I wish in closing to say a few words of Dr. Storrs as a friend. Through many years he was not only my pastor but the most honored and beloved friend of my life. His sense of humor was keen, and his playfulness of manner constituted not the least of his charms to those who knew him intimately. He never seemed to take a narrow view of any subject, but was always lenient to and tolerant of those whose opinions differed from his own, and yet strong and vigorous in his own convictions. His loss to those closely associated with him in personal and Church relations is one which can never be filled. He was extremely modest in his estimate of himself and his efforts, and simple-minded to a wonderful degree for a man of such supreme power and influence. He never shirked what appeared to him a duty, and one of the pleasantest recollections of my life is of a journey made by him, at considerable personal inconvenience, only about a year ago, to visit a former parishioner who had not seen him for years, and who in his old age and feebleness desired to talk with him. His visit brought sunshine and mental and spiritual comfort, and will ever be gratefully remembered by those to whom he ministered.
In grandeur of thought, in nobility of utterance, and in his wonderful personality, he was unique, and his death has left in the American pulpit a void which we cannot expect to see filled.
Rev. Adam K. Spence, for twenty-five years a professor in Fisk University, died in Nashville, Tenn., April 24, 1900. He was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1831. His parents removed to this country in his early childhood. He studied in Oberlin and Ann Arbor, graduating at the last named institution, where he taught for a time after graduation.
In 1870 he was appointed by the American Missionary Association as the principal of the school which afterward became Fisk University. Since then scores of young people have gone forth each year from this institution bearing the signate of Christian culture, and their widespread influence is telling upon the South. Prof. Spence laid the foundations of the Greek department in this university.
His love for music and appreciation of its finest effects amounted almost to a passion. He helped give the university a high standard of music, which has rendered it unique in Southern schools. Especially was he an advocate of jubilee music, and did much to gather these songs of quaint power and value into the archives of the university. His great interest was in the spiritual development of the students. Many revivals, resulting in the conversion of large numbers, were greatly promoted by his prayer and earnest efforts. Prof. Spence was always present at the prayer meeting when it was possible for him to attend, and his influence was profoundly felt.