A Young Men’s Christian Association has been organized during the year, and the first of our closing exercises was a public meeting of this association, conducted by its officers at Central Church.
Addresses were made by Prof. Olds and Rev. Dr. Berger, and a fair audience was present. This was on the morning of Sunday, May 25, and on the evening of the same day the Baccalaureate sermon was preached by Dr. Berger. It was a grand sermon, and was listened to with profound attention by a large audience.
On Monday evening the societies, the old “Sumner Literary Association,” which is almost as old as the school itself; the “Philomathian,” of later birth, but great usefulness; the “Band of Mercy” and “Band of Hope,” united in a public anniversary meeting. A programme, consisting of recitations, orations, reading of essays, and debate, was presented, and a large audience testified to its entire success.
The annual concert and exhibition came on Wednesday evening. The young people were greeted by a full house, and money enough was realized to nearly pay off the indebtedness on the printing outfit. The music was conceded to be excellent, and all the exercises were applauded.
Friday was Commencement. The exercises are held in the evening, as most of those interested in the school being working people, many who would desire to attend could not do so in the daytime. In New Orleans, especially in summer time, audiences are not noted for assembling early, but people have come to know that when Straight University says 7 o’clock, that is the hour when exercises will commence; and as soon as the doors were open, the crowd was ready to go in. No such an audience ever before occupied that church. At the opening of the doors nearly enough were there to fill the main audience room, and soon galleries, aisles and doorways were packed. It is estimated that a thousand people were present, and a great number were unable to get in.
Formerly, on all gatherings of this kind, it was found necessary to have a force of policemen present; but when getting my permit from the Mayor, I was asked what policemen would be required, I ventured to say “none,” and I am rejoiced to be able to say that during the entire series of meetings no disturbance of any kind occurred. It must be remembered, in order to give force to this, that Central Church is situated in the very heart of the most densely populated portion of the city.
It was a long programme, but so quiet and attentive was that dense audience, that every word could be heard in any part of the room. The exercises from the platform were such as we were proud of, and the audience was not less a subject of pride.
Ten students were graduated, the largest number ever completing the course in any year, and all their exercises were marked by a simplicity and force quite in contrast to the floridity and fluffiness often attributed, and sometimes with justice, to the colored people. Some fine music by the choral and glee clubs, and by individuals, gave variety to the exercises.
The diplomas were presented by Hon. Thomas J. Woodward, vice-president of the board of trustees. A few remarks were made by President Hitchcock and Secretary Chas. Shute, followed by a neat and forcible impromptu address by Rev. A. E. P. Albert, D.D., an alumnus of Straight; closing by singing “The Heavens are Telling,” by the choral club, and benediction by Dr. Berger. Of the graduating class, all but one will for the present engage in teaching; several hope to return and take post-graduate courses. All are working Christians.