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CHAPTER X

PRESIDENT SAMUEL B. TURRENTINE’S A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

(1913-1935)

PRELIMINARIES T O M Y ADMINISTRATION MY FIRST recollection of Greensboro Female College was

when I was a small boy, sitting by my father, the late Wil- liam Holt Turrentine (son of Daniel Turrentine), in old Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, Chatham County, North Caro-

lina. T h e Reverend William Barringer, of Greensboro, N.C., was taking a collection for the College.

M y recollection of Rev. Mr . Barringer is quite distinct- a well- proportioned man, having a striking appearance, high forehead, pierc- ing eyes, gray beard, and commanding voice.

He declared that he did not expect to let anyone leave church till the money was raised.

During the collection Mr. Barringer, pointing toward the gallery, exclaimed: “Yonder is some money- catch it!” T h e bill of money was dropped from the gallery by Mr. Andrew Wilson, a well-known citizen of that community. Rev. William Barringer, a presiding elder, devoted much time and service in behalf of rebuilding the College, which had been burned on the night of August 9, 1863.

I n an interview with the late John A. Barringer, attorney in Greensboro, son of Rev. William Barringer, I suggested that he make a gift to Greensboro College in memory of his father. While declin- ing to make a financial donation to the College then, he stated that he had decided to give the large portrait of his father to the College. This life-size portrait now hangs upon the wall in the corridor of the Main Building of Greensboro College, and is an excellent portrait of Rev. William Barringer as I recall him when he took the collection for the College in the days of my boyhood at old Mt. Pleasant Meth- odist Church.

During that interview with Mr. John A. Barringer he told of the tragic death of his noble father, which occurred March 10, 1873. Rev. Mr. Barringer, while viewing the work of reconstruction of the College on the morning following a rain, slipped upon the gang-way and fell from the third story of the west end of the Main Building. Mr. John A. Barringer, then a young man, having heard of his father’s accident, ran to the side of his father, who lived only a f ew hours.

A PEN-PICTURE OF MRS. SAMUEL B. T U R R E N T I N E

(Mrs. Sally Leonora Atwater Turrentine)

B y MRS. LILLIE GANNON ATWATER (Mrs. J. N. Atwater) Conway, S.C., 1945

On a Sunday morning, many years ago, I was attending a morning service a t the old Mt. Pleasant Church in Chatham County, North Carolina.

Just before the service began a carriage stopped near the door of the church. Two handsomely dressed young girls alighted f rom the carriage. This was a season when bright colored velvets and fancy buttons were “en vogue.”

T h e gir l with the bright blue eyes and very blond hair (Cara) wore blue velvet, decorated with many small brass buttons, similar to the ones worn by the cadets of the military schools. T h e gir l “of the light brown hair” and soft brown eyes, her sister, was similarly dressed in red velvet. Each girl wore a becoming hat (not a scare-crow). This was my first meeting with “Nonie” Atwater (Mrs. S. B. Turrentine).

Sally Leonora Atwater daughter of Carney Compton Atwater and Amelia Anne Baldwin Atwater, was born in Chatham County, North Carolina March 24, 1864; was converted and joined Mount Pleasant M . E. Church, South, Chatham County, N.C., during girlhood. Graduated at Greensboro Female Col- lege, with the class of 1887. Was married to Rev. Samuel Bryant Turrentine at her home in Chatham County, January 4, 1888.

She was to experience the joys and sorrows, the trials and sacrifices, incident in the l i fe of a Methodist preacher.

Nonie entered the itinerancy wholeheartedly, with an abiding faith in her husband, and in her Maker; and never wavered in her loyalty through al l her husband’s itinerancy in the Western North Carolina Conference, Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, about twenty-five years ; shared in the responsibilities of school life, during Dr. Samuel B. Turrentine’s presidency of Greensboro College, from June, 1913, to June, 1935-twenty-two years. Her remaining life was spent in the home, 219 North Spring Street, Greensboro, N.C., during Dr. Turrentine’s connection with Greensboro College as president emeritus and instructor in Bible.

Mrs. Turrentine died quietly and suddenly at her home, on her fifty-fifth wedding anniversary, January 4, 1943. Interred in Green Hill Cemetery, Greens-. Greensboro North Carolina.

Mrs. Turrentine was five feet, one inch in height, weight 1 1 5 pounds; was well-proportioned. She had soft brown eyes, dark hair and a brunette complexion. Nonie was always fond of, and usually wore, pretty clothes.

