Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-07-18
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY AT
SHEMARIAH ACADEMY.

The Fourth of July celebrated at Shema-
riah Academy in manner highly credtable to
the pupils of the Institution, and satisfactory not
only to themselves, but TO all who had the plea
sure of being present as spectators.
The celebration was not exactly public one,
expected to attend unless invited by
."o teachers or P"r'i", ~. .s.o spacious school
room was filed, though not crowded; there be.
Ing about forty pupils present and about the same
number of guests. The room was preily deco
rated Tor the occasion by the young ladies OF the
Academy, and all looked cheerful and happy,
even before the exercises commenced, that we
anticipated much enjoyment, nor were those anti
ciPauons In any degree disappointed.
AT III o'clock the exercises Of the day were in
iroduced by the singing of an original Hymn,
written by lady connected with the Institution.
This was followed by the reading of the DecIa-
ration of Independence, by Mr.. Robert A. Ayres,
after which patriotic OCe was sung by the
young ladies Of the Academy.
MIR. Marshall b. Pine delivered an original and
very appropriate Grafton, and WAS succeeded by
MIR. John u. Grove, who recited ina most i'm
pressive manner very beautiful selected poem
on American Independence.
The whole was closed by the singing Of our
favorlte national song, 6 Hail Columbia" by the
young ladies.
Some very pleasant instrumental music gave
variety and interest to the occasion.
The writer of this has had the pleasure of at
tending many celebrations Of our national inde-
pendence, but never one more interesting or bet
ter adapted to the end for which it was chiefly
designed-namely, the improvement and gra,if-
cation OF those for whom it arranged and
conducted.
We think no one could have beheld without
feelings Of lively interest this first attempt at
public speaking, made by promising and prepos
sessing young men, or heard without pleasure
the excellent vocal music Of the young ladies'.
Refreshments, excellent in quality and album
dant IN quantity, had been prepared for the
sion, oil which, after the mental repast was
c'uded, the guests and pupils proceeded, with no
small alacrty, 10 partake.
Coed order and innocent mirlh prevailed
through the day. and we doubt not that many who
were present will long remember as one Of the
bright spots" in their lives the Fourth of July
at SheBarah Academy.
The following is copy of the original Hymn
sung on the occasion:
Ruler Of nations, mighty Lord,
Now be Thy holy name adorcd
And dcign to hear us while we raise
Our hearts and voices in Thy praise.
When storms Of war and danger rose
And hostile bands of angry foes,
Strong in Thy strength Fathers stood,
+ Aad bought their Freedom with their blood.
Trusting in Thee, and Thee alone
The warriors sword they girdcd on;
Invoked Thee as their helm and shield
And victory crowned the battle field.
~.
But War, and all its dread array,
Like morning clouds have passed away,
And Peace. established by Thy hand,
Dwclls in the borders Of our land.
v.
The fruitful earth its increase Yields
Abundant harvcsts crown our field
And, blcst as dcw's on fcrman's hill,
Fraternal Union binds us still.
VI.
o may VIC long, beneath Thy care,
The sweets Of Peace and Union share
(From sin as from oppression irce)
And like our Fathers, trust in Thee.