GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
1989 SESSION
RATIFIED BILL

RESOLUTION 6
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 445

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE FOUNDERS OF ELON COLLEGE AND COMMEMORATING ITS CENTENNIAL.

Whereas, the people of North Carolina are deeply indebted to the North Carolina General Assembly of 1889, and other leaders of a century and more ago whose great vision founded Elon College on March 11, 1889; and
Whereas, James O'Kelly and his coworkers founded the Christian Church in 1794, which joined in forming the United Church of Christ in 1957, through the establishment of said denomination, laid the groundwork for the creation of an institution of higher learning; and
Whereas, the first Board of Trustees elected in September 1888 was comprised of North Carolinians E. A. Moffitt of Asheboro; J. M. Smith of Milton; J. H. Harden of Big Fall; F. O. Moring of Raleigh; the Reverend J. W. Wellons of Franklinton; the Reverend W. S. Long of Graham; and Dr. G. S. Watson of Union Ridge, each of whom worked tirelessly and contributed sacrificially to ensure the financial and educational stability of the College; and
Whereas, the Reverend Dr. William S. Long accepted the responsibilities as the first president of the College, pledging "to see a first class college equipped and endowed, doing work for the Christian Church and the world...Until that is done, I shall devote all the energy I have to it, and work and pray for it."; and
Whereas, Thaddeus Armie Eure, North Carolina's distinguished senior statesman who served as Secretary of State for 52 years, has also served Elon College with integrity and unprecedented loyalty as a member of the Board of Trustees for 46 years and as chairman of that Board for 34 of those years; and
Whereas, Elon College, its alumni around the world, and its friends and supporters near and far, are celebrating a century of dedicated service by the College to the advancement of knowledge, the economic progress of North Carolina, and the welfare and interests of the people of this State and of humankind; and
Whereas, the College today offers excellent undergraduate education in 32 fields of study and graduate study in two fields, and provides educational opportunity for some 3300 students, fifty percent (50%) of whom are residents of 65 North Carolina counties;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

Section 1.  The North Carolina General Assembly recognizes and honors the founders of Elon College for their vision, commends the College for its contributions to North Carolina and its people, extends congratulations on the institution's Centennial Celebration, and looks forward to a second century of service by the College in behalf of the people of North Carolina and the nation.
Sec. 2.  The Secretary of State shall send a certified copy of this resolution to Dr. J. Fred Young, the seventh president of Elon College.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 14th day of March, 1989.

	 
	James C. Gardner
	President of the Senate

	 
	J. L. Mavretic
	Speaker of the House of Representatives