In the afternoon, most of the family assembled on the east porch of Brother Snow's residence, facing the co-operative store, and were photographed in a group. In the evening a grand ball was given in the upper room of the court house, when the public part of the proceedings was brought to a close in a most enjoyable manner. During the intervals between the exercises, lasting three days, Brother Snow, as the Patriarch of his house, bestowed blessings upon the heads of many members of his large family, intending to continue before they separated for their respective homes, to lay his hands upon and bless them until all received his administrations, as it is unlikely that they will ever enjoy another re-union of this kind in this state of existence. But in the great eternity before us all, they expect a re-union of a far more extensive and pleasing character. When the head of this family, having gained his exaltation, and holding the keys of eternal lives and endless increase, will gather around him all that belongs to his house, saved, redeemed, resurrected, glorified to reign over them as a king and a priest unto God for ever, when there will be no trial, no weakness, no pain, and no death, and where perfect union and unfading affection will bind all together in the perfection of bliss and the majesty of the glorified sons and daughters of the Eternal Father.
In conclusion, we repeat the sentiment we expressed on the occasion: Health, blessing and peace to the Snows of our mountain valleys, with their head, chief and Patriarch! May they be as numerous as the flakes that fall in winter, as firm and solid as the snows of our loftiest peaks in the defence of right and the maintenance of true principles; as resistless as the mighty avalanche in sweeping away error and rooting up iniquity; and shining in the sunlight of celestial glory, remain forever the emblem of all that is pure and beautiful and good!
CHAPTER LXII.
Our father's birthday.—Prose address by F. H. Snow.—Poem by M. D. Rosenbaum.—Prose address by G. F. Gibbs.—Poem by O. W. Snow.—Prose address by A. H. Snow.—Poem by E. R. S. Smith.—Closing address by Lorenzo Snow.
GRAND RE-UNION AND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.—PART SECOND.
This chapter of addresses opens with "Our Father's Birthday," which we composed for the occasion. The prose addresses are epitomized—the poems given in full.
OUR FATHER'S BIRTHDAY.
We fain would decorate this day
With garlands choice and sweet;
Of rich ambrosia we would lay
A tribute at your feet.
But nobler gifts we now impart,
Embellished with our love,
And trust the incense of the heart
May not unwelcome prove.CHORUS.
Hail, hail, all hail to your natal day!
May it many times return;
And your life-lamp, glowing fresh and gay,
With health and vigor burn.Long may you live our lives to bless,
And our young steps to guide,
Until with Zion's righteousness,
Your soul is satisfied—Till you fulfil your great desires,
In your life-labors done;
When up to all that God requires
His people shall be one.CHORUS.
Hail, hail, all hail to your natal day!
May it many times return;
And your life-lamp, glowing fresh and gay,
With health and vigor burn.
ADDRESS BY FRANK H. SNOW.
In rising to address my honored father in the presence of my several mothers, my brothers, sisters, and the family in general, I will commence by saying that this is one of the most honorable positions I have ever had the privilege of occupying. Where is there a wife, a son or a daughter, that would not feel proud of the beloved and honored parent that had been instrumental in bringing into the world the numerous posterity—those who now sound forth their praises to the great Jehovah for having been permitted to come forth upon the earth and receive their bodies through such an honorable parentage? The honored parent to whom I refer is our aged father, who now sits in the midst of his numerous posterity.