Page:Women of distinction.djvu/189

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.
137

In 1869 the government buildings, then in use for the school, having been transferred to the Association, permanent foundations were placed under them. A dormitory building was also erected and a Gothic chapel. In 1870, Professor Ogden, who was especially interested in normal work, resigned, and Professor Spence took charge as principal, with the idea of developing college preparatory and college work. The new idea made better accommodations imperative, as the old government buildings were fast going to decay.

A resolute band of singers, afterwards known throughout the civilized world as the "Jubilee Singers," under the guidance of Professor George L. White, started out October 6, 1871, on their marvelous career, with little money and no experience. Space does not permit me to relate the struo:o-les of this little band. But after many months of hardships the clouds began to lighten, and as a result of their labors, after seven years' singing in the United States, Great Britain, Holland, Switzerland and Germany, they realized a net income to the University of $150,000, besides many valuable gifts of apparatus, paintings, etc. With this money Jubilee Hall was built. January i, 1876, the University was transferred to this building, which is situated on the former site of Fort Gilliam, one of the most commanding and beautiful locations about Nashville.

Soon after the erection of this hall Rev. E. M. Cravath, who was elected as president of the school in 1875, came personally to manage the work. His labors, seconded by those of the college faculty, five in number,