Hampden Sydney College - Kaleidoscope Yearbook (Hampden Sydney, VA)

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a graduate of both college and seminary, was inducted into oiiice. Dr. Atkinson was confronted almost at the beginning of his administration by the troubles incident upon the breaking out of the late war and attendant upon the terrible ravages of the war itself throughout the entire section of Southside Virginia. In 1861 the Hampden-Sidney boys again responded to the call of their state, and just as in 1781, forming under their president as captain, marched away to service. That the College was successfully carried over these troubles, that it continued to afford the means of education, in what was left perhaps the most impoverished section of the state, to youth who have by their later lives of distinction and useful- ness vindicated the work done by its faithful teachers in this most trying period, that a peculiar social life of far-reaching iniiuence characteristic of the place alone in almost every feature, was given its young men, especially at this time and under these conditions, would alone be honor enough for this administration, the longest in the history of the College, extending over a period of twenty-six years H857-18833. Besides, the number of chairs and of courses was increased. The beginning of this administration had found them four. Even before the war, in 1855, separate provision was made for the teaching of Latin, the chair of Ancient Languages being divided, and the Latin course was soon developed into an independent department. After the war the studies of French and German were inserted as elective courses, a course in Bible studies was added to the chair of Moral Philosophy, and in 1882 a new foundation in an additional chair, for teaching English, History, and Political Economy, was established. just ten years ago, in june, 1883, the present incumbent of the Presi- dent's chair, Dr. Richard Mcllwaine, was inducted into oilice. Likewise a graduate of both College and Seminary he was further identified with the College connnunity by a connection of several years with the Board of Trustees. Through his untiring energy, material improvement has been marked in new buildings, new appliances, new efforts. The number of students has steadily increased, a new system of scholarships has been introduced, the endowment has been added to, and there is every desire in the management of the College to place and keep it abreast with the best impulses and the foremost spirit of the age. The erection of the new Memorial Hall, affording recitation rooms and a chapel, would alone remain a lasting witness of foresight and care. Nearly all the courses have 14

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Dr. John Holt Rice, whose intimate friend he was. He possibly did not find his Presidents duties so congenial as he had perhaps hoped, and after six years of service, resigned in 1844, moved to Richmond, opened a law school, and in imitation of President Cushing's example, revived the Virginia Historical Society, which had rapidly declined after Cushing's death. Dr. Maxwell became Corresponding Secretary of the reorganized society, 'William Cabell Rives, a former student at the College, being its President, and for six years fIS4S-18545 conducted its ofhcial publication. The Virginia Historical Register. A strong practical energetic man was now demanded by the needs of the College, and 11o11e was at first forthcoming. Through this neglect the College for a time languished and this is the period of the most serious decline in its annals. For two years the Pastor of tl1e College Church, Dr. Patrick J. Sparrow, filled the place until he went south for the beneht of his health a11d to accept a pastorate call. Another year was tided over with the assistance of Dr. Samuel B. Wilsoxi of the Theological Seminary. The year 1848 at length brought the right man for the place, as Dr. Lewis W. Green, a Kentuckian by birth, with splendid endowments as a scholar, preacher, teacher, speaker and man, was secured for the office. Dr. Green raised the College at once to the point of its palmiest days. A system of scholarships was instituted, the endowment was thus increased, tl1e number of' students from a mere handful ran up to about 150, catalogues were for the hrst time issued regularly, the records were more carefully preserved, a11d the spirit of the institution was raised to the highest level. His per- sonal influence was everywhere felt and among the students under him are to be found many of the most prominent names in church and state and educational work. His resignation after this most successful administration of eight years C1848-18263 was prompted by the feeling that duty called him to the work of education in his native state, where he became succes- sively President of Transylvania University a11d of Centre College. The Rev. Albert L. Holladay, a former Professor in the College, who had become distinguished as a scholar and missionary in Persia, was next chosen President, but l1e was already O11 a sick bed and died within a month after his election. For another year there was a forced vacancy, the classes in moral philosophy being placed under the instruction of Dr. Robert L. Dabney of the Theological Seminary 3 but in 1857 Dr. John M. P. Atkinson, 13

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been enlarged, elective classes being added in Latin, Greek, Physical Science, and Moral Philosophy. The department of Mathematics has been broadened, instruction in engineering and business courses being also offered. The department of English, History, and Political Economy has been permanently organized into two, one of English Language and Litera- ture, and the other of Historical and Political Science. The teaching force now numbers eight men : six full Professors, one assistant Professor, and a Fellow. ' Many of Hampden-Sidney's professors have labored for the College with singular zeal and devotion, declining all offers and temptations to draw them elsewhere. Three of these, her own graduates, deserve especial tribute. Prof. Lewis Littlepage Holladay gave a life's devotion to the institution, severed only by his death in 1891, after thirty-six years of unbroken service, and added to the charms of Hill life a peculiar spirit of his own which has become a connnon heritage to its professors and students. Prof. Walter Blair has been the only incumbent of the chair of Latin since its separation from the department of Ancient Languages. Along with the President, Prof. james R. Thornton, in the chair of Mathe- matics, is rounding out his first decade of service. VVith these the name of Henry C. Brock should be associated, who has now served the College for seven years with that peculiar fidelity and sense of duty all his own. The noble work of Hampden-Sidney College is best seen in the char- acter ofthe men she has ever turned out. The material she is working with is of unusual good quality, she sincerely believes, and the uses she puts it to,qthe state and nation may see. VVithout state aid, dependent alone upon the generosity and support of friends, she has engaged in this Work for one hundred and seventeen years. Tha't she has been a factor in American greatness g that she has contributed to the sources of strength of the nation 3 that she is still doing a much needed and inestimable work for the state and section in which she is placed, and that the sincerity, the earnestness and the thoroughness of her work will in the future be even more fully recognized and more fully appreciated, is her implicit faith and belief. 15