The Newtown bee., 1892-09-23
STEPNEY.
THE GOLD MEDAL CONTEST.

STEPNEY.
THE GOLD MEDAL CONTEST.
lt seemed as though every one was out
at the Demorest gold medal contest in
the Methodist church, last week Thurs
day evening. 1t could not have been held
under more suspicious circumstances. II
was an almost perfect evening; had il
been moonlight, 1t would have been quite
so. The pulpit was tastefully decorated
with ferns, golden rod, hydrangeas and
other flowers. Above the pulpit, stretch
ed between the galleries, a banner bear.
Ing the inscription, "For God and Home
and Every Land" was hung. Although
advertised to begin at 30, it was after
when Miss Grace /. Curtiss rendered the
opening prelude on the organ. Then fol-
lowed songs, hymn, Scripture reading by
the president of the Danbury w. c. Il.
u, prayer by Rev Mr. James, song and
then Mrs Palmer, who had charge, an
nounced No. l. Seven took part in the
contest. All did we'll and it was evident
that all had carefully prepared them
selves for the occasion. The silver med
al contests were noted for the universal
ly good speaking of the contestants.
This contest was especially interesting
as it included the best speakers of all who
have taken part in these contests. Two
who have taken silver medals were oblig-
ed to be absent, Miss Luth of Long Is
land and Miss Burkhardt of this place.
All the speakers wore their silver med
ais; they were very pretty and enhanced
the already attractive appearance of the
wearers. At the conclusion, the judges
retired and, while they were comparing
notes, Mrs Palmer took the floor. sit
always pleases me, dear friends" said
she, 'to take part in exercises of this
kind. We will now have an exercise in
which all can take part" This exercise,
needless to say, was to act in becoming
manner when the contribution box was
passed. AS there was a general desire to
take part, a tidy sum was realized. At
the conclusion of the conference of the |
judges, it was announced that the con-
test had been very close, but that No. 7
miss Edith Fairchild of Bridgeport) was
entitled to the prize. Everybody was
highly pleased at the result, las Miss Fair
child had created very favorable i'm
preston by her graceful manner and per-
feet rendition. She has certain mag
netism of manner that is irresistible and
captivates and retains the closest atten-
ton during the entire time she is speak
ing. Honorable mention was made of
Nos 4, and 6. All are worthy of
praise. Everything passed off smoothly
and pleasantly. Nothing occurred to
mar the occasion in the slightest degree.
The house was crowded with a critical,
apprecative audience and all left with
the satisfaction of realizing the good
time they would have missed had they
remained at home. Miss Kittie French
received a neat and tasty booklet for be-
ing second best speaker. The program
Prelude.
Song, "Star Spangled Banner"
Song, Battle Hymn of the Republic"
Song, "IIow Firm Foundation"
Hymn, "God, Our Strength"
Scripture reading.
Prayer by Rev Mr. James.
Song, trio, "Around the World"
Recitation No. ], "a Vigorous Plea for Pro
hibition," Miss Carrie May Hull.
Song, solo, "Let Me In"
No. 2, "a vivid Illustration" Miss Annie
White.
Song, solo, "She Sails by the Stars"
No. 3, prosperity Prophesied," Miss Eta
Hull.
Song.
No. 4, "The Deacon's Match" Miss Elsie p.
Botsford.
Song, duet, "Watching and Waiting"
No. 5, sin the Bushel or in the Jug" Miss
Kitty French.
Song.
No.6," "a Terrible Responsibility" Arthur
Sherwood.
Song, "Who Shall Gain the Day."
No. z, "Noble Christian Womanhood," Miss
Edith Fairchild.
Song, quintet, speed the Way"
Collection.
Song. quartet, "Let Me In the Lifeboat"
Song, America"
Benediction, Rev Mr. James.