Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-06-10
WAYLAND SEMINARY.

WAYLAND SEMINARY.
An institution of interest TO Maine
people, and particularly to residents oi
Oxford County and the town of Paris, i,
Wayland Seminary, at Washington, d.
c. This is an academy, and theological
seminary for Negroes. For twelve OF
fourteen years, it has been engaged in
furnishing instruction to freedmen, and
fitting them for the duties of citizenship
At its head is Rev. g. VI. p King, for
merly of Paris, as principal. Mr. King
resides in the Seminary building, and has
entire charge and oversight of the school
In this work he is ably assisted by Mis-,
Elizzic X. Webb of Skowhcgan, as Nor
NAL teacher, and corps Of assistants
TO this work Mr.. King has given hi,
entire time and attention, and we may
say, his heart, also. 1t is seldom on,
sees a teacher so thoroughly cngro.sed in
his work as is Mr.. King. His labor,
have been so successful that he may vel
begin each term with renewed courage
If our readers will take a Fourteenth
street car, and ride to the terminus o.
the route, on alighting, they will see, Il
the left, on the heights OF Meridian Hill
large three story building with base
ment, Mansard roof, and a delicate cupo.
la, sumounted by flag pole This i
the Seminary building, and from it may
be had a magnificent view of the Capt.
tai. The broad avenues, streets, parks
and public buildings will be pointed GU
to you by Mr. King and his wifc-fot
they are very happy to receive calls from
Maine people.
Before YOU enter, however, take lool
at the front door That article was ;
present from the Baptist Sabbath Schoo
of Paris Hill-and it always swings III
ward. too. All over the building YOU
see marks of Maine. The students
rooms are supplied with furniture by gen
erous people, and the donor name mark
every door. Like most educational insti
tutions, it partakes somewhat Of char
liable character, and poor students arr
provided for by donations. Only fifty
dollars per annum are asked for the sup
port of a student, and we do not know
how that sum of money can find bette
investment.
1t is Friday evening, and we are invite,
to attend the meeting of Maryland Lit
crary Union,' which holds weekly SEES
sions on this evening. This is a students
society, and the teachers give no assist
ance in preparing the exercises. Thu
school room is well lighted, and at it
neatly kept desks are some forty coloreC
people, ranging in age from "among tn
teens to over forty. Many of the olde
members were formerly slaves, and tina
elderly gentleman seated near the front
began the alphabet after reaching fort,
years of age. He is now pastor of
colored church, but does not scorn to still
sit among the learners at this institution
On this evening the students are allowed
to bring in their friends, and as many o
them are Sat service" they are httl
late at assembling. We are afraid, also
that some spend too much time in ''primp
ing" for they are like Joseph, clothed il
garments of many colors, which bea
evidence of long and careful adjustment
But that is far preferable to the SLOUGH
appearance of many students in Northern
charitable schools,
Now the exercises are about TO begin
Miss Webb seats herself at the piano
gift due to the energy of Presiden
King-and a quartet of fine musician
sing a popular song. You listen, as yor
always must, enchanted by the melodiou
voices and rich harmony of the Negr
songsters. There are great possibilitie
in their voices, in future years, If "cul
ture" does not serve to remove some O
their present characteristics. Now W
have essays and debates, and origina
orations, showing that a favorite them
with these people is the progress whicl
their race is yet to make. You are as
tonished, no doubt, at the excellence O
these parts. They are equal, if no
superior to those you will hear rendere'
in the Academies of New England
Close your eyes, and the ear will not
little or nothing to inform you that thos
speaking are of different race. Thu
perfection of enunciation and pronuncia
ton is due to Mr.. Kings untiring efforts
He notes every mispronounced word AM
drills the one who committed the error
till it has been mastered correctly. HI
will tell you interesting incidents of tn
perseverance of students IN acquiring thi
excellence of speech, and of their effort
to overcome natural or acquired idioms
| If you will visit the school in daylight