The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-08-03
cokesbury Conference School.


= !, : The Committee appointed by tho last
Conference to visit this Institution were part
ly in attendance at the annual exercises and
presentsthe following as their Report: For
certain reasons, only one day had been set
apart for Examination Wednesday, June
Goth. This time, though it may bc regard
cd short, was nevertheless sufficiently long
to render the duty of the Committee very
pleasant privilege. The proceedings from
beginning to end were of character in the
highest degree credtable to both Instruct
ors and Students, and entirely satisfactory to
all who were present on the occasion.
The classes in Mathematics, in charge of
the Rector, Rev. G. II. Round, gave un-
mistakeabe evidence of honorable prof
cheney in the different branches Of that sci
ence on which they were heard. The man.
ner in which each students part was as
signed him effectually precluded the posi-
bility of partiality, and placed him on such
ground that no one was left to presume that
he was not equally well prepared on every
other part, and on the whole. The Com
mittee were pleased with the great particu-
larity required by the Instructor of each
2 student in demonstrations. Each success
i've step of the whole process was stated with
clearness, and as if with most thorough
understanding of all the principles involved.
The classes in Latin and Greek, under
the instruction of Professor Wightman.
likewise acquitted themselves in 81 yle wor-
thy Of all commentator. This part of ex-
ercises was conducted upon the same strict
principles Of impartiality. The translations
were regarded ready, correct and elegant:
indeed it was gratifying to see the prompt
ness and clearness with which each student,
whether large or small, performed his part,
on whatever page Of the book ho might
find it.
The Primary Department, under the tu
ton Of Mr.. A. B. 1urpin was also allowed
an occasional half hour to give evidence of
their progress in letters. And may not
be extravagant to say, that the exercises
with these classes were MS decidedly enter
tanning and encouraging as any other part
Of the proceedings.
The industry, skill, and ability, with which
Mr.. Iurpin has discharged bis duties were
proclaimed by his pupils in their examina-
ton, and admired by those who saw and
heard them.
On the evening of the day of examina-
ton, the young gentlemen delivered origin
al speeches. We will not make distinc.
tions, if any could be made. They were
all performed we'll, in good taste, and in
good style. 1t may not be out of place
to say that somo Of the speeches show ed
evidently great familiarity, better discri,n-
mlnation, and far more accurate taste
with and in the subjects treated than is usu-
ally seen on occasions of that sort. This is
mentioned as an evidence of the attention
which has been given, both by Teachers
and Scholars, to polite Literature.
The exercises were closed the next day
lThursday) with an address from Rev. A.
Il. Lester, on Laudable Ambition, before
the Literary Society, and large concourse
Of citizens, who had enlivened the occasion
with their presence. The address was all
that those who know the speaker best could
have expected or desired. 1t was in very
fine taste. The style was chaste and clas-
slcal, but at the same time pungent and to
the point; the whole subject was treated
with an ability and perspicuity for which
the speaker is distinguished in his studied
discourses. The address was not only de-
hvered elegantly and gracefully, but so as
to impress the whole performance with the
happiest effect. The Examination Speech
es, and Address, with all the exercises from
beginning to end were honorable to all con-
cerned. AS the patrons of education we
may still feel proud Of the Cokeshury Con-
ference School, and we take pleasure in re-
commencing it to the Church in all our
Conference bounds. II. H. DURANr,
R. j. BoyD,
Committee.