Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-04-16
Gardner l0ral NeMs.

The dedication of the new schoolhouse on High
street, on Saturday afternoon, was a notable
event. The grammar school room was filled with
interested auditors. Members of the past and
present City Governments were in attendance.
Several OF the ex Mayors were present, aud among
them Hon! Robert Thompson, who we think was
the second Mayor Of the city. The teachers ia
bic was decorated with several vases of beautiful
flowers, tribute offerings of the Misses Moore on
Winter street. The meeting was called to order
by j. NJ. Lsrrabee, chairman OF the School Commit
tee, who introduced Hon. John Berry as Pres-
dent OF the meeting, who called upon Rev. j. F.
llutchns to offer the dedicatory prayer, which he
did in fitting and appropriate language. Mr..
Berry, in his Introductory remarks, spoke Of the
great advancement which bad been made in
schoolhouse architecture since his bovhood He
paid n fitting tribute to the Mayor and his coad-
tutors, who by earnest efforts had brought about
the creation of so spacious and elegant structure
for school purposes and expressed the desire that,
al no distant day, the citizens Of Gardiner might
be called III on to dedicate like building on the
" other hill" The President then introduced
DAVID Wentworth, Esq., chairman OF the building
committee, who gave history of the enterprise
from the introduction of the first order to the City
Council relating to the matter TO the completion
of the building itself. The keys, plans deeds aud
other papers relating TO the building he delivered
to the Mayor, Hon. j. II. Dingley, who in behalf
gratu lated the committee upon the success which
had ate nded their efforts in awarding the several
contracts, and complimented them tor the har-
mony which had characterized their dslibcra ions,
and for the periectness and completeness If the
noble school ed flee which they tad ia turned
over to the city. He delivered the keys OF the
building TO the custody of the Supe intending
School Committee, and Henry s. Webster, E o.,
Secretary of the Board responded III their behalf.
An original poem was read by J. NJ l-arsabee,
xuht will hp t,up
The address by Hon. W. j. Corthe was excel
lent and bristled all with pointed, practical
| truths. lie had good word for the school houses
of the oden time, which had served the purposes
OF their day, and spoke of the NOBLE men and wo-
man who in them had received their first impetus
| on the road to knowledge, which resulted in last
ing benefit to the state aud nation. lie sald the
first work in education must be done at home, q
place where love is there the children should be
trained to truthfulness and obedience to constitut-
ed authority. Without these qualifications, no
degree Of intellectual attainment would constitute
a properly educated person. The teacher must
| supplement the training OF such homes. they can
do no more; if the fountain is bitter the stream
| will be bitter also Education was the proper
discipline of all the attributes of our nature.
Physically should be taught to take care of the
body and preserve health; the intellect should be
trained TO grasp all knowledge, but above all
| the moral nature should be so cultured and REIN
ed, that no temptation could allure, and no storm
| of passion break. The address occupied about
| thirty minutes and was listened to with undivided
| attention, and heartily commended at its close.
an excellent qusrtette consisting OF Miss A. E.
| Baker, soprano, Miss Lucy Cary, alto. Mr.. +. E.
| Robbins, basso, aud Mr.. G. w. Gardner, tenor
accompanied by Miss Anna Day the piano, fur
| nished excellent singing and added much to the
| interest of the occasion.
| Rev. A. w. Burr of the Hallowell Classical
School, preached at the Congregational church,
| Sunday, and gave two interesting and PRACTICAL
| sermons.
The river reached pretty high pitch on Sun
| dav morning in consequence of the late rain. The
wharves were covered but material damage
| was done.
The Universalist society preparing for a
( grand levee the last of this month. They always
excel in this department, and good time is as
sured.