Nonie was conscientious, almost to a fault. She had the courage of her strong convictions j used her ready intuition in estimating character and choosing her friends. In this she seldom erred. She was prudent, but never prudish ; was quick a t repartee, and had a keen sense of humor. Nothing pleased her more than to get a good joke on “Sam.”

This was to be a new experience in the young girl’s life.

(Continued o n Fourth Page of This Insert)

REV. SAMUEL BRYANT T U R R E N T I N E , A.M., D.D. (Ninth President)

MRS. SAMUEL BRYANT T U R R E N T I N E (Mrs. Sally Leonora Atwater Turrentine)

(Continued f r o m First Page o j This Insert)

Just a very few years ago, Dr. Turrentine said to his wife, “Nonie,” pointing to an old rocking chair (an heirloom), “please take good care of that chair. I wish to keep it for my old age.” She looked at him f o r a moment. Then, wav- ing her hand towards the chair, she replied, “Well, M r . Turrent ine just take your seat.” Then they both laughed.

Few mothers have been more devoted to the interests and welfare of the family than was Mrs. Turrentine to her five sons,-- Samuel Bryant, Jr., Carney Gray, Wilbur Clinton, Julian Atwater, Walter William, and one daughter, Annie Leonora, (Mrs. Anne Turrentine Simmonds). One son (Carney Gray) , passed away in infancy; another (Wilbur Clinton), in early manhood. Wilbur had served eighteen months overseas in the U.S. Army during World W a r number one. T h e surviving children al l have held responsible positions in war work of World W a r number two.

As time passed on, Mrs. Turrentine, with her crown of white hair, grew prettier as she grew older.

When I was told that the death angel had carried Nonie away in the dark shadows of the night, I knew that I had lost another friend.

MRS. SALLY LEONORA A T W A T E R T U R R E N T I N E

Wife of

REV. SAMUEL B. TURRENTINE, A.M., D.D.

Born in Chatham County-, N.C., March 24, 1864. Married Rev. Samuel B. Turrent ine January 4, 1888. Died in Greensboro. N.C., January 4, 1943. Interred in Green Hill Cemetery Cemetary Greensboro, N.C.

A ROMANCE OF EDUCATION 127

ANOTHER BOYHOOD RECOLLECTION OF G.F.C. During my boyhood, soon after the thrilling scene of witnessing

the Mt. Pleasant collection mentioned, I heard Miss Cornelia Free- man, daughter of the late Dr. Richard Franklin Freeman, Sr., of Alamance County, N.C., my teacher of a private school, while board- ing in my parents’ home, in Chatham County, give a vivid description of the burning of Greensboro Female College, August 9, 1863.

I n telling of the event, “Cousin Cornelia,” as many of the pupils called her, spoke of one student who dragged her trunk from the burning building out on the campus, and then sat upon her trunk and wept!

T o this accomplished young woman, Cornelia Freeman, a choice exponent of old Greensboro Female College, I gratefully give credit for having first led me to discover a disposition to study. At my home, where she boarded, she would kindly help me in preparing my lessons. I n the school room she exercised the discipline of my being “kept in” for failure in recitation which did not agree with my feelings. I was in class with three other pupils, two girls and another boy-a quartet of two girls and two boys. By this two-fold method, the gentle method of home and the more rigid agency at school, I was led to the discovery that I could actually study and learn!

REMOVAL FROM CHATHAM TO ORANGE Many years passed. My parents had moved from Chatham County

into Orange. I had just delivered my graduating oration in old Gerrard Hall at Chapel Hill, Thursday, June 5, 1884, when I was told

that some men on the campus wanted to see me. I soon met the committee who offered me the principalship of Union Academy in my old home community of Chatham County. I soon accepted the offer, and, in due time, I was teaching within a short distance of the site of the school taught by Miss Cornelia Freeman in my boyhood days.

I n Union Academy one of my accomplished assistants was an honor alumna of Greensboro Female College, having charge of instru- mental music, Miss Flora Dixon, later, Mrs. Millard Fillmore FOX, wife of Dr. Fox, of Guilford College.

Among my pupils at Union Academy was the son of Mrs. Cornelia Freeman Clegg (Mrs. Carney Clegg), Luther B. Clegg, now a prominent citizen of San Antonio, Texas, who was about the same age of myself when I was a pupil of his mother!

A ROMANCE BEGAN I was destined to become

captured by a G.F. College alumna, a daughter of a G.F. College alumna, living near Union Academy.

