Mexborough, Swinton Times January 6.
Conisborough Wesleyan Sunday School Annual Tea.
The annual tea and soirée in connection with this school, was held on Tuesday. A large number sat down to tea, which was provided by Mr Clarkson, of Conisborough, and gave great satisfaction.
The ladies, who presided at the trays were: Mrs Appleyard, Mrs G Appleyard, Mrs Blyth, Mrs Blyth, Mrs Booth, Mrs Kilner, Miss Hudson, Mrs Smith, Mrs Ogley, miss C Wilson, Mrs Baker, Mrs Pagdin, Mrs Farnsworth and Mrs Taylor.
The school had been beautifully decorated for the occasion, streamers, festoons, evergreens, etc, giving it quite a cheerful appearance. Over the platform in large letters, were the ever welcome words, “a Merry Christmas and a happy new year,” other mottos being distributed round the room.
Some fine azaleas of different colours, in full flower, from the conservatory of Mr Blyth, were placed on the tea tables, and added greatly to the adornment of the room.
After tea was an interval for the removal of the tables, most of the company, leaving the room for a stroll. On returning for “the feast of reason and the flow of soul,” the press down the narrow staircase was considerable; the lessons of patience which are being given in our life had evidently been forgotten.
When allhad taken their seats and order was restored, the reverent, Mr Westcombe give out the 979th hymn, “Sing to the great Jehovah´s praise.” Mr Westcombe then engaged in prayer, after which he called on Mrs Blyth to take the chair.
The Chairman said he hoped they would always finding him a friend of summer schools; he loved children, and always sympathised with them in their little trouble. He liked children to learn to think for themselves. He was anxious for the prosperity of the Conisborough school, and wished all present “a happy new year.”
The secretary, Mr F. Morley, was then called upon to read his report.
The school consists of 123 boys and 92 girls – total 216; being an increase during the year of 18; teachers and office bearers 40, saw an increase of three; balance in hand £13 2s 6d.
The programme as given below was gone through with great spirit to the no small delight of the audience.
After an encore Mr Baddeley gave “Alice, where Art thou?”
Miss Adams, when called again gave “Contrary breezes.”
Miss Neil, Miss Ruth and Mr Reesebeck were also encored.
Miss Mallinson of Manchester, kindly give a song, accompanying herself on the piano.
Mr Bateson, the conductorhad his choir well in hand and has good reason to be proud of their efforts.
The reverent, Mr Westcombe, said he was so delighted with a violin performance and the singers that his speech would be short. I am pleased, said he, to see such a good company; but, I am afraid, however, that all the interest is not centred in the Sunday schools, but that many have been drawn here by the music.
The influence of Sunday, with schools has being very manifest both in London and in the country. President Harrison of America who was himself a Sunday school teacher, was annoyed by boys robbing his Orchard. He was recommended to prosecute them, but instead of doing so established a Sunday school, to teach the young thieves a higher state of morals.
Mr Westcombe thought that Sunday school teaching, when effectively done, was more difficult in its accomplishment than the preaching of the gospel. They must not, however, be discouraged. The benefits of Sunday school instruction are made to appear sometimes after many years. Some would remember the story of the Egyptian mummy – how the seeds of corn which had lain dormant for ages were sown, and produced a bountiful crop. So discover one of the best institutions of our country; they were calculated to accomplish much good.
The Conisborough Sunday school was naturally, the one he (Mr Westcombe) thought most about, andhe hoped fora very successful year.
The reverent, J.C.W.Gostick, when called by the chairman, said: I think it rather too bad to have to follow the “Drum March” by the full choir. I am reminded of the French ambassador, who proposed as a toast, “The sun, with prosperity to France.” The Spanish ambassador drank to, “The Moon, with prosperity to Spain; the two considering they had crushed the English ambassador, who quietly said, “I propose as a toast, Joshua, the son of Nun, who commanded the sun and moon to standstill.” I drink to “the health and prosperity of old England.” (Cheers)
I am surprised that Mr Bateson should have selected the “Song of the hop pickers;” As a temperance man he ought to have chosen, “the Watercress gatherers.”
Mr Gostick expressed a hope that, after all these great enjoyments on earth, we should meet to sing the song above. As the choir had a song to give, “Never Give up,” He thought at that late hour he had better give up at once.
Before the National Anthem was sung, the Reverent, M.Westcombe moved, and the Rev J.C.W. Gostick seconded, a vote of thanks to the chairman and Mr Bateson, the conductor of the choir, to whom great credit was due, and to all the friends, who had given any assistance, either at the tea or at the entertainment.
Mr Bateson assured Mr Westcombe and the friends generally that his services, and the services of the choir – he could speak for them all – would always be freely given in so good a cause.
The program was as follows:
Piano solo, selection from “Martha,” Miss Booth.
Anthem, “´Tis night on the silent mountain,” the choir.
Song, “welcome home,” Mr Rawding.
Overture (piano and violin), “La Flandre,” Miss Booth and Mr Reesebeck
Part song, ” Song of the hop pickers.”
“The Unfinished Song,” Mr Neil.
Duet, “When a Little Farm. We Keep,”,” Miss Adams and Mr Bateson
Part song, “the comrades Song of hope.” the choir.
Overture (piano and violin) “la Souveraine,” ; Miss Booth and Mr Reesebeck;
Song, “Pilgrim of love,”Mr Badger;
Part song, “The drum March”;song “The Blind Girl to Her Heart,” Miss Adams;
Part Song, “the Contest.” The Choir;
Song, “Beautiful Isle of the Sea,”Mr Wilson;
Song, “The Bridge”Mr Stacey;
Part Song, “Never Give up,” the Choir.