Smyrna times., 1878-01-09

1HE SMYRNA LIBRARHs-We puDllSn IN
another column the proceedings of the
annual meeting of the Smyrna Library
Association. The report of the President
shows the Library in q most fourishing
state of existence. From it we learn that
there are 160 stockholders books in the
library, 2Sl0; that 1909 volumes have teen
taken out for reading during the year, and
that the institution pays its own way, with
no Indebtedness hanging over it. The
former President, J. c. Stockly, gave it an
impetus which N. F. Wilds, the retiring
President, has not failed to keep in good
healthy motion. The new board, we feel
assured, will watch after its interests with
equal fidelity.
1t has just been twenty years since the
society was organized. 1t was new thing
and the efforts of its founders were met by
many doubts as to its success and per-
manency. 1t was not a thing of dollars
and cents, and dividends, and those who
could see only from this stand point, had
no word of encouragement But, the re-
quisite number of stockholders of $500 each
having been obtained, the Association was
organized by the election of the following
officers, viz: President, Col. Daniel Cum.
Minis Vice Pres't., Rev. VIM. II. Brisbane; :;
Rec. Sec, Robt. D. Hoffecker; Cor. Sec,
DR.. E. D. Daley; Treas, VIM. C. Elason :;
Managers, John NJ. Denning, r. II. Cum
Minis and DR.. j. E. Clawson. Of these eight
officers, four died some years ago and only
two are now residing in the community.
The selection of the books to form the
library was mainly the task of Mr. Brisbane,
assisted by Dan'l Cummins and VIM. C.
Eliason. The committee wisely made the
selection from the best standard authors,
the additions since being largely of fiction
or entertaining reading. DR.. w. T. Collins
acted as first librarian To arrange and cata-
logue the books. While in its infancy, and
for several winters, course of six or eight
lectures were had, including such names as
Revs. Phillips Brooks, Frank Hurn, DR..
Cook, DR.. Carrow and our own resident
ministers, DR.. McClusky of the Presby-
terian Church, Rev. Julius E. Grammar of
the Episcopal Church and Rev. w. H.
Brisbane of the NJ. E. Church. Never in
the history of the town were our pulpits so
strong or harmonious in feeling. The con-
gregations of the two last named were in
considerable measure interchangeable, and
Mr., now DR.. Grammar, Of Baltimore, seldom
preached but to large congregations. His
style was rapid, glowing, warm, and took
strong hold on the popular heart. DR..
McClusky was terse and incisive, and would
make clean cut, often striking for its
perspicuity. But for comprehensive grasp
of a subject, and sublime flights of elo-
quence, moving and thrilling the audience,
Rev. W. II. Brisbane has never been sur.
passed, and if we venture to say will not be,
time, we think, will verify our prediction
The departed-Brisbane Cummins, Dali
ley, Denning-though enjoying the benefit
of their labors but a few years, have
chronicled on the shelves of this library an
act that should keep their memory green
while it stands.
We have number Of young men and
ladies who have not avaiIed themselves Of
the use of these books yet. Daniel B..
Cummins, Esq, of Philadelphia, has liber-
ally placed in the hands of the Treasurer,
number of shares that can be used by
such, on the condition of any other stock
holder.