1896-1897 Academic Catalog

6 CEDARVFLLE COLLEGE . HISTORY. H E idea of establishing an institution for higher Christian education in Cedarville, originated with the General Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in No rth America. This denomination is the representative in this country of the historic Covenanter Church of Scotland. The late Dr. H ugh McMillan, for many years pastor of the Cedarville congregation, manifested a warm interest in the cause of higher education and was the principal of a classical academy in Greene county, which he con­ ducted successfully in addition to his pastoral labors. In the year 1885 the matter of establishing a literary institution as­ sumed definite shape through a resolution offered in the General Synod by Rev. David Steele, D. D., Philadelphia, Pa., and in January , 1887, Cedarville College was duly chartered by the S tate of Ohio. About the same tune a sum of money, amoun t­ ing to about $10,000, was subscribed by the friends of the College, and since then various gifts and bequests have from time to time come into the hands of the Trustees. Notably, the late William Gibson, Esq., of C incinnati, bequeathed $25,000 for the endow ­ ment fund. The enterprise then slumbered for a few years, ow ing to various causes, but in May, 1804, a fresh and most successful start was made. The General Synod elected Rev. David McKinney, D. D., of C incinnati, Ohio, President of the College, and directed the Hoard of Trustees to open the College in the Au tumn of the same year. The Hoard accordingly chose a Faculty, and on Wednesday, Sep tember 19, 1894, the College was formally opened. During the first year the College occupied the fine old mansion house in which Dr. Hugh McMillan con­ ducted his Latin school, and which is now owned by Prof. David Steele, D. D., of Philadelphia. T h e accommodations, however, were not sufficient for the needs of the second year, so the Trustees erected a suitable building on the site purchased several