Wednesday
“About half-past nine o’clock Wednesday morning the students of the several schools and colleges, together with the alumni, met at old St. Paul’s Church, on Church street, and there, after forming into a procession and led by the band, marched to the auditorium. Here the graduating class, in orthodox cap and gown, ascended the stage, where, with the alumni, they were seated in chairs arranged in semi-circular lines, forming altogether a pleasing and impressive picture.
“A few minutes were spent in rehearsing college songs. In this connection it may be well to note that the Randolph-Macon system is rich with songs suitable for commencement season, and written principally by those who have studied within its classic halls. After prayer by Rev. Dr. James A. Duncan, of Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. W. S. Bell, president of the Class of ’98, introduced Miss Blanche E. Cheatham, of Martinsville, who delivered the salutatory address.
“The history of the Class of ’98 and its twenty-nine members was told by Mr. J. T. Porter, and as each name was called it was greeted with applause, while the historian made a brief comment upon its owner. The Class song of ’98, composed by Mr. E. T. Adams, Jr., was next sung, after which Miss Lily G. Egbert, of Atlee, Va., read the class poem, an original composition entitled ‘The Evolution of a Soul.’
“Mr. J. E. McCulloch, of Roanoke, delivered the class oration.
“The Hall song, evidently a favorite with the male students, was sung with considerable spirit, especially the chorus, which eulogizes as ‘the very best of all’ the two halls of the two rival literary societies, those of Washington and Franklin. The president of the class next introduced Miss Eloise Richardson, of Richmond, who read a class prophecy, in which she drew vivid pictures of the bright futures awaiting many of this year’s class.
“Mr. Sydenstricker, of Loudoun, read a paper entitled ‘Recommendations.’ In it he indicated, with a prescient knowledge of seemingly remarkable accuracy, the future employments and professions of the members of the graduating classes of Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, and the Woman’s College, Lynchburg.
“After singing ‘Gaudeamus,’ the last will and testament of the graduating classes of the two institutions was read by Mr. F. C. Campbell, of Ashland. Again was the audience treated to a series of ‘hits’ at the expense of certain members of the faculties, pupils, etc., of the two schools.
“The valedictory of Mr. F. R. Hill, of West Virginia, the next feature of the programme, was an eloquent and interesting address, and in its delivery made a deep impression on the large audience. Mr. Hill, unlike the majority of college valedictorians, introduced into his composition much originality of thought and feeling. His manner was marked by that simplicity which always distinguishes the true orator, and which invariably attracts and holds the closest attention of an audience.