The bulletin of Atlanta University, 1908 no. 181

              Number 181                                       Atlanta, Georgia                                         April, 1908 Dr. Charles Cuthbert Hall In the sad death of Dr. Charles Cuthbert Hall Atlanta University has lost one of its most devoted friends and most influential helpers. Dr. Hall believed heartily in that for which this institution stands, every opportunity and every encouragement for the young people of the Negro race in developing the highest and best possibilities that are in them. He believed moreover, as he recently said in speaking to the audience assembled in Ware Memorial Chapel for the inauguration exercises, that the Negro race has some peculiar task to fulfil in the working out of God's purposes for mankind, some high and noble duty for which, by inheritance and capability, it is peculiarly equipped. For almost thirteen years he has served on the Board of Trustees and for ten years has been the vice-president of that body. Engrossed as he has been in the many important duties as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, and later as president of Union Theological Seminary, he has yet always found time to carefully consider the best interests of this work for the Negroes and, whenever occasion was afforded, to utter a clear and ringing appeal for the maintenance of Atlanta University and the principles for which it stands. He has spoken for our work at public meetings in Brooklyn and in New York and in Boston. He has preached a baccalaureate sermon in Atlanta which will never be forgotten by those who were present, and one of the last notable services of his life, so filled •with service to God and humanity, was his trip to Atlanta last December to take part in the exercises in memory of the first president and to preside and speak at the inauguration of the new president. Dr. Hall was gifted with an extraordinary and beautiful power of appreciation. The significance of an occasion such as brought him to Atlanta three months ago seemed to present itself to him as in a vision. And with that vision his face was suffused and his tongue was inspired. Who can forget the beauty of the prayer he offered as he stood that clear winter morning under the open heavens facing the rough granite boulder which marks the grave of the founder of Atlanta University! It was as though he saw before him all the struggles of the past and all the possibilities of the future, and the vision found expression in words which lifted all who heard to the very throne of God. His dignity and grace as presiding officer contributed largely to the beauty and impressiveness of the inauguration exercises that afternoon. His earnest assertion that he personally felt no shadow of race predjudice won for him the sympathetic hearing of the audience, and his expression of great faith in the future of the Negro race as ministers of God's will met with grateful and enthusiastic applause. It is hard to realize that he is gone, so recently was he with us and with such vigor and enthusiasm did he enter into all the excercises of the occasion. The news of his sad death has affected the whole school. It is impossible to understand why such a man as he should be taken away in the prime of his life. We can only trust in the wisdom of God, not hoping to understand, and be grateful for his noble life and services. He will always have a place in the grateful memory of the people for whom this school exists and for whom he did such noble service. Testimonial of Dr. Hall 30th November, 1907. To WHOM  IT MAY CONCERN : As Vice President of the Board of Trustees of Atlanta University, I take pleasure in certifying that my connection with the University has extended over many years, during which I have had opportunity thoroughly to know the nature of its ideals and the character of its work. With both I find myself in sympathy. With quiet courage born of conviction Atlanta University has for more than a generation kept on its course, faithful to the purpose of its Founder. It seeks to provide an opportunity for gifted members of the colored race to have all the advantages of higher education while remaining in daily companionship with members of their own race. Thus the University accomplishes two things, it provides a succession of well trained teachers and it encourages those teachers to be proud of their connection with their race, thus they go forth fitted to inspire that race with enthusiasm and self-respect. At the present moment the Reverend Edward Twichell Ware, son of the Pounder, is assuming the Presidency of the University. His spirit and his gifts qualify him singularly for the office to which he has been elected. He is worthy of all confidence and deserves generous co-operation from all friends of the cause represented by Atlanta University. Ch. CUthbeRt Hall. Dr. Hall's Sermon at Atlanta University Dr. Hall preached the baccalaureate sermon at Atlanta University in May, 1897. He was accompanied on his trip South by Mrs. Hall and their son Basil. The text, of his 'sermon was Psalms 1: 2, 3, Isaiah 9: 18, and his theme Growth and Destruction; the Eternal Contest Between Good and Evil. Taking the figure of the growing tree and the forest fire, he presented the striking contrast in such a way as to impress upon his hearers forever the importance of a Christian life. A Letter of Sympathy from a Recent Graduate In a letter received from a recent graduate of the Normal Department, March 26th, is the following expression of sympathy: "It was with great sorrow and deep regret that I read of the death of our Vice-President, Rev. Charles Cuthbert Hall. My mother and I send sympathy to you and to Atlanta University in these sad hours and assure you that we fully realize that Atlanta University has lost a true friend and a noble and untiring worker. Please extend our sympathy also to Mrs. Hall and her family;" Death of Dr. Backus In the death of Dr. Truman J. Backus, president of Packer Collegiate Institute of Brooklyn, N. Y., Atlanta University has lost an earnest and sympathetic friend. At an Atlanta University meeting held in Brooklyn some years ago Dr. Backus spoke, heartily endorsing our work, and his voice has often been heard in advocacy of the cause of Negro education.