Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1918-09-20
A GALA DAY.
Opening EXERCISE of the Center Point
Consolidated School.

Consolidated School.
1t was my good pleasure to attenC
the opening exercises of the Center
Point Consolidai ed school on Monday
the 18th inst, which were interesting
and instructive; the teachers in charge
were Miss Matte E. Hunter, of
Prairie, Miss Annie Warren Adams, OF
West Noxubee. both yong ladies OF
culture and refinement. and l bespeak
a term of success in that hall of learn
ing under their efficient teaching
A number of ladies and gentlemen,
several gallant youths and maidens
fair and many rosy checked children
assembled in the auditorium to listen
to and take part in the varied pro-
gramme. U. S. banners were attrac-
lively arranged on the walls. and from
one window service flag faunted in
the breeze.
Macon was we'll represented by gen.
tlemen of letters and learning. Rev,
Mr.. Campbell, Presbyterian minister;
Rev. Mr.. Broyles, Pastor M E. church;
Rev. Mr.. Barkley, Pastor of the Bap
tist church, and Hon. Tatum Dent a
member of the bar of Macon.
Miss Hunter in her inimitable man.
ner of grace and ease introduced the
orators of the day in turn, and pre-
sented her co-worker to the audience
The devotional exercises were conducted
by Rev. Mr.. Campbell, the song were
judiciously selected. both religious and
patriotic. Miss Hunter presided at the
piano, and the audience joined in the
singing, and sang with the spirit of
love for God and Country. Hon. Mr.
Dent, Mr.. Broyles and Mr.. Chandler
held their hearers. spell bound by their
elegance of speech, evidencing
thorough conception of the needs of the
hour of our country. Of course their
theme was education and patriotism
Like the voice of Patrick Henry rang
out years ago. "We must educate or
we must perish,
All stressed the Importance Of pre-
paredness along all lines both in the
schools, civil and military life. Surely
the minds and hearts of the student
body must have been fixed with ambi-
tion and new determination to reach
the goal of proficiency been :. kened.
Once it was ssid, "Tg be i o'seman,
was greatar thanto be aiKinelssut'wer
realize and appreciate to be citizen of
our grand Republic lis far greater
honor, and glorious privilege to live
under one government. where the flag
that Francis Key so beautifully termed
the Star Spangled Banner, "waves
Ger the land of the free and the home
of the brave.",
Miss Bette White, the pretty anc
accomplished daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
Jas. White, and pride of her friends,
presented the service flag to the school
in we'll chosen words, and the stars |
were placed on it by the loving mothers,
sisters and aunts of eight (8) of "Uncle |
Sans" soldiers: John Morgan Dantzler,
Spivey Douglas, Robert Dinsmore, John
Cole, Ben Cole. Emmett Dent, William
Earle DEM, William Bankhead.
The flag was in honor. and an ex
preston of love for these youths, who
had once attended that school, and are
now far away in camps and trenches
some perhaps on the firing line today
1t will be perpetual reminder of these
boys. MissWhite paida beautiful tribute
to the "Blue and Grey" who are now
fighting side by side to help win the
worlds war.
Speaking of our boys, we can picture
them, "Some Where in France" some
where in merry England d" (of old) |
and some perhaps soon to be meath
Italian Skies, or on Siberia's frozen
plains, or the snow bound shores of
Russia. Such is the fortunes of war
Or a soldiers life-he goes where duty
,all, ready to make the supreme sacri-
ice for his home and country. Let US
+" Keep the home fires burning" till the
boys come home.
At noon we were invited to royal
spread under the majestic oaks of the
school grounds; just such dinner as is
of those good people. 1t
vas dispensed with true Southern hos
,itality, the gentlemen and ladies' alike
eeing that all were served. After
Inner the young people repaired to
lntos for pleasant converse, the chill
lren played merry games and the old
olks locked on with pride and admira-
ion. Then Rev. Mr.. Brovles and Mr.. ,
Chandler addressed the people, which
Is said before was enjoyed and appre- !
lated.
Miss Virginia Morgan, of Macon de- !.
lighted the people with her charming
roice in song and gertle sweet manner.
May the watch words of Center Point
ohool % vuoll aa oil other institutions