AVERY NORMAL INSTITUTE, CHARLESTON, S.C.
PROF. A. W. FARNHAM.
Our Commencement exercises began with the sermon, Sunday, June 24, which was preached by Rev. Prof. A. G. Townsend, of Claflin University. The following, with reference to the sermon, is from the News and Courier:
“The sermon to the graduating class at Avery Institute was delivered last evening at 6 o’clock to a full audience by the Rev. Professor A. G. Townsend, of Claflin University, who is also an alumnus of Avery. After a brief salutation to old and new friends, which was conceived in good taste and just feeling, the preacher announced his text, Prov. iv., 13: ‘Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life.’ The discourse was straightforward and of substantial interest.”
Monday, June 25, was “Children’s Day.” This day, organized by the present Principal seven years ago, has become almost as popular as “Graduation Day.” The leading features this year were selections from the Kitchen-Garden exercises, as taught by Miss Huntington of New York, and the exhibit of two quilts, a rug, and a quantity of holders, which were made by the children. In these exercises and the use of the needle, the boys have engaged as heartily and successfully as the girls. This industrial showing was enlivened with singing, several recitations, a dialogue, and two class readings. “Children’s Day” is given to the primary and intermediate classes. To these classes have been devoted two hours a week for industrial work.
The grammar school exhibition occurred June 26. The 1st years gave Miss Andrews’ geographical play of the “United States,” and a dialogue, in a manner that reflected credit upon their teacher, who had prepared them. The 2d years gave two class readings (a scene from “William Tell” and “The Charcoal Man”); and the 3rd years gave the comic opera of “King Alfred.” The industrial work of this department has been confined to inventive and perspective drawing. In inventive drawing the pupils made their designs with sticks, first of equal then of unequal lengths, and when these designs were accepted by the teacher they were drawn first on slates, then in drawing books.
On Graduation Day, June 29, six young men and the same number of young women read essays. Their subjects were: “Our Common School Law,” “After Graduation, What?” “Chemistry of Common Things,” “The Relation of Geography to Other Sciences,” “The Action of Alcohol on the Body and Mind,” “Water,” “Why Do You Use Tobacco?” “Industrial Education,” “Should Cooks be Educated?” “Physical Culture,” “Heat,” and “Some Evidences of Christianity.” This class chose for its motto, “Nothing great is lightly won.” The young men all intend to go to college.
The results of the industrial work in the normal department were a surprise to all on account of the quantity, variety and beauty of the work displayed. It consisted of colored designs for dadoes, borders and embroidery; useful and ornamental articles of scroll sawing; leaves, animals, vases, a bust and other articles modeled in artists’ clay; samples of printing, including the commencement programmes, and a fine display of crochet and art needlework. An average of an hour a week was given to the industrial work in the normal department.
The music, both vocal and instrumental, on each occasion, was good. Special mention should be made of “Inflammatus,” from “Stabat Mater,” which was well given and well received. Bible recitations by classes took the place of Bible readings in the devotional exercises of each day. On graduation day the graduating class recited the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes.
On July 4th the Avery Alumni Association meets, has literary exercises, a business meeting, and gives a $50 cash prize to that member of the class of ’83 who has the best record; its members exchange greeting, vow new devotion to their Alma Mater, pronounce a benediction upon her, and then go their ways for another year of honest work in behalf of less favored humanity.
Referring to our visitors the New Era has the following:
“During the exercises of the week, a number of prominent white citizens were in attendance and evinced genuine interest in the proceedings. It is very gratifying to see this attention on the part of the white element. It betokens a hopeful outlook. And why should there not be the pleasantest relations between all good citizens? We are all destined to dwell together. The quicker, under reasonable progress, that the past is forgotten, the better for all. We are sincerely glad that Prof. Farnham gives cordial welcome to all who are interested in the work in which he so intelligently and sincerely engages his intellectual and moral forces.”