The Portland daily press., 1886-06-14
commencement at Rents HiI.

To the Editor Of the Press:
The commencement exercises Of the Maine
Wesleyan Seminary and Female College,
occurred the past week. On Monday evening
were the class exercises, by the graduating
class. They were all very fine, especially
Prophecy by Miss Mary B. Gushing, the
valedictory and farewell to the class by Miss
Laura E. McIntire, and the poem by Miss
Lulu g. Adams
On Thursday evening the prize declama-
tions and readings took place, participated
in by nine gentlemen and eleven ladies.
These exercises were above the average up
on such occasions, and were greatly en-
ioyed by the audience. The Dana prize for
the best defamation was by the committee
awarded to George Thompson, with honora-
BILE mention of George N. Towle. The Dunn
prize for the best reading to Mary b. Cush-
ing, with honorable mention to Belle E.
Greedy, and the Blake prize for the best es-
say was awarded to Mr.. o. A. Sprague. On
Wednesday was the Grafton before the Alum
nj Association by Rev. j. K. Day, d. D., of
New York, and in the afternoon the annual
address before the literary societies by Prof
Borden P Bovine, Phi D., of the Boston Un-
iversity. His theme was Logic and Life"
and was a profound metaphysical discussion
of his subject. DR.. Bovine is one of the most
distinguished metaphysical scholars in the
country and his address was attentiyely list
ened to by large audience.
In the evening was the concert given by
the conservatory of music connected with the
school under the leadership of Prof W. F.
Morse, assisted by Miss Helen NJ. Rowland
sc Do Ofc 81 ~
tainment and greatly enjoyed by a crowded
house.
On Thursday were the regular commence
ment exercises. The programme was rather
too long, but the interest of the large audi
ence present held out to the end. The varie-
ty of subjects presented in these orations,
readings and recitations were, as rule,
handled with good deal of skill and art,
Indicating deep thought, patient research and
careful study.
There were seven graduates from the col
lege class, two from the conservatory Of mu-
sic and from the college preparatory, SEM
mary, seminary scientific, and commercial
college departments, there were some TWEEN
ty-fveadditional gradutes to whom diplomas
were awarded
ment dinner was served at Sampson Hall by
Hon. L. r. French, the efficient steward, at
which about two hundred sat down to tables
well loaded, with an inviting bill of fare.
President Smith presided and Ex-President
Torsey who stood at the head of the school
for about forty years acted as toastmasS :
After the material feast came the feast Of
reason and the flow of soul" and it was de-
cided by all present that it was the best en-
tertainment of the kind ever enjoyed by the
institution. Short and witty speeches were
made by Prof. Bovine, DIR. Spaulding Of New
Hampshire, Gen. Perry of Portland, DIR.
Adams of Litchfield, Rev. ID. b. Randall of
Kents Hill, Rev. p. Chandler of Conway, N.
H., Prof. .McIntire, Miss Park, a former teach
era lady student OF former years, now of Cali
fornia, whose name | have forgotten and
several others. 1t was an occasion greatly
enjoyed by all present.
In the evening was the social reunion of
the Alumni in the old chapel in Sampson
Hall, which was the grand wind up of one
of the best commeneements of this honored
institution.
The conservatory of music connected with
this school, in which both vocal and instru-
mental music in all their branches are
taught, in breadth and thoroughness of cul-
ture, in practical demonstrations, and devel-
opment and training Of the voice, stands
second to none in the State. Prof. w. F.
Morse, one Of the ablest and most enthusias-
tic music teachers in New England is at the
head of this department He is aided by his
wife, Mrs Ella ID. Morse, who holds u very
high rank as teacher of piano and organ mu-
sic.
About one year since commercial college
department was established in this school.
Professor Barton is at its head, and the sue
cess of the past year, has more than met the
most sanguine expectations of its friends III
is destined to stand second to no other COM
mercial college in the State.
All the other departments are supplied
with able and popular teachers.
The boarding department Is established in
Sampson Hall and is under the charge of
Hon. E. r. French; hence the students have
excellent accommodations and good table
The trustees held their annual meetingand
transacted large amount of business. The
following officers were elected:
President Of the Board-Hen. joseph A
Locke.
Secretary-Rev. c. J. Clark.
Treasurer-Gen. John j. Perry.
Auditor-E. r. DrummOnd.
Prudential Committee-E. r. DrunmoDd
j. j. Perry and G.. J. Clark.
Examining Committee-Rey. II. p ~
sey, ID. D., Ii. D., Rev. Cyrus Stone n "
George w. Jewett, A. NJ, Mrs. CyrnS Stoi..i -
Rev. w. F. Berry, A. NJ, and Mrs. " WS'nE
Berry. W. \.
The old fqculty were all reelected ~.
aggregate number of students the past vie ne
was $50. F'S' year