The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1902-06-20
Blackstone Institute Commencement.

Blackstone Institute Commencement.
} The Sth commencement exercises Of
2 the Blackstone Institute were held on
Sunday. Monday. and Tuesday, June
3 sth, 9Th, and 10th. All the exercises
, were held In the Institute hall, which
has been built with special reference
To public occasions, having raised
platform, large enough To seat the en-
tire school of275 young ladies. and AN
auditorium Of large seating capacity
The exercises were more largely at
tended by persons from "A distance
than ever before in the history Of the
school, there being at least 80 visitors
entertained at the Institute. besides
the large number entertained 10y the
citizens Of Blackstone This has al
ways been notable feature of the
| Blackstone cOmmencements, and il is a
source Of much pleasure to the man
agement Of the Institute that 80 many
persons from various parts Of the
State are willing to incur the expense
and TO lose the time in order To be
present.
The weather was delightful a re-
freshing rain had been followed 10y a
drop in the mercury, and the great
lawn was beautiful from the effect Of |
the much needed moisture.
The exercises began with the ser
mon. The preacher was Rev. J. T.
Whitney, Of Lynchburg. The text was
Prov. 81: 10: "Who can find virtuous
woman? for her price is far above ru-
bies.n
The sermon was strong and clear,
and the thought was clothed in the
choice and appropriate language which
those who know his preaching always
expect to hear. He preached also at
night on THAT Bible Of Yours. very
suggestive and helpful discourse. His
work was highly appreciated by both
faculty and students
On the following morning the final
concert was given. The music and
Rotations were greatly enjoyed by the
audience a delightful feature Of the
commencement, and one especially
characteristic Of Blackstone Female In.
sttute, was the singing Of the chorous,
composed Of all the pupils, large and
small, which, after the thorough train
ing Of Misses Sterling and Post, sang
so delightfully."-, that notwithstanding
the finished and brilliant work Of the
individual performers, the general de-
sire Of the audience was To hear the
chorus "Once more"
One Of the special features Of the
work Of the Institute is the opportu-
nifty offered for preparation for teach
ing. This department is in charge of
Misses Nellie v Powell, \ NJ, Of RAN
Woman's College, and
Martha Z. McGavock, \. b, Of Ran
Womans College and Pm.
b. Of the University Of Chicago. The
latter has just completed a twO-y ears
course at Chicago, having been given
"A furlough for that purpose Young
ladies desiring to prepare to teach have
actual practice in the work, n there ,
is model school in connection with
the theoretical work. or the thirty
graduates Of the present session, two
thirds look toward to entering upon
the work Of teaching.
The annual address was delivered 10y
Rev + II. Rawlings, Of Portsmouth,
Va. The subject Of the address was
'The Daughter in the Home" Mr.
Rawling is at his best with young peo-
pie. He feels at home, and his au-
dience are speedily on good terms with
him. His theme has the proper sound
and as he proceeded to develop it, it
sounded better still, aud at the close
the large audience manifested its app
probation by the long continued ap-
plause.
The class day exercises were carried
out with much enthusiasm The class
Of 1902 numbered thirty, being the
largest class ever graduated at this
Institute.
This year which has just closed was
the most prosperous in the history Of
the institution. The total enrolment
was 270, of which number 30 were
boarding pupils, IS more boarders than
during the preceding year.
Several thousand dollars were ex- ,
pended during the year in adding new
and improved equipment to the va
rious departments Of the school, and
the Board Of Trustees authorize a
like progressive policy for the coming
year.
WOmack-WilSOn.
Mr.. James w. Womack, Of this