Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1840-09-03
FOR TIE SPECTATOR.
HEMERIAH ACADEMY

MS institution has been In successful on
Grafton Tor the last two or three wears, under
the superintendent of the Rev. Enoch
Thomas, A. NJ, its present principal. So
rapid has been the Increase of confidence and
pupils In this Institution, that the Board of
trustees, and the friends of learning in its
vicinity, saw the obvious necessity of erect
ing new and more commodious building for
The accommodation of those who were seek
ing an education in their neiqhborhood
Seeing this necessity, they took prompt and
efficient action on the subject, and the work
Is now In progress. To give greater notorie-
ty to the Academy, and also to afford an op-
portunlty to the community of making pub
TIC manifestation OF the interest which they
feit In Its prosperity,it was deemed expedi-
ent 10 set apart aday upon which the Corner
Stone should be laid with all the necessary
ceremonies usual on such occasions. Accord
lngly notice was given few days previous,
that this matter would be attended to on the
9th ult. Upon receiving this intelligence.
the writer of this article determined to attend
and witness the proceedings.
AT half past 10 o'clock A. M. large pro-
cesslon was formed under the command Of
the Chief Marshal Of the day, at the resi-
dence OF Mr.. David Kerr, about half a mile
from the Academy. From thence, accompa-
MED by excellent and appropriate music, the
procession marched to Shemeriah Church,
where a large concourse of persons were
waiting In expectation. When those in the
procession, and other citizens in attendance
were seated in their proper order, PRAYER was
offered by the Rev. Mr.. Scott, and addresses
on the subject of education, were delivered
by the Rev. William Brown, of Augusta
Church, and the Rev. Henry Brown, of Har-
risonburg. The addresses were able--dis-
tlngulshed alike for good sense, close obser-
walton, and facility of expression, and were
listened to with delight and profit by the
hundreds who crowded the galleries and low
er part OF the church. After these exercises
were closed, the crowd retired to the site of
the new Academic building, which is few
PAGES only from the church, to witness the
ceremonies attending the laying of the Cor
ner Stone. The Introductory prayer was of
tered by the Rev. Henry Brown. An ode
prepared for the occasion, by the Principal of
inc Institution, and which appears at the bot
tom OF this article, was then read and SUM :.
a,ter which the Corner Stone was laid by the
rrihciPai with all necessary ceremony. The
ceremony being ended, the procession was a.
gain formed, and proceeded along the gently
sloping track, which winds its way down the
emlnence upon which the institution is situa-
ted, to cool and refreshing grove, on the
margin Of sparkling rivulet which murmurs
along the base of hill. Here an extensive
table had been erected, and sumptuousv fur
nisned by the ladies of this hospitable neiph-
oornood, who were present in person to grace
IL WIN their smiles and conversation. An
INV ation was given to all present to partake
VI the collation.. The table was most richly
and abundantly furnished, and was addition
al evidence Gf any thing additional were
needed) OF the Characteristic kindness and
taste OF the sex. After all had partaken, ma
NY amused themselves by looking at the pic
lures i1rmed by the excellent Camera Obscu-
I'd "hlch MT. Thomas has placed in his Phi
iosoPhicai Room. Thus passed off day
which was full of interest and pleasure to all
VINO were present.
.'I9heneriah Academy is situated about three
miles northwest Of Middlebrook, in the
1eighoorhood of the Messrs. Kerrs, Nc
EuIchens' Wilson's, &c. The situation is
mvalyny ana exceedingly picturesque-com-
.nSaHiIihg flne view Of the North Mountain,
"nlo", win It's rugged sides, and undulatng
I'll u"iliii' POUNDS the western horizon; and
on GROUND are to be seen hills and vallies RI
oinS ana falling in ever varied and beautiful
succession. As to the moral characfer or ,be
Inhabitants Of these hills and vallics. the
names already mentioned. and others which
might DC mentioned, will be a sufficient re-
commentator to all who are acquainted with
"oHi' III viii be sufficient to say, that. for
oI.'ec'nesS OF morals, and purity of princ-
Pte' no section of country in the state or
Sse et can claim precedence over this.
% Huch IS The neighborbood, and such the fami-
'ieS ~, WIN IN, which the pupils board.
i' homas is graduate Of Amherst Col
.ege' Mass, and has been preaching and
,,G,acnlng In Virginia for number of years
lie IS the founder Of Sheucriah Academy.
a s although it is of very recent origin, has
Drought u TO its present nnnrishincr rnrd;-