Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-06-30

The closing exercises OF st. Mary's pa
rochial school were held last evening in
the basement Of the Church of Immaculate
Conception. The large hall was crowded
TO the doors. Bishop Donahue was pres
ent and made an excellent ard highly APP
preclated address. Other visiting clergy
men present were Rev. Father Moye. of
the Cathedral, and Rev. Father McMen-
imam. of Benwood The distribution of
premiums by Rev. Father Moye took place
at the conclusion of the literary and musi-
cal programme. Those receiving medals
for attaining the higher grades Of schol-
arship were Chas. Gleason, Vincent Ar
kle. Gus. Hasenauer, Bessie Lavelle, Re-
gina Ankle Mary LaFlam.
The programme rendered was extremely
interesting and an honor to all who partc-
ipated. The valedictory was delivered by
Mr.. Charles Gleason. which was also a
farewell address 10 the old school, as the
next term will convene in the new build
ing. the corner stone of which was recent
" laid The yaedictorians address was
as follows
Perhaps you may be surprised at my
coming forward this evening to deliver
valedictory You may be tempted to ex-
claim: Does this boy really think he has
finished his education and is really TO bid
farewell TO SCHOOL,"
No indeed; that is far from my inten-
ton. 1t is not to the school, but to the
school building, that we come to take
fond farewell. How many busy, happy
days have We spent in our dear old class
room with loving companions and kind
teachers. within the very limits of the
church at the foot of the altar and under
the protecting mantle of Mary 1mmacu-
late, special Protectress of our church and
our school, as well as of our whole coun-
try,
How many lessons of useful knowledge
have we received here. TO fit us for the
various duties of life. and especially in the
sacred truths OF our holy religion. more
precious than all earthly science. We have
been sneered at by some. pitied by others.
and asked why we came to the basement
school, while there were so many fine
public schools in Wheeling. 1t was our
pastors wish as well as the wish OF our
Bishop. And knowing that Christ has
said of the pastors OF His church. He who
hears you, hears me- and he who despises
you despises me" We preferred the base
ment with our God TO the fine public
schools without Him, feeling confident
that He will make up TO US in the next
world what we give up for Him in this.
And so we bid farewell TO the dear old
basement with all its trials and difficult
ties. yet not in sorrow, for every cloud has
a silver lining and this cloud has re-
markably bright one. for when We meet
again, TO enter upon Il fresh course OF
study. il will be in handsome new build
ing, erected through the Jealous and I'M
firing efforts of our beloved pastor, Rev.
Father Mullen. seconded by the generosity
and enterprise of a congregation ever
ready to follow their leader in the path Of
victory.
We desire to express our sincere graft
tude to all those who have so kindly and
generously interested themselves in our
welfare; and we trust and pray that when
the bright day of eternity dawns. not only
those who are assembled here tonight.
but all who for the past quarter of a GEN.
fury have received their education within
these hallowed walls may meet again in
heaven at the feet of Mary Immaculate.