ENPages
page_0051
[Letterhead - Top] SAPIENTIA ET DOCTRINA STABILITAS
1902-03
we feel for them in their bereavement. While we know that none can experience that same poignancy of grief as they, we venture to hope that they may derive a measure of consolation from feeling that every member of this Board, in common with the loyal sons and daughters and the devoted friends of the University in this and other lands, shares with them in a common sorrow. We would also venture to remind them that the counsel of our departed friend himself would have been, rather to labor earnestly for the fulfilment of the great work that still remains to be done, than to dwell too long on the innevocable loss we have all sustained. Though he is removed from us, his spirit will ever animate and inform the Institution to which he have a new and complete life; and we feel that it would show a distrust of the good providence of God to fear that a life of such unswerving devotion to the University, have been spent in vain." (Board Minutes. Page 196) At the next meeting of the Board, June 14th in Toronto, attention was drawn to the fitness of taking immediate action to advance and complete some of the plans, initiated by the Late Principal, the nature of which will appear farther on in this Book.
[Image - oil lamp]
[Letterhead - Bottom] 46
page_0052
[Letterhead - Top] SAPIENTIA ET DOCTRINA STABILITAS
1902-03
The movement inaugurated by the Student Body for the erection of a spacious hall, to be named after the Principal, had matured so far that the Finance and Estates Committee was instructed to procure plans and specifications, and advertise for tenders to build as soon as possible. The lamented death of Principal Grant laid on the Board the serious and immediate duty of taking steps to secure a successor. At the September meeting the question was taken up. The Chairman stated that he had sent a circular letter to the members asking for suggestions and views on the subject. He had also sent a circular letter to the Committee of the General Assembly, and to the Principals of the different Theological Colleges of the Church, asking the benefit of their judgment in the matter, and the replies, duly summarized, had been sent to all the trustees. The Vice-Principal was invited to sit with the Board at this meeting. Further, the Chairman said that, since the summarized statement of replies had been sent out, he had received other which were then read. He also informed the Board that he had requested Rev. Dr. Hill, of Montreal, and a member of the Board, who shortly was leaving on a trip to Scotland,
[Image - oil lamp]
[Letterhead - Bottom] 47
page_0053
[Letterhead - Top] SAPIENTIA ET DOCTRINA STABILITAS
1902-03
to enquire in the Old Land about persons suitable for the appointment. Dr. Hill, who was present, read as requested letters from prominent public men in Scotland, strongly recommending the Rev. W. P. Patterson, D.D., Professor of Systematic Theology in the University of Aberdeen. Then Vice-Principal Watson, by leave of the Board, presented a petition from members of the Senate advocating the appointment of the Rev. James Barclay, D.D., of St. Paul's Church, Montreal, as Principal of the University. The petition was received. The meeting adjourned, to resume business at 8 p.m, and proceed to the appointment of a Principal. On re-assembling, Vice-Principal Watson was heard in support of the petition from the Senate. On motion duly made and seconded, and carried, the Rev. James Barclay, D.D, was offered the Principalship of the University, at a salary of $4,000 a year, together with residence. As early as possible, a deputation, named, was to wait on Dr. Barclay, to inform of the action of the Board, and request an answer as soon as might be convenient for him. At an adjourned meeting of the Board, Nov. 16, 1902, a letter was read from Dr. Barclay stating that after the most earnest and anxious deliberation he was constrained to decline the Principalship of the University.
[Image - oil lamp]
[Letterhead - Bottom] 48
page_0054
[Letterhead Top] SAPIENTIA ET DOCTRINA STABILITAS
[1902?-03]
at the same meeting a resolution from the Synod of Toronto [and?] Kingston, on the death of Principal Grant, which had [been?] received, was read, noted on the Board and ordered to be engrossed in the Doomsday Book : and the Synod Clerk was informed of the facts. The resolution is as follows :The Synod of Toronto and Kingston, in expressing its deep sense of loss at the removal from earthly service of the beloved brother, George. M. Grant,D.D., Principal of Queen's University, desires to record its appreciation of the [rich?] and various gifts bestowed upon him by the Master, and the manifold services rendered to his Church and Country. After a distinguished course at Glasgow University, he returned to his native land and devoted his early manhood, with its splendid gifts, to Mission Work, in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, and to the pastorate in Prince Edward Island, and St. Matthew's Church, Halifax. While still a young man he foresaw and advocated a Union of the various Provinces of the Dominion, and a Union of all the Presbyterian Churches of the Dominion. He had faith in the future of his country and of his Church, foresaw the trend of events with a prophet's clearness of vision, and even advocated such a union of forces as would render possible a large and aggressive
[Letterhead Bottom] [image-oil lamp] 49.
page_0055
[Letterhead - Top] SAPIENTIA ET DOCTRINA STABILITAS
1902-03
policy in Home and Foreign Mission work. Coming from St. Matthew's Church, Halifax, in 1877, to assume the Principalship of Queen's University, he quickly inspired Professors, Students and friends of the University with something of his own faith and hope. With indomitable courage he set himself to the task of securing buildings, endowment, and an enlarged staff of teachers; and the Queen's University of today, the great educational centre for Eastern Ontario, a potent factor in the educational life of the whole Dominion, embodies the result of this effort. A writer, with decided literary gifts; a preacher, with a method and message of his own; a statesman, who beleived that the principles of Christianity should permeate every part of the body politic; a College President of great administration ability, he was perhaps greatest as a teacher and leader of young men. Whether winning men to enthusiastic reception of his opinions, or rousing them to oppose, he flooded the subject with new light, and compelled men to think. Those, who sat under him in the class-room, testify to the comprehensive grasp and brilliancy of his mind, and count his personal influence the greatest factor in their training for the Christian Ministry. His monument will not be the building that is to bear his name,
[Image - oil lamp] [Letterhead - Bottom] 50
