Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1862-01-08
New Years Eve IN British
Hollow.

1LOAlOW W.
Nh. EpIroR: Few seasons ara so
| fraugbt with interest tc the young, as The
Christmas holidays. In order that the fas-
Invites Of orr just passed holidays be min
gled with pleasant memories for after years,
all pointing to some ultimate good, It was
deemed proper by the teachers. parents and
friends OF the NJ. e. sabbath school ia this
place, that candy treat be given the child
ren, accompanied by such other exercises
as were calculated to harmonic pablo feel
ing, give higher and nobler detection to
youthful minds, and strengthen tie hearts,
and uphold the hands of these engaged in
the work.
New Years Eve was appointed as an APP
propriate time; accordingly, on that Eve,
they met at the church, which bad been
tastefulIy fitted up and prepared for the
OCCASION. Eyergreens gaye to the place an
air Of sweetness and pleasure, while from ?
large one erected near the pulpit, hlng &c
large candy hearts and toys, with pro-
portionate number Of apples, cakes, dc.
The whole was well lighted up, 81 candles
being suspended behind the tree, represent
! inc the "a States Of the Union, presenting
! a scene Of brilliancy and beauty rarely seen.
At IN early hour the house was crowded
to oyeffowiag, and every eligible place
about the doors, for sight or hearing, was
appropriated and still they came.
The exercises were opened by singing
and prayer The superintendent, Mr.
Richard BENEFITS, then made few remarks,
the purport Of which was, that honest,
earnest effort, was sure to meet its reward.
Aud thai the outlay Of capital was neces-
sary to the advancement Of every great en-
terprise. Showing, that capital may be
found in natural endowments, education or
money. Without some of these elements
OF capital, there could be little improve
ment With them all combined ia an en-
inent degree, there would be no reason for
want Of success. With any lacking, or all
but poorly supplied, it were folly to expect
eminent attainments. The ten tallants
must Of necessity return more interest than
one. But the one honestly used, with full
purpose of heart to serve tile masters cause,
will bring at last, to It's faithful owner, the
same full plauait, as the we'll used ten
God is not an Egyptian Pharoah, that he
should command his servants to make
'.brick aud give them no straw" Neither
has he asked that the one talIant, be held
accountable for the improvement, due the
ten. He claimed that the labors Of those
in charge Of the school, had been in accord
ance with their best ability and crayed in-
diligence, if tie manifestations OF the even
ing CHANGED to fall below the high stan
dard Of strict criticism.
Then followed singing by the school.
This department has been under the super
vision of Mr.. Skinner OF this piace, for
about two months, and the proficiency at
lined by the school, in 50 short Tina
was truly surprising.
Several declamatory pieces appropriate
for the occasion and times, were rehearsed
by the members Of the school nnder difec
ton OF Mr. w. W. Hodges. The speaking
was interspersed by singing by the school,
to the appreciation Of all unjaundiced
listeners. hrs. Bradshaw Of Lancaster
was present during the evening, and enliy-
ened the occasion by her mastery singing
and melodeon performance, which varied
the exercises Of the evening. After the
speaking was over, the children received
their presents; each his share of candies,
apples and cakes. Mr.. John James pluck
ed them from the tree, and gave thsm to
the children, as they presented themselves
on roll call, by MIR. George Walker, Secre-
tary. 1t was done without confusion and
in good order.
Following this. came the presentation OF
a large loaf cake to Mr. Skinner. His la
bors in behalf Of tho school were purely
gratuitous, and this presentation was IN
tended as testimonial ofthe respectful APP
probation of bis Iabors, by the donors.
The eminently the design, as we'll as
the execution Of the ladies, was two feet
high. dotted over with silver coin amount
inr to six dollars. 1t was presented to Mr.
S. by DIR. A. Il. Tyler, on behalf Of the
ladies, in a few Lrief but wel-timed re-
marks. 1t is proper to State, this was an
entire surprise TO Mr.. Skinner; he having
not the slightest intlmatIon OF this part OF
the programme. In response, he sang a
devotional piece, referring to the power and
agency Of Godin human affairs, "He doeth
all things WELL
The exercises on the part Of The school
then closed, by a "Tableaux Visants," IN
dicating Divinity and Prayer, followed by
the old gear Growing the neiy one.
Throughout the whole Of ths evening
exercises, as well as in the tasteful arrange
ment and display. everywhere visible, IT
was not hard to trace the delicate engnerg
and retired touch Of woman's hand. God
bless the womenl and may future time
bring to us all, many Happy New Years.
* savs PIcK AK.
British Hollow, Jan. /, 1862.
80. sr-zss----------