The friends of the College were jubilant over this great event, which seemed to insure new life and energy to the College, the subject of so many hopes and prayers. The three great moving and active agents in consummating the work--President W. A. Smith, Dr. Leroy M. Lee, and Agent Rev. Henry B. Cowles--are worthy of all honor, and their names should be handed down to succeeding generations as the benefactors of their State and church. At the commencement, June, 1859, there was a large re-union of the Alumni of Randolph-Macon to rejoice over the endowment secured and to consult together about the interests of the College. Prominent among those present were Rev. President John C. Blackwell, the oldest alumnus; Rev. Holland N. McTyeire, D. D., editor of the _Nashville Christian Advocate_; Rev. James A. Duncan, Hon. Thomas H. Campbell, etc. A banquet of the Society was held, which was attended by many of its members and invited guests. The Society of Alumni adopted the following preamble and resolutions: "Whereas the Bible, as the word of God, contains the highest wisdom as well as the highest truth; and whereas it is the oldest as well as the best of books, and bears a vital relation to literature and civilization as well as to religion; and whereas a knowledge of its teachings and the history of those religious opinions and institutions which have exercised a controlling influence upon the character and destiny of mankind is necessary to a broad, liberal and complete education; therefore, "_Resolved_, 1. That the Bible, as a text-book, ought to occupy a central place in education, as it does in morals. "2. That it is eminently proper for the church, in conducting education, to give the Bible such a place and distinct recognition. "3. That we, the alumni of Randolph-Macon College, recommend and respectfully urge upon the Board of Trustees the creation of a _Chair of Biblical Literature_, whose instruction shall be accessible to all students of the College who shall desire to include them in their course of study, and shall be extended free of charge to any young men who are studying with a view to the Christian ministry. "4. That we recommend that the Virginia Conference rand the friends and patrons of the College everywhere take measures for speedily endowing a _Chair of Biblical Literature_. (Signed) "HOLLAND N. MCTYEIRE. "JOHN C. BLACKWELL." [Illustration: REV. WILLIAM S. DAVIS, _Of the North Carolina Conference; General of Cavalry in the C. S. A._] This was the most pleasant and cheering commencement occasion which had occurred for many years. The catalogue showed the attendance to have been: Students in College, 119; in Preparatory School, 22--total, 141. This year the old curriculum of four years was abandoned, and the course was made _elective_, with the following departments, viz.: [Illustration: THOMAS J. JARVIS, LL. D., _Ex-Governor of North Carolina; Senator in U. S. Congress; Minister to Brazil._]