Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-09-13
Celebration.


to chronicle the exercises of Sunday School
Celebration, which transpirod, Sept. 9Th, in
Mr.. FITcH's GROVE, near Centervile. And
were competent to the task, as | was de-
lighted with the exercises Of the occasion,
would promise you an interesting communi-
cation. Notwithstanding the unsettled state
of the weather, a large and respectable meet
ing of the inhabitants, from the surrounding
neighborhoods, assembled TO participate in
the exercises. Fathers and Mothers were
present with their children; the Minister left
his study; the Merchant his desk; the Black
smith his anvil; and tbs pfiwmer his plough;
to mingle their sympathles, and TO unite in
congratulating these engaged in the great
work of Sunday School instruction.
The schools preceded by their respective
Superintendents, and Teachers, under the
direction Of Mr.. JAMES PHILIPS, Marshal of
the day, were as follows:
Mount Olive, Mr.. J. McKEEN, Supt., Con-
cord--Mr. G. w, MiLLIeAS,--Centerville,
Mr. A. PRYoR. and Wesley Chapel.--Mr.
G, w. ELERIcK.
The schools were severally accompanied
by bands of singers discoursing appropriate
music, as the procession was marched, aHd
countermarched in beautiful grove.
The order of then procession was the re-
versed, which was accomplished with great
credit to the indefatigable managers, and, hot
less, to the children, who seemed to vie with
each other in the promptness with which
they obeyed the directions Of their officers.
As the choir sent up to Heaven a song of
praise to the Sssrcher Of all hearts. and the
gentle Zephyr waited to our ears :he swelling
notes OF music intrusively cause the thought
how glorious the hope, that these, and zoe may
meet and mingle with "that innumerable
throng which surrounds the throne Of God"
and joined them in singing. "Hslleluiah to
the Lamb which was slain, and to Him that
stteth on the throne forever and ever"
A beautiful provision for our animal graft.
fcation being provided, the procession was
marched to the table, and blessing pronounce
ed by the Rev. James McCe, when the
tempting viands were removed with dis
patch which gave evidence that this provi.
sion was duly appreciated by those who en-
joyed it.
While yet at the table, each pupil was
presented with book. provided by the schools
for grstuitous distribution.
All present, were invited to partske Of the
rich repast provided for the occasion, and
while all appetites were ministered to, all
minds were refreshed by reflections sug-
gssted by the contemplation Of this interest,"
ing scene. And, while we contemplated 1t,
could we fail to enter into the reflection,t that
from among these very Sabbath school schol-
ars, are to rise tie masters spirits of the age,
and those, who are in the immediate future,
are to control the mighty workings of this
whole fabric Of civil government, and tor
veal or woe, the destnies Of its millions of
souls! And entering into this reflection, con-
sdering morality. an essential element in
every prosperously administered government
can we fail to perceive the supereminent me-
cessity of sedulous inculcation Of moral
principles in the minds Of the youth OF our
land, to whom,is so soon, to be committed so
important trust.
The audience having repaired to the stand
the meeting was called to order by the pre-
siding officer, and the throne Of Grace ,addres
sed by the Rev. J. w. CASE.
After again listening to the soul stirring
music Of the chori, the presiding officer pre-
sented the Rev. w. GRIMES, who, in very
interesting manner, addressed the children
of the several schools present, giving many
! beautiful illustrations, showing the Infinitely
happy results flowing from early moral i'm
pressions, ard pointing to the Bible as the
Bcot OF Books, the great chart, to guile them
safely over the strong ocean Of life, to the
haven Of peace and felicity, aud showing the
Sunday School to be grand instrumental.
ity by which the great principles Of chris
tianity are to promulgated.
Then followed, in an address to the adults,
the Rev. d. TRuEMAs, with one Of bis hap
piest efforts, ably discussing the question:
"Why we should patronize Sunday Schools
and "who are interested in patronizing, and
upholdag this medium for the dissemination
of moral principles. Showing lst, as a rsa-
son why we should patronize them, that prin-
ciples thus disseminated, as The riuulet burst
ing from the mountain sides, which gathers
strength at every measure OF its progress,
until, mighty river. it mingles its waters
with those of old ocean; exert their hallow-
ed influence, grow with their growth, and
strengthen with their strength; radiating q
light Of such dazzling brightness; so potent
in it's influence, that the finger Of Omnipo-
tence above, in the annals Of eternity, re.
cord their glorious effects as the day Of judg.
nent shall reveal them and concluded BY
showing that all, the old and the young; the
rich and the poor, the grave and the gay. al
are interested in this eminently useful System
OF moral instruction.
A parting song was sung and the Bensdie-
ton pronounced BY the Rev. MoCUE. when
the audience Dispersed, doubtless rejoicing,
that we live iu land Of Ssbbaths, and OF
Schools. Delighted with such scenes
we could wish that every opposing influence.
was robbed Of its power, that ssctsrisn bigotry
that bsnu of good, was crushed beneath our,
feet, and trodden down to rise no more. And
to those children and youths. who were not.
participants. but idle spectators Of those
scenes, we say, be sdmonished by those
sho have chosen the better part. and schol-
ars, strive to make yoasselyes exemPlsry;,