The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1908-08-04
Children's Day at Bethlehem.

| SAAulcn LAY AZ beGhleh6m,
Last Thursday was the day set for
Children day at Bethlehem church,
and we had the pleasure of going ov-
er not in an "ought-to-be-a-mule," +"
but driving mule. On our way
there, by making All exchange, we
were thrown in company with a
young friend, Mr.. B. G. b., ut still
we were behind mule. That mule
was not very lazy and after travelling
short distance we began to think
that it was little crazy. He lower
ed his head, switched his tail, looked
very mild and gently telegraphed his
leg, as If he intended raising us about
mile. l am not going to describe
.lnSt what kind Of prcdicament we
were in rs we were going down the
road in full speed, but II you have
not had any experience, my dear
friends, | am going to ;elI YOU that
the 'way of the candidate is hard. -
We did not become discouraged, as
we got there just the Same.
As we drove upon the dear old
ground Of Bethlehem sweet memories
OF the past came into our minds Yes,
the last sermon we heard preached in
our single days was at old Bcthlc-
hem church. Not in that new, eau-
tiful, modern building which stands
there now, but in another old-time
structure. We shall never forget that
star that led us to Bethlehem on this
occasion and still that blessed old
star shines in our home today.
But | started out to tell You some
thing about Childrcn's s day at Beth
lehcm. We were little tardy, and
the exercises were gong on when we
arrived. We found a pretty good
crowd on the church yard, Some talk
ing, some were walking, some were
standing, some were sitting, and
every window had buggy near it
filled with people anxious to see and
hear the exercises. The seating ca
pacity of the church, which is about
300, was packed from one end to the
other including the aislcs. There were
about 500 people present and to say
that the children acted their parts
we'll is not saying enough. I have
been to many such gatherings but 7
never saw children better prepared
and speak more nobly. The training
was under the management of young
Mr.. John Settler, who wins the name
of the leading light in the Sunday
school work of Bethlehem church.
The music was grand and inspiring.
AS the program is a very long one and
has already been published, I will
pass on.
We were very much impressed with
The church work of old Bethlehem.
whose leadership is in the hands Of
Rev. j. j. Long. Yes, by their works
we shall know them. Rev Mr.. Longs
faithful work and earnest prayers
have brought about union of love
among his people and where we find
love we find God. Old bethlehem
stands as living monument to Luth-
cranism. She is a daughter Of God
and is destined to do much for His
glory on earth. Children's day at
Bethlehem will be day long to be
remembered by all those present. The
weather was very pleasant and the
people were also pleasant The din
ncr was in abundance and al that
appetite could ask for.
Only one thing happened that mar
red the pleasure Of the day. During
the hour of noon a horse kicked old
Uncle Wade Settlers mule on the left
fore leg, breaking the bone above the
knee. Those who examined the mule
thought it best to have it killed. A
few men then appealed to the SYM
pathy Of the crowd and in less than
two hours nice little purse Of $4250
was given Uncle Wade, and we trust
the call may be extended until he has
received the full amount to replace
his loss. "a good name is rather to
be chosen than great richcs,' and
that is what Uncle Wade wears, and
7 feel sure that the good people of
Newbcrry county will not let him suf-
fer the loss Of his only mule.
r. J. w.