Mount Vernon Seminary - Cupola Yearbook (Washington, DC)

Page 12 text:

MRS. HENSLEY HO say that she is gone know not; they dwell not here. If we gather in the chapel, she is there; if we draw around the fire in the Great Hall, she is there; if we loiter in the Cloister Hall, we hear her step and instinc- tively look up for her welcoming smile; if we pause on the threshold of our hearts, there she is enshrined; if we look into the future, she is there. The memory of her wish sways her girls when they swerve momentarily from the path of duty; the memory of her attitude on a question determines the decision in faculty meeting; the love for her levels all differences and unites the great fam ily in a bond of unsurpassed strength. No monarch ever more completely ruled his kingdom than the spirit of Mrs, Hensley, our lives today. How often when one passes into the Great Beyond, it is said, “We must forget ail that, and remember only his strength ’ We have nothing to forget. Memory is our ally. We court her that she may bring before us, with renewed vividness, not only her loved face, but the clearness of her vision, the crystal clearness of her soul over which the shadow of falsity never lurked, the dauntless courage, the majestic simplicity, the gracious dignity that was born from the instinctive rightness of her life. Such a memory is more than a comfort, more than an inspiration; it is a challenge — a challenge to earn the freedom that was hers — she could do what she would because she would what was right. In her life she was a great teacher but ever seeking to be taught; firm in her opinion yet easily to be entreated; just in her judgment 6

Page 11 text:

AST year was the first year in some time that the publication of this type of a book was undertaken at M. V. S.; then so short a period of preparation was allowed for it that full justice could not be done. The staff hopes that this year they have not only improved on last year ' s book but have helped towards making the ' Cupola ' ' a permanent institution. They realize, however, that there is still great room for improvement, and they wish to extend to next year ' s “Cupola and its staff their best wishes. 5

Page 13 text:

but merciful in her power; an inspiring leader but eager to acknowl- edge leadership; modest in the estimate of her own powers but bold in her conceptions and fearless in their execution; unmindful of her own rights but an undaunted fighter for the rights of others; quick and boundless in her sympathy but impersonal in her administration of justice; temperate in her expression but strong in her conviction; clear in her vision and uncompromising in her faithfulness to that vision; unassuming but inspired with power and courage; executive — teacher — friend. In her death these attributes are vitalized in our midst — her name has become a touchstone of spiritual power — the keynote of a great paean of the praise of life — an inspiring challenge not to be ministered unto but to minister. The beautiful memorial gate erected at the entrance of the grounds, the spontaneous gift of the present students of the school — is eminently fitting, for to us all she has been a sacred gate that guards the entrance to life more abundant — a friend. THE ADELIA GATES HENSLEY MEMORIAL ENTRANCES I T HAD long been one of Mrs. Hensley’s most cherished wishes to have erected, at both ends of the front drive, entrances, in keeping with the architecture of the school. The girls of this year, wishing to see realized the ideals and wishes of Mrs. Hensley, have made possible the erection of these gates. They will be dedi- cated to her memory probably during Commencement Week, and will always remain a monument to her, and to the love she inspired. 7