Smyrna times., 1899-03-22
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.
Methodists Hold One of the Most Success
full Anniversaries 10 Years.-Mis-
sionary Collection
Increased.

| MethOdIStS nOi0 One OF tue mOst ouCSess-
full Anniversaries 10 Years.-Mis-
sionary Collection
Increased.
The Methodist Sunday School
Anniversary was held in Asbvry M. E.
church last Sunday evening in place of
the regular service. It was one of the
most successful anniversaries, in every
way, that the Methodist Sunday School
has held for years. The church was
fairly well filled in both the auditor
ium and the galleries. A few palm
rubber plants, ferns and potted flowers
were placed in and around the chancel
to add to the effect of Joy, song and
gladness, which marked the exercises
throughout. The pulpit and organ loft
were cleared so as to make room for the
infant class. At the appointed time,
the little tots march from the basement
to the main auditorium of the church
and marking time to a splendid organ
voluntary, played by Mrs. Marion
Coverdale, they took their seats in the
pulpit recess. They were followed
in turn by the large Sunday School who
in order of classes, took the
place allotted them on each side of the
main aisle.
Hon. John H. Hoffecker, the super
intendent of the school had charge of
the exercises, and the singing was in
the direct charge of Mr.. L. M. Price,
assistant chorister. The program
opened with "Gloria Patria" sung by
the school and congregation, after
which Superintendent Hotfecker led in
a responsive scripture reading Of the
72nd Psalm. Prayer was then offered
followed by singing "The Morning
Light is Breaking" The opening ad-
dress was delivered by j. Offley Win
ford. Another chorus was sung by
the school Clearing the Banner of
Jesus"
The infant class then had their turn,
and stood up and united in concert
recitation" This class was the object
of much interest not only in this selec-
tiOn but in the others which followed.
Miss Edith Start rendered creditable
solo entitled "Work for All to Do' in
which the school united in the chorus.
She was followed by class of five
young folks of the infant department
with an entertaining selection. In this
class were Ethel FAIRIES, Julia Hum,
Mary Riggs, Lola Dick and Charlie
Hill. The school caught up the
air of another chorus ''To Work,
to Work" and Miss Mary Crow follow
ed with a most excellent reading en-
titled "MariOn Agusta Bell" She was
dressed in Chinese costume and
the effect of her reading in a clear.
well mOdulated voice, at once won her
to the hearts of her hear ers, who af-
forwards passed complimentary ex-
pressiOns on the excellent manner in
which she rendered it. A spirited
song "For Jesus" was then taken
up by the merry voices of the
primary department, when it was
through, four little girls stepped for
ward. They were Mildred Start, Mil
dred Hudson, Eta Jones and Elsie
Mcdowell and they recited a selection
entitled "What [ Can" Little Mar
garet POstles amused her hearers with
a short selection, and then Bavnard
Fowler made "a Plea for Missions in
a well rendered recitation. The little
folks OF the Infant Department fol-
lowed this with a song "Dropping
Pennies; Miss Margaret Robinson re-
cited Giving for Missions" in
clear and distinct voice and Mrs.
Marion Coverdale and Miss Blanche
Laytield rendered n most excellent
duett entitled: promptly, Sweetly,
Gladly" This was one of the most
charming musical features of the pro-
gram, and both showed excellent
voice culture, not to say of the effect
i've manner in which their high and
low notes blended. In giving ''Bes-
sizes Opinion" which followed, John
Postles made splendid impression on
the congregation.
The next feature of the program and
really the central force of the anniver-
sary was the subject of Missions. In
the part of missions the Sunday School
plays an very important part in swell
ing the church fund and this year
there was tendency to exceed the ap-
portionment.
The following is the report of the
Missionary Secretary, Mr.. W. B.
Start, which showed what the school
has done the past year in the order of
classes.
John Fl Hoffackar ou04 az m