Report No. 1, of the Committee on Education was read and adopted, as follows, viz:

Your committee is reliably informed that the enterprising citizens of Weatherford, Texas, have raised in cash subscription the sum of $12,000.00, and in addition thereto seventy acres of land well located near the city of Weatherford, which they propse to donate to Texas Synod on the following conditions:

1st. That Texas Synod shall locate and establish through this and any subsequent donations made for the same purpose, in said city of Weatherford a seminary of learning of high order for the female sex exclusively, to be known by such name as the trustees may select.

2nd. That Texas Synod shall have absolute control and supervision of said school and property for the purposes and uses set forth in this deed of gift.

In view of the above your committee recommend the following:

1st. That you appoint a board of trustees consisting of Revs. W. G. Templeton, R. M. Minnon, D. G. Molloy, W. H. Berry, J. A. Ward, D.D., and Elders I. N. Roach, J. N. Rushing, George A. McCall and Mrs. R. M. Kindel.

2nd. That Hon. I. N. Roach be and is hereby appointed president of said board of trustees to serve in that capacity until such time as the board of trustees may see proper to elect a president.

3rd. That said board of trustees take the necessary steps to secure a charter; that they select site of said institution, receive deeds for land or lands donated, have the same plotted, sell such part of parts of same as may not be needed for the uses of said seminary of learning, receive and collect said donations, accept and adopt plans for said seminary; and, generally, to do every and all acts that may be necessary to establish the seminary of learning contemplated, in accordance with the wish of the donors.

4th. That you express your high and cordial appreciation of the public spirit, liberality and love of refinement and intelligence manifested by the citizens of Weatherford; and that you pledge to them you best and most earnest efforts to carry out their purpose in building an institution of learning worthy of their city, its public spirited citizens, and our own proud commonwealth.

Committee
   D. G. Molloy.
   W. H. Berry.
   I. V. Davis.
   W. B. Preston.
   T. C. Sammons.
   R. Y. Kernodle.

[Source: Minutes of the Synod of Texas of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 13, 1889, pages 12-13]              

Your Committee on Education submit the following report:

...

TEXAS FEMALE SEMINARY.--This Seminary promises to supply a long-felt want in our Church in Texas. The location is in every way all that could be desired.

The buildings, which are now nearing completion, will be well adapted to the purposes for which they are being erected, and the large Seminary campus is beautifully laid out and arranged.

Your Board of Trustees appointed by you at your last meeting have vigorously prosecuted their work, and we feel proud of their success.

We have had before us the charter of the Seminary, and find that it secures to the Church complete control and ownership of the property with all its franchises.

The charter provides that the Synod shall appoint annually a Board of Trustees for the Seminary. We, therefore, recommend that you re-appoint the present board for the ensuing year.

The Seminary opened on the 8th of this month with encouraging prospects, and we recommend that we give it our earnest prayer, sympathy, and co-operation.
[Source: Minutes of the Synod of Texas of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 18-22, 1890, page 13]

Texas Female Seminary was established in 1890 by the Synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Texas. The institution was designed to meet the evident need for a school devoted exclusively to the education of girls and the rapidity with which it has grown in the past three years affords ample proof of the fact that such need exists, and that the seminary is ably meeting this demand. The enrollment during the session of 1899-1900 was fully three times as great as that of three years ago, and the indications for the ensuing term give promise of a still greater increase. The faculty has been reorganized and material strength added. The course of study has also been extended, and the advantages now offered are equal to those of the best schools of the older States. The buildings are situated on an eminece overlooking the beautiful and healthful little city of Weatherford. They are thoroughly comfortable, and afford all conveniences necessary to the well-being of the pupils. The property is valued at from $25,000 to $30,000, and will, it is hoped, be entirely free from debt in a short time. With that bar to its progress removed, the friends of the institution are hopeful of a much greater measure of success in the near future.
    Weatherford, Texas.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, August 9, 1900, page 130]

The Board of Trustees of Texas Female Seminary beg to report to the Synod of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church now in session at Weatherford, Texas, as follows:

The session ending June 12, 1902, was by far the most prosperous in the history of the school, both from the efficiency of the work accomplished and from the number of matriculates. The enrollment in the Literary Department reached 154; that in the Music Department, 100; in the departments of Oratory and Physical Culture, 30; and in the Department at Art, 19; making in all lines a total of 313.

The work of the students throughout the year was, in the main, earnest and enthusiastic. Six young ladies having completed the Literary Course, one the course in oratory, and two the required course in music, were granted diplomas. Certificates of proficiency were granted to two young ladies in the Literary Department, three in oratory, one in art and seven in music.

