Thursday, Commencement Day, dawned gloriously, and long before the time for the exercises to begin, people were wending their way toward the building in order to obtain a comfortable seat. There were three graduates, all girls, and they made a pretty sight as they marched slowly up the aisle and took their places upon the platform.
The Annual Address was delivered by Rev. S. A. Peeler, of the M. E. Church. He did not go back thirty years and tell the condition of the Negro at that time, and extol him for the rapid stride he has made, etc. He did not enumerate the things the Negro can do, but he simply and plainly stated, so that all who heard might clearly understand him, what the Negro, and every one else who desires success, must do.
BREWER NORMAL SCHOOL, GREENWOOD, S. C.
BY PRINCIPAL J. M. ROBINSON.
On the afternoon which witnessed the closing exercises of the Brewer Normal School, notwithstanding a promised storm, the chapel was well filled. The platform was tastefully decorated with flowers, ferns, and the national colors. We feel keenly the need of a large flag, and should some friend who sees this be moved to donate us one it would be very gratefully received.
The class of '96, composed of two young ladies and two young men, acquitted themselves well. The essay, "We Girls," by Miss Annie Laurie Fuller, was full of good thoughts, and pointed out very forcibly to the girls of the colored race their present advantages, and what as a result their responsibilities are.
Rev. H. H. Proctor, pastor of the First Congregational Church, of Atlanta, Ga., gave an able address on "Racial Contributions to American Civilization," which, while stating plain truths very plainly, gave no offense to the white friends present. For the first time in our knowledge of the school there were a number of white ladies in the audience, which we felt was quite a point gained. All expressed themselves as very much pleased with the address, the parts of the graduates, the music, and in fact with all the exercises.
Mr. Proctor's presence with us was an inspiration to all, both teachers and pupils. On the whole, the year was closed with hopefulness for the future and a greater desire to do work that should tell for the uplifting of the needy people with whom we are associated.