DINING ROOM, GIRLS' HALL, TILLOTSON COLLEGE.
The Tillotson Church of Christ in Austin was organized January 4, 1885. Rev. J. E. Roy, D.D., Rev. Jeremiah Porter, D.D., and Rev. J. H. Parr, conducted the services. Twelve members were received by letter and seven on profession. While a large majority of the students are members of churches at entrance, comparatively few have joined the church of the school. The entire enrollment of active members has been one hundred and eleven. This, by no means, gives a fair indication of the Christian spirit and activity of the school. In the religious meetings there is never any reference to denominational or sectarian differences.
On the 1st of February, 1899, the church adopted the "Mt. Holyoke Plan" of a "Wayside Covenant," and thirty-five teachers and students have signed that and entered into fellowship with us, while retaining membership in their own churches.
Porter Chapel, erected for outside missionary work in a needy part of the city, has had a checkered but useful experience. Once it was burned. It was rebuilt in 1890. Here Miss Martha J. Adams was wont to meet people, young and old, and dispense aid and comfort along many lines. Here, too, have been held for many years Sunday-school services, and preaching services from time to time, as strength and opportunity allowed.
MECHANICAL DRAUGHTING CLASS, TILLOTSON COLLEGE.
In the early years there were a few students, mostly children of teachers, in college courses, and a still smaller number in theology. The aim from the first has been to give instruction in the elements of a good common school education, and to provide advanced work for such as could complete a high school course, or were preparing to teach, or to continue their studies in higher professional schools elsewhere. The list of graduates is still a short one. The motto, "Quality not Quantity," finds its illustration here as in all the rest of the work of the school. The standard of scholarship has always been high and is steadily advancing. Many who have never graduated have done excellent work as teachers in the public schools of the state. "Tillotson" students are in demand and are known and respected for their honesty and reliability. Of the graduates, some are in responsible positions in this state, while others are pursuing courses of study in higher institutions at the North, or have already entered upon professional work. The great work of such a school is in its "leveling up." Who shall measure this? When a boy on retiring at night folds and carefully lays away the sheets and pillow slips from his bed, to "keep them clean," or when he thinks, on entering the dining-room, that he has "reached heaven," evidently there is room for such work.
Teachers and students together strive to make Tillotson a place of refined and Christian culture. The chapel bell calls all to morning prayers, on school days, and to Sunday-school, church services and Christian Endeavor, on Sundays. Each evening the family gathers about the Word at its altar in the dining-room. Bible-study is a part of the regular course through all the grades.
