PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. Until 1890. President, Rev. P. Lepeltak. Vice-President, Rev. Wm. Moerdyk. Treasurer, Isaac Cappon, Esq. Executive Committee-Pres., C. Scott; Rev. P. Moerdyke, Rev. D. Broek, Rev. F. W. Jones, and I. Cappon. The Committee meets every month, and takes charge of the affairs of the College in the interim of the meetings of the Council. THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. "Western Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church of America." The Seminary is directed by a "Board of Superintendents," consisting of fourteen members, which meets at the end of April and examines the several classes. The President of the College is ex-officio a member of the Board, and at present the president thereof, Rev. P. Moerdyke, is the secretary and treasurer. 1. Faculty. Rev. M. N. Stiffens, D. D., Professor of Systematic Theology and Teacher of Hebrew, etc. Rev. Henry E. Dosker, Lector of Sacred and Church History, and teacher of Greek, etc. 2. Students. Seniors, 4; Middles, 3; Juniors, 2; total, 9. 3. Course of Study. This covers three years, and includes: Language and Exegesis of both the Old and New Testaments; Biblical Archæology and Geography; Sacred and Church History; Criticism; Systematic, Polemic and Practical Theology, including preaching, pastoral duty and Church government. After sustaining a satisfactory examination in the above branches, the student receives a certificate, which entitles him to present himself before a Classis or Presbytery, and be examined for Licensure. If his trial be sustained he becomes thereby a "candidate" for the ministry. 4. Funds. The Professor is supported by the $30,000 "Professorship of Polemic and Didactic Theology at Hope College," and the the Lector by contributions from the churches. Moneys for a second Professorship are being raised, but so far have been inconsiderable. The General Synod appropriates a small sum for the incidental expenses of the seminary. COLLEGIATE DEPARTMENT. 1. Faculty. Rev. Charles Scott, D. D., President; Professor of Chemistry and Natural History. Cornelis Doesburg, A. M., Secretary; Professor of Modern Languages and Literature, and of Art. Gerrit J. Kollen, A. M., Librarian; Professor of Applied Mathematics, Physics and Political Economy. Henry Boers, A. M., Professor of English Language and Literature, and Rhetoric. John H. Kleinhecksel, A. M., Professor of Mathematics. James G. Sutphen, A. M., Professor of Latin Language and Literature. Rev. John J. Anderson, A. M., Professor of Greek Language and Litera ture. Mental and Moral Philosophy, History, Logic, and some other branches of study are assigned to such members of the Faculty as may best have the same in charge. None are neglected. 2. Students. Seniors, 7; juniors, 7; sophomores, 9; freshmen, 10; total, 33. The degree of A. B. was conferred on 7, and that of A. M. on 2. Total number of graduates since 1866, 127. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 3. Course of Study. Mathematics.-Geometry, Trigonometry, Conic Sections, Calculus. Applied Mathematics.-Surveying. Engineering, Navigation, Natural Philosophy, and Astronomy. Language.-English during the four years, Dutch one year, German and French three years, Latin three years, Greek four years. History. English, with the Professor of English Literature; Roman, with the Professor of Latin; General, both ancient and modern, and History of Civilization; Ancient Geography and Antiquities, in connection with history. Science.-Physiology, Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, and also Politi cal Science. Philosophy.-Logic, Ethics, Psychology and Biology. Sacred Literature.-Gospel Harmony, Introduction to Scripture, Butler's Analogy and Evidences of Christianity. Approved text-books are in general use and the names of the authors may be learned from our annual catalogues. I wish again to state that while Hope College has no separate "Scientific Course," and confers only the degree of A. B., yet its "Classical Course" embraces the scientific studies, as pursued in some sister institutions, and gives a culture better adapted to the wide needs of modern education. GRAMMAR SCHOOL DEPARTMENT. 1. Faculty. Same as in the College, with the addition of John B. Nykerk, A. B., tutor and instructor in Vocal Music. 2. Students. A class, 23; B class, 27; C class, 26; D class, 27; total, 103. Institution, 145; somewhat less than in 1885-86. 3. Course of Study. Total in the Mathematics.-Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Algebra, and Geometry (in part). Language.-English (viz reading, writing, spelling, grammar, composition, and speaking), Dutch, German and French, when desired; Latin for three years, and Greek for two years. History.-United States, English, Greek, and Roman. Science, etc.-Physiology, Natural Philosophy, and Astronomy, Botany and others optional. Other Studies.-Geography, Rhetoric, Didactics, Civil Government, and Religious Instruction. Almost all the students enter in order to take a full course. They may select German and French in lieu of Greek, but seldom omit the Latin. Hence this Grammar School Course is what its name implies. The Council intend to employ an agent, and will endeavor to increase the funds as soon as possible, by at least $100,000. 4. Real Estate. The campus is a beautiful piece of ground in the center of the city, containing 18 acres and having upon it eight separate buildings, three of brick and five of wood. Within the city, and laid out into lots, are about 35 acres, for sale. The Council also owns 617 acres of fruit or farming land, at Point Superior, on the north side of Macatawa Bay, which, when it comes into the market, will increase the endowments of the College. The Library has been located in safer and more convenient rooms, on the lower floor of Van Vleck Hall. During the year 461 bound volumes have been received, and many periodicals and pamphlets; and the total number of books on the shelves is now nearly 7,000. No fee is charged for the use of the library or the reading room. PAPERS. De Hope has somewhat increased its circulation, and the students expect, soon, to publish a College monthly in English. EXPENSES. Board has averaged less than heretofore, and with furnished rooms may be given, as being $2.50 per week. The rooms in Van Vleck Hall are only $5 per annum. The College fees continue at $5 per term for incidentals, and $5 for graduation. Tuition free. The expense of an education at Holland is certainly moderate. CONCLUDING REMARKS. Perhaps Hope college has made no external advance, unless the building of a commodious residence for the President be so considered, but in the quality of its scholastic work, and in plans for improving its curriculum, it is year by year taking higher ground. It strives to be among the undisputed colleges of Michigan, and to maintain, in its section of the State, a high standard of "liberal education." The Council has resolved, during the next year, to inaugurate a" Normal Department," not simply for teachers, but for those who aim at the best plane of that noble profession. There is no Normal School in this part of the State. I hoped to report that a new hall for recitations had been begun; but this much needed improvement also waits for the future. Thanking the former Superintendent for his fitting and not unnecessary words as to the "Denominational schools," in his last report on pages XIX-XXI, I trust that such schools shall no more be officially called "sectarian," or viewed as superfluous. |