Mississippi College - Tribesman Yearbook (Clinton, MS)

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OPPOSITE: Chapel SYMBOLICAL OF OUR AS STUDENTS OF MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE Mississippi College is of the type of institutions of high; r learning first planted in the new world. In fact, of the first one hundred and nineteen colleges and universi Bestablished on this continent, one hundred and four of them were founded and operated by religious groups. Just ' before the outbreak of the war between the states there were in the United States of America two hundred and forty -six colleges and universities. All but seventeen of these were church related. The primary purpose in the founding these educational institutions was to insure an intelligent, consecrated, spiritual leadership for the great adventure ti which the founders were giving themselves. Mississippi College rejoices to be numbered among these Christian colleges that have wrought so mightily in building our West- ern Civilization. Chartered in 1826 as Hampstead Academy, changed its name to Mississippi Academy in 1827, ad- vanced to the status of college in 1830, acquired by the Pn byterians in 1842, secured by Mississippi Baptists In 1850, Mississippi College is completing a century of gr A and Christian service under its present sponsorship. Mississippi College along with those of its type is called! a Christian institution. What are some of the things that make it so? First, Mississippi College is owned by a great denominator Sunday after Sunday, in Mississippi Baptist churches contributions are made for its support and prayers are off Mm in its interest. On special occasions, even sermons are preached on its behalf. It is considered, and rightly so. art essential Kingdom building agency; here an adequate leadership is provided; here the Christian way of life receives major emphasis. Second, the members of the Board of Trustees, appointed by the controlling denomination, are required to be active members of Baptist Churches, and are therefore firm belie vJRn the tenets of Christianity, and as a policy making body, orders and directs the program of the college in harmony with the basic Christian truths upon which it rests. Third, it is required that the administrative and teaching be composed of Christians of conviction and prac- tice. All officers and teachers are expected to be able not only to give a reason for the hope that is in them, but also to substantiate it and fortify it by the manner of life lived before the students. Fourth, the Bible occupies a prominent place in the curriculum and two full courses in this vital subject are required of all students who would graduate from the college. Not only ik the Bible taught freely and fully, but daily devo- tions are observed, and subjects in all the other departments are interpreted in the light of Its truth. Fifth, the student body is predominately Christian. Its member come from the best Christian homes of the land. They are encouraged to exercise their spiritual gifts and develop their God-given talents. Toward attaining this worthy end, they have their various religious activities and organizations in which they receive valuable training and needed inspiration. Sixth, all of these elements conspire to create a wholesome Christian atmosphere so necessary for the growth and development of strong Christian charact er. This statement concerning the purpose of Mississippi College wfl written by our President, DR. NELSON. The Old