The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-08-16
The Greenacre congress.

SOUTH ELIOT, Me-, Aug. Z, 1895.
Here at Greenacre, in the midst OF one
OF the most charming bits of New Eng.
land scenery to be found, is being held a
summer school or congress, which has
drawn together goodly company of the
brightest and best from all over the coun-
try. 1t was established last year for the
express purpose of bringing together all
who are looking earnestly forward to the
new day which is surely breaking over
the entire world. The platform is broad
ly ethical and purely humanitarian, en-
bracing all progressive phases of con-
structive thought, particularly the high
er metaphysical thought. The program
for this season has been arranged with a
desire to quicken and energize the spirit
ual, mental and moral natures, and so
give the surest physical rest. A spirit
OF love and helpfulness is radiated con-
tinually here from pure, earnest souls
who cannot help but receive because
they give so grandly. Harmony is the
watchword, for all is written in the key
of love, and it is appropriately symbol
lied in the white silken banner of
Peace" which floats above the main
auditorium tent, alongside of "Od glory"
Miss Sarah j. Farmer, daughter of the
late Prof. M. G. Farmer, the noted cleo
trician, is the presiding genius of this
congress, and her indefatigable industry
and great liberality have made its success
phenomenal. 1t is the carrying out of
her idea that makes it unlike most sum-
mer schools, in that the lectures and
classes are absolutely free to all who
choose to attend. In fine weather teach
ers frequently take their classes out under
the pines. In fact, simplicity and I'M
conventionality mark the gatherings ev-
erywhere. The mind and soul are kept
on top, and dress and Journalism are sub
ordinate and immaterial.
The guests are accommodated in Green
acre Inn, which stands on knoll on the
bank of the Piscataqua, and in Sunrise
Camp" and the neighboring farmhouses.
The Piscataqua is about mile wide at
this point, and the tidewater extends yet
further up the river, so that salt water
bathing is one of the diversions, as well
as boating, yachting and fishing. The
river is the dividing line between Maine
and New Hampshire in this section, and
only three miles below is located the
quaint old town of Portsmouth, whose
streets outrival Boston in crookedness
and irregularity.
The congress opened July 4th, with a
"Peace Day" celebration, the Rev. Hen
ry Blanchard, ID. d., of Portsmouth, MAX
ing grand address on "Peace, War and
National Honor"
The first epoch of the congress was
Evolution Week." under the direction
of Dr. Lewis q. James, of the Brooklyn
Ethical Association, and who presented
paper on the Evolution of Morals"
Many other prominent speakers were
present but Prof John Fiske, Of Har-
ward, drew the largest audiences to hear
his two addresses; one on the "Cosmic
Roots of Love and Self-sacrifce," and the
other on the Everlasting Reality of Re-
ligion." Both were thoughtful, master
ly and inspiring. Miss Mary Proctor,
daughter of the great astronomer, lee
tured Oh "Other Worlds than Ours"
tracing the evolution of a planet. Her
lecture was illustrated with beautiful
stereopticon views.
The program for the succeeding weeks
has been rich and varied. There have
been days set apart to temperance, social
purity, social and domestic sciences, ar
tistic dress, universal suffrage, bird talks,
etc., intermingled with those on ethical
and religious themes. Saturday, Aug.
Sd, was set apart as Children's Day, and
the exercises were in charge of Miss Cora
l.. Stockham, of Chicago, who has had
wide experience as a kindergarten and
in the training of children. The mothers
and children from the tenement districts
of Boston, who are now the favored
guests of Rosemary Home, the fresh air
cottage near Eliot, were present, and &C.
cupied reserved seats in the auditorium
tent. The children sang few songs I'M
der Miss Stockham's leadership, and ev-
erybody seemed as happy as the smiling
day outside. Miss Stockham presented
an excellent paper on "Play as Educa-
tive" as evolved by the great Froebel.
Mrs. Abby Morton Diaz, of Boston,
who has worked all her life to help hui
mainly, next followed with an address
on the Religious Training of Children"
IT was valuable resume of her book of
the same name, and parents and teachers
who are puzzled to know how and what
to teach child concerning God, will do
well to procure this volume. 1t is clear
and fOrcible and written nv one who I'M