To close a happy year, we meet to-night;
Chautauquans all, our courage to renew,
To plight our vows to all that’s pure and true.
A new Memorial day has been adopted by the Danville Circle, in honor of the late Bishop Simpson. This circle closed a prosperous year’s work on June 20th. And at Martinsville of the same state the circle closed the year by a brilliant reception at the opera house. Several hundred invitations were sent out, and the house was filled with an appreciative audience. From the neighboring town of Spencer a C. L. S. C. delegation of twenty-two ladies was present. The Martinsville circle furnished a rich program, and sent their friends away deeply impressed by the sterling worth of the C. L. S. C. work. We are pleased to notice also a new circle of twelve members at West Newton, organized in November, 1883. We hope to hear the particulars of their work soon.
Illinois.—A letter from Pana contains a suggestion which might, we are sure, be adopted successfully by any circle: “As an addition to our program, each lady is requested to bring to every meeting some selection that seems to her particularly fine. It is to be written out, so that it may be pasted into a book that shall be kept as a sort of memorial of the society.” This circle writes that they had their first public entertainment this winter, which their friends kindly pronounced a success.
Michigan.—We are pleased to introduce for the first time a circle of fourteen in Grand Rapids. They write us that they have been enjoying a prosperous existence since October last, and are looking hopefully forward to an increase this year.