These resolutions were adopted, and the agents appointed were requested to make arrangements for the prosecution of the work as soon as practicable. It could not be done at once, as the Agent elected had to be assigned to the work by the Conference, which did not meet till November. So it was arranged that the work should be commenced next spring. In the interval Dr. Leroy M. Lee, then editor of the _Richmond Christian Advocate_, proceeded to write and publish from time to time a series of articles on "Christian Education"--articles probably not surpassed in force and pertinence by any ever written on the subject. He kept the matter of the canvass which was to be inaugurated the coming year before the Methodist public, and thus effectually paved the way for better success. In May, 1855, the agent and president of the College began the active field work to raise the amount to one hundred thousand dollars at Crenshaw's Church, on the Nottoway circuit, near Blacks and Whites station, on the the (then) Southside Railroad. At this church a mass-meeting was held, lasting several days. There were present, in addition to the leaders above named, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, editor, who was much interested in the effort. Dr. Smith was the chief speaker, and he never appeared to better advantage, having the sympathy and interest of the audience with him from the start. Dr. Lee followed him. Agent Cowles struck while the iron was hot and took the subscription, which, in addition to what was secured in the circuit in the next few days, amounted to five thousand dollars. This gave the enterprise a good send-off, and was received and accepted by the church at large as an augury of final success, which proved to be true. The agents did not relax their efforts till the limit was reached. There were several circumstances which made this effort a success. The men in charge were the right men. Dr. Smith was a great man before the people. Few men who lived in the State ever equalled, fewer still ever surpassed him. His colleague, while not deficient in public speaking (he was a most excellent preacher), was gifted with good business address and tact, well versed in reading and managing mankind in general, and thorough in his business transactions, securing all the benefits which were possible. Both were largely acquainted throughout the Conference.