The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1865-09-20

the ability and learning with which he
was able to discuss and illustrate it. 1t
was listened to with great interest to the
end, and was finally requested for publ
cation.
After the address the exercises at the
Church were closed with singing the
Gloria in Excelss," followed by the
Benedictiun.
But, very important part was yet 10
follow, and that was the social festivities
of the day, including the dinner. The
table was spread-to accommodate so
large a number-in the beautiful yard adj
joining Mr. Weeks house. The sur
rounding trees ard over hanging vines
made the place coy, and in every way
appropriate. The tables were loaded
with the good things which the different
members of the family, living near, had
brought together. 1t would be well nigh
impossible to give in detail the variety of
eatables which were here temptingly
placed before us-the meats and the tur-
keys and the chickens the things sweet
and the things sour; the pies and sauces
and puddings, and all that infinite variety
OF cake which an ingenious housewifery
knows how to invent.
\ At the dinner table collection was
taken up for the purchase of an Album to
contain the photographs Of the family.
This Album is to be in the hands of the
SECRETARY, Mr.. II. L. Sheldon, of Middle.
bury, VT, to whom all photographs are
to bY sent.
After dinner, came toasts and speeches.
Quite a good number were present repre-
senting the learned professions so there
was no lack of ability for speech making.
The length of this sketch will not allow
the sentiments proposed to be given in
full. much less the speeches made in
response thereto. A toast was given
commemorative of the Pilgrim Fathers,
to which DR.. Alden, of Randolph, Mass.
responded in a happy and interesting
manner, Rev. Mr.. Hyde, of Middlebury.
in neat ard lively speech, congratulated
himself on being for the day reckoned a
member of the family. In turn, Rev.
MIR. Robinson, Mr.. Weeks, Mr.. Avery,
Dr. Shumway and others, entertained the
company with remarks, serious, witty,
grave and gay. One sentiment was offer
ed in honor of the three surviving children
of Holland Weeks-three sisters. Vnlv
one of whom was able to be present. To
this sentiment DR.. Shumway responded
with feeling and effect. The presence of
Mrs. Sheldon, the only one of the surviv-
ing sisters above referred to, was great
pleasure to all the family. She seemed
to be the last living link which bound US
TO the original hearth stone. A toast was
also offered in memory of those members
OF the family who have lost their lives in
the recent war. The family shows quite
long list of honorable mes-martyr
names-of those who have laid down their
lives in their country's cause. All these
were remembered and called by name.
Nor were those Others who have been
called hence during the past five years.
forgotten. The names of the dead were
all called over-their memory was com
memorated and blessed and that other
world to which they have gone was called
to mind and spoken of,
"uGon whose portal, yet they Iinger,
Looking back for Us to come"
AZ last the meeting was closed by all
singing the doxology to the tune of Old
Hundred, and by the iira benediction.
Thus ended the last and sixth meeting
OF the descendants of Holland Weeks.
And with its pleasant remembrances still
fresh upon us we look forward in eager
anticipation of the next.
The next meeting will be held five
years from now. The exact day and
place probably Salisbury is to be deter
mined by committee appointed for that
purpose.
Herewith is annexed list of the fam
lilies represented at this last meeting. OF
course there are many other names con-
nected with the family but who had no
representative at the meeting.
Alden, Avery, Beach, Bingham, Bump,
Burnham, Caldwell, Copeland, Davenport,
Everls, Hamilton, Kingsley, Lewis, Mer-
rill, Park, Pierce, Powers, Pratt, Rider.
Robinson, Sheldon, Shumway, Steele,
Stewart, Weeks.
w.