I n the meantime, a romance began.

128 A ROMANCE OF EDUCATION

As time passed I had occasion to visit G.F. College, including periods while I passed through Greensboro en route to and from Van- Vanderbilt University, during the time when the young woman of the community of Union Academy was attending G.F. College.

During those days Dr. Turner M. Jones was president, and Miss Dora Jones, the accomplished daughter of Dr. Jones, was lady principal.

T h e College at that period observed regulations characteristic of the small liberal arts, Church-related College of early days. Students attended church in a body, accompanied by the president and other members of the faculty. Mail addressed to students was distributed by the president, usually announcing in the dining-room the name of each student to whom such mail was addressed.

EARLY CURRICULA OF G.F.C. T h e curricula required higher mathematics f o r graduation. Besides

such liberal arts studies, including courses in science, the College was noted for the fine arts, including excellent courses provided in music.

ROMANCE CELEBRATED

O n January 4, 1888, at her home in the Union Academy community, the “romance,” previously mentioned, was happily celebrated in my leading to the marriage altar Miss Sallie Leonora (“Nonie”) Atwater, whose graduation I had witnessed at the G.F.C. Com- mencement of 1887.

Soon after this happy event we entered upon the Methodist itinerancy beginning at King’s Mountain.

While presiding elder of the Charlotte District, I delivered at G.F.C. Commencement of 1898, during Dr. Dred Peacock’s presidency, the annual address, upon the subject, T h e Mission of Christian Womanhood. I n the address a plea was made for the education of woman preparing her for larger life, service and freedom.

With the administration of Dr. Peacock was continued a practical course of study, commercial, adapted to encourage the broader, practical type of woman’s culture, including vocational courses of study in harmony with modern education. At the same time evidence was indicated that the policy of the administration favored raising the general standard of the College curricula.

During the quadrennium beginning with the close of the fall of 1900, I served as pastor of West Market Street Church, Greensboro. This period embraced the last two years of Dr. Peacock’s administration and the first two years of Mrs. Lucy H. Robertson’s administration of the College.


BEGINNING OF “THE ROMANCE OF EDUCATION IN N.C.”

O n June 19, 1903, the faithful men, having been running the College for a number of years, and feeling that the burden had become too heavy, made official announcement of the close and sale of the College.

Greensboro Female College was purchased by a “syndicate of prominent laymen” in 1882. This group consisted of the following: Dr. T. M. Jones, Dr. L. W. Crawford, Messrs. J. A. Odell, Julius A. Gray, and J. M. Winstead, all of Greensboro; Messrs. Henry Lilly and E. J. Lilly, both of Fayetteville; Gen. Julian S. Carr, of Dur- ham, and J. H. Ferree, of Randleman.

T h e above are the original purchasers and incorporators of Greens- boro Female College. T h e exact date that the College was sold was June 5, 1882. Messrs. J. M. Odell, Concord, and R. R. Gwynn, Elkin, bought stock the following year.

“Had not these faithful men, in this time of dire distress, stood in the breach and rescued the old College from financial ruin, the later annals of the College’s triumph would doubtless never have been recorded.” (Quoted from S. B. Turrentine, in Daily News, Feb. 20, 1938, p. 2, C., in article compiled from various material, entitled: “Greensboro College Was First for Women in North Carolina”).

T h e alumnae, led by Miss Nannie Lee Smith, of Greensboro, called the “Joan of Arc” of G.F.C., met these men and agreed to undertake the raising of $25,000.00 within thirty days, necessary to pay for the stock of the company, in order to save the “Dear Old Alma Mater” from the hammer.

MISS NANNIE LEE SMITH IN RE:

STEPS TAKEN TO PREVENT SALE OF G.F.C.

T h e stockholders, having published in the press a notice of a meeting for the purpose of dissolution of the stock of Greensboro Female College, the Alumnae were called through notice of the press by Mrs. Lucy A. Cuninggim, president, and Miss Nannie Lee Smith, secretary of the Alumnae Association, to meet at West Market Street Methodist Church, Greensboro. I n this notice, published in the press, the request was made for all interested, including especially the two conference boards of education of North Carolina Methodism, to meet with the Alumnae at the Church to help save the College.

T h e Conference Board members who attended the meeting at the church stated that they had no authority to act in the matter; adding that they could not take on any institution that would incur debt on the conferences.


From the church the Alumnae proceeded in a body to the College to ask the stockholders to appear before their meeting in behalf of saving the College from dissolution.

