History of Presbyterianism 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 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 166