Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1846-07-16
FOR THE SENTINEL.

| FOR THE SENTINEL
1hR.SE.DIToR:l A concise statement of the
manner IN Which the Juvenile Temperanee
| Society celebrated the day Of cur nationa, in
dependence, may not be uninteresting to your
readers At the appointed hour. the society
and friends met in the NJ. E. Church The
meeting was called to order by Master George
o. Wunder. president of the society, and after
singing an appropropria.e hymn, the throne of
Grace was fervently addressed by the Rev
Geo. W.Mitchell.$ The national hymn,
~'".'' ''My country tits Of thee,
Sweet land of Liberty, ''s.'
Of thee | sing" &C., rF
wassung by the children, and the declaration
ofindependence read by Master George w.
Rodeffer. Mr.. VIM. A. Crawford then deliv-
cred beautiful and appropriate address, which
did credit to himself, and delighted all who
heard it, Another hymn being sung, speech
es and dialogues were rehearsed by both male
and female members Of the society to the great
delight and edification of the hearers Din
ner was then announced; but, sir, how shall
be enabled TO do justice to this most excellent
repast? Notwithstanding language fails me
when attempt to describe it, | will make a
remark or two concerning it. 1t was dinner
furnished and prepared by the good matrons
and young ladies Of our town. entirely upon
the principles oflove and bene Violence 1t was
enphatically a love feast. Those who felt
themselves able contributed freely. and those
who felt otherwise We're not expected to give,
but all were cheerfully invited to partake-
And had you have been there TO witness the
smiling countenances, sparkling eyes, and
glowing cheeks Of the joyful company, you
would have prayed from the bottom of your
heart, God speed the children in their noble
efforts to advance the glorious cause of total ab
stinence from all that intoxicates. After din
ner procession was formed under the direc-
tion Of Maj. Jno. Haas, Marshall in the follow
ing order:
l.. Ministers Of the Gospel. ?, a.~t.}s
2. Sabbath School banner with the follow
ing device, "Suffer little children to come I'M
to me and forbid them not, for of such is the
kingdomof God'' IL II ! II lf
8. Officers and managers Of tho Juvenile
Temperance Society, with their appropriate
badges.
4. Little girls each with banner respec-
lively interchangeable name of one of the States
5. Sabbath School children and members of
the society with badges and banners; the latter
(Which exhibited appropriate devices, such as,
Roll on the Temperance Ball"
., Ladies and gentlemen.
At the command of the Marshall the process
sion moved as far down the front street as the
weather would permit, wheeled and marched
up street, singing at the same time Yankee
Doodle, tavorlte national tune, accommoda-
ted to spirited temperance song. The youth
and beauty with their badges and banners
streaming in the air, and the large number and
cheerful appearance of the children, combined
with the good order observed, rendered it one
of the most imposing scenes of the kind ever
After returning to the church, the
declaration ofindependence against King AL
cohol was read by Master Philip. Fravel. and
speaking was renewed. Here permit me to
remark that the young orators were listened to
with the greatest pleasure. They acquitted
well; and think. sir, discovered
the germ of eoquence in more than one Of the
speakers: An invitation was given for signers,
when - attached their names to the pledge,
increasing the number oft society to about
lou. At the conclusion Of the exercises, Rev.
George u. Brooke addressed few remarks to
the children and friends, and, after singing the
doxology, dismissed the congregation. Thus
ended one of the happiest celebrations ever
enjoyed. time which will long be remember
ed by all its joyful participants. .@.
n. b. The ladies Of Woodstock deserve all
praise for their efficient services upon this oc-
casion., They cannot be exceled in this par
tcular. A friend remarked to me to this eff
iect on the evening Of the 4th, '.1he citizens
of w. oughtto be under everlasting gratitude
70 the ladies for the Zeal which they ever mani
resi- IN celebrations, and the important services
Which they have ever rendered;"a sentiment
to which most heartily respond 'Amen." D.