The commencement exercises held in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church were of especial interest. The baccalaureate sermon preached by Rev. L. C. Kirkes, President of Trinity University, was an able discourse and was attentively listened to by a large and appreciative audience. The work presented during the week by the students of the various departments gave gratifying evidence of careful instruction. Mr. H. A. Jones, of San Antonio, delivered a brilliant address to the graduating class on commencement day, after which diplomas, certificates and medals were awarded by Rev. J. Frank Smith, Acting Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

During the year, between June, 1901, and June, 1902, improvements were mdae upon the buildings at a cost of more than $1,500. Ten rooms were added, the dormitory repainted and various other improvements made that have added materially to the comfort and convenience of the students and the efficiency of the work.

The opening of the present session has been most gratifying to all friends of the Seminary. Despite the discouraging conditions prevailing over this and other sections of the state, the attendance shows a decided gain over that of last year and the session of 1902 and 1903 bids fair to surpass all previous years in the number of its matriculates.

The already efficient faculty of the Academic Department has been strengthened by the addition of Miss Bessie McClanahan, formerly of Bethel College, who comes to us highly endorsed as a teacher of successful experience.

Prof. A. G. Reichert, who has been placed at the heard of the Conservatory of Music, is widely known throughout the South and West as a teacher of marked ability and a musician of a high order of merit.

Mrs. Julia Dill Maddox has been trained under the best teachers of New York and shows marked tact and skill in the management of her class in voice culture.

Miss Ethel M. Tomlinson, after a three years' course at the Emerson College of Oratory, Boston, is ably prepared to carry on the fine work done in her department for the past five years.

The other members of the faculty, who have been connected with the Seminary for one or more years, are too well known to need comment.

With this equipment and the assurance of a liberal patronage at home and from abroad, the outlook for the coming year is full of encouragement and promise.

The board requests the speedy cancellation of balance due on Seminary. Rev. Chas. Manton, Acting Treasurer, will make report on same.

We recommend the name to be added to the board, as Hon. I. N. Roach is not able to be with us longer on account of sickness.
                                                         J. L. HILL, Secretary.

To the Moderator and Brethren of Texas Synod:

As your representative in the matter of the Texas Female Seminary debt, and in accordance with your instructions the apportionment necessary to cancel the debt due the City National Bank at Paris, was made to each congregation and printed in the minutes of last Synod. The apportionment was also sent to the congregations, asking for an immediate response, resulting in the sum of $1,784.70 being paid. A copy of said amounts is made a part of this report, also a list of the congregations which have not met the apportionment. A communication was sent to each presbytery asking that a member of the presbytery be appointed to collect the unpaid apportionments, with no result to date. The City National Bank refusing to carry the loan any longer, it became necessary to place the loan elsewhere. After many fruitless efforts, the loan was placed with the Dallas Loan and Trust Company. Mr. W. T. Fakes, of Dallas, secured this loan for one year at 10 per cent interest. In settlement with the City National Bank the new loan was made for $3,363.35. Accompanying this report is the financial report.

As your representative, much time and thought have been given to the liquidation of this debt and we feel that the time has come for the appointment of someone else to further prosecute the liquidation of the debt. I therefore tender my resignation as your representative.
         Respectfully.             CHAS. MANTON.

Now being carried by the Dallas Trust and Loan Company for one year.

Abilene Presbytery--Liberty, $2.05; Rising Star, $9; Parker, $4.35; Snyder, $5; Deep Creek, $3.50; Gail, $2.50; Strawn, $4; Sabannon, $4; Bell Springs, $4; Sweet Water, $5; Ranger, $2.50; Biard, $30; White Flat, $4; Dora, $3; Border, $4; Roby, $3.50; Cedar Gap, $2; Buffalo Gap, $2.25; Shady Grove, $2.50; Rev. C. C. Bullock, $2.50; Crossplains, $3; Albany, $1.75; total, $104.40.

Bacon Presbytery--Lone Oak, $15; Center , $3.25; Colfax, $5.50; Union Hill, $1.25; Troupe, $3; Athens, $26; Wills Point, $10; Tyler, $1; Terrell, $20; Kemp, $4; total, $89.

Bonham Presbytery--Bonham, $42.50; Tom Bean, $4; Dodd City, $12.50; Orangeville, $3; Dial, $20; Randolph, $3.50; Belmont, $7.50; Union Grove, $4.50; Whitewright, $40; Howe, $20; W. F. Maddox (Denison), $5; Canaan, $3.50; Lannius, $7.50; Rock Point, $10; Windom, $5; total, $188.50.

