Daily Republican., 1879-06-13
THE GRACE CHURCH EXCi u.
SION.

THE GRACE CHURCH ExCIR.
SION.
A Pleasant Trip-Three hOurs end
q haiS NJ Cape Msy-The Chanwe en-
that have taken place.
Though yesterday morning had the
appearance of beings stormy one yet
Notwithstanding the threatening aspect
OF the weather more beautiful day
could scarcely be conceived Of for the
Grace M. L. church excursion on the fast
steamer "Republic." There were sew
eral excursions left this city yesterday,
and at an early hour in the morning the
city became alive with excursionists
vending their way to the wharves.
At the French street wharf a large
crowd collected to ses their friends safe
ly off. The strains Of music from Beck's
First Regiment Band Of Philadelphia,
(1s pieces) hoated through the atmos-
phere, the great monster boat stood
nobly and proudly out Of the water
and a number of flags floated gaily to
the wind as the excursionists stepped
OIL board.
The time advertised to start was Z
o'clock, and the word call aboard" was
sung out, but still the good natured
captain tarried at the request of this
one and that one, for some friend that
had not yet arrived, and just as a we'll
kept clergyman went putting aboard,
the gang plank was hauled in and the
"Republic" sailed down the river with
six hundred and twenty-five excursion
lists on board. -.
The clergymen of this city were we'll
represented on the boat. We noticed
among the Methodists: Revs. DR.. Ste
venson, J. A. B. Wilson, c. M. Pegg,
C. +. Sheppard, 7. +. Plummer, Z. +.
White, David Dodd, and J. i. Houston.
presbvterians Revs. L. Marks, d. ~,
+. B. Duval and A. N. Keigwin, and
Unitarian, Rev. Mr.. Pratt.
The trip to to the capes was an ell
ioyable one. The First Regimental Band
of Philadelphia, q. g. A. Beck, Con-
ductor, discoursed sweet music on the
promenade deck.
Miss Bunnell, of Philadelphia, favor
ed TIE excursionists with her select
readings. The first being "Iom Saw
yer's white washing" This piece she
delivered in an eloquent manner
and to an encore gave "Archie Dean,'
which was also we'll received.
The Misses Roberts, two very line
singers of Philadelphia, who had been
announced to take part in the program
me, were unable to be present.
The excursionists arrived at Cape
Nav Point at 11.30. There were sever
al coaches at the wharf anxionsly
awaiting tor the excursonists to step
into them. Cape May is about two and
a half miles from the wharf. The street
cars run within about quarter of a
mile of the wharf. The steam cars have
not commenced running, but will run
through Sea Grove, along the beach
near to the wharf. The track is not
all laid yet but it is said that it will be
finished in about two weeks.
Although several coaches were at the
landing still, there were not enough for
the party. This was owing to the fact
that great many at Cape May was
under the impression that the excur.
sionists would not arrive until twelve
o'clock or shortly after. The reporter
of the REPUBLICAN was fortunate enough
to secure a comfortable seat in one OF
the vehicles, and was soon landed in
front of tine Chalfonte House, Col. Saw
yer, proprietor. The house is situated
on Howard and Sewell St. and but a
short distance from the Beach.
We registered our names, after which
the reporter took stroll along the
beach. But few went in to bathe as the
water was most too cool, though seve-
raj of our clergymen and also doctor
availed themselves of the opportunity.
In conversation with one Of the minis
ters he said that the water was cool,
but then he did not mind it after being
in short time. After strolling along
the each, and being warned that din.
ner was ready, those stopping at the
Chalfant House wended their footsteps
in that direction. Upon our arrival we
were soon ushered into the large dining
room. Colonel Sawyer was present, and
being SO well known to the ma ority of
the party they felt at home in his house.
Mr.. Sawyer stated to us that he did not
expect so large number to be present
at dinner, and of course he was pleased
10 see so many of his Wilmington friends
call on him.
After dinner some went to the beach
while others devoted the time to "see.
ing the sights" as one of the excur'
sionists called it. Cape May has chang
ed in appearance to what it was since
the fire, so much SO has it changed that
a number who have tor years been
constant visitors to the Capes, were
heard to say that they hardly knew
the place.
What was lormely known as =" the
Mer liallts Hotel ~ and a frame build
ing is now called the "New Columbia"
and is brick building.
number who have often visited the
Capes were puzzled to knew what street
Congress Hall is on. The Ocean House
was facing Congress Hall and both build
ings were burned to the ground. Con-
gress Hall is in course OF construction
and instead of being frame structure
as it formerly was the building will be
brick one, with 27O rooms. 1t will
be finished by the twenty fifth of this
month. This hotel is situated on Per-
ry and Washington Street. The ocean
house will not be built up this year.
The Avenue Hotel is rebuilt similar
to the old one. Dennis Otis is the pro-
p.ietor. This Hotel is on the same
avenue as Congress Hall and is on the
extreme line OF the street leading to the