The Van Buren press., 1871-07-04
Masonic and Sabbath School Celebration
PLEASANT HILL, ARK, June 27,'71.

MR. EDrroR:-
AS you are engaged in catering to the
literary public, a short account of our
place, prospects and recent festival,
might not be out Of place in your col
umns
Pleasant Hill, as you may be aware, is
situated between the streams of Great
and Little Mulberry, and is surrounded
by as fertile and productive lands as any
in the Valley of Arkansas. 1t contains
at present substantial Church, two
mercantile establishments, and last 4" but
by no means least" a handsome apd
commodious Masonic Hall and School
Building The school being under the
supervision of the Masonic Fraternity,
who intend to establish here first class
Grammar School.
For some weeks past our usually quiet
community, especially the junior part of
it, has been very busy in making prepara
ton for the event of all events.
THE SABBATH SCHOOL AND MASONIC CELE-
ihAAAoNt a.
Came Off on Saturday last. At an early
hour the citizens of the adjacent country
began to flock in, by every possible mode
of conveyance known in the country, and
the fine grove around soon presented an
animated and pleasing spectacle. AL
seemed determined to enjoy themselves,
and they did it.
THE EXERCIsEs OF TIE DAY
Were opened by the Sabbath School
consisting of the recitation of appropri.
ate pieces, selected for the occasion. The
manner in which many of the children
acquitted themselves, reflected much cred
it on both the pupils and teachers. These
exercises being over very interesting ng
and appropriate address was delivered
before the school by the Rev. Mr. Roach,
who duly appreciates the good influence
such institutions have on the morals OF
the rising generation. At the close of
the address procession was formed by
the Masons and Sabbath School children
and, preceded by the Pleasant Hill String
Band, which, melodious( y sounds
flung on the air, all sought, what at this
time appeared to be the grand centre of
attraction,
THE DINNER TABLE,
Which, despite the almost universal cry
of hard times, "had been most heavily
ladened with creature comforts, by the
good matrons fthe vicinity, who seemed
to vie with each other in the quantity and
quality Of the viands contributed. Nor
did it seem that the feast of reason and
flow of soul, " with which the concourse
had been regaled, had in the least i'm
paired their corporal appetites And
judging from the manner in which sub
stantials disappeared, one would very
naturally conclude that--was q very
rare complaint in the " Mulberry settle
ment." Dinner being over
THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW MASONIC
HALL
came next in order and seemed to be
very interesting to those who witnessed
the ceremonies. (The building itself is
a large and handsome one, speaking well
for the energy and zeal of the Fraternity
at this place.) During the afternoon,
addresses were made by Messrs. BU-
GANCE, FISHER and WIrHERs all apropos
to the occasion. That delivered by the
latter gentleman being a very able and
eloquent exposition of the beautiful and
sublime principles of Masonry. His ad-
dress was listened to with marked atten.
ton by large audience, many Of whom
now heard, for the first time, this subject
handled as it should be, and not few
Of his auditors treasured up on that day
germ that will grow and ffuctify to his
own good and that Of his fellow man. .-
The sun, now seeking the western horiz
on, admonishod the assembled hundreds,
that the brightest day must close, and
the grove which, short time before was
a scene Of animation, soon became de.
serted to quiet, all having sought their
homes well pleased with the events of the
day. VIRGYIANUs.