interests in the West. Dr. Van Raalte, representing the Particular Synod of Chicago, was a member of Council, and its president, from the date of its organization; and Rev. Van Der Meulen, a member from the Classis of Grand River, since 1868. Their memory will ever remain dear to us, and the influence of their lives, characterized by a self-sacrificing Christian fidelity, cannot be lost. THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL. A Regular Meeting of the Council was held in June, 1876. The following members were present: From the Classis of Grand River-Rev. James de Pree. From the Classis of Holland-Rev. Peter de Pree, Rev. Henry Uiterwyk. From the Classis of Illinois-Rev. Edward P. Livingston, Rev. Egbert Winter. From the Classis of Michigan-Rev. John W. Beardslee, Rev. Abel T. Stewart. From the Classis of Wisconsin-Rev. John H. Karsten. Representing the Institution-Rev. Philip Phelps, Jr. The following were elected officers-Rev. Alburtus C. Van Raalte, President; Rev. John W. Beardslee, Adsessor; Rev. Abel T. Stewart, Secretary. Prof. Gerrit J. Kollen, the financial agent was present and read a report of his work. He was re-elected by the Council. Also Prof. Cs. Doesburg was re-elected as Treasurer. The examinations of all the classes, except the senior classes in the Theological and Academic departments, were held and sustained. The regular spring session of the Council was opened on the 25th of April, 1877. The following members were present: From the Classis of Grand River-Rev. 'Adrian Kriekaard, Rev. James de Pree. From the Classis of Holland-Rev. Roelof Pieters, Rev. Peter de Pree, Rev. Henry Uiterwyk. Elder Jacobus Heeringa. From the Classis of Michigan-Rev. Abel T. Stewart, Rev. John W. Beardslee. From the Classis of Wisconsin-Rev. John H. Karsten, Rev. Peter Lepeltak. Representing the Institution-Rev. Phillip Phelps, Jr. Representing the Theological Faculty-Rev. Charles Scott. The examinations of the senior classes in the Theological and Academic Departments were held and sustained. It was resolved that the members of the senior Theological class be furnished with the usual certificate. The address to the Theological students was delivered by Rev. John W. Beardslee, according to appointment. The examination of the senior class of the Academic Department was held and sustained, and it was resolved that the customary diploma be presented at the commencement in June to all the members, viz: John C. Groeneveld, Lambertus Hekhuis, Mathew Kolyn and Johannes Visscher. The annual report of the President of the Institution, also the reports of the several Faculties were read and laid before the council. From these the Council would present the following with reference to the work of INSTRUCTION. I.-Theological Department-The following students have been in attendence during the year: Senior Class-Harm Van Der Ploeg and Cornelis Wabeke. Middle Class-Lawrence Dijkstra and John Hoekje. Junior Class-Henry E. Dosker, Albert A. Pfanstiehl, Cornelis Van Oostenbrugge and John Visscher. The diligence of the students has been commendable, their proficiency in study satisfactory, and their general deportment consistent with their Christian profession. It is a matter of rejoicing to be able to state that the religious awakening, experienced by the churches of Holland and its vicinity, is in a measure owing to the spirit of earnest devotion, which during the early part of the past winter began to manifest itself among the students, and that, as the reports indicate, a large share of the labor in the conduct of prayer meetings and personal effort, has been performed by the members of the Theological department. Besides his regular branches of instruction, Prof. Crispell has by appointment of Council, taught the students in Pastoral Theology, and, by a similar appointment, Rev. Abel T. Stewart has instructed them in sacred Rhetoric. II.-Academic Department-The number of students reported as having attended upon the exercises of this Department is 29, classified as follows: Seniors, 4; Juniors, 4; Sophomores, 8; Freshmen, 13; all but one being in full course. The testimony of the Faculty to the good conduct of the students and their devotion to study is deserving of record. But the most cheering part of the report is this, that, as a result of the religious interest, all the students in this department are now professed followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. III.-Preparatory Department-The number of students in this department has been 57, classified as follows: Class A19; Class B-19; Class C-23; Class D-5. The progress and conduct, with scarcely an exception, have been commendable; especially since the deep religious interests has existed, there has been a corresponding earnestness in study. The report of the President shows that a large number have been hopefully converted and have made profession of their faith. The Treasurer's Report, having been laid before Council, was examined by the Auditing Committee and found correct. From it, in connection with the President's report, would present the following Digest with reference to the FINANCIAL CONDITION, UP TO APRIL 1ST, 1877. we Interest as above... Contingent Fund. Interest from Treasurer of General Synod.... Students' Fees ... Donations.... Paid to the President and Theological Teachers... Departments.... Paid to Teachers in the Primary aud Female De partment..... Paid for current expenses of College. Returned to Permanent Fund.......... Paid for interest.... $914 25 1,098 1,203 88 995 901 40 1,098 2,280 23 291 50 820 33 133 05 382 50 Obligations of the Council. Due to the President for two years, to April 30, 1877... $3,600 Due to the President and Theological Teachers, as per resolution of General Synod, June, 1875.. Due to teachers in Academic and Preparatory De partments..... Loans.... Due on real estate.... Due for contingent expenses, about.. 1,221 57 4,000 9,072 05 800 2,800 To meet which there are some Assets as endowment interest, fees, text-book and credits to "De Hope." LIBRARY AND READING ROOM. The chief contribution during the year to the library has been the gift of a number of volumes from the following persons:-Rev. B. C. Taylor, D.D., and A. Scharff, Esq. Several additional volumes have also been received from Washington and Lansing. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLICATION. A new and commodious printing house has been erected for the department at the cost of $879.37, through the labors of Prof. Cs. Doesburg. The money was contributed by subscribers to "De Hope." The building is located on the college grounds. "De Hope" has been continued under the same editorial care as before. ENDOWMENT WORK. Prof. Gerrit J. Kollen has now been in the field as the Council's Financial agent for about a year and a half, and has been constantly engaged in making known the work and the wants of the college, and soliciting donations. Owing to the general financial distress, and more recently, the absorbing interest of political questions, the tangible results of his work have not been so large as they otherwise might have been. His report laid before the June meeting, 1876, shows the very encouraging result of his labors for the first half year to be in the neighborhood of $12,000. As his annual report will not be laid before the Council until its meeting in June next, we cannot present a detailed statement of donations received during this year. The agent, however, states that he is in the |