Nearly two hundred persons, some in foreign lands, are enrolled as
students in the Chautauqua School of Theology. Their distribution in
the departments shows that ninety-nine have elected to take practical
theology, eighty-nine Greek, and twenty-five Hebrew. The other
departments have each a smaller number. Many are taking the studies in
two or more departments, and one student is already prepared for his
examination.
The undertaking is constantly receiving hearty endorsement in
educational and literary centers, where recognition has eminent value
and influence.
Leading educators and clergymen are becoming better acquainted both
with the needs which have called the Chautauqua School of Theology into
being, its grand purposes, its undenominationalism, its evangelical
catholicity, and with the remarkable feasibility of its methods.
Doubters have already been forced to admit that the curriculum of
the Chautauqua School of Theology affords the untrained preacher who
by circumstances was crowded past the doors of college and seminary
into the pulpit, his best, if not his _only_ privilege to supply
deficiencies.
The qualities of seriousness, earnestness, and conscientious
faithfulness, which are inseparable from the true theological student,
characterize without exception the students of the Chautauqua School of
Theology. It is indeed one special merit of the School that its members
come to its curriculum only after ascertaining their _real wants_,
their personal adaptation to technical training, or their special
needs; or, it may be, their peculiar disqualifications for the work
of the ministry. Hence they possess a clearness of aim and a vigor of
purpose which are certain to command success. Necessarily, therefore,
the atmosphere of the School work is tonic and healthful.
The eminent theologians, associated with the president, Rev. John H.
Vincent, S.T.D., as deans of departments, everywhere inspire confidence
in the quality of the training furnished. They have entered upon
their peculiarly difficult labors with enthusiasm born of confidence
in the possibilities of usefulness preëminently afforded them in the
Chautauqua School of Theology.
By a recent arrangement Dr. L. T. Townsend, D.D., who from the
beginning has borne like a Hercules the school work, places the
burdens of the deanship upon the general secretary, retaining the two
departments which he conducts with such distinguished success. His
absence in Europe will not interfere with the work in his several
classes.
The officers, departments, and deans of the School are as follows:
President, Rev. John H. Vincent, S.T.D.; Dean and General Secretary,
Rev. Alfred A. Wright, A.M.