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KEBLE COLLEGE.
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the manifold callings of the Christian life, shall be
steadfast in the faith. " Thus, though the idea of the
college had originated in the desire to train candidates
for the Christian Ministry, this plan was from the first
widened and its aim was to give education to all
members of the Church of England whether their
vocation was to a lay or clerical life. In other words
"it was a primary object of its foundation that it
should be worked in the spirit of the system which
has hitherto been that of the Collegiate life in Oxford,
and that through it the Church of England should
offer to her sons, whether their prospects be lay or
clerical, an education under her own auspices, by
which they may become, not only more dutiful but
more affectionate members of her communion."
With these aims the College was opened in 1870, and its buildings have been gradually extended until it now numbers more than a hundred and fifty students. The buildings have all been erected by Mr. Butterfield, and include two munificent dona- tions, the Chapel being the gift of Mr. William Gibbs, of Tyntesfield, Bristol, the Hall and Library the gift of his sons Messrs. Antony and Martin Gibbs.
The College was in 1870 constituted by Royal Charter a corporate body with power to hold lands not exceeding the value of five thousand pounds : and by an amendment of the Mortmain Act in 1888 testators are empowered to bequeath property to it. It has already received by gift the advowsons of more than twenty livings.
The Charter also authorized the incorporation of
the College within the University of Oxford ; but this
incorporation has not been carried out, and its con-
stitution differs from that of the other colleges.
The Governing Body consists of a Council of twelve Members, the first twelve having been elected by the body of subscribers and nominated in the Royal Charter, and the body being perpetuated by co-optation as vacancies arise. The Council elect the Warden, who nominates the Tutors. Its relation to the University was fixed by the Statute dealing with new Foundations for Academical Study and Education, to the privileges of which it was admitted in 1871. By this all its members have the same privileges and obligations as if they had been admitted to one of the older Colleges, and the Warden has, with regard to the members of his Society, the same obligations, rights and powers, as the heads of the older Colleges, but the Statute does not impose upon him any other obligation or confer any other right, privilege or distinction. The further question whether, apart from the provisions of the Statute, he possesses the same rights in relation to the Uni- versity as are possessed by the heads of the older Colleges has never been decided. The College has been admitted to rank on an equality with the other Colleges, with regard to the election of Proctors by the last legislation, in 1887, dealing with the Proctorial Cycle. — Walter Lock, M.A.
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