Opening of the College, 1822
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What follows are portions of the address given by President William Staughton at the opening of the Columbian College, January 9, 1822:
The Columbian College, whose Faculty have this day been announced and recognized, for the present is open chiefly to classical and theological students; but should be the blessing of heaven descend on the projects, and crow the exertions of its friends and supporters, additional edifices will soon be erected, where lectures will be delivered on the Institutes of Law and Medical Science.
Contemplating the rapidity with which these buildings have arisen, the preservation of the workmen from the slightest harm, and the liberal contributions that have been obtained, and are still arriving; and remembering, that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, we must feel that an offering of undissembled gratitude is due to the Father of Lights. In His Name the foundation has been laid; and to the charge of his gracious Providence, the destinies of the Columbian College are, with humility and satisfaction, confided. The recommendation with which the venerable and beloved President of the United States has been pleased to honour the Institution; the testimonials obligingly furnished by the reverend and excellent Professors of the Theological Seminary at Andover; and the approbation expressed by many of our most distinguished citizens, are contemplated with sincere acknowledgment.
Among the numerous considerations which afford pleasure to the patrons of our College, and inspire their generous hopes, its location must be mentioned. From this hill, as from the eminence on which Aeneas stood, the frequent pupil shall look down and exclaim -
“O forunati! quorum jam moenia surgunt.”
He will behold a rising metropolis,—not the city Carthage, but the city Washington. From the window of his study he shall look out and ask - What spot is that whose trees rise high above the surrounding foliage and shall learn, it is VERNON where Washington lived—where Washington sleeps.
Alas! It is the lot of mortals to die!—Rivers will pursue their meanders to the sea, when upon us the night of death shall have fallen. Yet, surely, we may be permitted to express our strong desire, and reverent supplication, that long as the adjacent Potomac shall flow, this seat of learning and virtue may flourish, a blessing to the District - to the Union - to the World.
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Author or Source: William Staughton papers/MS0311 [1]
Document Location: University Archives
Date Added to Encyclopedia: December 21, 2006
Prepared by: Lyle Slovick, Assistant University Archivist
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