The summer vacation which the C. L. S. C. allows, is characterized by
one particularly strong and profitable feature, a feature peculiar,
too, to this organization. It is the system of summer meetings. These
meetings are not idling times for holiday excursions, nor are they
outings even. They are serious assemblies for serious purposes, and are
marked by original and charming methods of work. Though the dozen or more
assemblies which have sprung from the Chautauqua Assembly all introduce
these C. L. S. C. methods, it is at Chautauqua that we naturally find
them in their original form. With the work of one year over and the work
of another approaching, it is the plan of the counselors to save rather
than kill the time of the interval; to spend it in carefully examining
the work done, in comparing plans, listening to and weighing criticisms,
in devising new ideas for the future, in short, in taking an inventory of
stock now on hand, and in laying in new goods for the coming year. Most
successfully was this accomplished at Chautauqua this year during the
months of July and August.
The Round-Table was, of course, the gathering through which most was
done. Before this season the Round-Tables have been held during the
August meetings only, but July found so large a number of the members of
the C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua that the five o’clock hour was set aside
from the first, and during the entire season at least three afternoons
of the week found the “White-Pillared Hall” filled. These assemblies
had some peculiarly attractive points, striking even to the idler, who,
strolling by, stopped to look and listen. Perhaps one of the first
attractions was the charm which the Hall and Grove never failed to
exercise, a charm which always contributed to the success and enjoyment
of Round-Tables, Vesper Services and Vigils. The rustling trees, the
long rays of golden light, the fair vistas of sky and water and sun-lit
foliage which one catches through the frame-work of white pillars produce
that strong sympathy, that oneness with the life of nature which elevates
the heart, invigorates the mind, and for the time, at least, raises one
above mere earth life. Without exception the five o’clock hour was one of
rare beauty. Many remarked during the summer: “Is it not strange that we
always have a pleasant evening for our C. L. S. C. meetings?” The very
weather seemed to breathe a benediction.
The Round-Tables were uniformly characterized by earnestness. The people
who met had serious purposes written on their faces, and in all the
deliberations it was evident that the best good of the great Circle was
at heart. The “best plan” not “_my_ plan” seemed the desire of each. This
earnestness was accompanied by the greatest eagerness. A lecturer before
the “Teachers’ Retreat” remarked: “These C. L. S. C. people completely
nonplus me. I never saw folks so eager to learn.” It was true; they were
eager, anxious, determined to learn. They sought the best and truest
methods of work, the strongest thoughts on all subjects, and the newest
facts in each branch of knowledge. The Round-Tables brought together the
very people at Chautauqua who were most deeply imbued with this energy.
The unity of spirit was remarkably strong. At one of the most impressive
meetings of the season this oneness in feeling was thoroughly proven.
Some one had suggested in a note to the leader that a plan should be
introduced into the C. L. S. C. by which the religious readings of the
course might be made denominational; the secular readings being kept
alike for all, but several courses of religious readings being prepared
so that each reader might use books setting forth the doctrines of his
own church. The feeling aroused against this measure was intense. Most
emphatically did the members express the opinion that any plan which
should divide the readings of the Circle even on one point should be
rejected. We have never seen any expression of opinion on the part of the
members of the C. L. S. C. which so plainly said: “This is a brotherhood
in which we will not be divided by creed, doctrine or difference.”
In all the serious work done there was a tender thoughtfulness and care
for those who were serving the Circle, which was most touching. It was
shown in many ways: in greetings of flowers and kind messages sent to
the Superintendent of Instruction, in the willing spirit which every
one showed in helping to carry on the work, but never more beautifully
than in the testimonial of books sent to Chautauqua’s bell-ringer, with
the following resolution, adopted at the Round-Table of August 23:
“_Resolved_, That the members of the C. L. S. C. here present join in a
most heartfelt appreciation of the fidelity of our beloved bell-ringer,
Father Skellie, in his labors of love during the years, ringing regularly
the Bryant bell on all memorial days in the interest of the C. L. S. C.
near and far, and showing a deep and abiding interest by word and deed
in all the general well-being of our beloved Chautauqua; and we hereby
present to him the accompanying testimonial of our love and esteem.”
The vesper services filled the five o’clock hour each Sabbath. They
were marked by the same earnestness and brotherly feeling which was so
strong in the Round-Tables and hallowed by a deep religious spirit. These
meetings were thoroughly spiritual. An influence pervaded them which
could not fail to touch an observer. The great interest in the vesper
services at Chautauqua this season ought to lead to a wide observance of
these services during the year by local circles.
Social life was by no means neglected, but promoted by some charming
devices. Among the most enjoyable reunions were the vigils held in the
Hall of Philosophy in the weird light of the Athenian watch-fires. The
strangeness of the scene gave a peculiar charm to these gatherings. In
fact the novelty of all the C. L. S. C. entertainments at Chautauqua
gave them a certain _esprit du corps_ which was very captivating. Adding
to this the strong class feeling which prevailed, and we have the very
best elements for enjoyable social affairs. Each class was thoroughly
organized, and planned for its members excursions, reunions, banquets,
camp-fires and vigils without number. It would be very hard to say which
class had the most enjoyable season. It was certain, however, that they
all learned to know each other better, and the hours spent in chatting
around the camp-fire or in listening to pleasant and witty speeches from
their members at the reunions in the Temple, or in steaming around the
lovely lake, were among the most profitable as well as enjoyable spent at
Chautauqua.
Of course the C. L. S. C. work had its climax in the commencement season,
which was opened on Sunday, August 17, by the baccalaureate sermon
delivered by Rev. Herrick Johnson, of Chicago. Practical and strong,
this sermon was a fitting preparation for the exercises of Tuesday, the
19th of August, the graduating day of the Class of 1884. This event, so
full of meaning to the members of the class, had a setting as beautiful
as ever blessed the graduation of any one. It was a perfect August day,
the air flooded with a wealth of sunshine, but its heat tempered by a
delightful breeze. The imposing ceremonies began promptly. Early in the
morning the long processions consisting of the Trustees of the Assembly,
professors and students from the C. S. L. C., the classes of the C. L.
S. C., and the friends of the graduates, were formed. While these lines
were gathering, the Class of 1884 entered the Gate to St. Paul’s Grove,
marched under the arches, and was received at the Hall of Philosophy,
where the solemn recognition services were performed. There the members
of the Class of 1884 who had completed the prescribed course of reading
were accepted and approved as graduates of the Chautauqua Literary and
Scientific Circle, and were pronounced entitled to membership in the
“Society of the Hall in the Grove.”
No one who saw this scene can ever forget the solemn ceremonies. When it
was over the class marched between the open ranks of the long processions
formed to do them honor and filed into the Amphitheater where the
graduation services were held. After the opening exercises of song,
prayer and readings, Counselor W. C. Wilkinson, D.D., of Tarrytown, N.
Y., delivered the following commencement oration: