The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-09-27

iuo OWOSSO German EVangencal society
had number in line.
The Fulmer boys drum corps preceded
the First M. e. schools, which had as usual,
mustered a large number of all ages from
the very young members of the Kindergar-
ten division of the primary department to a
body of older scholars who brought up the
rear, marching four abreast.
The Asbury M. E. school and its super
intendent, M. L. Parker, never go in for
anything in a half way fashion, and this
was no exception. An ambulance wagon
was a part of the outfit, and the number
answering to roll call in this company was
large.
Riverside M. E. had about thirty scholars
in line.
After arriving at the grove the before
dinner exercises were short, consisting of
the singing of America by the entire as
semblage. The ranks were quickly broken
and the different schools, classes and fami-
lies scattered about. forming little picnic and
family parties about the grove. During the
noon hour, water was scarce, but numer-
Gus dealers had undertaken to supply the
want and the water melon wagons were
well patronized
Shortly before two o'clock the audience
was called before the stand, where the pro-
gram was 10 take place. Here it was quick
ly found that the wind which in the street
had blown so much dust was doing still
more to add to the discomfort of those inter-
ested. The wind, which was making more
than gentle signing in the tree tops,
seemed to fairly crowd the words Of the
speakers back into their mouths. and it was
only with the greatest difficulty that the
following program was executed:
After Heavens blessing had been invoked
by Rey. Sherwood Roosevelt and selec-
tion had been played by the band, Supt j.
w. Simmons was called on to deliver the
address of welcome. 1t was hard, he said,
to talk in the teeth Of the wind, but he was
glad to see the boys and girls there, and in
the name of Owosso welcomed them. In a
few years the government would be what
the boys and girls of to-day are.
Rev. A. Metcalf, of Bancroft, in reply,
said they were even more glad to come than
Owosso was to receive them. Owosso had
provided an ideal day, except for the wind.
The Sunday school and Rally Day stood for
the open Bible.
Mr.. w. Wheaton Smith, of Detroit, who
for two years was Sunday school superin-
tendent in Wayne county, and who always
takes an intense interest in Sunday school
matters was in the city on business and was
called on for remarks. He spoke briefly
but very earnestly.
Music by the band and a collection for
Sunday school work filled the next interval.
President Osburn introduced Rev. J. G.
Cromer, saying Owosso was proud of her
Congregational church, and he was glad to
be able to call on their pastor. He spoke of
minister who was advised to cut off both
ends of his sermon and set fire to the mid
die and said he should try and put some fire
into his talk. He spoke earnestly against
the saloon evil and laid 1t down as princi.
pie that the surest method of getting the
older people was by interesting their chill
dren.
The company then joined with the band
in "Nearer my God to Thee" and Presi-
dent Osburn called upon the Fulmer boys
drum corps for piece of music.
Rev. j. M. Kerridge was called for but
he had to be away at a funeral.
Rev. w. B. Matteson was the last of the
speakers. He remarked that it would seem
more appropriate to him to see the day we'll
filed with games and sports. While the
different denominations differ in some re-
spects there are many things in which they
are united and they should be still more so.
The different denominations were likened
to band Each was playing its particular
part, but all should play in harmony and
with the one end In view.
The singing of "Blest be the Tie that
Binds" then closed the days program, al
though the crowd stayed for some time
longer, visiting and resting before starting
for home.
u,