Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1897-02-05
A UNIQUE EVENT,
A Quarter of n Century with One
Sunday School Class.

Celebration at Bellows Falls of G. w.
Osgood's 20th Anniversary as Teacher
of "A Glass In the First Congregational
Church.
The heavy storm which swept over this
section on Thursday and Thursday night
of Ii 1t week, though it impeded travel and
occasi led much inconvenience, did not
prevent more than hundred members and
friends of the G. w. Osgood Sunday school
class from gathering at the vestry of the
First Congregational church, at a reception
rendered their beloved teacher and friend
in honor of the 25th anniversary of the or
ganization of the class and his connection
with it as teacher.
At the conclusion of the tastefully served
refreshments DR.. Edward Kirkland, toast
master of the evening, presented, in several
pertinent "reminiscences, the origin of the
class, its advance with the growth of the
town, its present size and aourishing con-
dition comparing favorably with the very
few other such large classes in Vermont,
| If not in the country. In conclusion, Dr.
Kirkland said: Few persons in the capac-
ity of Sunday school teacher are accus-
toned to devote so much time, study and
research to matters pertaining to the Sun
day school lesson. Then, not only the
words that are spoken, but the character
of the man, teaches. If we know his deal
ings are honorable outside, then his words
have all the more weight with us. Mr..
Osgood never hesitates to give us the bene-
fit of his knowledge and experience.
consider these quotations appropriate in
closing my remarks: why can't a fellow
hear the good things said about a fellow
when fellows dead?'
"Oh, be thou blest with all that Heaven can send
Long health, long youth long pleasure, and a
friend
In reply Mr.. Osgood related the incident
of the passenger in the Pullman car, who,
when some one rushed in, eXclaiming, 1--WE
are going to have a collision" answered:
"Oh, that's nothing to me, | am only a
passenger; speak to the conductor about
it," Continuing, Mr.. Osgood said, in part :
~ felt like that passenger tefore coming here
| tonight. 1t has been given to others to recount
the history OF the class but the gathering to night
and that which calls us together, IS unique. Let
me say II is unique in that have been permitted
| with all my faults and fangs to remain your
| teacher y years. and this should celebrate your
/ forbearance and long suffering in bearing with
| me all this time. Is there any one to dispute me
! when say that the period when began the c.
| " Osgood Sunday school class marked period
! in history which cannot be eQualedy Look at the
period of the last . years aud what do you find 4.
You find that during that time, Ia the little space
practically that we occupy, there have been given
] to the country the electric motor and dynamo.
| the electric car and light the Westinghouse air
/ brake, the eating gun and dynamite, the type
] setting and moulding machine the cash register
/ the mo ern bicycle, the horseess carriage, the
! Christian EndeavOr society, and We are now Just
/ emerging into international arbitration.
But Of all the development, there is nothing
like the growth of the church ana the influence Of
| the Sunday school which We represent We be
| long to grand organization and We are doing a
! grand work. All these improvements have come
] and led to w hat next is this the
| end: Has the mind Of man ceased to develop 1t
| would seem as though human ingenuity had about
/ spent itself but mans progress is ever onward
and upward, and as long as the infinite * in the
mind of man, he will strive for that which is bee
yond, We look back with great deal Of respect
for the past and the present holds the seed for
| the future. | thank you most heartily for your
| kind words and the reception this evening, and
hope that may prove TO you that thought which
have ever endeavored to do, that | may teach
the " ord Of God, that it shall lead you each to
| look into that Word of Life and be led to nobler
and purer things"
In response to the toast, looking back
ward, by the Oldest Inhabitant," Hon. A..
n. Swain gave a more detailed history of
the class, members of which are scattered
wide, some to the far West, many holding
prominent positions in the various walks
of life. The little thrusts of wit made by
Mr.. Swain at various members of the
class were heartily appreciated.
A poem composed for this occasion by
Mrs. Dascomb, wife of a former pastor,
was read, expressing in very sweet spirit
| the many years of association full of
pleasant recollectiOns and help received
from faithful effort of their esteemed
teacher. Views of the class during recent
years, by George l.. Leonard, of New York
city, formed an excellent synopsis of the
methods and results Of Mr. Osgoods teach
ing, particularly emphasizing his power of
absorption and importation.
The toast: 1.-The Sunday school the
right arm of the church" was responded
to by Rev. j. Ellsworth Fullerton with in
structive comments. Mrs. S. Willoughby
Wilder, jr., sang THE star of Bethlehem. "
The toast, "a warrior bold" was respond
ed to by Col. Edward G. Osgood of Bel
lows Falls and "The stomach as a factor
of church growth" by Mrs. Edward Arms,
president of the ladies' union. An excel
lent solo was rendered by f. A. Sisby of
the Mahogany quartet, st. Johnsbury,
who as Mr.. Swain quantity expressed it,
was scientific dealer in thunder and
! lightning at Bellows Falls in IL"
Letters of regret were received from
Herbert E. Fay, Keene; Rev. George w.
Phillips, D. D., Rutland; Rev. Antonio
Alright, pastor of the Italian Evangelical
/ NhNiNhf ~" 4 VI N NAAg lNVNs ~ F. lldlll-
ilton, Roxbury, Mass; Rev. n. F. Carter,
Concord; Nathan G. Williams, Bellows
Falls, and many others, including ex-Gov.
Roswell Farnham of Vermont, and Rev.
and Mrs. j. II. Babbitt of Brattleboro.
! The spirit of the evening was happily
kept in closing by the quartet in an effec-
tive rendering of "Auld Lang Syne."
The Sunday school class began % years
ago with nine members, two OF whom
were present, one being an active member;
the members are now located in six differ
ent states. At present the total number
of the class is about 300, having SO resi-
dent members.
Two of the speakers of the evening are
also specially interested in the work of
the Young Mems Christian association, c.
w. Osgood, the teacher member of the
state executive committee, and George l..
Leonard, a secretary of the international
committee, New York city.