The Russellville Democrat., 1889-08-01
SEMI. CENTENNIAL OF DAVIS CHAPEL
 SUNDAY SCHOOL.

SEMI CENTENNIAL OF DAVIS CHAPEL
 SUNDAY SCHOOL.
 For some time preparations have been going on to celebrate the fifti eth anniversary of the sunday school of Davis Chapel on Gum Log creek, about seven miles northeast of Rus sellvlle. The most remarkable fea ture of this s. s. was that uncle Ga leb Davis is it's only superintendent. He has been for fifty consecutive years it's only superintendent. His neighborhood has been settled under hls eye, forests have been felled and the land put into good state of cul- tivation, settlers have come from other states, children have grown up and married and their children mar ried and furnish pupils for the $. S., and many other things have trans pired in the community since Fss:esT Davis has been presiding over the destinies of .hhe little country sunday school. Vast and mighty changes have taken place in various parts of the world and changed currents of national history since Uncle Caleb began his weekly trips to meet his little band that desired instruction in the word and will of God. But l can not dwell upon the scientific pol ltical and moral upheavels that have startled earth's inhabitants and changed fixed customs and settled opinions during the fifty years. Un cle Caleb and his good and faithful wife have laborcd upon immortal spirits and the result of their unsel- fish labors will not be full known till before an assem- bled universe at that day God shall declare it.
 Rev. Dr. F. M. Paine, of Crawford and Rev. k. W. Winfield, of Little Rock, son of the late lamented pulpit orator, A. R. Winfield, D. D. came in on Wednesday. Thursday was perfectly clear, not q feck of cloud to be seen. Early the crowd began to pour in from every point of the compass. By the hour of open ing vast congregation representing the best elements of Pope county in morally and beauty were assembled under the broad spread Ing branches of the noble forest trees to enjoy the feast of reason and flow of soul that awaited them. The ex- ercises were opend according to the published programme. cannot mention in detail the exercises. The response to the welcome address was very appropriate. Dr. Paine was licensed to preach by the Dover circuit Quarterly Conference some forty years ago, and he preched here as presiding elder years ago, so his coming among us awakened tender memories of the past, and these gave touch of tenderness, pathos and affection to hls response. The main address by Bro. Winfield was eminently appropriate and elo- quent. I wish I could give you a synopsis of It, but your space would be too greatly taxed so to do.
 I dare say no other person on the ground nor Tn the state could have better met the demands of the oc- casion. Indeed his speech was 80 eloquent and we'll suited to the semi centennial occasion that the congregation believe no one else could have done so we'll. Uncle Ca leb Davis and his companion of 62 eventful years were seated together near the speaker, which was an ;n- spiration.
 There was large assembly, and dinner was abundant. Afternoon the question "The importance of teaching our doctrine to our chil- dren" was discussed, Dr. Paine open ing it with very pertinent speech. After the discussion, by resolution, the historical essay, which was splen- didly read by Miss Nora Tucker, was ordered sent to the DEMOCRAT together with an account of the meet ing with the request to publish. The music furnished by the sunday school assisted by the Bowden Chap el sunday school was led by Went Bowden, Jr. There was no instru ment but what God had graclonsly to every one, and these nat ural musical instruments rendered excellent music.
 Thus most pleasantly, and, trust, profitably, passed the first semi cen tennial celebration of Davis Chapel $. s. The congregation, from the little child to the octogenarian, seem ed to enjoy the occasion very much.
 The occasion was enough to call forth devout thanksgiving to Al mighty God for Sunday schools, and for such noble examples of fidelity to hfe's work as has been furnished to us by the unselfish and self-sacri- ficing labors of Uncle Caleb and his noble wife, whom we call "Grand' ma"
 It is a matter of regret that the devil is always on hand to detract from every good work. After taking the precaution to announce that no stands for money making would be al lowed, there were two hobby horse and lemonade stands just off the church ground to attract, as far as possible, the attention of the people away from the moral and intellectual exercises. The devil, you see, was on hand, "bucking." J. s. CLOVER.