Furman University - Bonhomie Yearbook (Greenville, SC)

Page 31 text:

SHORT HISTORY OF FURMAN UNIVERSITY —t URMAN University had its hirtb in the Baptist State Convention of December. 1825 qJ1 Here after a great struggle and prolonged deliberation, the resolution, to establish the institution was passed Property in Edgefield was deeded to the State Convention on March 17. 1826. and the institution opened its doors to students on the day of January IS, 1827. The new horn academy remained in Edgefield only a year and a half, being known while there as the Furman Academy and Theological Institution. In 1829 the institution was removed to the High Hills of Santee and there it remained until the year 18 A4 The school was closed for two years 18 55-56. and wart reopened at Winnsboro. on a large tract of land, where the institution tried for some time to maintain a Manual Labor Classical School. Lite theological department was added in 18 58. In 1851 the institution was removed to Greenville and began another struggle for life. Here it was rechartered The Furman University, and fifty nine acres were appropriated for its use. In 1852 the college, for such it was now formerly began to do its work. In 1850 the theological department, headed by the Dr James C. Boyce, was changed into a separate institution and was moved across the river to McBee street. This, though a wise move, was a tremendous blow to Furman as it took some of her strongest professors and all of the money that had been designed for the theological department. It was in this year that Dr. James C. Furman became president of the University. Following the Civil War the University reopened its doors but it was only through an intense struggle that the institution was kept going. Lack of finances was a constant sword over the heads of all connected with the college until in 1885 and 1886 under the leadership of R IL Griffith, a considerable endowment fund was raised. This period was under the leadership of Dr. Manly, who had succeeded Dr. Furman in 1881. He held this position until 1807 when Dr. Montague assumed the presidency. During Dr Montague's term of only five years, the Alumni Hall. Fitting School, and Montague Hall were built. Dr. F M. Pot eat became president in 1005. In this year also. SI 25.000. through the agency of Rev. Joel I Allen, was subscribed to the endowment fund. In !‘ 05. Mr Carnegie offered to give $15,000 for a library building, provided that $15,000 be raised here at Furman for the endowment of the library. Dr. Judson met this offer and so created the Charles II. Judson Endowment Fund for the library. Dr. Judson died in January. 1907. after having given his life to the University. He had served as professor, acting president, dean, and treasurer, throughout fifty-six years. In his will Dr Judson made the Library Endowment Fund the residuary legatee of his estate. The University is now under the guidance of Dr. W. J. McGlothlin. During his administration the size of the institution has greatly increased going from two hundred students to over five hundred: the endowment has grown from over S200.000 to over $2,000,000. departments of education and law have been added and full courses in pre medical work have been offered. In December. 1926. the centennial of the University was celebrated Speakers, scholars, and leaders in education came from os'er the country to rejoice with Furman in the celebration of passing this milestone of her history. Now Furman seems assured of a glorious future. The davs of despairing hope are passed and Furman is destined to become far greater and more influential than she has yet dreamed of. Page Twenty nine