The Dawson journal. (Dawson, Ga.) 1878-18??, 1883-06-21
COMMENCEMENT WEEK.

Last week was a ''red letter.
week IN the history of our thriving
little city Crowds of visitors
from neighboring towns and coun-
ties thronged our streets, and life
and animation characterized our
whole people. Commencement
Sunday, June 10th, was ushered in
by black and threatening clouds,
and \ | the continual "patter, patter
OF the rain upon the roof led all
to believe that it would be impossi-
bic for the pupils to assemble at the
college, preparatory to marching to
the Baptist church, and that the peo-
pie generally would be compelled
to remain at home. But the old
adage, every cloud has silverv
Inning" proved true in this in
stance, for as the college bell
sounded its signal notes upon the
morning air, out came the bright
sun shine gloriously, and the rain
drops upon the green leaves fash
ed and sparkled with diamond
like brilliancy. Troops Of happy
girls and boys wendell their way
to the college chapel, until 200
"fell into line" when they pro-
ceeded to the church to listen to
the sermon to be delivered by the
Rev. J. r. McCleskey, of Sanders
vile. And a beautiful discourse
it was, full of classic lore, and re-
plete with gems Of richest thought.
Every eye in the large congrega-
ton was intently fixed upon the
earnest face Of the eloquent speak
er and man of God as he clearly
demonstrated that a ching Of
beauty is JOY forever" and i'm
pressed upon the minds Of the young
especially, how vain are all eathly
honors, and how like dead sea
fruit is fame, unless the beauty
Of the Lord dwelt within the heart
Very seldom is it the good for
tune of any people to listen to SO
grand a sermon. The singing by
the pupils was. excellent, and the
voluntary, praise the Lord" by
the school choir was magnificent.
Monday morning, June 18th,
was occupied III the examination
Of classes. Thursday and Friday
previous, also had been set aside
for the same purpose. We have
never seen pupils more thoroughly
acquainted with their text books.
having no "set" lessons either, as
chapter and pages for examination
were selected by persons in the
audience. All did well. The
number of pupils were so large,
and the classes 50 numerous, that
it was found impossible to bring
all before thepublic, but the presi-
devastated that those notexamined,
were as well, If not better prepar-
ed to show satisfactory results
from the application and zeal in
the pursuit of knowledge, than
were the ones examined. 1t would
give US pleasure to mention all the
classes, but time forbids. Monday
night, the chapel was literally
packed to witness the anniversary
exercises of the Euterpean and
Alpha societies. The Rotations,
speeches, charades and music were
deserving of the praise which was
not sparingly bestowed, and the
programme not being too lengthy,
none became wearied and all en-
joyed the "bill-of-fare." Misses
Daisy McNulty, Fannie O'Neal,
Corinne Yarbrough, Carrie Brown
and Mary Mabry were the repre-
sentatiyes Of the Euterpean Socie-
ty; and their reeitations were
gracefully and beautifully render
ed. DIessrs. Christie, Williams,
Henderson and Clark, were the
speakers selected by the Alpha's,
and ably and eloquently represen-
ted their constituents. Both soci-
cites should be proud Of the abili-
ty and talent displayed by these
members. The exercises through
out were interspersed with beau
tiful and well selected music, both
instrumental and vocal, from men,
bers OF the music class, which has
this year numbered between forty
and fifty pupils. Misses Haynes
and Chaires, the two faithful and
energetic teachers, deserve great
credit for the proficiency and adj
vancement displayed by the pupils
while under their care. Two more
charming ladies, and earnestly work
ers can not be found. Tuesday
morning at 10 A. NJ, again the
chapel was crowded. Col ID. A.
Russell, Of cambridge, in short
but eloquent speech, which show
ed his knowledge and appreciation
of the classics and in which he gave
wise and timely advice, and be-
slowed deserved praise upon the
students,presented two magnificent
Keely medals, for Excellence in
Latin prose and poetry" the first
to Miss Birdie McNulty; the sec
ond to Miss E. Baxter Mabry.
Truly these young ladies' should
be elated at being the fortunate
winners of so handsome a prize.
Last year in the same class the
Keely medal was won by Miss
Minnie McNulty, whose exercise
was returned from Pic Mono this