Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-05-15
A De,iphtful occasion.

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A Delightful Occasion.
There came OF in our quiet village on Friday
afternoon of last week, one of the most delightful
affairs it has ever been our privilege to witness or
to participate in. We allude Of course to the
Union Festival Of the thrco Sunday Schools at
which dignity and worth and piety, md youth
and fashion and lovcliness, rcrc NIL present.
The ceremonies commenced at half-past two
o'clock in the afternoon, two or three hundred
persons looking on with delighted eyes. The
scene was introduced by the whole, three schools
passiur in procession, with their teachers, from
the Methodist to tho Baptist Church. This pro-
cession was we'll designed, and executed its evo-
lutions in tho most skilful manner. First came
all the boys, the foremost Of them having reached
mans beight, If not mans age. Ard when the
male liue had lwindled down almost to the little
end Of nothing, then began the line of beauty
At the head Of this limo iloatcd p white banner
This banner was Carried by q fair and youthful
teacher with tall, brave youth as her licutcn-
ant. And rs the male line had dwindlc,l. SC
dwisded the line Of beauty. The two little mites
OF loveliness and innocence that closed this line
were perfect hop. thumbs; they looked steadi
ly forward with very large and earnest eyes, as il
fearfuly impressed with the responsibility of theil
position. We have no doubt their teachers had
threatened them with the fate Of little Red Ridirl
Hood should they lose step, or look to tho 1ign
1,tta of the in
of beauty was charmingly interesting. "of such
is the kingdom of Heaven"
Upon arriving at the plateau in front Of tht
Church, the watchword was place anr dame, ant
in compliance with its requirements, the youths
formed in two lines, face to face, and through
this avenue of manly gallantry the line of beauty
passed into tho sacred building, and took the scat
reserved for them; followed in turn by their brav
companions. t
And now if we 90 to describing the whole thing
in detail, VIC shall bore our rendcrs drendtuly; IL
fact we believe every body was there to see ant
hear for himself or herself There was prayer
there was singing, there was speaking. The ad
dresses were all exceedingly apropos and in goot
TASTE the first element Of which latter quality wa
their brevity. Some of them were grave, some
guy, all tender, hopeful, pious, and we'll fitted fo
the cars and hearts of the youthful listeners.
Blu. the most beautiful feature Of the occasion
was the Singing. When friends meet, and the
look of love and word of friendship are inter
min gled with the voice Of song, the spirit throw!
of care and refreshes itself that it may be better
fitted for the hour Of toll. Who could hear thos,
fresh young voices wclling forth in gladnes!
and Joy and praise, md not forget the troubles
and trials of life? For all our young friend:
who sang so swcDlly on this happy occasion, VT
utter an earnest hopes that their high AMI hol,
Sabbath School teachings may inspire them tt
sing with steaifast and glowing hearts the follow
ing verse:
mThen lot Inc serve thee sll my days,
Aud may my zeal with years increase;
For pleasant. Lord, arc all thy ways,
Aud all thy path. are pence"
And now from the Church to the spacious Hal
of the Female College, to partake of the Feast
and to while away an hour in chat and laugh ant
friendly converse; the Sunday School procession
entering the Hall in the same order as it entered
the Church the inadens first, between two man
ly ranks; and then the youths. And finally tht
general multitude, without standing upon tht
order Of their entering or retiring. Thorc wert
tables for old men and mntrons and tables 70,
Young mon and maidens; and tables for the mer
H. ~ ap,1
with their presence And the two little hop-o my
thumbs that bad closed the line Of beauty, M
longer having the fear of Grandmother Wolf he
fore their eyes. screamed with laughter ast
happy and smiling and gay; anil every ono fcl
that he could engage In this pure and hcau'ifu
festival with the testimony Of good conscience
And the feast was everything that unstinted gen
erority and excellent taste could suggest.
And very gratifying and most noble feature
of the whole affair, from beginning to end, wa!
the prevalence of that genial spirit of broherl,
love which forgcts creeds in tho high and hol,
work of doing good
And in conclusion, We cannot but characteriz,
this Sunday School Festival as a most Perfcc
success; and many sweet remembrances OF thu
pleasant and happy hours spent ut it will linge'
with those who attended. We congratulate th'
Committee of arrangements upon the admirable
and efficient manner in which their duties wer'
performed and the noble christian ladies ant
gentlemen, who have the management of thu
Sunday Schools, upon the great and lasting goot
which is so evidently attending their faithful ant
eficiont labors.