The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1877-10-06


PLEASANT DELL, October 2nd, 1877.
Mr.. EDIToR:-It was our good fortune
to accept an invitation of friend to at.
tend the celebration of Bethel N. p. Sab
bath School, held in beautiful grove,
about semi distant from Charlestown and
Bay View, on Saturday last.
We were surprised, on entering the
ground, to find so many persons assembled
Although, on our journey thither we had
received such glowing account of past
success in this line, we were inclined to
credit it to our nformantS creduity
rather than accept it as strictly Il fact.
I'VE tell you this prioateLy, of course.)
We noticed long line OF persons, ap-
parently busily engaged, on one part of the
ground, aud for curiosity sake, wendell our
way in that direction. On nearing this
place, we were met by warm hearted,
left. handed gentleman, who, without any
questioning whatever, Immediately explain
ed the scene in the distance, closing his
remarks by a pressing invitation to accom-
pany him and investigate matters which
we at once accepted. We soon ascertained
the cause of the attraction to this spot
a table, forty eight feet long, stood be-
fore us, fairly groaning beneath its load of
substantials, dainties. &c, such only as
farmers wives and daueh ters can furnish
Without much ceremony we took part in
the exercises, and did ample justice to the
choice viands, so temptingly set before u.s.
We were told that this was the second
tableful; that the children had been served
first.
We were then summoned to another part
of the grove, to hear the speaking and
| IL,
formed a prominent part of one of those
old time celebrations. We were much sur
prised to find so much trouble taken to
make everything look attractive and COM
Portable. The stand was very tastefuly
decorated with evergreens and flowers
while very large flag hung in the back
ground. This reflects great credit on the
ladies who executed the work. and, of
course, the gentlemen who kindly assisted.
Seats were also nicely arranged for the
accommodation of the audience.
The Revs. James Thompson, J. A. B.
Wilson, VIM. Brickley. aud Samuel Logan
were present and assisted in the opening
chorus, Light will greet thee by and BY"
This was followed by the opening address
by a bright little fellow with mild blue
eyes. Then a bright-eyed, flaxen- haired
little miss Of five Summers, came to the
platform, and i'll childish accents, sweety
sang, so worship the Lord, in the beauty
of holiness" This was exceedingly well
rendered, and drew much praise from the
audiences. After this, pretty little miss
spoke about :" The trouble in the Choir in
which the soprano got mixed up with the
bass, the tenor got choked or something
else, the alto broke, the deacon got mad
and the elder came to the rescue; and all
ri
"duck y of a bonnet on. A droll looking
youth, in the role of an old man, then APP
peared and sat down beside fine looking
maiden, who acted as his partner in life's
sorrows and joys, and related his visit to a
"Stylish Church, closing with the remark
that he loved the old time congregational
singing, and to please him apparently, so
for thousand tongues to sing" was sung.
A black eyed little miss then gave some
reasons why "Sabbath Schools must have
concert" Three little girls and two
boys then sang, 1--WE can learn useful
lesson" This, too, was fine selection
The little fellow who spoke the opening ad-
dress, next came forward and very manfully
insisted on Boys Rights" Another little
boy, in another piece of poetry, gave some
good hints on Saturday Night" affairs.
Then followed concert exercise by class
of nineteen, entitled Jesus, the Rock of
Ages" This was an admirable piece, and
was very creditably performed. An arch
was prepared, and at the proper time each
member of the class presented letter to
the audience which represented some promi-
nent characteristic in the life of Christ
The superintendent then placed the letter
in its proper place on the arch, and when
completed, these large tastefully trimmed
letters formed Rock of A ges - in the arch
way and the word "Jesus" directly above
in the center Of the arch. The rendering
Of this exercise showed skillfUl training on
the part of the school.
After Il short intermission the exercises
continued by singing "Come and Seek the
Saviour" 4 dialogue, entitled "Connu-
bal CoEfab," was then well presented by
youth and maiden, who appeared very
angry at first and INDUCED in some words
of life, but finally left the platform in IA
good humor. Hold On" another vocal
piece, was then sung, and then two little
fellows stepped upon the stage and dis
puted about the merits Of certain kite: a
third party, however, settled the matter,
and peace wis restored. CANCEL Watch
ers," in poetic form, was soemnly rem
dered by an exceedingly modest looking
young lady: after which Sweeping Through
The Gates by far the best selection used,
in our Judgment, was sung in a splendid
manner; the alto and bass winning espe-
cial favor in this piece. Then followed an
address on "Small Thugs" by young
man, member of the school. This ad-
dress won credit for the school. The 'Star-
less Crown" by y-cheeked maiden,
was particularly well delivered. Another
appropriate piece was then sung, and
Youth came forward and gave Negroes
Complaint - Of treatment. This piece was
overlooked in the programme, hence it APP
peared somewhat out of order. The exer-
else closed by singing that beautiful an
them, Light of My Soul
The affair certainly reflected great credit
on the superintendent whose name, we
learn, was Charles J. A. Stewart) as we'll
as of the officers and teachers of the school,
We noticed that there was no machinery
used for singing. except Natures organs,
which were certainly very melodious on
this occasion.
Although the weather was so threaten
ing during the early part of the day, by 10
O'Clock the clouds began to dsperse, and
the afternoon was lovely. The attendance
was very large, and the affair certainly
proved a decided success. True sociability
ruled supreme, and every one seemed to
enjoy themselves hugely.
We spent an enjoyable season, and would
have gladly fingered longer in the pleas
ant grove with its cheerful people, but the
shades of night were falling fast" ad-
monishing us to seek the shelter of our
domcls. VISITOR.
For The Cecil Wing.