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Transcription
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Publications of the Church.
Copy of the Spirit of Missions.
Religious Newspapers of the Church.
Pocket Almanac, containing list of all the Bishops and
Clergymen of England, Ireland, Scotland and the Con-
tinent.
The casket was then sealed and placed in the stone,
which is native Tennessee marble, taken from Franklin
County quarry, two feet eight inches in width, four feet
in length, and one foot nine inches high, and weighs
about three thousand pounds. The stone was properly
adjusted in its place and the ceremony of laying the
corner-stone was performed by Bishop Polk, of Louisiana,
who began by saying:
A corner-stone is that which unites the walls of a
building, and may symbolize strength and stability--the
union of the intellectual and spiritual nature of man--
the emblem of Christ--the sure and tried corner-stone--
the wisdom of God and the power of God!
Then striking the stone three times with a hammer
he said:--
"In the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity!
Father! Son! and Holy Ghost! three Persons--one God,
Blessed forever. Amen.
I, Leonidas Polk, D. D., Bishop of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Louisiana, on this
tenth day of October, and in the year of Grace, 1860, do
lay this corner-stone of an edifice to be here erected as
the principal building of the "University of the South,"
an Institution established by the Prostestant Episcopal
Church in the Dioceses of Arkansas, Tennessee, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, for the cultivation of
true Religion, learning and virtue, that thereby God may
be glorified, and the happiness of man be advanced.
Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,
which is Jesus Christ; the same yesterday, to-day and
forever. God over all, blessed for ever in whom we
have redemption through His blood, even the forgive-
19
ness of sins; for there is none other name under Heaven
among men whereby we must be saved."
The choir then chanted the "Benedicite," with in-
strumental accompaniment, after which the audience,
which was estimated at between 4,000 and 5,000 per-
sons, moved in procession to the Oration Hall.
ADDRESS OF COL. JOHN S. PRESTON.
In a large frame building, 150 by 100 feet, with seats
for 3,000 persons, a platform had been erected at one
end; upon which were seated the Bishops and the Trus-
tees of the University, with Col. Preston, Lieut. M. F.
Maury, and other speakers. The seats immediately in
front of the platform were occupied by the ladies.
When the audience were seated, Bishop Otey, of Tenn.,
advanced and said: Brethren and Fellow-citizens:--I
have the honor of announcing to you as the Orator of the
day, a name--'clarum et venerabile'--a name illustrious
in the annals of our country, and in this instance desig-
nating a gentleman who has always shown himself zeal-
ous and liberal in promoting the interests of all institu-
tions designed for the honor of our country and the wel-
fare of mankind. I introduce to you the Hon. John S.
Preston, of South Carolina.
Col. Preston then came forward and delivered the
Oration, one of the most eloquent and beautiful we ever
listened to. He is a handsome-featured gentleman, of
apparently fifty years of age, and in stature one of the
noblest of his race; tall and square-built, a Colossus in
height, and an Apollo in proportion. His hair is slight-
ly gray, while his face is that of a young man; and his
forehead broad and intellectual, with an expression
about the mouth broad and indicative of gentleness of
manner and amiability. For over two hours he held
that vast concourse enchained by his matchless elo-
quence. His beautifully rounded sentences and distinct
enunciation; his deep-toned voice, and graceful, smooth
delivery, together with his earnestness of manner and
commanding presence, attracted the attention of his au-
dience and held them patient and willing listeners to
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