Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-08-13
THE NEW PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILD
ING IN EDGEFIELD.
LAYING OF the CORNER Stone.

Laying Of the Corner Stone.
The laying of the corner stone of the new
school house in Edgeield yesterday was an
event in our sister city, and was the occa-
sion of a large crowd of spectators assem-
bling at the building at the hour appointed.
According to programme published, the
teachers and children of the public schools,
the Mayor and Aldermen, and the Board Of
Education mel al the Russell street build
ing, and headed by the Rock City Band,
marched in procession to the corner
of Tulip and Woodland streets, where
the Masonic fraternity fell into
line. The body then proceeded up
Woodland street, and marched directly to
the place where the new building is now in
course OF erection. Arriving on the
grounds, Mr.. j. P. Barthell, a member of
the School Committee, announced that the
exercises would open with prayer by Rev.
DR.. w. A. Nelson, of the Baptist church.
Mr.. q. Q. Thompson, Chairman of the
building, in few remarks, called upon the
grand officers present to lay corner stone
according to the usages of this ancient Or
| der. Hon. j. ID. Richardson,
Acting Most Worshipful Grand
Master responded to the request, and
commenced the work for which the Order
had assembled. Rev. r. Z. Brown, acting
as chaplain invoked the blessing of Heaven
upon all engaged in the work.
Mr.. Bar.hell then addressed the Most
Worshipful Master, informed him of the
contents of the box about to be deposited,
reading aloud list of the articles, to-wit:
CORNER STONE DEPOSITS.
Coin dated 1878; The Wait paper pub
lished by Mrs. Henri Weber, and the first one
in Edgefield; the UNION AND AMERICAN,
and Banner, of Aug. IL; RurdL Sun, Aug.
| Z; Commercial Reporter, Aug. IL; Chris
tiaR Advocate, Aug. z; Nashville Bulletin,
Aug. Z; Returns of Edgefeld Lodge, No.
254, and History of Beulsh Lodge; List of
| Board of Education and Teachers, with 9
detailed account of school attendance; List
of Building Committee; Master Mechanics;
List of Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and
| Town Officers; Maps Nashville 1904 and
1855, and also Map of Nashville and Edge
field 1872.
The Worshipful Grand Master then
deposited the box, and in clear
distinct voice read the ceremonies, speak.
| ing of the elements of conservation presen-
ted, and referring to the corn, oil and wine
used as the emblems OF national propriety;
He then delivered the implements into the
hands of the architect. The Grand Master
was assisted in the ceremonies by F. P.
Cahil, Senior Grand Warden Thos. Vein,
Junior Grand Warden, o. S. Lesseur, and
r. Z. Brown, Grand Chaplain.
OTHER EXERCISES.
The ceremonies of laying the corner
stone according to the ancient rites of Ma
sonry being concluded, the large crowd
present repaired to stand near by, where
the children of the schools were called up,
and under the leadership of Prof. Shultz,
several pieces were sung in accord.
AN EPISODE.
Immediately after The singing, ex-Mayor
j. b. White arose in the stand and address
sing Prof. Shultz, said:
On behalf of the children of the public
schools of Edgefeld, present you with
this beautiful walking stick. You have
kindly devoted your time, learning and pro-
fessional skill, without pecuniary compen-
sation, to instruct item in that science
switch hath charms to soothe the savage
breast" and to practce them in that art
which moves the world "with the concord
Of sweet sounds" The gratifying exhibit
ton the children have just made of their
SIX ii in song fully attests that your
lRbors have been crowned with abundant
success. They desire you to accept this as
a token Of their friendship and esteem, and
when you have passed the meridian of life,
and commenced the journey towards the
setting sun, this staff, now an ornamented
emblem, will prove useful stay and sup
port in your declining years. And when
we all meet beyond the sunsets radiant
glow, may We all be of them that "Stand
on sea of glass, having the harps of God,
and sing the new song Of Moses and the
Lamb"
The Professor was taken completely by
surprise upon receiving the handsome pres
ent, but responded gracefully, thanking the
children for The present.
| AN ADDRESS.
Gov. Neill SBrown was then introduce
by Mayor Glenn, as the speaker of the &C.
casion. After referring to the ele-
CANT and spacious building in course
Of erection, the Governor then pro-
ceeded to discuss at some length the
cause Of popular education. His address
was listened to throughout with the most
marked attention, the audience, although
standing, showing not the least restlessness.
The exercises were then closed with
prayer by Rev. j. d. Kirkpatrick, Of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Every
thing passed off smoothly and agreeably to
all.