JOHN M'GLASHAN COLLEGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17239, 15 February 1918, Page 7

JOHN M'GLASHAN COLLEGE

OPENING CEREMONY. There 'wae e. large number of representative citizens at the opening- ceremony of the John M'Glasban College, which took place on Tuesday morning The Rev. Grahani 11. Ualfour (president of the Board, of Governors) presided, and was supported by Mr Walter Gow (\iccpreeident) and Mr C. G. White (secretary). Miss Margaret M'Glashan, ono of the ladies who gave the property to the l'rcsbyierian Church, sat oil, the right of tho president. Amongst those present wero Miss FraiK.v-s Ross of Cohmiba College), tho liov. W. Gray-Dixon (Moderator-okvt of tho General Assembly), Dr Watklcll, the Rev. R Evan Davics, the Rev. A. Whytu, tho Rev. A. W. Kiumont, tho Key. Jolin Miller (Moderator), the Rev. John KJlpatriek (clerk oi tho Presbytery), the Re.v. A. Don, the Rev. U. A. Gray (of llivcrtoji), and the Rov. V. J. Tylee (of Dipton).

The proceedings opened with prayer by the Rev. C. A. Gray, Scripture reading by the Rev. A. W. Kinm'ont (who chose tho wisdom verses froni the book of Job and the preaching of tho Cross passage from Ist Corinthians, Ist chapter), and then tho hymn "0 God of BeAfJ."

The President said that at the opening of tho Join M'Glashan College it was wonderful how tlie way had opened up stop by step. The thought of a college such as tlie one being opened occurred! to a number of people independently. And while tho matter was being considered the unsolicited offer of the Misses. M'Glashan was made to the Church of their homo for a boys' college. The gift was gratefully accepted. And they wished to acknowledge their indebtedness to tlie Misses M'Glasfoan for their generous gift Hβ wished also to say that tlie gift was made without conditions, though the desire was expressed that the school should bear tho name of their revered father. The board gladly fell in with tliis wish, and at the same time felt how appropriate it was that the memory of one who had taken such an interest in education in the early days of this province should: be perpetuated in that way. Tho Board of Governors was a strong and representative one, and had given earnest attention to the important matters which concerned the initiation of an enterprise such as that was. The chief concern was the obtaining of a principal. After very serious consideration Mr A. G. Butchers, M.A., was appointed, and they -were satisfied tint they had got the right man. They felt that parents might entrust their boys to the oars of Mr and Mrs Butchers with tho utmost confidence-. With this care and with ideal surroundings for a school, the boys should l have a healthy and happy school life. They stood for tho Christian education of boys. Their schools W3S not established with a view to foster any narrow sectarian spirit. They would receive pupils of all denominations, and they may attend the Church of their parents' choice. He trusted that they would be able to fulfil, in some measure, at least, tho idoas set before them. To do that they must have the support of church members. They were grateful for the sympathy and practical help already received; but nrrach more would bo needed in the future. In a..short time, they wonld 'probably have to spend £SOOO or £10,000 to meet too requirements of the college. They hoped that friend* in country as well as the town would stand by them. It was the peoplo in the country ■who wonld specially benefit by tho boarding establishment. He hoped that the boys would create such a fine spirit that it would be handed down from generation to generation as a great and worthy tradition. They believed the John M'Gkishan College wonld yet bo a great school, and that those of the boys who answered their names when the roll was called worcld in future be proi>d that they wero present on that historic occasion. The dedication prayer ■was offered by the K-or. W. Gray-Dixon. Miss M. M'Glashan then declared the college open. Mr A. G. Butchers, the principal, said that he didi not propose to make- anv remarks as to the occasion, but would at once proceed to call the roll, and content himself for the present with expressing the fpeiinjr of honour aTid responsibility with which Mrs Batchers and himself entered upon their duties. Twenty-one boys answered "Adsum" as their r>«mes were called. Mr W. L. Craig tendered n. welcome to Mr and Mrs Butchws and the pupils on of the Maori Hill coritrregation, awd »aid that the church would make every ?>o?siWo effort to provide for rho regular ■worsliipning at the church of the boys and thr> staff of the college. The President read extracts from a cony of the Ed'inbnrffh Witness of date October 23. 1847, re-latin? to tho then now colony of Otarro, and signed bv John M'Glnshan, secretary to tho association. The proceedings terminated with a verse of the National Anthem and the benediction.