Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1868-10-20
For the Spectator.

AT HOME, Oct. 9th, 1868.
Mr.. EDITOR 1t was my pleasure to attend
Picnic and Sabbath School exhibition at the
Round Hill Church, New Hope, ON Wednes-
day, the 7th inst, short account of which,
have thought, might not be uninteresting to
the readers Of your widely circulated paper =
Notice having been given of the celebration,
and the day being favorable, large number of
persons was In attendance. Cheerfuness seemed
depicted on every countenance, and the bright
and smiling faces of the children plainly be-
spoke the pleasures they experienced.
The exercises commenced in the Church at
half past ten o clock, by the singing of the
whole school, beautiful hymn, selected for the
occasion, after which fervent and impressive
prayer was offered up by the Rev. Mr.. Engle,
the preacher in charge. The exercises were
continued, by recitations from the Scriptures
the performing Of dialogues, and the repeating
Of select pieces of poetry-the whole inter
spersed by singing by the children, which
would have reflected honor upon more expe-
rienced performers. But the great attraction
taken from the beautiful and interesting narra-
tive in the Bible, hearing her name. The
characters were most judiciousy selected, and
each one admirably sustained his part The
Queen, who was personated by Miss Rebecca
Scott, of New Hope, was of course the OBJ
served, of all observers and we'll did she de-
serve the honor Beautiful in her appearance,
arrayed in royal apparel, with glittering crown
encircling her brow, it might with truth be
said, grace was in all her steps, in every ges-
ture, dignity and love- Long will it be, be-
fore her bright and sparkling eyes fade from
my memory, as in glowing strains, she depicted
the distress and anguish of her nation. And
it is not surprising, that a Queen so distin-
hod ho 0o1 h11 If
Honor, whose personal attractions. beautifully
contrasted with those Of her royal highness.
King Ahasuerus found representative in
Mr. Palo Fisher, young gentleman, whose
manly and commanding appearance, at once
fitted him for the high position assigned him.
And now, that the Queen has resolved to ap-
proach the King, and plead in behalf of her
people, regardless of the reception she might
meet with, but with the high and holy deter
mination If Iperish, ! perish, the interest
manifested by the audience became intense,
and as the curtain suddenly rose, exhibiting
the King for the first time seated on his throne,
the whole audience rose to their feet. [ have
only time to say, that Mordeeai and Haman,
were most appropriately represented.
From the large number of persons in atten~
dance, doubts were expressed by some, that
there would not be provision enough to satisfy
the appetites Of SO large an audience-tut these
apprehensons were soon dissip pated, for a more
bountiful and elegant repast, never witnessed
on any similar occasion. Indeed, from the va
riety and abundance and the superior manner
in which everything was prepared, one would
almost think, there had been rivalry amongst
the numerous contributors, each to surpass his
neighbor. lg sHf.3e..-eH g
That everything might be conducted with or
der and propriety, and to prevent that confu-
sion, which is sometimes witnessed on similar
occasions, Capt Gideon Barnhart was selected
as Marshal of the day., assisted by Commit
tee of managers of Ladies and Gentlemen,
and all, l think, will bear testimony to the
promptness and efficiency with which he dis
charged his duties. -
Dinner being over, the congregation again as
sembled in the Church, where addresses were
delivered by the Rev. Mr.. Neal Of Churchvie,
the Rev. Mr.. Chambliss of the Baptist Church
and the Rev. Mr.. Ross of Nit. Sidney. Thus
closed the day-a day not soon to be forgotten
by the citizens of New Hope, and its vicinity
At night, the Dialogue of Queen Esther
was, by request, repeated in the Church, to q
large and attentive audience. .---.i.
A SPECTATOR.