Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/343



New-Hampton Institution has a model location in a quiet village, amid New-Hampshire hills and rural scenery, and among people who fully appreciate the advantages of having a college or seminary in their midst. It was established in 1821, and soon became widely known as a theological school for divinity students preparing for the Baptist ministry.

In 1829 a female department was added.

In 1852 the institution came into the hands of the Free-will Baptist denomination; and for sixteen years, or until it was removed to Lewiston, Me., in 1870, it was the seat of a biblical school. In 1866 a commercial department was added to the school.

The school is at present very successfully conducted. During the past year the average attendance has been about one hundred and fifty pupils, two-thirds of whom have been young gentlemen. The principal. Rev. Atwood B. Meservey, A.M., Ph.D., is a gentleman of literary acquirements, whose fame has gone abroad. He is a wise and judicious instructor, a practical business-man, and possesses rare executive ability. He is ably supported in his efforts to sustain the high rank of the school by five gentlemen and four lady teachers.

Rev. E. H. Prescott, the resident Free-will Baptist minister, and president of the board of trustees, seconds Professor Meservey in his efforts to build up the school.

A few years ago we visited the school, as an instructor in geodetic surveying, and noticed then, as we have several times since, the deep interest the students took in their work.

They are as happy as youth, health,

and pleasant associations will permit.

The character of the school is maintained to its old standard. That it is high, may be known from the character of its graduates,—statesmen, judges, lawyers, ministers, doctors, missionaries, merchants, farmers, manufacturers, mechanics, and financiers, and their helpmates.

Among the alumni may be mentioned Judge Clifford, Dr. Peaslee, and Hon. John Wentworth.

Boys and girls—or, as they would prefer to be called, young gentlemen and young ladies—are here surrounded by the comforts of home life; and the very atmosphere of the place is scholastic.