Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Document 22 Folder 1860 Cornerstone Publications

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{partially torn document} nonical Scriptures--Old {partially torn document} ; the Book of Common {partially torn document} a copy of the Constitution of the United States of America; the constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church, together with proceedings of the last convention of that body; the journals of the Dioceses of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky and Tennessee, forming the dioceses united in the undertaking; a volume containing documents written in relation to the University; publications of the Church; a copy of the Spirit of Missions; religious newspapers of the Church; Pocket Almanac, containing list of all the Bishops and Clergymen of England, Ireland, Scotland and the Continent.

The casket was then sealed and placed in the stone, which is of native Tennessee marble, taken from Franklin county quarry; two feet eight inches in width, four feet in length, and two inches high. The stone was properly adjusted in its place, and the ceremony of laying the corner stone was performed by Rt. Rev. the Bishop (Polk) of Louisiana, who began by saying:

A corner-stone is that which unites the walls of a building, and may symbolize strength and stability--the union of the intellectual and spiritual nature of man--the emblem of Christ--the sure and tried cornerstone--the wisdom of God and the power of God!

Then striking the stone three times with a hammer, he said:

In the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity! Father! Son! and Holy Ghost! three Persons--one God, Blessed forever. Amen.

I, Leonidas Polk, D. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Louisiana, on this 10th day of October, and in the year of Grace, 1860, do lay this cornerstone of an edifice to be here erected as the principal building of the "University of the South"--an institution established by the Protestant Episcopal Church in the dioceses of Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, for the cultivation of true religion, learning and virtue, that thereby God may be glorified, and the happiness of man be advanced.

Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ; the same yesterday, to-day and forever. God over all, blessed forever, in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins'; for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must saved.

The choir then chaunted the "Benedicite," with instrumental accompaniment, after which the audience, which was estimated at between 4000 and 5000 persons, moved in procession to the oration hall, which was in a large frame building, with seats for 3000 persons, and a platform erected at one end; upon which were seated the Bishops and Trustees of the University, with Hon. John S. Preston, of S. C., Lieut. M. F. Maury, and other speakers. The

seats immediately in front of the platform were occupied by the ladies. When the audience were seated, Bishop Otey introduced to the audience Col. Preston, who came forward and delivered an eloquent and appropriate address, of which the journal we are indebted to for this account does not present even the briefest outline. But of course it will soon be given to the public, in connection with the other proceedings of this interesting day.

The choir and congregation then joined in the good old chant, "Gloria in Excelsis," and Bishop Green offered the closing prayer, mostly composed of the collects, but somewhat altered, for adaptation to the occasion, and concluding with these, so admirably fitted to the times in which we are living:

O Eternal God, the shield of our help, beneath whose sovereign defence thy people dwell in peace and safety, we bless and praise, we laud and magnify thy glorious name for all thy goodness to the people of this land. Inspire our rulers with the spirit of justice, fidelity and vigilance in the management of the trusts committed to their charge. Make the people orderly, sober, moderate and obedient to lawful authority, that by humility and watchfulness in prosperity, patience, courage and steadfastness in our trials, we may always enjoy the confidence and blessed assurance of that people whose God is the Lord.

And grant, O Lord! that the course of this

noble undertaking, assisted by the Right. Rev. Bishops Otey, of Tennessee, Elliot, of Georgia, Atkinson, of North Carolina, Cobb, of Alabama, Green of Mississippi, Rutledge, of Florida, and Smith, of Kentucky; and numerous clergy, all in full robes. Nothing could exceed the simple and impressive dignity of the ceremonial, and the sweet tones of the "Gloria in Excelsis," from fine female voices mingled with "bass," "rose like a stream of rich distilled perfume, and stole upon the ear."

The procession then moved onward to a large audience hall, constructed hastily out of the rough material of the forest, and seating 3000 persons, who listened with mute attention for two hours to an oration by the Hon. John S. Preston, of South Carolina--an effort which belonged to the highest order of eloquence, and delivered with rare gracefulness, purity and expression; his metaphor novel and elegant; his allusion to the virgin freshness of the site perfectly charming: "Here," said he, "we have no antiquity, but the annulation of the oak. Nature spreads out her choicest treasures, mind now for the first time ascends the throne." The whole closed with a fine testimonial to the fathers of the Church assembled on the platform, to whose zeal, energy and farseeing wisdom, the South is indebted for the incipiency of this grand project.

After the oration, a fine banquet awaited the guests, in a vast dining hall constructed and roofed like the audience room. The spread was abundant and handsomely prepared, under the direction of those experienced caterers, Dr. Scott & Son, of Nashville. The post prandials were given by Commander Maury, Bishop Smith, Dr. Barnard, of Oxford, Miss., and Hon. J. M. Bright, of Tennessee, and sparkled with intellect and refined wit; and the company separated with memories of the day which will reach far into the future and afford the happiest omens of success to an enterprise fraught with the choicest blessings to the South, and which in magnitude of design and solid wisdom in its direction, is hitherto unequaled in the records of her educational career. Respectfully yours, W. [handwriting illegible]