Colorado Presbytery--Austin, $12; Smithville, $10; Ledbetter, $5; Paige, $5; Rev. Jno. M. Renick, $2.50; Jas. M. Renick, $1.50; Mrs. Addie McDaniel, $1; total, $37.

Corsicana Presbytery--Milford, $10; Itasca, $26; Woodbury, $5; Peoria, $5; Rev. J. A. Hornbeak (Kerens), $10; T. S. Daniel (Magnolia), $5; Italy, $20; Corsicana, $50; Hubbard, $15; Blooming Grove, $3; Dawson, $15; Hillsboro, $25; Antioch, $3.50; total, $192.50.

Dallas Presbytery--Lavon, $4; Duck Creek, $12.50; Melissa, $75; Dallas, $50; Rock Hill, $5; Richardson, $2.50; McKinney, $23.25; Garland, $30; Bowlby, $1; Rockwall, $10; Fate, $4; Royse, $3; Plano, $16; Walnut Grove, $21; Mesquite, $20; New Hope, $5; Haught's Store, $5; total, $287.25.

Greenville Presbytery--Ragan's Rest, $1; New Home, $2; Hopewell, $5; Miller Grove, $5; Leesburg, $3; Wire Grass, $2.45; Lone Oak, $4; White Oak, $4; Pleasant Grove, $1.40; Lone Star, $5; Caddo Mills, $3.35; Oakland, $2.50; Harmony, $6.50; total, $45.20.

Gregory Presbytery--Wichita Falls, $3; Sunset, $3; Cundiff, $2; Bethel, $3.50; Post Oak, $1; Oak Hill, $3.50; Woodland, $3.50; Belleville, $2; Gregory, $1.75; Alvord Ladies' Auxiliary, $5; East Belknap, $2; Vashti, $2; Crafton, $5; Ringgold, $3.50; Bowie, $1; Alvord, $3; total, $44.75.

Guthrie Presbytery--Sunny Dale, $5; Bone's Chapel, $3; Decatur, $4; Georgetown, $5; Good Hope, $3.50; Mt. Olivet, $3; Rodgers' Chapel, $2.50; Sandy Springs, $4, Valley View, $5; Watauga, $4; Whitesboro, $15.50; Enterprise, $2.90; Pecan, $6; Lewisville, $5; Lynchburg, $5; Kellar, $3; Bethel, $3, Collinsville, $3; Nocona, $3; Rhome, $4; Flower Mound, $20; Mt. Tabor, $5; Shiloh, $2.75, Justin, $5; Aldridge, $2.50; total, $124.65.

Little River Presbytery--Hutto, $20; Taylor, $7.50; Round Rock, $5; Shive, $5, Pleasant Valley, $7.45; Leachville, $6; Oak Grove, $10; Center City, $1.20; Davilla, $10; total, $72.15.

Pease River Presbytery--Amarilla, Childress, Crowell, Hale Center, Running Water, Vernon, Wellington, $30; Tulia, $5; Silverton, $2.50; Fairview, $2; Canyon, $3.45; Quannah, $4; Washburn, $2; Newlin, $3.40; total, $52.35.

Red Oak Presbytery--Red Oak, $5; Sterrett, $2.50; Grandbury, $5; Midlothian, $5; Shiloh, $7.80; Grandview, $5; Alvarado, $5; Rockett, $9; Ft. Worth, $50; Ft. Worth (Cannon Ave.), $6; total, $101.30.

Red River Presbytery--Blossom, $1.70; Shamrock, $2.50; Cothrans, $3.50; Prairie View, $2.50; Woodland, $3.40; Shiloh, $5; Cooper, $1; Rugby, $12.50; Bogota, $5; Bethel, $3; Pecan Gap (Personal Offering), $25, Deport, $12.50; Lake Creek, $7.50; Paris, $45; Ben Franklin, $5; Clarksville, $25; total, $160.10.

San Antonio Presbytery--Slayden, $3; Carizo Springs, $3; Goforth, $5; W. W. Barker, $5; Cuero, $2.50; Lockhart, $2; total, $20.50.

San Jacinto Presbytery--Alvin, $4; Mr. Beeson Edwards, $3.70; total, $7.70.

San Saba Presbytery--Blanket, $5; Marion, $3.25; Ballinger, $20; Brownwood, $28.65; Winters, $5; $20; $15.25; total, $97.15.

South Louisiana Presbytery--Bear Creek, $1.

Tehuacana Presbytery--Tehuacana, $10; Mexia, $15; total, $25.

Texas Presbytery--Jacksonville, $10; Percilla, $5; total, $15.

