Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1891-02-24
THE WASHINGTON LEvEE

At the Church OF the Messtah-A
Most Delightful Occasion at Which
Mayor Sargent Presides.
The Washington levee at the Church OF
The Messiah last evening was notable and
ine success. The body of the church was
filed to its utmost capacity. while the gal
lery was occupied by bright and happy
children to the number of forty -four, who
with the regular choir of the church Mr..
Thomas J. Adams, and Mr.. Robert E.
Hofer sang the national songs, the choral
orchestra furnishing the music. The
clear fresh voices of the children rang
forth in sweet melodies until the walls of
the church themselves fairly rang with the
chorus of American national songs.
Seated on the platform of the church
were Hon. Joseph B. Sargent, who
presided over the assembly, Hon: N.
ett, and Superintendent of Schools
Virgil G. Curtis, all of whom made ad-
dresses, and the pastor, Rev. Mr.. Squires.
During the course of the evenings exer-
cises an original patriotic poem was read
by Dr. Lucy Creemer Peckham, which WAS
ably written and well rendered, and fully
merited the applause with which it was re-
ceived.
The first address of the evening was
made by Superintendent of Schools Cur
tbs. He spoke briefly of "Young Ameri-
ca" and of the possibilities of this country
for all, emphasizing the fact that the doors
of success are open to all and that the en-
trance to the temple Of honor is through
the temple of virtue.
Mayor Sargent was down on the pro-
gram for an address upon Hew Haven, but
instead he gave a short account of his re-
cent trip through China, which was much
appreciated and attentively listened to.
Mayor Sargent paid a glowing tribute to
the city, when he stated at the close of his
remarks that, in all his travels, he had
never seen land or city in which he
would desire to live as in this, the beauti-
full City of Elms
The song, "Banner of the Sea-" was
finely rendered bv Mr.. Robert E. Hofer
and won well deserved encore, as did
also the song, tSword of Bunker Hill, y
rendered by Mr.. Thomas j. Adams.
Judge Rufus S. Pickett was then intro
duced. He spoke of cold Connecticut"
and justly eulogized and spoke of the mer-
its Of our little state, one chief glory Of
which was it's schools and colleges. Our
state is in the front rank in education, ARTS,
religion and patriotism.
Hon n D. Sperry made the next ad-
dress, his subject being ''The Sons and
Daughters of the Nation" This was Mr..
Sperrys first appearance for the past two
weeks, during which time he has been con-
fined to his house. His remarks were full
of patriotic fire and enthusiasm and were
unanimously received. He said: The Sons
and Daughters of the Nation is a theme
that might be studied over and thought
over for a lifetime. All honor to the wo-
men of this country, to one of whom, Julia
Ward Howe, a national reputation is accord
ed in return for that beautiful and glorious
hymn which has stirred the hearts Of 80
many to patriotism. We emulate, honor
and love not only the men of '76, but
equally so those of 1861 whose bravery
and golden deeds raised the ensign and
planted the glorious tree of liberty in our
land.
After the exercises refreshments were
served, at the conclusion of which recep-
ton was rendered to Mayor Sargent.
The church was beautifully and profuse-
ly decorated with flags and bunting and
presented an appearance very beftting to
the day.