T h e meeting was held in the West Parlor, now the Lucy H. Robertson Room.

Included among the alumnae who attended the meeting at the Col- lege were the following: Mrs. Lucy A. Cuninggim, president, Alum- nae Association; Miss Nannie Lee Smith, secretary; Mrs. Bettie Cunningham

Mrs. S. B. Turrentine; Mrs. Lucy Michaux McConnell (Mrs. Thomas McConnell, wife of Dr. McConnell) and others.

I went over to the College, but I did not attend the meeting, since I inferred that the meeting was to be executive, and not open to visitors.

According to reliable information, the following description of the meeting is given:

As the men filed into the room of the meeting from their office in the College, some of them were carrying large volumes of documents, and were seated.

After the meeting had been called to order, opportunity was given to the Alumnae to speak. Miss Nannie Lee Smith was the spokes- woman of the occasion.

She made a plea for the owners of the College property to grant thirty days for the Alumnae to try to raise the amount of purchase price to save the College from dissolution. T h e men present clearly indicated doubt about the women’s realizing the impossibility of the task to be undertaken by them.

Miss Smith, however, was in no mood to be discouraged. One man asked what was to be done about the expense of adver-

tising sale of the College already made. Miss Smith replied that the Alumnae would pay for the advertising. Even the question was raised concerning what would be done with the mule at the College, that was “eating its head of” while doing nothing. Miss Smith answered,

I n the meanwhile Mrs. Cuninggim asked Miss Smith whether she didn’t think they (the Alumnae) had not better give up the matter of trying to raise the money. Miss Smith replied: “No, we’ll not give up. What do you think we have come up here for?”

She was not to be discouraged by any questions raised or difficulties suggested.

Such heroic determination shown had effect on the meeting, result- ing finally in consent by the owners of the College to grant the time desired by the Alumnae f o r trying to raise the money to save the College.

W e can sell the mule, or give it away!” “

MISS NANNIE LEE SMITH

A WORD-PICTURE OF MISS NANNIE LEE S M I T H

B y MRS. BELLE HUTTON SIDES (Mrs. E. L. Sides, Greensboro, N. C.)

Miss Smith I S the daughter of the late John Willie Smith and Mrs. Mary Jane Meador Smith, of Rockingham County, N.C.

Miss Nannie Lee Smith, honor graduate of Greensboro Female College, youngest of her class of 1893, petite in stature, gray-blue eyes and now, snowy hair, was known through the adversity days of her alma mater as the Joan d’Arc Arc of the college, a name given her by a staunch friend and co-worker f o r the college in those trying days- Josephus Daniels. And well she merited the honor for her undaunted spirit and untiring labors depicted by a love second only to that of her family.

I t seems that destiny or providence made an unusually large order on one so young and inexperienced at that time, for the vicissitudes of family and college followed each other in rapid succession.

First she saw her beloved college ready to mount the salesman’s block. With zeal almost to the point of “righteous indignation,” she rallied a few loyal alumnae who, putting their heads together and with faith in God’s promises being answered through our many alumnae and their enthusiastic friends, bought the college, elected a faculty and opened on time in the fall.

One year hence she watched with tearful eyes, in the middle of a dark, cold night, the cruel flames as they seemed to burn away the last vestige of hope-but not hers. Before the sun had reached its zenith the following day, her keen mind had the buildings up and ivy putting out on the dear old walls. Here, the romantic story told elsewhere in this history, began.

It seems that these demands on her heartstrings only prepared her f o r the family sorrows she was soon to face. First, the loss by death of her fiance. Soon, the only sister passed into the beyond; then her devoted father; soon her only brother, and a few years later, her mother. Through it a l l her love f o r her college never faltered.

She is now on the Board of Trustees of the College and honorary president of the general Alumnae Association f o r life.

She is still “going strong,” love and interest €or her College growing with the pears.


T h e amount necessary to be raised was $25,000.00, subject to the forty thousand dollar bonded indebtedness.

MISS NANNIE LEE SMITH REGARDING REPRESSING A DANGEROUS ARTICLE

During the crisis of trying to save Old G.F. CoIIege from going under the hammer, Miss Nannie Lee Smith, while passing by the office of the Greensboro Daily Record, was called by the editor, Mr. Joseph M. Reece, to hear read extracts from an article about the College, for publication. As Mr. Reece proceeded to read the article, Miss Smith began to beg the editor to withhold such an article from the paper. “Oh,” he replied, “this is too good news to keep from the public.” Besides, he added that the article would also appear in another paper.

