Delaware State journal and statesman., 1869-07-06
ACADEMY OF THE VISITATION.
INTERESTING CEREMONIES.
DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS.
REMARKS OF Rev. BISHOP BECKER.
MUSIC, ADDRESSES, &c, &c.

The Academy OF theVisitation est. Mary's)
on Delaware Avenue, was the scene of
most delightful intellectual festival on Fri
day last, the occasion being the conierring
of honors and awarding of premiums TO the
successful pupils of this new and flourishing
Institution, the first one OF the kind as yet
opened in Delaware.
The exercises took place in the large Col
lege Hall, and were witnessed by one OF the
largest and most fashionable audiences OF
the season. The pupils of tue Academy
were all draped in white, and comprised
quite large number, considering that tile
institution is as yet IN its infancy here. DR..
Becker, the Bishop, was present, clothed in
his gorgeous robes OF purple and scarlet.
Father Reilly and other clerical gentlemen
of the Church were also on the stage.
l.. The exercises opened with a piece of
muslc-B1Tsst Home Mdrch-by the Misses
Sarah King, Alice Brennan, Nann1e Nc
Junken and Linda Dickson. 1t was well
performed on two pianos, and ELECTED much
praise. This was followed by Tile Vesper
Star, with a full chorus of Young ladies,
Miss Mary Crumlish leading at the piano.
This also was gratlfSIngly performed. Airs
from Norma and Ihe Corcdris Gallop were
next given with fine effect upon the piano,
by the Misses Mary Crumlish, Anne Mellon,
Then followed the distribution of the
HonOrs, 10 such us were entitled to them for
special merit in their several studies. These
Hon0Fs consisted ol wreaths of flowers,
beautifully and chastely woven lor the occa.
SION. The candidates being called by name,
went forward towards tho Bishop, who with
with his own hand placed the wreaths Of
honor upon their heads; after which these
Queens Of Beauty were addressed in appro-
EtanNa
Regli, one Ol The pupils.
Second HonOrs were next awarded TO the
llille lolks, also for neriOrious progress.
Sprays OF flowers constituted these HOnors,
and as the Bishop placed spray after spray
upon their heads, the dear little recipients
manifested their joy in audible expressions
Of delight, with which the Bishop gave eyl
dent tokens Of qualification in the pleasure
which lighted up his lace as he beheld them.
"Let The Dead and The Beautiful rest, !" n
touching song with guitar accompaniment, by
Misses Aunie Finn and Annie Mellon, was
followed by the distribution Of premiums Ia
: the pupils, by the Bishop. A number OF
valuable and handsomely bound books were
thus disposed ol, nearly every scholar re-
ceiying copy ni fome appropriate work.
The abundance ul music added much ID
the interest III the occasion, aud "DrigeH
from Home" by "a lull chorus nj the LITTLE
children, with Miss Ella Miller at the piano
WIS one Of tue marked features ol the ncca-
sion. The general opinion OF the audience
was that ii was well sung, aud reflected
E much credit upon both the children and thei
instructors.
| MISS Annie Films omposlion-Mate
Dolorosa-was very pleasantly reciled, ant
} drew forth favorable comments on all sides
i The Jdr5oard Watch, with Mics Finn ii
1 the piano, was we'll sung by the Misses Crunl
/ llsh, Mellon and King, and delighted tn
audience intensely.
, Nobody's CHILD was sung with effect by
full chorus, with Miss Mary Brennan at th
piano.
Il Changes on hs Deep, piece ol compos
tiOn by Miss Annie Mellon, was quite il
= teresling and gave general satisfaction
The Old Days zoe Remember, was given
the Misses Mellon and Finn, accompanie
by the guitar.
Home, Ssoeet Home, on the piano, by Mis-
Miller, was recognized, and its power felt
all who heard il, and doubtless evoked man
,r signs in the hearts of those who long, lon
ago, IN the journey of life, left home, frend
ar and early companions, 10 march onwar
7. through the rugged path of unrevealed de.
tiny.
Faresoell, Our Congeat Home, beautii
u song, with full chorus, was sung with grel
earnestness and telling effect. 1t was IL
Or closing piece oil music OF the occasion, an
lett more than ephemeral impression, "
Or tlust, upon its hearers
Fdrepell 10 School, was few parting wore
II by Miss Elm Miller, addressed TO II
- scholars. 1t was prettily spoken.
The order OF exercises being completed
rs Bishop Becker took occasion to make a ie
remarks 10 tue pupils, exhOrling them TO b
ar not unmindiul OF their studies durin
vacation, but 10 apply themselves dll
gently-though not incessantly-to the
books during their leisure hours, and so
prepared fol the future. He gave kint
- atfectionate and wholesome advice 10 the
20 all, and dismissed them with his benedi
'; ton, in the name OF the Church and i
~ Omniscient Head.
4 4 And SO closed the first public exercises
u ~ the Academy of the Visitation, in DelawaI,
y full of promise, iull OF hope, and, under tn
- inspiration and maternal care OF HOl
I Mother, full of success in all its future caret
! as Catholic Educational Institution.