Furman University - Bonhomie Yearbook (Greenville, SC)

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their books and in response to the clarion call of their beloved State, marched forth to battle for the cause she espoused. Four years later, when the battle flag was furled by a people defeated and cast down but not destroyed, the first thought that came to the battle-scarred heroes was to reopen the doors of Furman. What devastation filled the land! What could be done? The era of Reconstruction hung like a pall over all her fortunes. It was not till 1869 that the school was permanently on sure ground again. Under the presidency of Dr. Furman, who continued in this capacity till 1881, the school, year after year, breathed more freely. In the year 1881 Dr. Charles Manly assumed control and directed operations wisely and well until his resignation in 1897. At the termination of Dr. Manly’s incumbency. Dr. A. P. Montague was chosen president. During the five years he was president, the Alumni Hall, the old Fitting School Building, and the Montague Hall were built, at a cost of $22,000, $3,000, and $12,000 respectively. Dr. E. M. Poteat succeeded Dr. Montague in November, 1903. In the same year, under the agency of Rev. Joel I. Allen, subscriptions to the amount of $123,000 were secured for endowment. Under Dr. Poteat’s administration, 1903 to July, 1918, the University made great progress. Faculty organization was modified by the creation of two new positions. Chairman of the Faculty and Dean. The Curriculum was broadened by the following new departments or schools: The School of History with a professor giving all of his time, the School of Physics and Astronomy, the School of Philosophy and Education, and the School of Christianity. The new Laboratories for Biology and Physics, the new quarters for the museum, together with the new facilities for the teaching of Chemistry, have put Furman alongside the best of her sister institutions. A new course, with a predominance of Science leading to the degree of Bachelor and Science, was made possible by these new facilities. To write the present history of a school such as Furman is no mean task. Though in the past her progress has been great, never in her history has it been what it is today. New buildings are constantly being added, the student body increasing, and the endowment fund being added to. The grounds have shown general and steady improvement with paved walks and roadways, and last of all, to crown all. the flag and flagpole and the Manly Athletic F ield. Today she is more widely known than ever before. The Baptists realize that it is their school and arc proud, and justly so, of the work which it is doing. The faculty stands for all that is best in both the old and the new methods of teaching, and nowhere will you find a more thorough system of instruction. The work of Furman is well known throughout the Southland and recognized by the older and larger institutions of the North as the equal of any. The present, then, is a medley of work, energy and enthusiasm. There is a pleasure in the past, a glorious work at present, and hope and wishes for a prosperous future. Page Iwcniy-four

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A Brief History of Furman University HE record of Furman University is that of struggle and triumph. In exulting over the splendid triumphs one may forget the strenuous struggle and silent sacrifices that have placed Furman where she now stands. As early as the beginning of the nineteenth century the leading Baptist of the State saw the need of an educated ministry. With this need in view they began to plan. The agitation for an educated ministry was taken up by Dr. Richard Furman (1755-1825). who migrated with his parents from New York. His name is written in letters of light over all the early history of the Baptists in South Carolina. He will ever be remembered as the first president of the Triennial Convention of Baptists, the founder of Mercer University of Georgia and Hamilton University of New York. For a number of years this faithful, devout man pleaded and worked for a Baptist institution of learning in South Carolina; but did not live to see its real inception. However, the dreams and plans of this earnest worker passed into the hearts of others. The result was the establishment of h urman Academy and Ideological Institute at Edgefield, S. C., 1827. Shortly afterwards the school was removed to Winnsboro, in the Fairfield District. At the same time an agricultural department was added and the literary department broadened. From here, more than half a century ago, it was transferred to Greenville, its name having been changed to Furman University. Here, under the leadership of Dr. James C. Furman, the distinguished son of a distinguished father,” the institution was widened in every respect, and, despite the thickening shadows of the war, never was there such a bright prospect for the future as now. Eighteen hundred and fifty-two witnessed the birth of the “Standard College of Liberal Arts.” This year also marks the arrival on the campus of an eminent man and teacher. Dr. Charles Hallctte Judson. After the death of Professor Mims, in 1855, James P. Boyce assumed charge of the Theological Department of the University. He had as his worthy associates in the Seminary, John A. Broadus, Basil Manly, and William Williams. This famous quartette did much in promoting the cause of the Southern Baptist 1 heological Seminary now located in Louisville, Ky. For a few years the University was in a prosperous condition, with a faculty composed of young men versatile in talent, noted for their depth end breadth of learning and possessing rare mental vigor and acuteness, Furman University promised to be at cncc the foremost college of the South. The student body grew larger and larger every year and the dawn of Furman’s history was bright indeed. But clouds began to gather yonder. The trumpet blast was heard in the distance. I wo hundred and sixty men, who had gathered within Furman’s peaceful walls, laid aside Page l»enl f-lhrce

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