CLASS OF 1885.
“Press on, reaching after those things which are before.”
OFFICERS.
President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.
Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.
Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.
Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.
Executive Committee—Officers of the class.
Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.
The badges for ’85, phœnix-like, have risen from their ashes and can now be furnished promptly.
President Underwood would be glad if circles composed of members of the Class of ’85 would inform him of their existence and send name of president and secretary, that he may visit them when possible.
A Canadian classmate writes: “I am prosecuting my studies in connection with the C. L. S. C. all alone in a remote corner of our country, and find my greatest pleasure in holding communion with the good and great of the present and past ages. I am well pleased with the motto for our class and hope to be among those who verify its appropriateness by passing through the Gates next summer at Chautauqua.”
One member of ’85 writes: “Having just read the December column of ’85 in The Chautauquan, have concluded to show my enthusiasm by sending for our colors.” We can all say amen to this: “Please place my name on the roll of the Invincibles, and may God for dear Jesus’ sake help us all to ‘Press on, reaching after those things which are before.’”
Another says: “Although I was nearly fifty years of age when I commenced study in this way, yet am greatly interested and love it more and more. I hope to ‘press on, reaching after those things which are before,’ until I can stand in the immediate presence of Him whom my soul loveth.”
From Kentucky comes this testimony: “I am hoping to be able, literally, to ‘pass through the Gates’ next August and receive from Chancellor Vincent my diploma. I was at Chautauqua in ’83, and will not be content till I go again. My interest and enthusiasm increase as the four years draw to a close. During this time I have pursued my studies alone, having failed entirely to form even a ‘straight line’ in my neighborhood, five miles from Versailles. Although I would doubtless have enjoyed being connected with a circle, I know that studying the course, even alone, has very greatly benefited me. One of these benefits, and by no means the least, has been the increasing and strengthening of my taste for solid reading.”
New York.—“I have often wished that I could express my gratitude for, and appreciation of, my C. L. S. C. studies and associations, but when I attempt it my list of adjectives seems all too meager and inadequate. Since taking up the course, life and all that pertains to it assume a different aspect. I have gained an outlook which gives life a charm and attractiveness of which I had never dreamed. I had passed my forty-fifth year when I comprehended the C. L. S. C. plan sufficiently to see that it was for such illiterate people as I. The benefits I have received are past computation.”
Our Class Memorial to our loved alma mater must not be forgotten. We want to prepare for a memorial, a present worthy our name and aim. Fifty-five (55) names have up to this time been sent to the treasurer, with contributions to the class fund (some sending more than the amount requested). That is but a small beginning of the hundreds to hear from.