Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1868-06-17
Commencement Week
West FarmIngIOn.

has been one of great interest, activity,
and pleasurable social intercourse.
On Monday evening Elder Stever de-
livered a lecture on the toaic TO be or
not TO be, that is the question" 1t was
full of good sense, sparkling wit, apt illus
t%ration, impressive thought, and abound
ing in appropriate language
The Elder, though somewhat peculiar
in his style and manner, gave general
satisfaction. The entire lecture abOunded
in no ordinary material, and the audience
was well pleased.
On Tuesday and Wednesday the classes
were examined by the teachers, and each
student oYinced by the p~romptitude with
which the questions asked were answered
by. them, hat no one had lOitered away
time during the term, but had given
earnest and faithful attention TO study.
The literary society held its commence
ment exercises on Wednesday evening /;
and most of the essays and declamations
were highly interesting and instructive.
The dialogue at the close was a little in
sipid, yet it passed well with those liking
that kind of literature. Thursday evening
the people listened to a well written lee
ture by DR.. Woodwork, OF Warren. 1t
evinced much care in its preparation.
The language with which he c'othed his
thoughts was pure. and beautiful. His
sentences were not burdened with verbiage,
but Just enough words to present thought
in Its true light, without any effort for
display. He left the impression on the
mind that he WIS deeply interested in the
thorough education of the young, and also
impressed US with the necessity, when
starting out in life, of having some well
defined purpose or aim.
Friday the graduating class of seven,
three young men and four young ladies,
with the faculty, the executive board of
the Institution, Sthe friends and patrons of
W. Z Seminary, together with a number
of the Ministers of the NJ. E. Church,
among which wa Rev. John Graham,
Presiding Elder of Ravenna District, as
zembled in the beautiful grove, afew rods
from the Seminary buildings, to hear the
graduates read their essays, deliver their
Orations, and receive their diplomas. The
occasion was one of deep and thrilling
interest, not soon TO be effaced from the
page of memory. The day was bright,
beautiful and balmy; the gathering un-
usually large, and with few exceptions, the
best of order prevailed. The exercises
were ~iniersperced by music that charmed
by the MesOpotamia band.
The exercises were opened by prayer by
Rev. Graham.
The first essay was bv Miss Z. NJ. Allen,
topic, Behind the Scenes. 1t was full of
sharp shots. The mask of many in socie-
ty, that try to appear more than what
they really are, was torn oil and the real
character of n certain class stood out 10 It's
true light. ,
The next was an grafton by J. j. Stead
man, theme, LAST Day" He showed
that he had studied his subject well, and
delivered it without embarrassment. His
language was well chosen, and sometimes
quite sublime.
Then followed an essay by Miss Lizzie
Buel; topic, BORROW and Lend" A good
essay, full of good council, refined thought
and practical, common sense. All were
pleased with her effort.
The closing article for the first session
was by Miss Burnett. Her theme was
Superstitions How ever fee we may
have felt ourselves from superstitions, yet
before her essay terminated, the most
present were forced to exclaim, 81 perceive,
that, in many things, 1 have been too su
perstitious." The essay WAS classical,
chaste, sublime, timely and thoroughly
scathing of the errors of the day. Ali felt
that the production exhibited more than
ordinary characteristics Of bellies letter
writing.
The next was an Grafton by A. G. Par
ker. His effort showed - mind
for eonceiving thought and clothing Il in
appropriate language, that but few nave.
II was u well written, excellent produc-
ton. He paid s tribute to historical
christianity, worthy of the highest praise.
The audience then listened to an essay
by Miss ). A. Scott, subject, ''De ProflH-
dls." 1t abounded in brilliancy-was
iull of sparkling gems. The tone of tie
true Christian was in it. All was enchan-
ted with her grand Thoughts and pure
style.
j. w. Scott gave the closing address.
His theme was the Mission Of Art Scott
is a coed, deep, pure thinker, and fluent
speaker. A little too fast, but was well
delivered. Prof. Crafts address to the
graduates was in good, plain, strong, pure
English. and was listened to with profound
attention. All ceased to walk, and talk,
and tramp; and visit during its delivery.
The Alumni met in the evening for a
reunion. Prof. Graft opened by welcome,
and then followed essays by J.. Hurlbart.
Miss Z. Wetmore, L. S. Bancroft, and
Miss Thompson, and extempore remarks
by Weir and johnson. Weir is a good,
practical talker; q very pleasant public
speaker. johnson is funny, that every
one knows, without my telling it. So
ended the week. A. b.