“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.”
BEACH INSTITUTE.
MISS IDA M. BEACH.
For weeks we had looked forward to these last hours! And now all is over!
Four days of written examinations were very tiresome, but I wish my readers could have seen the earnest workers. Oral examinations occurred on Friday, May 25. A pleasant hour could be spent in the Primary Department. Here are little folks reading now so smoothly in First Reader, who eight months ago knew nothing of A B C work.
Words never seen before are placed on the board with diacritical marks. The little hands come up, and the correct pronunciation is given. In another room pupils are engaged in writing a spelling lesson. Examined slates prove that attention has been given to careful instruction.
Hurrying on, we find older pupils reciting in arithmetic and geography; others, more advanced, in algebra and literature. The same earnest spirit fills each room, and all seem striving to do their best.
On Sunday evening, in the Congregational Church, Rev. Dana Sherrill preached a sermon to the members of the graduating class, taking for his text Phil. iii., 13, 14. Gathering up the lessons learned, but forgetting past attainments, they should be ever striving for something better beyond. The kind, practical counsel found, at least, attentive listeners. Said one graduate: “That was our New Year’s motto. I shall never forget it now.”
A new feature of our anniversary exercises was a juvenile concert. On Monday night a goodly company gathered in our chapel. One hundred and forty children greeted them with a song. The choruses were rendered with enthusiasm. Of particular interest were the solos and action songs by the little Primaries. A solo, “I’se gwine to Alabama,” given by one of the older boys, was thoroughly enjoyed. The net sum of $32.00 was raised for the increase of our library fund.
It was interesting to watch the delighted parents during the sociability of the “breaking up.”