T h e sensational article had been handed to the editor of the Record by one, not a Methodist, who was acting f o r the author of the article alleged to be a Methodist.

T h e article in question abounded in vitriolic criticism of certain men who had befriended the College through other trying days, and was liable to estrange such friends of the institution from helping to save the College in this trying hour.

Miss Smith begged the Record editor to give her time to contact the other editor.

Calling over the telephone, Miss Smith also asked the other editor to withhold the article from publication. He also replied that such news was too good to keep from the public; and indicated that he felt it should be published. Wi th a feeling almost of despair she made the plea for him to keep the article from the paper at Least till a chance had been given f o r an effort to save the College.

After listening to such an earnest plea from a woman, he finally agreed to withhold the article from his paper. T h e editor of the Greensboro Record was also persuaded to withhold the article from publication.

Thus a grave danger, threatening the vital interest of the College was averted! MISS NANNIE LEE SMITH HAS AN INTERVIEW WITH THE EDITOR

O F Record- MORE FAVORABLE THAN THAT ABOUT THE “VITRIOLIC” ARTICLE

O n another occasion, Miss Nannie Lee Smith had an interview with the editor of Greensboro Record when the question arose about the safety of contributing funds to the stranded College. She remarked that even the campus without any building was safe security for the purchase price involved.


T h e editor seized upon the idea, and said that the idea was fine to publish. No objection was offered.

During the following year, 1904, in rebuilding the College from the fire to be described later, Mr. Reece called a well known real estate man in Greensboro and related the situation, suggesting that the real estate man call by and draw a diagram of the campus, indicat- ing lots that could be sold.

After an appraisal of the fine real estate had been made, it was evident that the G.F. College campus without buildings, was ample security against any risk in raising money on the property.

So that this idea proved to be not only fine “Copy” for the paper, but it was also helpful in settling any doubt about risk in helping to raise the money needed to rescue the College from oblivion.

GOVERNOR TAKES PART Miss Nannie Lee Smith went to Raleigh and had an interview

with Governor Charles B. Aycock, and secured his consent to come to Greensboro and speak in behalf of saving Greensboro College from sale. Although his physician had advised him against public speaking f o r awhile, yet Governor Aycock finally consented to come to the rescue of G.F. C., in her time of peril.

Due preparations having been made, a mass-meeting was held in the old City Hall, Greensboro, on the night of July 8, 1903, in behalf of saving Greensboro College, when Hon. Charles B. Aycock, the educational Governor of North Carolina, and the “silver-tongue” orator of the South, came and addressed the enthusiastic audience that filled the large auditorium. Urging that the College be saved, he asked the citizens of Greensboro if they were going to let the Negroes of Greensboro surpass them in the work of education.

Governor Aycock was known to say that no school in North Caro- lina should be closed while he was Governor of the State.

By request I presided over the meeting and directed the taking of the collection. Following Governor Aycock’s appeal, initial pledges having been previously secured, when $12,850.00 was raised on the purchase fund. T h e largest amount secured on this occasion was $1,000.00, given by John A. Young, of Greensboro. A vigorous canvass continued. Within about one month, from July 1 to August 5, 1903, the required amount of $25,000.00 was raised over the state. O f this amount West Market Street Church pledged about $6,500.00. T h e required amount having been raised, the administration of the College passed from the “syndicate of faithful men” to the loyal Alumnae.

GOVERNOR CHARLES BRANTLEY AYCOCK


“Thomas C. Hoyle, Sr., Greensboro College Attorney, prepared a charter, which was issued July 16, 1903, with five incorporators, Mrs. Lucy A. Cuninggim (Mrs. Jesse A.), Mrs. E. L. Sides, Mrs. Charles H. Ireland, Mrs. Bettie Cunningham, and Miss Nannie Lee Smith.” (Greensboro Daily News, May 21, 1937. p. 16.)

T h e writer, in the midst of the heavy demands of a large pas- torate, joined the forces of Alumnae and other friends, including especially Miss Nannie Lee Smith and Charles H. Ireland, in a stren- uous campaign to save the historic institution of learning from oblivion.

O n November 8, 1903, at the last Sunday morning service before the Annual Conference, resolutions, written by the pastor and adopted by the board of stewards of West Market Street Church, were announced, indorsing the plan and purpose of the alumnae to liquidate the bonded debt of $40,000.00 on Greensboro Female College. With- in a few minutes $6,000.00 was announced raised by the West Market Street Church congregation.

