Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-11-16


The eommodious new parish hall Of st.
Johns Church was crowded to its utmost
capacity last evening-on the occasion Of the
formal opening Of the building-by an au-
dience assembled to listen to the addresses
to be delivered, and to hear the delightful
concert to be given by the St. Johns Choral
Society, assisted by Mrs. Burke, the accom-
plished organist of the church. as accompa-
mist, and all the leading musical talent Of
the city.
The exercises began with = beautiful
chorus by the Choral Society, which elici-
ted loud applause This was followed by
prayer by the rector, after which Mr.. Z. I.
Harden sang with fine effect the song,
Mother kiss me IN my Dreams" After
this a duet was sung by Messrs. Mallette
and Ward, which commanded the approval
with which those gentlemen have long since
become familiar. At the conclusion of this
Mr.. w. s. Bogart delivered short address,
giving a history OF the building from
the beginning of the movement for
its erection to its final completion.
His remarks were exceedingly in
terestiDg, and reflected great credit,
not only on himself, but on the rector and
entire congregation of st. Johns, for the
zeal and liberali!Y they had displayed In
giving to the church this fine building, com
prising hall, lecture and Sunday school
room.
After Mr.. Bogart's remarks, Miss Berta
Bracewell favored the audience with solo
from Traviata She rendered her difficult
selection with so much artistic skill and
sweetness of voice that she called forth an
enthusiastic encore. She was followed by a
few remarks from Capt. D. G. Purse, who,
as Chairman OF the Building Committee
of the church, has been prominently active,
with both money and time, in working for
this building. He gave the gratifying IN
telli2ence that, although the building was
much larger than was at first intended, the
cost of its erection had been fully defraved
aud he begged that the committee be dis
charged from the duties which had been
imposed on them and which they had so
creditablY and couscientiously performed
Captain Purse was followed by duet by
Mrs Cleveland and Mrs. Haynes from
Norma. 1t is needless to cay that 1t was
superbly rendered and called forth an en-
thusiastic encore from the entire audience.
Mr.. John NJ. Guersrd then made q short
and witty address, which kept the assem-
Dlage In good humer, and he, In turn, was
followed by Mr.. Frank Rebarer in an exqui-
site ballad, "Meet Ne Again" We have
never heard this gentleman's fine tenor to
better advantage. He fairly drought
down the house."
Next came short address from DR.. Falli-
giant, who has also taken an active part in
the erection of the building, and after be
had finished Mrs. Haynes sang solo from
"Ernani," which, as usual, captIvated all
present. Then came short but very happy
and appropriate address from Rev Mr..
Boone, rector Of Christ Church, after which
the Choral Society sang another chorus,
"Away away! the Dawn is Freshly Break
ing" which was followed by a solo from
Robert lie Diable" by Mrs. Cleveland,
which was simply perfect. Then followed a
qusrtette by Mrs. Haynes, Mrs Ward, and
Messrs. Ward and Goold, entitled "Good
Night" After this the benediction was
pronounced by Rev. Mr. Dunlop, and the
audience dispersed, the universal verdict
being that the evening had been most de-
ilghtful and enjoyable.