Waco Presbytery--Morgan's Mill, $2.80; Temple, $7.50; Crawford, $5; Waco, $25; Coryell, $7.50; Iredell, $2.50; Fairy, $2.50; Moody, $8.40; Gatesville, $1.50; total, $62.70.

Weatherford Presbytery--Westbrooks, $2.50; Poolville, $4; Lone Star, $4; Olney, $5; Prairie Hill, $5; Newberry, $5; Midway, $2.50; Farmer, $1; Veal's Station, $4; Bryson, $5; Parson, $2.50; Olive Branch, $3; Big Valley, $3; Lipan, $2.50; Liberty Hill, $4; Peaster, $4; total, $56.50.

Total, $1,784.70.

To the Synod of Texas, Weatherford, Texas, September, 1902. Greeting:

Your Committee visited the Seminary at Weatherford, May 12 and 13, and spent most of the two days studying in detail the character of work of the various departments, the history of the school, its standing, influence and patronage, together with its encouragements and possibilities, and embarrassments.

We were delighted with the high grade and substantial quality of the daily class work, which we saw to be characterized by both excellence and thoroughness. Texas Female Seminary deserves to stand in the front rank of institutions of its class. The patrons of this school may assuredly expect to get "value received" for their time, money and sacrifices, if the girls do their part.

A glance at the progress this institution has made within the five years of Miss McClure's connection with it, impresses one that she has attempted the impossible--and accomplished it. "Oh! the power of ceaseless industry to perform miracles." Thirteen boarders and about twenty children, day pupils, from the immediate neighborhood (not one of them from the town) were the enrollment when she became president. The first year she enrolled ninety-nine, and the second year doubled this. Each succeeding year has been substantial increase. A large addition to the dormitory was built and filled to overflowing. Last summer (1901) the dormitory had to raised a story high. The past year, which was the best in the history of the institution, nearly every room was occupied. Besides, Miss McClure has employed from the start the best teachers to be had, and has paid every cent of each teacher's salary every year. As a result, the Seminary has a local standing and influence that is unrivaled, though there are other denominational schools at Weatherford. New and costly residences in the vicinity of the Seminary are tokens of the high esteem in which it is held.

The discipline of the Seminary is excellent. There has not been an expulsion in five years, and only one suspension. The smooth and clock-like regularity with which the student body moves to and from chapel service, recitation rooms and meals, the absence of boisterous conduct and of unladylike levity, the happiness, the contentment, the homelike freedom manifest everywhere, all betoken the high order of discipline with which the school is governed. After maturest consideration, your committee heartily endorse the splendid methods of discipline practiced by Miss McClure and her assistants.

One cannot remain long within the precincts of the Seminary without becoming conscious of its "religious atmosphere." Many of the girls became Christian the past year, and others who were professed Christians when they entered have been greatly helped in their religious life. With one or two exceptions the girls were all professed Christians before the school closed last June. While Miss McClure is at the head of Texas Female Seminary, its patrons need have no uneasiness about their daughters' being alienated from or unfitted for religious life and work.

The Seminary has some needs which Synod should quickly supply. What remains of the debt should at once be wiped out. After this the more pressing needs are a library, apparatus for the scientific department, a separate building for the music department, and the finishing of the inside of the college and the third story of the dormitory.

In the summer of 1901 Miss McClure raised $800 to fit up the third story of the dormitory. The work when done cost $1,200; $400 came out of her pocket. At another time she spent $600 of her own money to repair the furnace. These, with numerous other smaller items show something of her sacrifices for the school. She has received her board and clothes for her five years' service! But this is not all. She ceased not her toil till her health was endangered and her strength taxed to the breaking point, and she faced the dilemma of slackening her pace or of giving up her work.

Does the church appreciate her struggles, her labors, her sacrifices? Does it realize what she has accomplished and is accomplishing? Does it feel the imperative needs of Texas Female Seminary? Surely not; else these needs would be speedily supplied. Let Synod, by all means, arouse the church to do its duty toward this institution and its fair daughter.

The services of Prof. A. G. Reichert, whose reputation is well known in Tennessee Arkansas and Texas as teacher of instrumental music, have been secured for the coming year. And Mrs. Bessie McClanahan, who taught in Trinity University in 1887-89, and six years at Bethel College more recently, has been added to the literary faculty. Those who know Prof. Reichert and Mrs. McClanahan feel that they will prove valuable additions to the faculty, and confidently expect the coming year to surpass in splendid achievements any previous year in the history of Texas Female Seminary.

Chalmers Kilbourn, Chairman,
J. H. Curry,
I. V. Jolly.

[Source: Minutes of the Synod of Texas of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 18-22, 1902, pages 52-57]