The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-06-12
The Commencement at the w esleyan

its wealth of natural beauty and radiance,
supplemented by the achievements of
brush and pencil, which TRANSPORTED the
walls and adorned the tables and pianos,
and made the whole apartment blossom
from an ordinarily dull recitation room,
into thing of beauty. The visitors to
the Art Exhibition received every
attention which courtesy could posi-
bly, bestow rounds were untiringly made
again and again; questions, repeatedly
asked, answered with ready grace
and cultivated forbearance. While much
of the work on exhibition gave evil
dence OF decided artistic talent, all tes-
titled to the efficiency of Mrs. Otis as a
teacher, in every branch of the depart
ment. The harmonious blending of the
pictures and their ingenious adjustment
so as to receive the best lights" was
i'll itself II work OF art, and had never
been previously attempted by the pupils,
without the immediate supervision of their
teacher, who was absent on account of
family afiiict ions, and we learn with re-
gret, does not expect to return next year.
We notice particularly the painting of
Miss Walker, a Marine Sketch in oil "A
Scene ON the Nile,' some dt cate work on
China, and Il crayon of Fruit, drawn from
nature the "Old Mill Pond and Dog
in oil, by Miss Dixon; the Water Lilies, "
by Miss K. Crittenden and the Hoses, " by
Miss Ellis Crittenden, in water colorS the
"Old Mill Pond, by Miss Dorsey, which
competed closely for the palm with that of
Miss Dixon little German Scene" A
''Scene OH the Snsquehanna, the "Old
Mill Pond, and the crayOns, "A Boy and
Girl and 1.-The Fisher Maid, ," by Miss
Minnie Smithson, than whom no other dis
played a happier choice of subjects, more
skilful handling of pencil and brush, OF an
evidence of more decided artistic talent.
The annual Commencement sermon
was delivered 10y the Rev. Mr.. Bledsoe, of
the Virginia Conference. His subject
embraced the lesson taught to woman by
the beautiful and touching incident of our
Lords annointment, by Mary OF Bethany,
and he referred his hearers for his text to
the XVI chapter of Matthew and 18th
verse.
He addressed himself in the evening to
the Young Ladies' Christian Association,
and chose for his text part of the 9Th
verse of the third epistle general of John
THAT We might be fellow-helpers to the
i,,x al, no To
the truth, LAS it is in Jesus, and show how
we might be fellow-helpers." The adj |
dress, like the sermon of the morning, |
was able and eloqnent-'quick, powerful, |
and sharper than two edged sword, i" and |
completely chained the attention of the |
audience for over the space of an hour.
Rev. Mr.. Ingle and Rev. Mr.. Landstreet |
led in earnest and eloquent prayers, and |
the music furnished by the choir for
the occasion was excellent and appro-
pirate. Especially beautiful and I'M
pressive was the duet MAILED to the |
Cross" between Miss Cora Turner and |
Miss Alice Dice, in the morning. and the |
solo Ruth and Naomi" sung by Miss |
Turner at night. The benediction was
pronounced both morning and evening by
Rev. Mr.. Biedsoe.
On Monday night last the Annual Soiree
took place at the Opera House. AS usual
there was a large audience present. The
was long and embraced many
rare gems of instrumental and vocal music.
Among the more noteworthy were vocal
solos by Misses Genie Lowe, Lena Dixon
and Alice Dice. brilliant instrumental
duet between Prof. Hoffman and Miss M.
and several finely executed over
lures, duets, &c. The reputation this
school has so long enjoyed Of offering spe-
cial advantages for the cultivation of the
voice and the requirement of thorough
of music was well sustained by
the exhibition of Monday night. 1t is
rarely that two such teachers are found in
one college as Miss Daniel and Prof. Hotf-
man.
On Tuesday night, the final exercises
were celebrated. and consisted of the dis
tribution of certificates OF distinction in
the various schools, the awarding of
medals, and the comforting of diplomas on
graduates in schools and full graduates,
with vocal and instrumental music be-
tween times. The opening piece, Merry
Wives of Windsor by Nicolai, an overture
as a duet, was rendered with
sprightly Interpretation by Misses b. Ford
and l.. Talbot. In the WILDWOOD
double duet, by Misses X. Shepherd, ID.
Gibbs f. Jett and N. Gibbs, was we'll sung
and excited universal commentator. The
galOp, La Chase Infernale, by Rolling,
brought into play much brilliant execu-
ton on the parts of Misses N. Anderson
and A. Thompson. The effect of the
trio, May Bells, uniting the cultivated
ling, it is needless to say, was fine. The
duet, 'Grande Valse Brilliante, was played
and in excellent time by
Misses j. Moffett and III. Parks. The
several parts of the double duet, Home of
the Swallows were ably and tremendously
sustained bylMisses N. Wilder, M. David
son, M. Hovey and M. Sterling. The
performance of the evening,
however, was as it should have been, the
Grand Fantasia, "A Summer Day in Nor
vege, by Prof. Hoffman. This was a mas
ter production, and by the applause
which greeted its winding up was, we
judge, universally appreciated. After re-
peated solicitation, he played mot with the
ability of a Professor only, but of an ar
list, that beautiful composition styled lie
Desire The entertainment closed with
the chorus, Farewell, by the vocal class.
Distinctions, &C., were awarded as fol-
lows
DISTINCTIONS. |
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES G. IT. Neal, Laura Dar
den West, EHla KehllngeF. Lille Meyer, Mary
Villa Lauek, Annie Meyer, Marion
Hart Nat