Graduation Ceremony, 3pm Wednesday, March 1, 1876
The Commencement service was held in Tremont Temple, the place of worship for a racially integrated congregation and the site of various notable public events over the years including antislavery lectures, women’s suffrage meetings, and a reading by Charles Dickens during his 1867-68 tour of the US.
Speakers:
- Massachusetts Governor Alexander H. Rice
- School of Medicine Dean I.T. Talbot
- Boston University President William F. Warren
- Professor Walter F. Wesselhoeft (speaking for the faculty)
- Dr. Frederick Appleton Sawtelle (speaking for the graduating class)
The ceremony was followed by a Commencement Supper at the Hotel Brunswick in Copley Square, marking the formal conclusion of Dr. Watkins’ medical school years.
Description of Commencement from the New England Medical Gazette, March, 1876
Commencement Locations
Tremont Temple exterior, ca. 1857-64 (from Digital Commonwealth and the Boston Public Library)
Originally constructed in 1827, the Tremont Temple was damaged by fire in 1852 and rebuilt as shown above. It was damaged and repaired again in 1879 and 1893. The current building, which still stands at 88 Tremont St. today, was completed in 1896.
Tremont Temple interior, 1874 (from Digital Commonwealth and the Boston Public Library)
Hotel Brunswick, ca. 1880 (from Digital Commonwealth and the Boston Public Library)