Oxford Democrat., 1912-09-03
Mrs. naIl's Sunday School Class,

mrs. HalPs Sunday School Class
Thursday afternoon . reunion of Mr.
Abijah G. Halls Sunday school class q
thirty years ago, was held at the hom
OF Mrs. Walter SWEET, from whom invits
tions we're extended q week earlier. Thi
meeting was looked forward to will
much pleasure, for Mrs. Hall, the teacher
has always held the highest esteem an,
tenderest regard of her scholars. Sh
formerly lived at South Paris, but for th
past few years has made her home Wit
her daughter, Mrs. Herbert Ripley, an
family, In Oklahoma. Several weeks ag
she arrived iu town from Kansas City
where she had been visiting her son, Her
bert Hall, and at the present time is visi,
ing relatives and friends. In few day
she will return to Oklahoma.
Thursday was pleasant and about 3:3
P. N. Walter SWEET appeared at the vari
ous homes with q three-seated carriag'
which conveyed the guests to bis resi-
dence, where Mrs. Swett, noted for he
hospitality, was waiting to receive "witl
everything ready" The members OF tn
class thirty years ago were Mrs. Ami,
Fobes SWEET, Mrs. Agnes Briggs Morton
Mrs. Francella Gerry Clark, Mrs. Flor
ence Maxim Hicks, Mrs. Hattie Crooke
Bonney, Mrs. Lizzie Muzzy Field, Mrs
Hattie Clifford Millett, Mrs. Clara Mixer
Wing, who now reside at South Paris
those living out of towu, Mrs. Lille Hal
Ripley, Mrs. Sarah Chase Morse, Mrs
Katie Skillings Linder. Mrs. Minnie
Jones Ham, Miss Helen johnson, Miss
Rose Childs. Only those living in town
attended the reunion.
Sociability reigned supreme for few
hours, the principal topic being the his
tory of the class which, as the "chaptel
unfolded" revealed many items OF
interest, among which is the fact that nc
death has occurred in this class which
seems most remarkable.
Mrs. Hattie Fobes Pratt Of East Or.
ange, n. j., a sister and guest of the host
ess, was present and participated in the
enjoyment of the occasion, much to the
pleasure of the guests.
About $50 the party repaired to the
dining room where a delicious repast on
the long table, daintily spread, was
served by the hostess daughter, Miss
Eva SWEET. The picture of the class
seated at the table will ever linger in
memory, and the loved voice of the
teacher returning thanks will long be
heard.
After tea had been served, Mrs. Hall
with well-chosen words presented gift
to each member of her class present,
after which remarks by each were en-
joyed az all fingered around the table.
The following poem was written and
read by Mrs. Agnes Briggs Norton:
Dear teacher and classmates of long ago,
NV heart thrills with love, as to ana 1ro
My thoughts wander backward, and more and
more
Fondly cherish the memories Of days of yore.
A picture see, A picture Of youth!
IL seems surrounded with wisdom and truth,
With young girlish faces bright and fair,
Looking happy, serene, and free from care.
In the oil church vestry this scene appears;
As glance in "that corner" my eyes I'LL with
For in front OF the Sunday School class assem-
bled there.
Our teacher, as Of old, is sitting in the chair.
On her face is a halo which comes from above
She a. telling of Jesus and His love.
tenderly, the chapters unfold,
the wondrous sweet story OF Old.
''My dear girls, be faithful" hear her say,
"a nd try to do right, day by day."
The girls listen reverently. sitting there,
While the sunshine fickers through their golden
hair.
The sunshine gllmmers, then fades away,
nd instead OF daylight, twilight gray
Peryades the scene, and change appears,
Wrought by thirty changeful years.
Shadows of evening seem falling fast,
" while stand musing DER the past.
Suddenly our dear class see as Of old,
But silver threads are among the gold.
And here we are, dear friends, to-day,
In heartfelt way
To pay tribute to our class so dear,
And to our beloved Sunday School teacher, Sit
ting here.
The loving words she used to say
In our hearts will linger forever and aye.
So let's try our best ere the sun goes down
Mrs. Hall addressed the class in her
we'll known sweet way, emphasizing the
fact that from the time, thirty years ago,
when the young girls first entered her
class, she had ever felt deep interest in
their spiritual welfare, a fact we'll known
to each scholar. She spoke of the ap-
proach of the ''setting sun" and the
Bright Beyond, expressed heartfelt
wishes for the class during the remain
der of life, after which she offered pray
er.
We then passed to the drawing-room,
where we endeavored to express our
gratitude for the privilege Of again meet
ing together, extending to Mrs. SWEET
thanks for her hospitality. Many an eye
was dimmed with tears as the good
nights" were said.
AGNES BRIGGS MORTON.