Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-05-30
AUGUSTA FEMALE SEMINARY
MISS NJ. ]. BALDWIN, PRINCIPAL.
Conn encement Exercises 1855.
MAY 18th, 9TH, 18TH AND 18th.

MAY 18th, 9TH, 18TH AND 18th.
| The interest associated with the closing ex
ercises OF the schools of the city In their an
nual recurrence are here again, and during tn
two weeks to come will have full share of at
tention of the old as well as the young, ant
with like pleasuretO pupils and teachers ant
patrons. All participate in the occurrences IL
some form or other and realize pleasures, too
pupils and teachers, the relief of relaxation
from studies and labor; and parents the as
surance that another term has contributed it
advantages to the better preparation of thei
children for the journey of life.
The Augusta Female Seminary. the first il
the catalogue of commandments, as it is ii
resuming the scholastic sessions, ended the
term last night, the commencement exercises
beginning on the 25th instant From the city
from Virginia, and from many distant States
patrons eagerly seek the superior advantage s
there to be obtained for the education and fol
the moral and intellectual culture of their
daughters. The commandments are always
attended by large assemblagcs, and scarcely a
patron or member of the family from which
a scholar comes that can be there, is absent.
Akin to the interest here is that felt at many
homes in far off states from which there are
inmates at the Augusta Female Seminary and
other institutions of like character in this city.
Whilst those who reside here can witness the
interesting ceremonies. many equally anxious
have not that privilege, and the sketches and
reports received through the medium of the
press contain the fullest ACCOUNTS OF COM
mencement. which, though somewhat stereo-
typed in form, possesses tender interest to
them.
The session has been very prosperous one.
4Ioah or1i Ylcr X
partmennt has been full to overlooking.
The average attendance, including boarding
and day pupils, was 225. The health has been
very good, the teachers efficient and faithful,
and the progress of the pupils excellent. The
opening day, as is customary, was with the
ART RECEPTION,
which commenced on the morning of the 18th
instant. About fifty pupils are in tn e school
of art. Miss H. F. Fairchild, who has been the
teacher in charge for some years continues,
and by her qaalificati tons and culture is con-
Quoting the department to q very high distinc-
ton. In oil and crayon there are Ill pieces and
20 studies from the casts. The class in china
and decorative work is directly under Miss A.
V. Springs, of Charlotte, N. c. The display of
the work of this class is larger and more va
ried than ever before and reflects the highest
her pupils in such variety of designs.
THE ART GALLERY.
Prominent among the crayons was the
portrait of the late Mr.. F. NJ. Young, of this
city, by his daughter, Miss Bessie, who also
had on exhibition beautiful pictures of the
Mater Dolorosa, after Guido REM. and the
Magdalen, all of which show rare talent.
Miss Annie Tate's bust ot'Clytie, taken from
the cast and the vase of Raster lilies object
study, were much admired.
Miss Mabel Tinsleys "object study of the
cast, Pallet and Drapery, was pronounced by
all 10 be a most beautiful and excellent piece
of work Her bust of "Clytie," from the cast,
was also very fine.
The portrait of Mr.. n. c.. Shelton, by his
sister, Miss Fannie. OF this city, though
marked unfinished" was very fine likeness
The large amount of work which Miss NJ
Hamilton Wi1herspoon, of Mayesville, S. c.
has accomplished in one years training shows
great talent Besides panel of charcoal and
crayon studies from objects, casts, &c. she
has on exhibition a most beautiful copy OF
Psyche and the Urn" "Pharoah's House,;
THE Impudent Puppy" and peek Awayp
show what a decided talent Miss Lillian
Starr, of Texas, possesses.
Miss Pearl Baker, of Texas, had on exhibition
some fine paintings IN oil, Among her collec-
lion were bad News" and several very pretty
The Little Lovers" by Miss L. M. Fitz, Or
w. Va, attracted the attention of the young
ok especially.
'Bo.Peep," fine crayon study. and the
AIedici Vase and Drapery, object study, by
Miss Bessie REEVES, ofSavannah, Georgia, were
much admired.
The works in painting of Misses Alice Auns-
paugh and Myrtle Smallhouse mentioned next
deserve special mention.
Fruit study, old books and drapery, etc., Job
ject studies) Glorie de Dion, roses and the
donkey -"Denver" - by Miss Alice Auns-
paugh.
Old book and drapery, etc.. Lilacs, Glorie de
Dillon roses, bad News" and "Larell,''
portrait by Miss Myrtle Smallhouse.
CHINA AND DECORATIVE DEPARTMENT.
Miss Minnie Phillips exhibits admirable
work in the large quantity and style Of her
painted China, and also Miss jamie Robins,
in the vases SO much admired. Miss
NJ attic Glover's tea-set will be rich treasure
to her in after life, will the plates cups, and
saucers SO beautifully ornamented by Misses
Marie and Georgia Hamilton. The fruit plate
decorated with apple-blossoms, and other
plates with varying landscapes, and the after
dinner coffee-cups of Miss Camille MERCER, on
the same table with the work of similar de.
signs of Miss Lettie Scott, were examined crit-
cally.by delighted visitors. Miss Viola Snyder
has charming designs of Royal Worcester in
delicate finish on her dessert plates. Misses
May Faulkner, Sadie Brown, Minnie Johnson,
Leila Wray, Fannie Douglass, May Prigmore,
essie Norris, Nettie Pitts, Lucy Tabb, Angie
Perry, Magsie Brush. Stella Hutcheson, and
others, deserve special mention in making up
q sketch of decorative work.
THE COMMENCEMENT SERMON
was preached in the First Presby terrain church
last Sabbath at II o'clock a. NJ. by Rev. r. P.
Kerr, D. D., Pastor of the First Presbyterian
church of Richmond. 1t was based upon the
text, Mark XIV: 9-"Verily 1 say unto you,
Wherever this gospel shall be preached
throughout the world, this also that she hath
done shall be spoken of, for a memorial of
her." The statement that the simple act of
Mary's breaking the alabaster- box and pour
ing the precious ointment on the head of Jesus
should be spoken of wherever the gospel shall
be preached throughout the world,' if made
by any one other than Christ. would have been
deemed too enthusiastic. But it was not SO,
for it was not the simple act itself, but what it
the essential principle of rell-
gion, which is the love of Jesus. 1t is not
forms and ceremonies nor doctrines, nor even
Itself that saves souls. but only
the love of Jesus, such as was exhibited by
Mary in pouring the precious ointment on his
head. which expressed more than the tongue
could tell. The Buddhist believed he was saw
ed by Buddhism, and the Mohammedan be-
lieved he was saved by Mohemmedanism. but
the Christian was saved, not by Christianity,
but by Christ himself. He exhorted the girls
Of the Seminary, FIR whose benefit the sermon
was specially delivered, il they had an alabas
ter. box OF precious ointment-and they all
had the ointment of love-to pour it daily upon
the head of Jesus The sermon thus briefly
alluded to was an able one and was impress
sively delivered.
THE CONCERT AND CLOSING EXERCISES.
The concert on the evening OF the 28th was
attended as usual by overlooking audience
Both parts Of the programme presented COM
binations of musical talent and culture of the
highest order The first Yoarf opcped Vuith "a