A few days later, at the Annual Conference in High Point, Bishop A. Coke Smith, presiding, about $3,000.00 more was raised and announced, when the bonded debt was reported “well on toward the half-way mark.”

A large portion of this amount of $3,000.00 was secured from members of the conference (about $100.00 each) by Miss Nannie Lee Smith, Financial Agent of the College, and the list of names read by her before the conference on Saturday, November 14, 1903. Bishop Smith after this announcement, said: “Young men, I want you to take a lesson how to make an announcement.”

G.F.C. LIBRARY MOVED TO TRINITY COLLEGE

After decision had been made by the stockholders to sell the Col- lege, Dr. Dred Peacock was officially requested to have the library transferred to Trinity College, in Durham, N. C.

“During the presidency of Dr. Peacock, a gift of $1,000.00 was made by Mrs. Peacock to the library in memory of their daughter, and named the Ethel Carr Peacock Memorial Library. Dr. Peacock, by this and other valuable contributions, was enabled to acquire many very valuable and rare books; and ere he resigned on account of ill health, he had built up a collection of several thousand volumes.” (Greensboro Daily News, Sunday, Feb. 20, 1938. Quote from Mrs. R. R. Alley, G.C. Librarian.)

After the library had been transferred to Trinity College, some made protest, and expressed demand for the return of the library to Greensboro Female College, claiming that a portion of the books had been donated by other friends of the College. Dr. Peacock then offered


mattered and perhaps interest might weaken in rebuilding the College. Less than a week previous, this property, having been tendered by

the Alumnae Association, had passed into possession of the two conferences of North Carolina Methodism, under a board of trustees, composed of an equal number of representatives for each conference and for the Alumnae Association.

Trustees of G.F.C. for W. N. C. Conference, 1903 and 1904: Charles H. Ireland, I. I. Davis, and M. D. Stockton.

Trustees of G.F.C. for N. C. Conference for 1903: Joseph G. Brown, J. A. Long, Q. K. Nimocks. For 1904: E. C. Cramer, vice J. G. Brown, resigned; J. A. Long, E. A. Poe, vice Q. K. Nimocks, resigned; and J. L. Borden.

Trustees of G.F.C. for W. N. C. Conference, 1905: C. H. Ireland, J. A. Odell. Trustees of G.F.C. f o r N. C. Conference, J. A. Long, E. A. Poe, J. L. Borden.

Western North Carolina Conference for 1906: M. D. Stockton (confirmed by conference).

North Carolina Conference for 1906: J. A. Long, J. L. Borden. W. N. C. Conference, 1907: S. B. Turrentine, G. T. Rowe,

N. C. Conference, 1907: G. T. Adams, N. M. Watson, M. T.

Trustees of G.F.C. f o r Alumnae Association: 1905, J. A.

Secretary and Treasurer, 1905: Rev. W. M. Curtis.

T h e following night of the same date, (February 18, 1904), the quarterly conference of West Market Street Church recorded action in behalf of the College.

O n Tuesday, February 23, 1904, the board of trustees, with the pastor, met in West Market Street Church, with a concluding session in the Benbow Hotel that night, when it was decided: ( 1 ) T o use the insurance money, $35,000.00, on the bonded debt of $40,000.00; (2) T o rebuild as soon as $35,000.00 could be secured; ( 3 ) T o place agent in the field to press canvass for funds.

Subscriptions to this fund were promptly begun as follows: J. A. Odell, $1,000.00; C. H. Ireland, $1,000.00; Dred Peacock, $500.00, with others added.

Miss Nannie Lee Smith was appointed agent to canvass f o r rebuilding funds.

On Sunday morning, March 6, 1904, a service was conducted by the pastor especially in behalf of the College.

E. L. Bain, E. H. Kochtitzky, M. D. Stockton (confirmed).

Plyler, J. B. Blades, J. W. Grainger, J. A. Long, L. L. Smith.

Young; 1906, L. L. Smith.


I n the meantime the “Dear Old Alma Mater,” on the campus, still stood amid the ashes of her desolation, with naked arms extended in piteous appeal f o r help!

Although a considerable amount had been raised by canvass, and some insurance funds were available, yet much additional money was still urgently needed for rebuilding the College.

Realizing the importance of reopening the College the ensuing fall to prevent irreparable loss of patronage; and realizing the vast- ness of the work of raising funds and rebuilding in so short time, I volunteered special service to aid in canvassing for the rebuilding fund.

