Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-06-15
THE NORMAL SCHOOL.
Diplomas Awarded by Mayor and Address


by DIR. NeIson-Exercises by Scholars.
Tho twenty-nfth annual commencement OF tho
Richmond Normal School took place last night NJ
the FRS; Baptls, church (colored), and the c1er-
cises In every way reflected the greatest credit
upon the institution.
Tho edi1ce was taxed TO tho utmost 70 accom-
modate the immense throng. The main audi-
torium, galleries, and alses OF the churcn "ef .
packed and fully 1000 people were present. A
large number Of white persons were IN aitenu-
ance. and all were pleased with inc progrnullic;
The pulpit from which the speakers delNerel
their addresses was banked IN baskets OF flowers
received by the members OF the graduating
class. Among those who occupied prominent
seats were Mayor Ellyson, chairman OF tho nuy
s .hool Board; Major James II. Capers, HON
William Loyenstein. Hon. J. Q. Dickerson, Cap.
tain A. b. Guigon, and Mr.. X. Edgar SHINE, OF
the board; Mr.. William +. Fox, superintendent.
Of schools; Mr.. Charles p. Rady, supervisor OF
schools aud Rev. Dr. James Nelson, president
Of the Female Institute. Mr.. Samuel I. Beach,
principal OF the school, presided.
ADDREss or WELCOME.
The graduates occupied seats near tho pulpit
and Immediately behind them sat the senior
classes. The formef, ut the hour appointed Tor
the commencement Of the exercises, marchei
into the ediiicc TO the music OK cornet anu
organ, after the other scholars had been sehtei.
While l.. Boyde, In graceful English, delivered
the address Of welcome, which was a very ere
dItablo composition.
lie was followed by Annie Jackson. who read
an excellent essay on "self-Reliance." After a
song by the school sangue Payne read "MIs'
Caudles Lecture on shrt-Buttons.' she de-
lyered the selection in very good style and ire
quenty evoked laughter from her auditors.
The "Model Sermon humorous selection,
which was delivered by Roger Franklin, proved
one Of the most pleasing features OF the pro.
grammc, and kept the audience IN a cOntlnuai
state Of mirih.
Marie Thomas read "win the New-Year Como
Tonight, Mama !" In An excellent manner ;
after which tho school sung Shall We Meet
Beyond the River? ?"
THE DIPLOMAS PRESENTED.
Mayor Ellyson, VINO was compelled 10 leave
before the exercises terminated, next delivered
the diplomas TO the graduates. lie made 10"
complimentary remarks before handing the
scholars their sheepskins," and urged them 10
continue their studies and energetic work. The
following are the graduates In their order OF
standing:
February, 1s92-Carris L. Galloway, BenIa-
| min II. Peyton. D. ii. Chamberlayne, Ada q.
Foster, Mary N. Coleman, Ellen V. Trent, Lnla
l.. Han. Marie NJ. Thomas. Sarah G. White. ko-
bert c. Merrivcather, Annie Carter, James l..
Burrell, Joseph ". Anderson, Mamie o. WYATT
Mary NJ. Randolph, Annie M. jackson, Joseph X.
Porter, Edward j. johnson, Corneiia w. Taylor
and Ella Lewis.
June. ls92-Isaac II. Burrell. William &.
Morgan, A. Deborah Patterson, NJ Constance
Turpn, Mary T.. Gordon. Henrietta NJ. Ihomp-
rphs i't'i -. hgit-f .hhis 's 'i't'~f ""% -
Crump.
Roger Kyles, youth OF about II summers,
who wore short pants and patent-leather shoes,
delivered the valedictory. His delivery and ges-
tuTes were excellent He was llDeraly ap-
plauded when he concluded his remarks.
The musical gem OF the evening was the sing
irg Of "1he School OF Jolly Boys" by the
school
ADDRESS BY DIR. NELSON.
Rev. DR.. James Nelson delivered the address
OF the evening, and IN his remarks he expressed
bis pleasure at tho progress made by the young
men and women OF the school, who were ac-
quiring knowledge under difficulties. He men,
toned William Cary, the father OF Baptist mis-
siOns. as an example Of the scholar who acquired
his learning under serious embarrassment and
many ylcssitgdes
The speaker told his auditors that under their
teachers they had been winning or losing their
position IN life. lie said that Wellington IN
speaking Of NapolcOn's defeat 10y himself had
said, "WaterlOO was won at Kton meaning
that his studies IT college had been the cause oi
his success a. a general
Albert 4. Wright delivered an address upon
school life and the benefits accruing ffom nppu-
cation 10 studies. quartette sung Drifting
with the Tide after which Hon. william LOyen-
stein conferred the PEABODY meda's. The ffi'
loving were those who won the prizes: Senior
A. BENJAMIN Peyton; intermediate b, Joseph
Grimm: Junior a, Willie Hopkins; Anderson
medal for bookkeeping, Benjamin Cephas:
Williams medal for best essay on temperance,
Deborah Patterson.
Tho exercises closed with the singing Of the
HYMN God BE with YOU" and the benedictiOn
by Rev. James Ii. Holmes