Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 22.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

When it was determined to proceed with the exercises despite the weather, Hon. D. C. Richardson opened them without delay, and received therefor the thanks of the waiting people. It was twenty-seven minutes after 4 o'clock when President Richardson called the audience to order and said: ‘Let us begin these exercises by returning thanks to God for all His blessings, and invoke a continuance of his mercies. Rev. Dr. Hoge will now lead us in prayer.’

As the distinguished divine, whose face and voice are both familiar throughout the South, advanced to the front with hand uplifted, every head was uncovered, and there was good order.