James Hervey Otey Papers Box 2 Folder 11 Document 19

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University Place, Tenn. [Jany 20th], 1862.

Dear Bishop

In looking at the bearing of present events upon the interests of the Church there is no circumstance more discouraging than the scarcity of clergy and the probable dimunition rather than incrase of their number in the Confederate States hereafter. It is well known that a large part of those now settled here came from the [North?]. [?] have become identified in all respects with [this?] [land?] of their adoption and are deservedly [?] and the confidence and respect of all but we [cannot?] for the future under no changed relations of the two peoples anticipate no continuance of such or supply and will be necessarily obliged to raise up our clergy from our own soil.

But how can this be done. We have but one theological school in operation at [?], and that as a [small?] foundation and not located centrally. There are probably some candidates for orders in every Diocese but no one Diocese is able to establish a Theological Seminary

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[How then?] is this difficulty to be [achieved?] I would respectfully suggest for your consideration the following outline of a plan by which perhaps something might be done to meet the urgent necessity for immediate action.

Let a self contributing Commission of two or three Bishops ascertain by correspondence with the Bishops of all the Dioceses (except Va, [D.C.?] which have Seminary) how many candidates for orders there are in their respective Dioceses. Let it then be suggested to the respective Bishops with the view of its being brought before their respective conventions this spring for action--that a Theological school be organized at Sewanee each Diocese pledging the support of their respective candidates at a certain [?] [each?] sufficient to pay the Board and pro rate those of salaries of Professors. Let the Executive Committee [?] the use of the buildings now there and appropriate pay of [?] --for additional buildings or additions.

The advantages of such a plan are first it can be put in a [?] almost immediately.

Secondly the candidates can be supported

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more economically at Sewanee than at any other place and consequently the allowance necessary for their support would be less than at any suitable [?] in their own Diocese.

3. These same reason applies in the support of the Professors who could live at half the [cost?] they could in a larger town or city and their salaries could be much less.

4. The buildings requisite could in addition to those now there be of the cheapest description and would be sufficiently comfortable.

5. It is probable that suitable Professors could be [attained?] to whom the advantage of such a residence would be an important consideration.

In reference ot the cost of living, I would state the following facts--the ordinary price charged by those who have boarded [mechanics?] has been [?] [?] 2 per week there and two young men who occupied and took care of my house last winter boarded themselves and informed that it cost them of 1 per week.

As to a Library sufficient books for study and reference could undoubtedly be attained by donation or loan.

The surrounding country would afford a field for missionary enterprise.

Students could probably add to their means of support by teaching a few [?] a

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day the children of families resident upon the Mountain. Compatible residences for Professors [?] [?] could be erected for say 400 each. Rooms for students at say of 50 each student. A small farm devoted to vegetables and fruit culture could help very much to diminish the expenses of support.

It has occurred to me that if after examination you should think favorably of this plan you might constitute a [?] or association? with a [?] of the Bishops a Committee to correspond with the Bishops and arrange the details. It would be at once [? ?] but with an assured support, as well as a society for the increase of the ministry while it would be in the legitimate part of the university and might begin at once to foreshadow the good influences and results of its Establishment.

I am very Respectfully

Yr. [? ?]

G.R. Fairbanks.

Last edit almost 4 years ago by Emily Senefeld
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