Page:A history of the Michigan state normal school (now Normal college) at Ypsilanti, Michigan, 1849-1899 (IA historyofmichiga00putniala).pdf/27

 desired by me when the foundation of our school system was laid, that such an institution might be established. It has ever been my deliberate judgement, that it was essential to perfect the system, and ensure success. * * * * To the guardians of this institution I would say, go on, then in the noble work; falter not in the good cause; persevere, that teachers may be qualified to train up the young spirits of our country to high and elevated sentiments, to form noble purposes; to act on fair and honorable ground, leading them onward and upward to virtue and the full enjoyment of the highest good, the To Kalon of the ancient Greeks; that ineffable good which Christianity has fully revealed and promised to the pure in heart and in life.”

After the close of Mr. Pierce's address, Hon. Isaac E. Crary, President of the Board of Education, pronounced the formal dedication in these words:

"Now, therefore, in the presence of that Being who is a God of knowledge, and in behalf of the Board of Education, I do dedicate this Building to the People of the State of Michigan, to promote the great cause of man—the cause of God, and may this dedication be not all in vain. May all those who shall hereafter have charge of this Institution be endowed with the spirit of Wisdom, and may all who come up to this high place of instruction be so imbued with that spirit as to become ministering angels to the wants and necessities of humanity ;—and may they thus continue ministering and to minister to each successive generation until there shall not be one solitary individual within our wide-extended borders who has not drank deeply of the healing waters that shall gush forth from this high fountain, * * * * And may the glory of the Divine Image be ever present within these walls, not standing in a thick cloud as in Judah's temple of old, but gladly tabernacled in the hearts of every one who shall come up here to teach, or be taught, until that time shall come when the lion and the lamb shall lie down together and a little child shall lead them."

Hon. Chauncey Joslin then delivered his commission of office to the Principal, Mr. A. S. Welch, addressing him, in part, as follows:

"The Board of Education, confiding in your capacity and integrity, have directed me to confer upon you the office of Principal of the State Normal School and the keys of the institution, Have you duly considered the vital importance of the obligation you are now about to assume, and the duties you will be called upon to perform? If, in the discharge of the duty imposed upon me, I, and those around us, shall seem to exhibit some emotion, you will find it to rise from the fact that we appreciate to the fullest extent the importance of the position you are to occupy.