The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-06-22

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En-. HERALD = Having sciae husinos
calling me to the state Of OHIO, ! asailea
myself Of lhe low rates Of tgavel granted to
those who wished to attend the Annual
Meeting Of the Deiisard Brethren, at Ash
Land, aud 50, leaving Somerset county On
Friday, the 81 insi l took tsn overland
rontc 10 NJ Pleasant, Pa, where ! left horse
and buggy, and on Saturday morning took
the cars for oTyille, Wayne county, Ohio,
where arrived on Saturday evening and
remained over Sunday on Monday went
to Mansfield, and on Tuesday morning
reached Ashland, 16 miles northwest Of
Mansfield, on the New York, Penn'a. &
Ohio railroad.
Nothing that would Interest your readers
occurred on the way ont but as a, matter
in which all are interested it may be well to
mention the fact that finer prospects for an
abundant wheat harvest were never known
than are now TO be seen in the portion Of
the state of Ohio through which we passed.
Beginning with Columbiana county and
continuing to the end of the journey, hun
dreds OF acres Of wheat were to be seen on
either side of the road which for promise Of
yield could not be surpassed.
When we arrived at Ashland we found
teams in readiness to take US to the grounds
where the meeting WAS in session, which
were reached by . drive Of about one mile.
Here We found two tents erected. The one
in which the meeting was held was circular
in form and capable of seating from three
10 five thousand persons. This tent was Of
heavy saiI-cloth, aud was erected on spot
Of ground rising in every direction from the
centre. IN the centre was platform eleyat-
cd about two feet from the ground, occupi-
ed by the delegates and standing committee.
The seats were 50 arranged that the faces of
all within the tent were turned toward this
point At one end Of the platform was
the editors table, where the pfess-reporters
and editors of the various church papers
published by this denomination were
seated.
The other tent was square in form. The
walls were made Of boards and the cover
ing was heavy canvass. This tent was used
for the boarding hail. and had the capacity
of seating ,ls2 persons at thc tables at one
time. Its length was 225 feet, and its width
was 20 feet. At the end OF this tent was the
kitchen, constructed OF boards, and con-
taining a furnace. on which were three large
pans. similar 10 the sugar pans used in som
erset county. One Of these was used for
making coffee and the Others for other cook
ing purposes The extent Of the culinary
department can only be imagined when it is
known that two large beef cattle were
slaughtered daily. and eight barrels of flow
or were consumed.
The number of persons in attendance was
variously estimated at from 1000 to 10, 30.
Any one not accustomed to attend these
meetings would be struck with the yenera-
bic appearance OF the persons. The men espe-
cially, that were present. have never seen
in any assembly 50 large n proportion Of
gray boards as was 70 be seen in looking over
this assembly.
The executive committee was composed
Of a body Of men that would compare ia
vorably with any ecclesiastical body VIC have
ever seen in session. They were all men
past middle age, of dignifed appearance,
and decided ability in discussion.
\ noticeable feature Of the meeting was
the liberal responses made to calls for con-
iributions for church work \ collection
was taken during the meeting to erect .
mission chapel in Denmark and aid the mis-
sion work at that place which amounted to
s2.ss0.5o
The Ashland College, one Of the edaca-
tional institutions recently started By this
denomination. was point of interest to
most persons who were in attendance at the
meeting The buileings are beautifully To-
Gated, and while they possess thc character
istie piainness Of this people the style Of
architecture is aae. The main building is
100 feet front AID also 100 feet deep with q
beautiful cup9la rising from the front CEN
tre. Detached from this building, and at a
distance OF perhaps 800 feet, Is wing with
a front Of 40 feet, and depth OF 10 feet.
Beth OF these building are three stories and
built Of brick, with stone sills for doors and
windows. The plan FOR the buildings when
completed eompTehends another wing cor
responding TO the one already built on the
opposite side of the main bailding and the
same distance from it. The entire cost of
the building now completed is little more
than $4,000
The almost constant rain during the
meeting was greatinterruption to the en-
joyment ofthose present yet, taking It all
in all, it was time Of pleasant association
and one that will long be remembered by
the many who we're present.
SIX.