The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-07-23
COMMENCEMENT AT ST. MARY's HALL,
BURLINGTON, n. }.
Especial Correspondence of the Democrat
nuurTNrtrpH5 N I T,,I,, 4 1879

BURLINGTON, N. j., July 4, 1873.
Editor Democrut-It is refreshing TO fint
oneself at this hot, noisy season of the yea
| In so quiet, green and well shaded q spot 81
this. The venerable little city rspOses will
severe dignity beside the river, classic in his
tory-classC, too, for the honorable name
| that Burlington has long borne as the seat d
several admirable schools. or one Of these
would write chiefly, for ] am here helping st
| Mary's Hall keep it's fOrty-fifth commences
ment, school for young ladies, founded by
| the great and good Bishop Doane formerly
| Bishop OF New Jersey.
| Parents and friends are here from every
part Of the country to rejoice with theii
daughters at the completion of their course
or to re-enter them for a longer period in
| either case, to accompany them to their
homes or places Of summer rest.
Last week there were examinations, botf
written and oral, in all the classes and in all
the studies. 'ThorOughness," the lifetime
boast Of the school, was evident in all; yet
there was no undue exaCtion, no painful anx.
iety las one sometimes sees at school exam.
inatiOnsl but the cOmpOsure and the salts
faction that can come from thOrOughness
alone.
Sunday was day Of peaceful rest, given te
holy services, chiefly in the sweet home chapel
and marked by the reCt0r's farewell words at
the evening service
On Monday night there was display Of the
pupils own work in the art room, drawings In
ell styles, oil and water paintings, "the finest
display OF school art-work that / have ever
seen, said one of your accomplished Southern
ladies, who has known much of good schools
Then followed the musical entertainment,
highly eulogized by some very competent
musical critics, Of which your correspondent
Is not one. But he could see this much that
the selections were from the best composers,
and that there was perfect time In the con
Certed pieces, and exquisite melody from
those who sang and played solo.
Tuesday was the closing day. 4 new plat
form of the end Of the spacious, well aired
and lighted school hall received the clergy,
trustees and the class, Twelve maidens, In
spOtless white and maiden modesty unCOn-
strained, took their places, and after silent
prayer. the one impressive religious
rite Of the hour, each read in turn
her composition, and almost every one
In tones so clear and distinct as to be readily
The pieces were in English, German and
French; good thought in good words, not
wanting in the imagery SO congenial to Cu-
tured youth. Two or three were Of more than
ordinary merit, but / cannot partiCularize.
Then we went to the chapel, where pro-
cessonal, anthem and Tecessional gave evil
dence that sacred music had not been ne
elected in this Christian school. The simple
service touched all hearts. The address by
the Rev. G. M. Hills, DID, the accomplished
the occasion las you may read). The
venerable Bishop Odenhefmer, acting
for his Right Reverend brother, Dr.
Scarborough, who it attending the Lambeth
conference, gave the diplomas and the bene-
diCtion, and his presence gave much pleasure
to the household and the community with
whom his home had been for so many years.
A bountiful repast, cordial and In many cases
fearful leave-takings, and the departure in
carriage, boat and train of hundreds who
will desire to come again to such pleasant
gathering these were the events of the even
ing and the next morning. Only few lin
gered for service Of duty or for love OF auld
lang syne like your correspondent.