Muscatine Weekly Journal

For the Journal.
S. S. Celebration at Farnsworth's Grove.
The celebration on Saturday in Farnsworth's Grove, fully met the expectations of the most sanguine. The morning was quite inauspicious, threatening a continual rain throughout the day. Many, and especially the children, manifested great disappointment in the long cherished expectation of a delightful time at their annual Sunday School Celebration. The clouds at length broke away, and the day turned out one of the most pleasant of the summer.
At as early an hour as circumstances would permit, the schools began to gather. The Oak Dale school, with its long procession of carriages, buggies and wagons, and some on horseback, was first on the ground. In its front, was borne a banner bearing the name of the school, and near the centre the "stars and stripes" floated in the breeze. Next came the Mount Grove school with its beautiful banner, most tastefully decorated, the procession presenting an imposing appearance. At Sweetland Centre there was a strong turn out, in waiting for the other schools, who were on their way from different points, which soon arrived, and formed into one grand procession in the following order: Rainbow school, with a most splendid banner, headed by a six horse team attached to a large wagon filled with ladies and children and surrounded with evergreens a beautiful sight. The procession was very long:— Next, Sweetland Valley School, with a rich banner which, beside having the name of the school, had on the opposite side the glorious song sung by the Angelic choir when Jesus the Savior was born Next. Sweetland Centre school, with a superior banner on which was inscribed, beside the name, that Scripture "Trust in the Lord" Wisdom is better than strength. Next came Olive school with her name and title highly wrought, borne by one of twenty-six riding in a large carriage drawn by four horses decorated with the "stars and stripes." The wagons and carriages following presented a delightful sight, this scene.
The procession formed, extending a mile or more, proceeded to the grove, where the six schools were arranged in order, on foot, and marched to the seats under the direction of Mr. O. W. Sullivan, Chief Marshal assisted by Mr. T. Leonard, Hon. J. A. Parvin acting as President of the day. The order of exercises—prayer by Rev. J. W. Sullivan, reading of the Declaration of Independence by Wm. S. Leport, and an oration by John Leport. Esq., and most choice music from the choir intervening.
The orator is a gentleman who recently removed to this State and neighborhood from New Jersey. He is a lawyer of some years' standing, and from the reputation given him by those who had known him long, we had promised ourselves with a rich treat, "a feast of reason and flow of soul," and we were not disappointed. The orator, for elegance of style, beauty of arrangement, and force of thought, could scarce be excelled. The speaker having a feeble voice, and speaking against the wind, much of the power of the address was lost to a portion of the audience.
At the close of the address, and some most thrilling, tear-starting, heart-warming music, we repaired to the long table, filled to overflowing with some of the best bread and butter, pies, cake, chicken, ham and beef, which that country could afford. The dinner was a grand affair, and most ample justice was done to it—after which we were marched back to the stand, where quite a number of toasts were given, interspersed with soul-stirring singing. The following are some of the toasts:
Hon. J. A. Parvin.— The Union of the United States.—Cemented by the blood of our fathers. While virtue and intelligence control the minds of the people, the Union will remain.
Banner.—May her stars prove beacon lights to benighted nations, and her stripes a warning to all who dare offend those
Hon. J.A. Parvin.—The memory of Washington.
Sunday School Union. —May it be preserved.
Maj. Sherfoe.—The Sunday School cause. May it always be the object of our affections, and have the blessing of God.
Rev, J.W. Sullivan. Sweetland Township.—The banner township for Sunday Schools.
J. L. Husted, Esq.— The day we celebrate. May it be commemorated in the heart of every freeman, until the world shall be filled with its ardor.
Mr.N. A. Ranson.—Music. The loveliest daughter of him who sits upon the Throne. The exercises of this day show that these schools have associated with her May they cultivate her acquaintance even to perfection, and wield her charms to strengthen virtue.
Mr. Wm. H. Keeler. The Ladies. May their bright eyes and sunny smiles endure as long as the stars and stripes in the flag of our country.
Hon. J. A. Parvin.—The Orator of the day.—We give a hearty welcome to all emigrants who bring with them such noble principles of liberty as he announced to-day.
Mr. Richard Armstrong. — Our Chaplain. —He will long live in our affections.
Major Sherfee.—Our Country.The land of the free, and the home of the brave and the down-trodden and oppressed of all countries
Mr. Joshua Leonard A red hot poker in every man's eye Who will not celebrate the Fourth of July.
Mr. Daniel Lake. an ardent friend and faithful laborer in the Sunday School cause, made a short, pointed and pithy speech on individual responsibility in relation to Sunday Schools, after which the announcement to close was made, and the large crowd separated, giving evidence of being pleased and delighted at having joined in the festivities of this most interesting occasion. Van.