The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-07-06
The COLLEGE Festivities at Walhalla.

The College Festivities at Walhalla.
Our neighboring town was quite alive last
week, in consequence Of the festivities connec-
ted with the annual examination and CON-
menceRent of the Newberry College, located
at that place. On Monday and Tuesday, the
commencement exercises passed off With great
eclat, and in the presence Of numerous friends
from almost every section of the State We
understand that the examinations and speeches
were quite interesting, and showed great care
on the part Of the professors, and diligent study
and application among the students. AS our
readers are informed already, this institution is
under the patronage of the Lutheran denomin-
alton, and while its strength and usefulness
proceeds mainly from that direction, the citi-
zens from Walhalla are striving earnestly to
build up an educational institution of lasting
honor and benefit to the people generally. The
pure, bracing atmosphere, noted for its healthy
influence, together with natural advantages of
no ordinary character; the facility of railroad
communication with the outer world, and the
cheapness of living in this section of the State,
added to the ability and fitness of President
Smeltzcr and his corps of assistants, all COM
bine to render this College famous in days to
come. 1t is fast growing in Importance, and
we doubt not that an onward impulse has been
given during the past week Of infinite advan-
tage to its success hereafter.
1t was our fortune to be present on Wednes-
day, 2Sth of June, at the laying of the corner
stone of the College building, and to witness
the interest and enthusiasm manifested by the
large assembly in everything pertaining to this
institution. A brief description of the cere-
mony will not be inappropriate. The Masonic
fraternity assembled at their usual place of
meeting at II o'clock, a. m. The procession
was formed under the direction of Maj. S. P.
Dendy, Marshal of the Day, and marched to
the Lutheran Church, where an immense audi
ence had already assembled. The Exercises
were opened with prayer by Bro. G. f. Chich-
ester, of Charleston, acting as Grand Chaplain.
The acting Grand Master, Rev. j. H. Honour,
introduced the orator of the day, Rev. W. S.
Bowman, of Charleston, who delivered an adj
dress suited to the occasion. His. theme, Re-
ligious education the future hope of our coun-
try, and Masonry as connected with sanctified
learning and scientific development" was ably
discussed in all its practical bearings. When
the address was concluded, the procession again
formed and proceeded to the College building,
where the beautiful and impressive rite of the
Masonic fraternity was duly observed in laying
the cornerstone. 1t was an unusual spectacle,
however, as the building has been erected for
several years, and these ceremonies are ordina-
rily observed when the work is first commenced.
But circumstances hare prevented an earlier
observance of the timc-honorcd custom, and as
the building is not yet completed, the acting
Grand Master found no difficulty in adapting
the prescribed form to the occasion.
Efforts were made during the day to raise
money to complete the College building, and
we are gratifed to state that the means en-
ployed were quite successful. Among other
things, the ladies of Walhalla had prepared an
SIMPLE supply of refreshments and substantials,
the proceeds of which were set apart for the
benefit of the College. The dinner was spread
in the recitation roons, and hundreds partook
ofthe bountiful repast, much to their own sat
isfaction and that of the ladies in charge, we
presume.
The festivities closed on Thursday night with
commencement ball and supper at Bemann's
Hotel, which was largely attended and crcdita-
bly, managed, We understand