Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-06-16
CHILDREN'S DAY
At the Baptist Cburch---the GRADUATE
Ing Exercises OF the Primary Class.

A week ago last Sunday Dr. Marble gave
notice that he should preach to the chill
dren on Chiden's day morning, June IL e,
and that he wanted not only the younger
children of the Sunday school, the primary
class, etc, but the babies as well, and he
did not wish any mother to stay at home
that day because Of young children, but to
bring them 10 church, as they would not
trouble him al ALL indeed it would be
pleasure 10 welcome them. This invita-
ton was very generally responded to, and
the morning services were somewhat
unique by reason of the large number of
participants. At frequent intervals during
the song, prayer and preachment, the
voices of The babies were heard, some hap
py and some otherwise. The whole ser
vice, however, was frightened up very
much by their presence.
The church was beautifully decorated in
white and green. The choir sang music
appropriate TO children's services, among
others leading the congregation in "Sa-
vour, Like Shepherd Lead Us"
The sermon was based upon the theme
"Giants," and after interesting the chill
dren and securing some responses from
them regarding the giants of old, he intro
duced as the giants of the present day
"Sir John Bad Temper" and in his train
came Baby Peevish, Giant Falsehood, and
others representing pride, sel6shness, ETC.,
etc. The attention of the children was
retained throughout the iservice to a won
derful degree.
Instead of the usual Children's day con-
cert, especial attention was given to the
opening exercises in the Sunday school
which took on the feature of the gradua-
ha
class of ten girls. After the prelminares
in the Sunday school, a march was played
by the orchestra, accompanied by the
piano and organ, while the children from
the primary department marched down on
to the platform. The window between the
Sunday school room and the main audito.
rum was raised, and the children nearly
filled the entire platform. There were 70
in all, 63 of whom were on the raised
platform, and ten (the members of the
graduating class, just in front on the SUI
perintendents platform. The following
program was then given in connection
with the graduation exercises, these taking
on largely the nature of Easter, because Of
the fact that the Sunday school were that
day studying a lesson on the resurrection
of Christ.
Singing, Ring the Bells of Easter"
Primary Department
Responsive Exercises.
Prayer
Singing ION the Boughs Of the Tree"
Primary Department
Ten Commandments, Graduating Glass
The Books of the Bible, Graduating Glass
Singing, Rally Round our Sunday school,
Good bye to Glass and Teachers.
Naledictory.
Diplomas.
The diplomas were specially prepared
for this class, and were nicely printed on
bond paper, and signed by the pastor, DR..
Marble, the superintendent, L. W. Haw-
ley. and the primary superintendent, Mrs.
l.. w. Hawley, and were presented to the
class by Mr.. Hawley in an appropriate ad-
dress. A short address by DR.. Marble.
followed by prayer, closed the special ex-
ercises connected with the first graduation
exercises ever held in this school.
The effect of the welcome extended TO
the graduating class as they entered the
main room of the school was very impress
sive, the whole school rising to their feet
and standing during their entrance.
The appropriateness of the exercises
and the wonderful readiness of the chill
dren in participating therein were very
noticeable and remarked upon by all. 1t
is safe to say that graduation exercises
will be permanent feature in the Baptist
Sunday school hereafter, and we under
stand 1t is the purpose in the conduct of
the school 10 more nearly approach the
methods used in the secular schools, as to
grading, promotion, etc. These exercises
are the outcome of a long-continued effort
along this line, and it is hoped thereby to
make more permanent impression on the
minds of the children in the study of Gods
word.