The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1858-09-15
Sabbath School Celebration.

Sabbath School Celebration.
N GREooR, Sept. IL, 1858.
Dear Times Last Saturday, the time Fixed
for the celebration of Sabbath Schools ut Mo.
mona, made its appearance and was ushered
in with black angry clouds, with occasional rain,
rortcntous of another storm like that which in
ancient times delugcd the earth. Many a lit
tie heart was made sorrowful ut the thought of
its being too stormy 10 60 "to the celcbration,'
and gloom was visible upon the countenance of
all who felt an interest in The Sabbath Schools.
But this was of short duration. Truly, sHc
who temIers the wind to the shorn lamb"
knew what was best for us all. The clouds
which for awhile hung DER our pathway, were
soon dispelled, and brightness took their place.
The rain ceased, the Sun came forth in splcn.
dor and brightness, the show of promise" ap-
feared announcing and corroboratng the
promise made by God The sadness and dis
appointment which settled DER us, was soon
buried in the land Of forgetfuness, and our
hearts were joyful as they were few moments
before sad and sorrowful A good day was be-
fore us. The arranging of the Sabbath, School
was soon accomplished, each teacher having in
charge their classes SO far as possible. To
some, this was quite burthern, yet they proved
themselves fully equal to the task imposed up
on them. The procession formed, consisting
OF lumber wagons, hacks, carriages and single
wagons freighted with ninety five girls and boys
under ID years of age, besides the ladies and
gentlemen who numbered 40, numbering in all
l35. We were ready to take up our line of
march for Monona, Is miles distant. We no.
ticed two long wagons, nicely trimmed and
decorated, with pretty banners, completely
filled with Misses which attracted great atten.
ton. The word was given by our Marshal,
THOMAS ARNOLD, Esq, "to march," the baird
1--WE had the German band from Prairie du
Chen who discoursed good music) commenced
to play, and we began our exodus from Nc
Cregor. which reminded us of the fight of the
Israelites out Of the land of Egypt Our ride
to Monona was pleasant, delightful and safe
We entered Monona at 10 o'clock, with band
playing and banners flying where we found
awaiting us the Monona, Hardin, Grand
Meadow. Postville, Farmersburgh and Excel
sior Sabbath Schools. The scene was truly
captivating and exciting.
We were welcomed with enthusiasm and
amid acclamations Of joy. Not less than fif-
| teen hundred were present Gen. BARRs. who
by the way is host in himself, acted as chief
Marshal, and exhibited tactics a la nilitaire
BETTING the occasion. At Monona the differ.
ent Sabbath Schools were formed in procession
for the purpose of marching to grove half a
mile distant, where the collation. was prepared
and the speeches to be given. The banners of
the Monona Hardin and Grand Meadow Sab
bath Schools were COTTON up in fine taste, look
ed beautiful, had very appropriate inscriptions,
evincing much skill and ingenuity. We know
the ladies must have done this much praise
is due them. We saw one banner that met our
sentiments, wish we could give you the inscrip-
ton. but was SO busy, neglected to obtain it.
1t denounced all the "ismsr of the day. These
certainly were the banner schools.
Arriving at the grove, we found the tables
groaning under the load of provisions which
covered them. Everything tempting and invit.
ing was there. Each School was provided and
ate at the respective divisions of the tables
Being occupied in feeding the children and
oursclf, (you know we are commanded to FRO.
vide for sour own household = our household
consisted of myself, sir, alone sir, under the
circumstances, l felt willingness to comply
] with this command which was executed to the
full letter and Our inner man satisfied) We
had no time to examine other than our own
table, which was loaded down with everything
| good. To enumerate the meats, chickens, diff.
ferent kinds of pastry, taris, cakes, dc, &c..
that crowded our table. would be impossible
Too much praise cannot be given the McGreg-
or ladies for the promptness and unbounded
liberality in responding to the call to provide
for the occasion. The provisions were very
nice, and could not fail to please the most fas-
tdious. The children were pleased, had a
bountiful supply of good things, and fully ap.
preeiated, by their actions. not only the kind
ness of those who had so literally provided, but
the quality of the provisions. COLLATION. over
we were summoned to take our seats to listen
to addresses from Revs. Mr. Fitch, Cameron,
Wadsworth and Mr.. Gale. The addresses were
short end good, well calculated to please chill
dren and interest those older. We noticed one
who for some reason alluded TO POLITICAL mat
tiers, referred to 'disyraceful scenes in Con.
gress" and dissolution of the Union" 'Tis
strange that such things should be introduced
on such occasions, is inopSortune and we be
lieve wrong. as no good can be done, but rathel
an injury. During the speaking, the Monona
and Hardin Schools sang select pieces, which
were well executed. At 3 P. M we began te
make preparations for returning to our homes
arriving at McGregor at 6 P. NJ, feeling salts
fed with our excursion. We had good time
the children exhibited much happiness.
We feel proud of the success that crowned
the efforts made to have good time. Twas
better than we anticipated. We wish, Dea
Times, you could have been with US. Allow
me 10 say, however, you were well represented
by the "little times.' mean the small type
Of the original, who occupying seat among
the wagon load of Misses, maintained at
"otium cum diynitate" fully equal if not sur
passing the solder Times take the liberty
feeling confident express the sentiments of all
of returning our sincere thanks TO all those who
rendered assistance and to those who with the
sympathy and good wishes, helped on to gooe
time. B.
True enough--The Jackson Co. Journal a
Bellyue "regrets that Vandever has consented
to the proprieiy of admitting any more slav'
states under any circumstances. It says til,
Fremont flag Of SIS was enblazoned with aNt