With the consent of the official board of West Market Street Church, and with cheering encouragement of my wife, a loyal alumna of the College, I went forth and engaged in an intensive campaign over the state, averaging about $1,000.00 a week for about six weeks.

Official order had been made to authorize actual rebuilding if and when a minimum of $35,000.00 were assured. I was convinced of two things: First, that the required amount of money could be ob- tained. Second, that the amount designated to be raised before actual contract for rebuilding should be accepted was too large to be secured in time for the College to be opened the ensuing fall. Accordingly, I called C. H. Ireland in Greensboro from Raleigh over long distance ’phone, explained the situation as I saw it, and urged him to call an official meeting, and have the required amount to be secured before letting contract to rebuild reduced. He replied all right, rejoiced over my success, and bid me go right ahead.

Sometime after the fire, Mrs. Robertson, who was visiting her sister in Richmond, wrote to Mr. Ireland, stating that she was looking to him and me to rebuild the College.

Miss Nannie Lee Smith, associated with the Odell Hardware Company in Greensboro, gave wise counsel and joined with other friends of the College in giving aid to raise money to rebuild.

While pressing the canvass for rebuilding the College, I sensed another situation needed to be overcome. Certain doubting Thomases were saying that the Methodists would not support the College even if it were rebuilt. Again: a rumor was abroad that an effort was being made to buy the property of Peace Institute in Raleigh (Presby- terian property) to be used by the Methodists. Such movement was adapted to divide North Carolina Methodism’s interest in the education of women.

1 met Mr. J. A. Odell, of Greensboro, a staunch friend of Greensboro Female College f o r many years, and explained the two- fold crisis that had arisen; that we needed to safeguard the situation


by starting an endowment fund to insure the future permanency of the College, as well as to discourage the untimely movement to estab- lish another Methodist college for women in Raleigh. Mr. Odell at once realized our danger, and gave the initial pledge of $5,000.00 f o r raising $100,000.00 on endowment for Greensboro Female College.

This interview was held in the pastor’s study in West Market Street Church on May 24, 1904.

This item of good news was published in the press.

VISIT TO B. N. DUKE Soon Mr. C. H. Ireland and I went to Durham and had an inter-

view with Mr. B. N. Duke in behalf of Greensboro Female College endowment fund. T h e time of our visit occurred soon after the famous Bassett case at Trinity College. Mr. Duke was highly pleased over the settlement by majority of Trustees in favor of retaining Dr. J. S. Bassett, who had written an article on the race question. I made an earnest plea for the retaining of Dr. Bassett, in behalf of academic freedom.

Mr. Duke agreed to give to the Greensboro Female College endowment fund $10,000.00 if and when $90,000.00 additional were secured for the total sum of $100,000.00. T h e announcement of this pledge was also published in the press, which heartened public sentiment with the belief that Greensboro Female College was assured of permanence after being rebuilt. During the struggle to save Greensboro Female College the following amusing incident occurred at the Commencement of Trinity College.

Mr. Ireland and I chanced to be passing the house of President John C. Kilgo, in the campus, on the front piazza of which were sitting several men, including Rev. John N. Cole, who had shown interest in the Peace Institute project in Raleigh. Rev. Mr. Cole greeted Mr. Ireland in a loud voice: “Hello, Mr. College Builder.” T o whom Mr. Ireland vigorously responded: “Hello, Mr. College Killer ! ”

I n the meantime I was on the train with Joseph G. Brown, a prominent Methodist layman of Raleigh, and who favored the Peace Institute project, and I asked him why an effort was being made to divide interest among our people just at the time when old G.F. College was fighting for her life. He replied that he was willing to discontinue efforts to purchase the Peace Institute property for a Meth- odist college in Raleigh. T h e Peace Institute project was discontinued.

By the middle of June, 1904, over half the rebuilding fund had been received.


TRIBUTE TO CHARLES H. IRELAND By S. B. TURRENTINE (Delivered at the Funeral)

Charles Henry Ireland, son of Captain James Ireland and Hen- rietta Lou Pointer Ireland, was born at Lovingston, Nelson County, Virginia, March 12, 1859. His education included efficient instruction under Henry L. Davies, author of well-known text books and noted educator.

I n 1882 he became identified with the hardware department of Odell & Company in Greensboro.

