Shorter College - Argo Yearbook (Rome, GA)

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the sturdy dray-horse, and seldom trod by human footstep. Without walks, shade-trees, shrubbery, flowers or grass, with plenty of stones, weeds and barren spots, Shelton Hill had but one attraction, the glorious views of nestling homes, winding rivers, valleys, hills, forests and mountain-ways on every side. Old and young made the rough ascent to seethe marvel- ous beauty of the landscape, to watch the sun resting on couch of crimson and gold, or feel the charm of the quiet hours when the full-orbed moon flooded the scene with enchanting light. How and whence came the wondrous change from Shelton Hill to College Hill ? In 1872, I conceived the idea that a college for the daughters of Cherokee, Georgia, was needed, and ought to be established. In all the Cherokee country the Baptists had no college. Much talking was done in 1872. Colonel Alfred Shorter with some others were influenced to think favorably of the enterprise. These gentlemen agreed to give seven thousand five hundred dollars for the purchase of a site for the college. This amount was afterward increased, Shelton Hill was purchased, the outbuildings were converted into one long, narrow school hall ; the main building, having eight rooms, was repaired, furnished, and made fairly suitable for school work. In September, 1873, the Cherokee Baptist College began its first session with the follow- ing faculty : Rev. L. R. Gwaltuey, Dr. J. W. Jaynes, Rev. D. B. Hamilton, Mrs. Hattie Cooper, Mrs. Sue Hooper, Miss Kate Hillyer, Miss Sallie Hillyer. The institution secured at the beginning the good-will and confidence of many friends. The attendance was large under the circumstances, and the work accomplished was creditable to all engaged in the embryo college. During 1873-74 the above-mentioned faculty conducted the institution. In the summer of 1874, Professor Alex. Townes, of Greenville, was elected president. He discharged with marked fidelity the duties of his office. In the spring of 1875, Mrs. Townes died, and a few months afterwards President Townes handed in his resignation. During the session of 1875-76, Rev. L. R. Gwaltney was acting president of the college. The number of pupils had steadily increased, and it was evident that larger accommodations were much needed. Earnest efforts, meanwhile, bad been made to secure funds for this purpose. In the early part of 1876, I addressed a communication to Colonel Shorter, rehearsing the history 22

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Ibistory of Shorter College. BY DR. L. R. UWALTNEY. ON the first Sabbath in January, 1869, I preached my first sermon as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Rome, Georgia. In that beautiful little city I found many things to interest and charm a stranger, and many people well suited to win a stranger ' s heart. Hundreds of them now rest on Myrtle Hill, hundreds have moved away, thousands supply their places. The changes in the city since that day have been a matter of surprise and delight even to its most enterprising citizens. No spot has undergone a more complete trans- formation than the hill on which the stately buildings of Shorter College have been erected. It was formerly known as Shelton Hill. A plain brick residence, and a few ordinary out- houses, occupied the crest of the hill, which lifted its rounded cone much higher than the present summit. A few stunted and gnarled oaks, with straggling branches and scant foliage, battled for bare existence in the hard, gravelly soil. Fourth Street, now attractive with beautiful dwellings, was merely a wagon path over the hill, steep and difficult even to 21

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of the struggling institution, and setting forth its possibilities, if larger accommodations could be provided. I said my hopes all centered in him, that if he would resolve to become the liberal and life-long supporter of the college, its enlarged usefulness would be assured. To this communication I received no response, and I felt sure that Colonel Shorter deemed me a visionary enthusiast and nothing more. In May, 1876, Dr. Winkler, of Marion, Alabama, called to see me, found me at the college, had a long talk with me about my work, my desires, my hopes, my disappointments, and my fears. Soon after his return home, the trustees of The Judson Institute, Marion, Alabama, offered me the presidency of that institution, and I promised to visit Marion. On the day I was to start, Colonel Shorter sent for me to come to his office. On entering, he said, Well, I have been think- ing over your communication (dear, good man, I had misunderstood his silence), and I have decided to give you twenty thousand dollars for the college, if you will not go to the Jud- son. I fear your offer is too late, I replied, but let me say this : Whether I accept the Judson or not, you must make the Cherokee College your child. Do for it all that money can accomplish, and you will never regret it. I took charge of the Judson Institute September, 1876, and remained there six years. In the summer of 1882, Colonel Shorter again sent for me. I found him in bed, very feeble, and much changed. We had a long and sad interview, though relieved with much that was cheering and precious. He asked me to return and take charge of the college he had built as A Gift to Our Daughters. I said, For what length of time? He replied, For your lifetime, if you desire. Tears filled his eyes and mine, as I said, I will do anything in my power for you. I will come back and take the college and do my best for it. I saw Colonel Shorter only once after this interview. I began my work in Shorter College in September, 1882, and continued to July, 1891. I should have remained in that position till the release which death brings, had I not deemed it God ' s will for me to retire. In the beginning of my efforts for a college in Rome, to the last day of my work for it, I assuredly gathered that God called me to it. I never felt that I was working for myself, and I, in this manner, record the past that I never laid by a dollar from all the income of •23