The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-05-07
AFTER EIGHTY-FoUR YEARS.
The Independent Presbyt erian Sun
day Schools Anniversary.

day School celebrated its eighty
fourth anniversary last evening.
Among the educational agencies
Of Savannah this is one of the most popu-
lar organizations Of its kind, and its ami
versaries are always interesting. There
was full attendance Of children, and the
| church was we'll filed with members and
strangers attracted by the exercises.
The decorations were elaborate and taste
full. The front of the pulpit was the very
acme OF floral display, and upon either side
were stalked cedars and waving potted
plants. The front and columns on Yhich
the pulpit rests and the lecturn were covered
with wreaths of roses, and scriptural mot
toes formed an arch around the pulpit,
in the center Of which was a beautiful cross
formed entirely Of wreaths of white
roses. At the foot Of the cross
was a beautiful bank of flowers and
overhead was the keystone to all
the notices, the letters ALL, made of
crimson roses Over the keystone, and
resting on the pulpit, was a handsome crown
OF golden colored flowers, bearing the words
mo Cross, No Crown" On either side of
the crown were number of Easter lilies
in vases. The arch of notices was nearly
hidden by the wreaths of flowers that
covered 1t. One Of these were singularly
beautiful, being of white lilies, with an
inner wreath of pansies. In the background
were potted ferns and other plants. The
floral I'm Memoriamn of Mrs. l. S. K
Arson was a crown Of white roses, and
that to Mrs. L. w. Bacon a star of violets.
The scholars and teachers assembled in
the lecture room at 1870 o'clock, and
marched into the church while tho organ
played ''Di Marcia" This was followed
by the antiphonal singing of the anthem,
The Earth is the Lords, by the school and
choir, the choristers in the gallery singing,
"Who is the King of Glory" and the chill
dren responding, THE Lord of Hosts, the
Lord Strong and Mighty"
After the singing of Psalm, "The Heav-
ems Declare the Glory of God"
came the Superintendent's report,
which stated that the ranks of the scholars
are unbroken. But one death occurred in
the school last year, that of a faithful, zeal
GUS and efficient teacher Mrs. Bacon.
Supt. Stoddard expressed regret that the
parents and the congregation generally
take SO little apparent interest in the school,
1t would be good, he said, for the scholars
10 see their parents and friends with them
occasionally, and he quoted an account of a
model school in Charleston which is sus-
tanned by the entire congregation, the
pastor and elders also being present, either
to teach or be taught. The Sunday school
service takes the place of the evening SER
vice.
The Independent school now numbers
225 teachers and scholars, which is ten less
than year ago Several families having
left the city partly explains the decrease.
Another explanation is that when scholars
reach certain age they drop off, as appar-
emily it is not considered the proper thing
for young ladies and gentlemen to attend
Sunday school. A wear ago there were SIT
in the treasury. Since then 1888 have been
raised, making a total Of S270, which has
been expended as follows: One hundred and
sixty-six dollars turned over to the Sunday
School Aid Society, S26 sent to poor schools
in Georgia, $25 to the Thornwell Orphanage
in South Carolina, ST. to assist the Ander-
son street Sunday school, and $50 distrib-
uted among the destitute children of Sa-
vannah, leaving balance on hand of Sl2
TheAid Society increased the amount turned
over to it to $3.50 by outside efforts and sent
that amount to assist in the support of Mr.
johnson. who has been a missionary in
China for the past five years. This year
the expenses Of the school will be less than
last year, as there will be no picnic.
After the Superintendent report came a
responsive reading, led by the Superinten-
dent. aud after it the children sweetly
caroled
OF his mission from above.
Celebrate his worth and glory,
Magnify his grace and love.
This was followed by another responsive
reading and the beautiful hymn, "God is
Love-" Other sweet songs by the chill
d-en were sung: The Lord is Ny Shop
herd" and II Have Loving Father"
The infant class, led by Mrs. j. l. Stod-
dard, sang, Jesus Loves the Little Ones, -
with a sweet simplicity that won all hearts.
The musical part of the services was the
best arranged in many years, and the excel
lent singing Of the school was ore of the
pleasantest features of tho occasion. The
melody from the great organ welled out
and blended in joyous cadence with hun
dreds of voices some sweet and all earnest.
Next came the presentation of offerings,
first the presentation of the missionary
Offering by the Sunday school, represented
by Misses Sarah Mills, Anna Maclean and
Stella West; also the memorial offerings.
Then came an addres by the venerable
pastor, Rev. |. $. X. Arson. DR.. Arson spoke
feelingly of those WHO had joined the great
majority" during the past year, and of
their happy abode aid occupation in
heaven. He also made a touching reference
to his physical ability to be present, ex-
pressing his pleasure at attending another
anniversary in the flesh.
His last words of hortation to teachers
and scholars were to have courage in ac-
ceptinG the respo sihiiity of life. Though
thy path be dark and drelrv," he said,
trust i'll God and do the right
After the singing of the closing hymn,
GLORY to G d." and the doxology, the
benediction was pronounced and the school
was dismissed.