Perhaps it will not be improper for me to say these young
men and women who have gathered here as students that this day is held
by us as one of the most scared of our lives. We thought it
a sacred day when we laid the cornerstone of this Institution,
and how often we have wondered if it would be our Heavenly Father's
will to allow us to remain on earth to witness its inauguration of
this Institution. His tender loving heart has seen fit to spare
us to take part with you this day. A great sense of thankfulness
pervades my being that He willed it thus and deem it proper I
should give public testimony of my gratitude. Our hearts go out
to you in a peculiar manner. I think that we btoth feel a personal
and individual interest in each one of you; in fact it seems to me
that you have become a part of our lives. Our hearts have yearned
for a work which might rouse our interest in the life of the young
and in this field our hearts are filled almost to overflowing with
deepest interest. While we are permitted to remain in this life
we shall watch closely your efforts to improve your opportunities
and closely follow the results when you go forth to battle with
the world. I believe there are loved ones beyond the life here
who are joining us to-day in our prayers for the success of this
Institution. Four of our trustees have been called to the world
beyond this, but I feel sure they, too, continue to remember us and
our needs. An impression has gone forth that we were indifferent
to religious influences and instructions being taught here. I am
quite sure that if all could be made to understand that this
project was born from a great sorrow, the greatest that parents
can endure, that the Creator has lead us through the deep waters
out into the sunshine of faith and belief in a future life; that
we have wholly and entirely as far as possible given our lives to
Him, and only ask that He will guide us to do His will; that every
EN
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