Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1894-06-01
The Final Exercises at New Providence
Academy.
TReported for the stanton v1Nn1cAToR

correspondence sltu ullc pleasure Oil ldSt i L
day evening of attending the closing exer-
cises of New Providence Academy, the
location of which. taking it's name from
the old and historic church), is well known
to many of your readers.
I was upon the ground at all early hou1
and found that the attractive and comfort
able Academy building was considered toe
small for the accommodation Of the eXpec-
the large Church was prepared for the ex'
ercises. An extensive platform had beer
erected at the front upon which stood tWt
pianos, and abundant space left for the
participants. This platform, and entire
front was beautifully decorated with ma
lures choicest offerings in the shape OF ever
greens and sweet flowers. This work
which was done by Mrs. j. w. Withrow
assisted by the young ladies and gentlemen
of the Academy, bore the impress of an az
tistic mind as well as skillful fingers.
At about $50 P. NJ, the audience com.
menced arriving, land from that time on
ward, came in rapid succession friends and
others interested in this popular and most
useful school. The number in attendance
was variously estimated at from seven te
nine hundred, many Of whom had come
from six to twenty miles.
Messrs. Willie V. Smiley, S. Ephrainl
Patterson, Elmer S. McFaddin and Elmer
I'll. Wade were the ushers Who, in. the dis
charge of their duties merited the commen-
dations of the assembly.
At about s 2. NJ, the school entered
the Church, obedient to the notes of "The
Commencement March" as rendered by the
talented Associate Principal, Miss B. T.
Turpin. The young ladies marched down
enc aisle and the young gentlemen the other
to their places on and around the platform
After an earnest and appropriate prayer
by Rev. j. A. Thomas, pastor Of Shema
riah Church, the Programme for the day
was most skillfully rendered,
In the performance of the parts assigned
in it, it would lie amiss to speak in com
mendation Of any special one; suffice it tt
say that all parts, music, defamation
recitation and debate, showed talent OF
the part of those engaged, and reflected
credit upon those who had their training il
hand, which was fully testified to by The
large audience who did not. fail to give
hearty expression of their appreciation Of
the individual and united efforts of thu
pupils.
Rev. j. A. Thomas and Professors James
Mcclure and J. s. Callison, were appoint
ed judges of the debate, which was on the
topic,- Resolved, That the United States
should enforce laws to restrict immigra
tion;" and after deliberation decided il
favor of the affirmative advocated by w
c. Haitian.
Eight of the pupils received silver med
ais for department, viz Misses Ada Pat
terson, Kate Stuart, Mary Miller, Corne
liza Brooks and Annie Beard; and Messrs
Robert McNutt, David OFT, and Griel
Smiley.
Scholarship medals (gold) were awarded
to Misses Cara l.. Smiley and Cora V
Beard.
To ME-. S. Ephrim Patterson was award
ed the Scholarship offered by Washington
& Lee University.
The Valedictorian, Mr.. Walter e. Bear6
on account of sad affection, being prevent
ed from delivering that address, his place
was substituted by MI. Elmer S. McFad
den, who in a few well chosen remarks ad
mirably sustained reputation already
won as ready speaker.
1t was almost the beginning of new
day when the audience having given close
attention to the various exercises, were
dismissed by Rev. &. A. Wilson.
1t gives me great pleasure to state that
the sixth session of this Academy will
commence about the middle of September
under the continued supervision of the
present principal, Prof. J. III. B. Jones.
and in this connection I can but desire
that many more of our country girls and
boys may be able to avail themselves of the
advantages Of this school which is so de
servedly and materially advancing the in
tellectual capacities Of many who would
otherwise be deprived of the advantages of
a liberal education.
Our community has recently sustained a
severe loss in the sudden death OF Mrs.
Emma Berry Beard, wife OF John w.
Beard. Mrs. Beard has been great suf-
ferer for several years, but as meek and
submissive Christian, bore it all uncom-
plainingly. She was kind and ever ready
to hear and administer to the wants and
call of the suffering and in her death an ell
tire community shares in the SORROW of,
and extend their sympathy to the bereaved
husband and sons. Interment was at New
Providence church last Wednesday, the
pastor, Rev. G.. A. Wilson conducting the
services.
Children's Day services will be observed
next Sunday at New Providence. Rev. VIM.
Cumming of Staunton, being expected TO
deliver the address.