CLASS OF 1887.—“THE PANSIES.”
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.”
OFFICERS.
President—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.
Western Secretary—K. A. Burnell, Esq., Chicago, Ill.
Eastern Secretary—J. A. Steven, M.D., Hartford, Conn.
Treasurer—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be procured.
Executive Committee—The officers of the class.
Class paper may be procured from Mr. Henry Hart, Atlanta, Ga.
The Canadian Pansies are doing good work in the promotion of the Chautauqua Idea.
The leaves swung lazily and slow,
The wind hummed low its reverie,
Chautauqua bells with loving chime
Pealed forth their sweetest melody.
Their quaint, weird music rolling on,
Mingling with heaven’s azure ray,
Enwrapped the earth with bright, new joy;
It was our “Pansies’” natal day.
Remembrance fond brings back the hour
When on our breast the pansy blue
We placed, with earnest, fervent prayer
That to its trust we might be true.
Again, again, and yet again,
Our widening circle grew apace;
And pansies bloomed on every side;
North, South and West each claimed a place.
And now a year with hurried tread,
Has paced its tiny cycle round,
Girdled with moments richly spent
In wanderings on classic ground.
Methinks we scarce could well have crowned
The year agone with richer gems
Than these bright visions of the past,
Tho’ culled from monarch’s diadems.
A goodly company our band—
Twice seven thousand now we claim;
And purpose with a royal love
Thro’ every land to spread its fame.
Tinted is the horizon’s rim
With wisdom’s deep, ethereal blue,
Yet all may reach its shining goal,
If firm their trust and true.
E’en though the path may rugged be,
And lengthening shadows bar the way,
Onward we’ll press with firmer zeal,
Knowing success shall crown the day.
The New England Branch of the Pansy class held its reunion November 28th in the People’s Church in Boston. The first hour, from one to two p. m., was spent in social enjoyment. Prof. Sherwin then introduced himself in one of his characteristic speeches and concluded by presenting the New England president, the Rev. F. M. Gardner. He was unknown to many of the members, as he was elected on the last day of the Framingham Assembly, when many of the class had gone home. The president made an appropriate and pleasing address. The secretary, Miss Corey, then read her report. The pupils of the Boston Conservatory of Music, under the direction of Prof. Sherwin, gave a delightful musical entertainment. At the close of the musical program the Rev. J. W. Hamilton, pastor of the church, addressed the class in a very happy and interesting manner. A class poem was read by Miss Nell Robinson, of Lowell, Mass., which finds its place in this Pansy column this month. After some business the meeting was closed by singing a Chautauqua song. Nearly one hundred and fifty were present at this meeting. During the session the secretary called attention to the samples of class paper which had been sent on from Atlanta by direction of the committee appointed at Chautauqua last summer. The samples met the approval of those present.