution which was so dear to him— Dr. C. 11. -ludsou.