Smyrna times., 1891-06-10
Children's Dav.

SUNDAY was designated for "Chil-
dren's Day" in the NJ. E. Church of
this town, the churches of Smyrna cir
cult and doubtless scores of other pla
ces, but a more unlikely day perhaps
was never selected for such a purpose
in the month of June. Those who
awoke at early dawn heard the patter
of rain to the music of o fresh east
wind stirring the boughs of the trees,
and to make it more unreasonable
still, there was a winter temperature
of the air, the mercury registering 52',
and not reaching but degree or two
above this all day. Heavy clothing,
Overcoats and fires were resprted to by
many for the necessary comfort.
Though very uninviting out, it was
raining rather lightly at church time,
and as the preparations had all been
made it was decided to go on with the
celebration. The children were mostly
out, and for such day, greeted by a
fair audience, not however filling the
galleries as last year,
A platform had been built over the
altar place, the front of which was
lined with beautiful and varied poi
flowers, handsome urns of palms flank.
ing either side. The pulpit was re,
moved, and just to its rear was u throne
resting under heavy canopy beauti,
fully designed and tastefully executed
in evergreen. Each window contained
a vase of flowers, which were the only
cut flowers except handsome collec,
tiOn of roses that adorned the chancel
table just in front Of the platform.
After an organ voluntary, aud hymn
Hail the glad season." the pastor
Rev. w. w. W. Wilson, led in prayer
The superintendent, John H. Hof
fecker, led the school in responsive
scripture readings. After the "Crusa.
ders Hymn" which was finely rendered
by the school, and introductory ad.
dress by Master Walter Wilson, the
chief feature of the exercises entitled
the "Pearl GatheTers" was given, oreu.
pying nearly all Of the remaining time
THE PEARL GATHERERs.
The ehiefand central figure of this
was the Queen, representing Religion
for which Miss Carrie eek was Sc
lected. II was difficult role to GIL
having an address to make to each rep
resentative, requiring much memoriz.
ing, but was executed without a flaw.
SIS was in fact the rendition of all the
others. Zach pearl gatherer with APP
prOpriate banner representing her
especial mission appeared before the
Queen seated on her throne, telling
what she had done and, receiving from
the Queen words of encouragement
and advice.
Miss Elva Armstrong represented
the Pearl Of Righteousness Miss
Mary Anthony, Education Miss
Bertha Smithers, Love; Miss Sallie
COsgrifi, Industry; Miss Ida Lord,
Gentleness Misses Bertha Price and
Helen Collins, Innocence Miss Katie
Clements, Obedience; Miss Florence
Beck, Nazareth.
The Infant School, while the above
were still In position, ascended the
platform and took prominent part in
the representation, in song aud little
speeches or responses, or recitations 10
concert. They did their part exceed
ingly well.
The finale Of this interesting stage
scene was the crownlng Of the Queen
with the Pearl OF Nazareth" aud the
conservation act--all the pearl.gatheF-
ers standing facing the audience and
elevating their banners in line, show
ing clearly the word RELIGION, the
audience arising and singing With
them, I'm the Cross Of Christ Glory"
The pastor represented the Board Of
education and It's object Ia few re-