History of Presbyterianz’sm

for its accomplishment. In the meantime Messrs. Ross and McGregor were giving instruction in Latin and Greek to a number of young men who had the ministry in view. And for a similar purpose Dr. McCulloch opened a high class school in Pictou, which was placed among the grammar schools of the province. In 1816 the grammar school developed into an incorporated academy. Towards the erection of a suitable building the Presbyterians, though few in number, contributed £1,000. Each of the three ministers in the country gave out of their small sal- ary the sum of £ 50. Dr. McCulloch had charge of the academy and for several years of the Pictou con- gregation also; and though constituting the arts fac- ulty almost single handed, his success was truly mar- vellous. The first graduating class numbered twenty—three. In 1820 the Synod appointed Rev. Dr. McCulloch professor of theology. Twelve stu— dents entered upon the study of theology the first term, and after a course of four years most of the number were licensed to preach the gospel. Three of the number, Messrs. John McLean, John L. Murdoch and Robert Sim Patterson, were sent to Scotland, where, after the usual examination, they received from the University of Glasgow the degree of Master of Arts. During the first eight— een years of its existence the Pictou Academy re- ceived from the government an annual grant of £350; but by means of the unfortunate strife ex— isting at that time between the established and dis— senting members of the Presbyterian family, and a

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