LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL, MACON, GA.
BY REV. S. E. LATHROP.
The Primary Department closed on Friday, May 26. The little folks did well with their songs and speeches, and were neatly dressed. There are some funny things among them sometimes in regard to names. For example, Lily White was a coal-black Ethiopian. This department has been crowded into a low basement room in the Teachers’ Home this year, for lack of accommodation elsewhere. We all rejoice with teacher and scholars that there is hope of more roomy quarters next year.
On Saturday, the 27th, was the closing exhibition of the Sewing Class, under charge of Mrs. Lathrop. Seventy-six girls this year have been in the class, meeting on Saturday forenoons. Friends in the North have helped by contributing patchwork, basted garments, etc., and the girls have been taught plain sewing with the making of mottoes, bookmarks, etc. Only sixteen sessions were held, but the amount of work accomplished was surprising. There were displayed in the main school room eighteen patchwork quilts and one hundred and twenty-one finished garments, dresses, aprons, underclothing, etc., all neatly made, and showing decided improvement in sewing. There were some short readings, recitations and singing, and then a few brief talks from Prof. Hodge and others, and afterward the garments were distributed to those who made them, amid thankful hilarity.
On Monday and Tuesday, 29th and 30th, were held the closing examinations. These were more rigid and thorough than for a long time before, but the classes generally did well, and acquitted themselves with much credit. During the year there have been held monthly examinations, and the classes have been more thoroughly graded than ever, so that there will be less confusion than usual in opening the next school year. Quite a number of visitors were in attendance, both white and colored. Rev. B. F. Breedlove, pastor of the largest Southern Methodist Church in the city, was present a part of the time, and publicly expressed his gratification and commendation of the work done.
On Wednesday, the 31st, occurred the closing exercises, beginning at 9 A.M. The school went through with their essays, declamations, dialogues and songs in a way that reflected credit upon them and their teachers. The church was well filled with spectators of all colors. Three students received certificates of graduation from the High-School course, and these will probably go to Atlanta University or elsewhere in the fall. After the programme was finished, some of the visitors were called on for speeches. Hon. Felix Corput, Mayor of the city, responded in few but commendatory words. Hon. B. M. Zettler, County Superintendent of Schools, made quite an extended address, with somewhat of eulogium and considerable of good counsel. Rev. E. J. Adams, a colored Presbyterian clergyman from Baltimore, a man of fine education and ability, made an excellent address. He spoke very highly of the great educational work of the A. M. A., in whose service he has himself labored, as a missionary in Africa, and also in this country. Mr. J. J. Clay, a prominent white citizen, spoke with much apparent sympathy and earnestness, commending education and the work of our school. There were several other short speeches from former students or patrons of the school, all showing deep interest in its work.
On Wednesday night came the grand finale in the shape of a closing concert, conducted by our music teacher, Miss Jennie Woodworth. Although the night was very rainy and stormy, the church was full, with quite a number of white people, who expressed their great gratification. The singing was good, and the concert well carried out to the end, showing decided musical ability on the part of all in solo, duet and chorus singing. Mr. Derry, a friendly white citizen, made an impromptu and voluntary address, full of real sympathy and kind words. The daily paper printed a flattering report of the concert, and of the whole work of the school. Public sentiment in this respect is becoming more and more friendly.
We are glad to report that both school and church have prospered during the year. The total enrollment of students is 199, and we rejoice to know that additional school rooms, so greatly needed, are to be provided before another year begins. Fifteen or twenty of the scholars were converted during the precious revival in March last. Quite a number will engage in teaching during the summer, and several will go to higher institutions of learning in the fall.