MEMORIAL SERVICE AT FISK UNIVERSITY.
PROF. J. G. MERRILL.
A memorial service in honor of President Cravath was held in the Fisk Memorial Chapel on Sunday afternoon, September 30th. Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Taylor, members of the original Jubilee Company, had charge of the Jubilee Music. Three of President Cravath's favorite hymns were sung under the leadership of Prof. Wright. Rev. James Bond, pastor of Howard Chapel, read appropriate selections of Scripture, including the story of Moses' vision from Mount Nebo, as the principal passage. Prayer was offered by Pres. P. B. Guernsey, of Roger Williams University. President Burrus, for many years connected with Alcorn College, Miss., and one of the four graduates in the first class at Fisk, read a paper in which he called to mind the well-nigh superhuman labors of President Cravath in founding and maintaining Fisk. His remarks followed the reading of Alumni Resolutions by Rev. George W. Moore, of the class of '81. Dean G. W. Hubbard, acting president of Central Tennessee University, spoke upon the "Early Days." Prof. Denny, of Vanderbilt University, spoke upon "Life the Manifestation of Manhood." Hon. J. C. Napier addressed the assembly on "President Cravath as a Citizen." Among the evidences of President Cravath's citizenship he adduced the fact that he was able to secure large public improvements in the part of the town where Fisk is situated, and also the fact that the president's funeral was attended by a large number of the leading citizens of Nashville. Dr. F. A. Stewart told of "President Cravath as a Teacher," laying particular emphasis upon his rare judgment and the love which he inspired toward himself on the part of his pupils.
Prof. Chase summarized the major facts in President Cravath's life, tracing to his early days the deep convictions which controlled his whole career, and to his ancestors and life on the farm his fine physical endowment. Prof. Morgan, gave some delightful personal reminiscences, especially concerning his last days when the conviction was settling down upon him that his end was not far away.
Miss Ballantine read very brief extracts from the large number of telegrams and letters which the family had received since his death. These came from the old and the young, the rich and the poor, men of high position and in the lowly walks of life. The audience was dismissed by a short prayer and the benediction by Rev. George W. Moore—an audience rarely surpassed in point of intelligence in the annals of the University. It was composed very largely of young men and women, the choicest of the colored people in the city of Nashville. A goodly number of white citizens were also present.