The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-06-13
EoR TEE CENTRAL PREssYrERIAs.
Commencement of the Augusta Female
Seminary, Stanton, Va.

It was the writer's good fortune to attend the
recent commencement of the Augusta Female Sem
mary This institution is under the charge, as al
know, Of that lady of rare gifts and grsces, Miss
NJ. ]. Baldwin, assisted by Mrs. Harding and Miss
Agnes MoClung. The former has the management
of the literary department. Her praise Is IN all
the land, and it is but just to say that while the In
stitution has grown under her care from small be-
ginnings until it has become the leading school Tor
young ladies in the entire South, (now numbering
two hundred pupis,) yet its Principal has ever
evnced an ability equal to the task Of controlling,
aud influencing for good, the eudessly diversified
mind under her care. Nor is the success OF this
institution due solely to the tact Judgment, and
skill of its Principal The excellent ladies who
manage the boarding department. who look after
the health the rooms, and the cuisine are entitled
to their need of praise. None but person who
has had some experience in running school
for young ladies', knows how important matter 1t
is to have q suitable corps Of adjutants IN the do
nestle department. Boys at school are more indie
pendent than young ladies. The latter need con-
slant care They are Trailer in their physical or
ganizstiOn, aud ever need that wstchtul attention
which iudieious mother exercises at home. In
this respect, the writer does not hesitate to avow
that he would feel that al the interest Of daugh'
ter would be cared for with as vigiant an eye, IN
the Augusta Female Seminary, as if under the pa
rental roof
But to the commencement. The usual sermon
to the young ladies, corresponding with the Bacca
laureate for boys, was preached on Sunday the Srd
inst, in the Presbyterian church, by the recently
installed pastor of the church of Lexington, Rev.
DR.. Mutually His theme was the character Of
Esther and those who heard it speak of its excel
lenes and suitabenesS for the occasion.
The first night of the commencement proper,
was devoted to music. To say that the exhibition
evineed uncommon skill on the part Of the pupils
and reflected high credit on the instructors, is but
faint praise. The most difficult pieces were per-
formed with exquisite taste. Not false note could
be detected, and that most difficult of all achieve
ments to attain in music time, was admirably kept
During the rendering of one piece, there were in
requisitiOn, six pianos and two organs, with four
teen performers, sad yet every instrument seemed
to be touched as by fairy fingers, and every part
was played in perfect time. The vocal part was
also greeted with rapturOus applause. One young
lady especially was called out three times-the last
time she appeared with her teacher bowling merely
gracefully to the audience and retiring amid deaf
eniug cheers.
The second night was as usual appropriated to
the reading Of distinctions, awarding certificates
prizes. medals and diplomas. Rev. Mr.. Richard
son presided with his usual dignity and judgment,
and was assisted 10 awarding the medals and diplO-
mas, by Dr. Mutually Five young ladies received
diplomas as full graduates. DR.. Mutually made an
address Astounding in Irish wit and happy hits, and
had a pleasant word for all the young ladies who
had won their guerdon on the arena of literary con-
fiet. One browning and beautiful feature was pre-
sented by the whole exhibition, and that was the
generous applause from her comrades, as each sue
cessful cOmbatsnt carried off her hard won hOnors.
This was as it should have been. +.