On Easter Monday last, was performed the interesting and, in a variety of senses, important ceremony of laying the cornerstone of an educational institute for Chinese youth, at the well-known rural retreat—fiiting in every respect for the purpose, as well by its retirement, and yet easy distance, from the noise and turmoil of the Settlements—Jessfield.
The inception of the idea, and development of the plan, so far as it has progressed, are duo to Bishop Schereschewsky, of the American Episcopal Mission. When paying a visit recently to the United States, the Bishop suggested the scheme to the consideration of the Church, and succeeded in enlisting so much earnestness in support of it, as to be enabled to return to Shanghai with sufficient funds in hand to commence operations. The pleasant and well-known estate of Jessfield being for sale, was purchased, and here it was that the unostentatious but significant ceremony of laying the comer-stone of the intended new buildings was performed by. Bishop Schereschewsky himself, assisted by several clergymen, foreign and native, and. in the presence of 2 numerous company of Indies and gentlemen from the American and British Settlements—Chinese from the surrounding agricultural district of course assembling in large numbers and watching the, to them, novel proceedings with apparently wondering interest.
Many of those present reached Jessfield by road, but a large party, including the Bishop and Rev. Dr. Nelson, with others, in company with a number of ladies, voyaged to the scene of action vii the Soochow Creek, on board the capacious pleasure steam-launch Lily, which was kindly placed at their disposal for the afternoon by Mr. C. P. Blethen, who was himself on board and contributed not a little to the enjoyment of the trip by his efforts to keep the aunch off the mudbanks and shoals at several of the awkward Peiho-like elbows and bends which exist in the Creek nearly the whole distance from a point just above the Lower Boathouse to Jessfield—a feat not by any means easy in one or two instances owing to the narrow low-tide channel and the large size of the launch, which drew about feet 8 inches of water. As it so happened, too, the creek was full of boats and junks, sailing and stationary, the latter in places extending nearly across the creek, and these, added to the clumsiness of those moving, contributed. not a little to the difficulties of navigation. However, all obstacles were at length surmounted and Jessfield was reached in only about half-an-hour after the appointed time.
On disembarking, a goodly company was found already assembled around and near the spot where the corner-stone had been fixed to receive the finals taps which are now-a-days often accepted as an equivalent for actually laying the stone. Over this spot a canopy of flags had been erected—the "Stars and Stripes" occupying the place of honour. These flags, with some others, we believe, were kindly lent for the occasion by Captain Sumner, of the U.8.S. Monocacy.
In addition to the numerous company of laity present, the following clergy and Ministers of different denominations responded by their presence to the kindly invite offered them:—The Very Rev. Dean Butcher and the Rev. H. C. Deane, B.A., Holy Trinity Cathedral;—Rev. R. Nelson, D.D., Rev. E. H. Thomson, Rev. D. W. Bates, and Rev. W. 8. Suyres, of the American Episcopal Mission;—Rov. J. M. W. Farnham and Rev. W. 8. Holt, American Presbyterian Mission;—Rev. M.T. Yates, American Baptist Mission Rev. 'T. Taylor, B.A., London Mis-Mr. J. Dalziel and Mr, Wills, China Inland Mission—and others; in addition to whom there were present the Rev, Mr. Wang-chi and the Rev, Mr. Yunging, and other native clergy, besides some thirteen or fourteen native young men, candidates for the Ministry.
The new buildings, being intended exclusively for the occupation and instruction of Chinese youth, will be erected purely
space of 220 feet by 130 fect—Jess in Chinese style. They, will occupy field House itself being reserved for the Bishop's residence. It is intended to assemble together as speedily as possible no fewer than 200 Chinese youths as students, and these while undergoing preparation for the Protestant ry with a view to Missionary labour among their fellow-countrymen, will also receive a sound secular education, including the ences, ete., the whole being an undertaking of considerable magnitude, while, if successful, its future good influence as an educational institution for natives can hardly be overlooked.
The preliminaries for laying the stone having been completed, a procession was formed. This was headed by thirteen Candidates, attired in black cassocks ard wearing white scarves with a large cross in gilt on the part crossing the breast. These were followed by a body of foreign and native clergy, Bishop Schereschewsky and Dean Butcher walking behind.
The ceremony of laying the stone was then proceeded with, commencing with singing Hymn 215. The Bishop next read the Second Lesson, the third Chapter, 1 Corinthians; after which Psalm 122 was read, the Bishop and congregation reading alternate verses. At the conclusion, The Brsutor, standing near the cornerstone, said—Christian Brethren, it is decent, and proper, and agreeable to the precepts and examples of Holy Writ, that in all our doings we should beseech Almighty God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, to direct us with His most gracious favour, and to further us with His continual help. Especially, therefore, when we are now assembled to commence a house which is to be set apart to His honor and service, for the education of youth in sound learning and Christian truth, let us humbly and devoutly supplicate His assistance, protection, and blessing.
Prayers were their offered, and the Bishop, striking the cormer-stone, three times with a hammer, said—
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.