60

much as fifty per-cent and responsibilities unnecessary in other jobs were assumed, the faculty remained loyal° Chavis spoke of them fondly: ". . . they have stood by the work and deserted it not while under such dark clouds; choosing rather to suffer affliction; esteeming the re» proach of our own dear Bennett 'greater riches than the treasures in Egypt-”74

The number of students increased from about 200 in Chavis'first year to over 250 during his fourth year. In his eighth year exactly

75

248 were enrolled. A parallel increase in the number of advanced stum

dents, that is, these above the common or elementary levels, occurred during the years, 1897—l898, 1898~l899, and 1899-1900; the numbers were 50, 68, and 85, respectively.76 In the fall of l896, l3 students enter— ed the first year of college work.77

The courses of study for l900-l90l show, for the first time,

78

the amazing plan of an education complete from.kindergarten to a four~

year college degree.79 Parallel studies were offered in music, the

d,81 and industrial education for

Bible,80 ti ewritin and shorthan VP 9

7“1bid., p. 6.

75Ibid., pp. 5—6; N. C° Conference, Minutes, l897, advertiseu ment, last page.

76Bennett College, Annual Catalogue, 1900, p. 7.

77Turpeau, 23. £15., po 32.. 78

N. C. Conference, Minutes, 1900, advertisement, last page. 79Bennett College, Annual Catalogue, 1900, pp. 16—23.

8OIbid.

811bid.» pp. 29-31.