Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-06-27

Montgomery county, Maryland. has just
given another proof of her abundant element
of socability and enterprise in the Church
Festival which was held on the 18th instant,
at Silver Spring, the beautiful residence OF
Mr.. FRANK p. BLAIR--a name already grown
historic, and identified with the most impor-
tant epochs of the political life Of the United
States.
The object OF the Festival was The clearance
of debt which had long hung over the Rec
tory Of Grace Church, situated on the Wash
inglon Turnpike, about seven miles from the
city
Mr.. AyERIrT, the present incumbent, deter
mined that the incubus should be lifted, and
with the help Of his loyal vestrymen and con-
gregation, and wel-wishers not belonging to
his charge, initiated this grand Church Festi-
val as the best means of raising the required
sum. 1t was great undertaking most sue
cessfully accomplished.
Church Festivals are by no means uncom-
mon, but this exhibited some features pecu-
liarly its own, which heartily commended it
pleasures.
The object, the place, the general character
of the crowd, all combined good and enjoya-
bic qualities. Mr.. BLAIR neglected nothing
that could contribute TO the comfort of these,
his outdoor guests 1t was matter of sim
cere regret to his numerous friends, that ow-
ing to family affection, neither he nor Mrs.
BLAIR were present on this occasion.
The grove the "smooth-shaven green" the
winding walks, were literally alive with hap
py-looking people. Children swarmed every
where. One hundred orphans from the Asy-
lum in Washington city were here, with no
shadow of orphanage ON their bright faces
Kind hearts had provided for their liberal en-
tertainment, and they evidently enjoyed the
full benefit of the occasion.
Rev. Mr.. WATKINS, of the Church of the
Epiphany, was here too, with his Sunday
School, ably marshalled by the teachers 1t is
due to the vigilance of the guardians and the
good behaviour Of the children 10 record that
not an accident happened to mar tho pleasure
of the day, and also due to the gentilty of the
large crowd, that there was not single in
stance of rowdyism.
1t was day of days for the children Here
was happiness green trees, singing BIRDS sun
shine, and the less poetical clement of 'good
things" displayed on various well-attcnded
tables. Straying off from the crowd we came
upon tiny lake, with boat to match accom-
modating one boy at a time, while n crowd of
expectant mariners watch him from the shore.
just above, on the brow of hill, is a swing
for the girls, in which they may soar high
enough to crafty the most ambitious. But
we are losing ourselves in ''tangled wilder
nesses" with the children. Crossing the pretty
rustic bridge which spans the thread-like out
let of the lake, we rctrace our steps to the
more sedale groups in the neighborhood of
the summer-house, the tables, and the Silver
Spring, the feature of this beautiful landscape
which gives a name TO the Blair homes tead -
Under green and ilowery bank the clear
fountain bubbles up through white sand and
silVery mica. a graceful water-nymph stands
under the arched recess, whispering sugges-
lions of fairyland but not far off are the ia
bles with eloquent reminders of mortal living,
where busiest housewives have taken their
stand, intent on ministering to the increasing
crowd of hungry people For, in spite of the
sylvan surroundings, nothing so whets the APP
petite as this Free fresh air.
All about, under the trees, are placed seats
for the accommodation of the people, and
here are gathered various groups Here are
young people drawn into clusters by the mag
netism of light hearts, and yonder are old
friends who have unexpectedly looked into
each others faces, not seen for years. And SO
in merry chat and heart-warming encounters
the bright hours pass away until FIVE o o'clock,
when we suddenly observe that the host of
children have fallen into rank and are march
ing to the stately measure of their song: "On-
ward, Christian Soldiers !" the robed clergy
precede the little army and enter the unique
summer-house. This curious, acorn-shaped
roof, resting upon the quartered trunk of
large oak, furnishes the chancel for Bishop
PlNKNEY, Reverend Messrs. BUCK, Huron,
WATKINS, ATKINS and AyERITT.
After evening service Rev. Mr.. WATKINS de-
livered an earnest address on the importance
of the laitv as the clergyman's auxiliary, and
the great engine of the Church's upbuilding
and extension. Mr.. ATKINS followed in
hearty and ahectonate little talk to the chill
dren
Around the stand were gathered worshipers
as devout as ever bowed within consecrated
doors, and a glad, warm feeling pervaded
their hearts, as if from that blue vault the
smile of the Father shone upon them, and gem
tie whispers of His love and mercy seemed to
mngle with the evening breeze among the
branches of the grove.
1t was felt that it was good to be there,
where so many hearts beat responsive to the
hallowed utterances of the Church, and so
many voices Joined in the evening hymns to
the Savior. The Bishops benediction fell like
dew on listening hearts, especially on those
who had known his voice and loved him years
ago.
After these closing exercises, the cars bore
away numbers to their homes in Washington,
and others were yet arriving when we left, at
s o'clock The gates were open until 10
o'clock, and thus the day ended, bringing en-
joyment to numbers from town and country,
and ACCOMPLISHING satisfactorily the object of