With such natural surroundings as the students of Williams have, such
scenery appealing everywhere to the eye and soul, mountains close at
hand to climb, and sequestered nooks to explore, it could hardly be
otherwise than that they should combine with their studies the physical
exercise necessary for the maintenance of health. They have been
encouraged also by the college authorities to engage in athletic games
among themselves, and to participate in friendly contests with the
students of other colleges, and in these contests the students of
Williams have held an honorable place.
It would be wrong perhaps not to make a more distinct reference to the
moral character of the college. As has been seen, the ethical studies
hold a prominent place in the curriculum. The college has a
distinctively religious character. By this is not meant that it is a
religious institution. It was not founded by any religious sect or
denomination. It is not under the control of any such. It was founded as
a school, a place of education, with no ulterior aim. But its founder,
and those who executed his will and gave shape to his design, were men
of religious character; persons who held moral character above mere
scholarship, and who believed that every scholar should have a devout
spirit. Their successors and those who from the first have held the
position of instructors, have been of like feeling. They have been
Christian scholars themselves, and have sought to make their pupils
such; not, however, in any forced or unpleasant way. The chapel has its
place among the college buildings. There the students assemble every
morning for the reading of the sacred scriptures and for prayer; and on
the Sabbath religious services are conducted after the customary manner
of the churches. Studies in natural theology and in the catechism also
form a part of the college course. The religious atmosphere which
surrounds the college is as genial and cheerful as the natural
atmosphere which bathes the hills and valleys around in October days. It
has no element of sectarianism or bigotry. Free alike from cant, from
looseness and indifference, the religious tone of the college is
altogether wholesome.
Williams, the westernmost of our New England colleges, blends in
harmonious combination the puritan spirit of the East with the
progressive spirit of the West, and offers to all who come to her doors
an education based upon tried principles, and conducted in a healthful
spirit. At his inauguration to the office of its presidency, Dr. Hopkins
said, "I desire and shall labor that this may be a safe college; that
here may be health, and cheerful study, and kind feelings, and pure
morals." No words perhaps could better describe the character which,
under his wise management, and that of his associates, the college has
maintained.
President Carter's inaugural address contained an urgent plea for a
professorship of the "History and Polity of the Hebrew Theocracy," and
although the funds for such a professorship are still wanting, the
college stands faithfully by the old traditions of reverence and worship
and sound morality.