While known as a busy man, giving strict attention to his private affairs, he was also noted for his public spirit shown in civic, moral, educational and religious interests. As a Christian citizen he was loyal to the principles of civic righteousness. Standing firm on the right side of a moral issue he made priceless contributions to the promotion of municipal reform, of temperance and other causes that make for the betterment of a community and a commonwealth.

Included in outstanding service for the public welfare is the service rendered in behalf of saving and of promoting Greensboro College. I n the series of financial and fiery ordeals through which this time- honored institution of learning passed including particularly the years 1903 and 1904 he threw himself wholeheartedly into the constructive programs for rescuing and equipping the college for enlarged useful- ness. I n 1903 he made a generous initial pledge and assisted in the campaign for raising the required amount of $25,000.00 to save the college from sale. I n 1904 he assumed heavy responsibilities including a larger initial pledge for the rebuilding of the college from the ashes. From 1900 he served on the executive committee of the official board and from 1904 he also served as secretary of the official board of the college.

Following the rebuilding of the college he continued to manifest deep interest in the institution by aiding in raising endowment and in enlarging the college plant and equipment. Throughout these years he was inspired with a sense of the sacredness and righteousness of the cause involved.

At an early age Mr. Ireland joined the Methodist Church, and was a member of Court Street Methodist Church, Lynchburg, Vir- ginia. Soon after coming to Greensboro he united with West Market Street Methodist Church where his religious activities continued abund- ant. O f him it was said: “In his program of life, the interests of the church came first.”

For about fifty years he was a member of the board of stewards of West Market Street Church, serving about twenty-five years as chairman. T h e Ireland Bible Class is a worthy monument to the

CHARLES H. IRELAND

MRS. CHARLES H. IRELAND (Mrs. De Lavalette Alderman Ireland)

CHARLES H. IRELAND

Born: At Lovingston, Nelson County, Virginia, March 12, 1859. Died: Greensboro, N. C., March 22, 1932. Buried : Green Hil l Cemetery, Greensboro

MRS. DE L A V A L E T T E ALDERMAN IRELAND

Mrs. De Lavalette Alderman Ireland, daughter of William Franklin Alderman and Anna Maria Love Alderman, was born at Willis Creek, Bladen County, North Carolina, July 5 , 1863.

She was graduated from Greensboro Female College with the Class of 1 8 8 1. After her graduation she taught music in her Alma Mater.

On September 2 7 , 1888, in West Market Street Methodist Church, Greensboro, she was united in marriage to Charles Henry Ireland, the officiating ministers being Rev. Messrs. Jesse A. Cuninggim,

Turner M . Jones, and James E. Mann. From early life Mrs. Ireland has been a devoted member of West

Market Street Church and a loyal Alumna of Greensboro College.


popular and beneficial service rendered by him over a period of about forty years.

His service rendered in connection with the church at large was also varied and efficient. For many years he was trustee of the Chil- dren’s Home at Winston-Salem. He was a pioneer of the lay activity movement of the M. E. Church, South, and was for many years lay leader of the Western North Carolina Conference. He was member of conference board of missions about thirty years, and he answered forty-one roll calls of his annual conference. I n 1921 he attended the Methodist Ecumenical conference at London.

He had the elements of leadership. Endowed with an impressive personality and having a pleasing spirit he readily attracted favorable attention in private and in public. He was imbued with an enthusiasm adapted to inspire others to co-operate for the achievement of a com- mon enterprise.

Having the courage of his convictions he spoke fearlessly in behalf of what he regarded to be right. After espousing such cause he would, without compromise, advocate the principles involved without regard to winning popularity.

Endowed with physical vigor, clear thought, decisive will and indefatigable energy he was enabled during his long busy life to make a great and varied contribution to the betterment of humankind which cannot be estimated.

During his last illness he stated that it was worth all that he was suffering to know the love of so many friends.

He repeatedly spoke of the scene at the Lake of Galilee when Jesus asked Peter: “Lovest thou me?” Mr. Ireland stated that he never knew the love of Jesus as he had while being sick.

He also said if he could be spared he had a message of deeper and stronger import than he had ever been able to give.

T o one who tenderly ministered to his needs he gave assurance of his readiness to depart, saying: “It is only a step to Heaven!”

For several weeks he had been spending the time with some members of the family and others at his winter home in Melbourne, Flor- ida. It was there just after spring had arrived and while Easter was near, about 4 o’clock in the serene afternoon of Tuesday, March 22, 1932, that Charles H. Ireland gently fell asleep!

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