At Island Park Assembly, located near Rome City, Indiana, interest in
the work and delightful associations of the C. L. S. C. began with the
observance of the Sunday vesper hour on the Sunday preceding the opening
of the Assembly. From that the enthusiasm and interest grew, reaching
a climax on Chautauqua Day. A new hall had been erected on a beautiful
point of land projecting into the lake, through the open window of which
came the glint of sunset light and the rippling of wavelets on the beach
to mingle with the voice of “Evening Praise.” The Sunday evening vespers
were among the most delightful and helpful religious influences of the
Assembly. At the daily Round-Tables a series of brief lectures were
delivered, three by Dr. Wm. M. Blackburn on “English History,” two on
“Biology” by Dr. W. F. Yocum, one on the “Study of Literature” by Wallace
Bruce, and three on “Astronomy” by Prof. F. H. Baily. “Chautauqua Day”
was the red letter day of the Assembly. Early in the morning people
began to gather, each train reinforcing the crowd, all eager to see
and hear the “Commencement exercises.” The Tabernacle was beautifully
decorated with flags, bunting, flowers, oak leaf wreaths and festoons,
the mottoes of the C. L. S. C., monograms and other devices. On the edge
of the platform stood a representation of the “Golden Gate,” under the
arch of which the members of the class of ’84, present to receive their
diplomas, passed to their seats on the platform. The procession was of
imposing proportions, the largest ever seen at Island Park. The oration
was delivered by Counselor Lyman Abbott, D.D., and his eloquent words
of counsel will not soon be forgotten. Sixteen members of ’84 received
their diplomas. In the evening, after the Chautauqua vesper service, the
night procession was formed and escorted along the illuminated way under
arches on which the legends, “Religion,” “Art,” “Science,” “History,”
“Literature” and “Philosophy” could be read, to the place of the
camp-fire. Here by the light of a magnificent fire an hour was spent in
singing Chautauqua songs, listening to bright and witty speeches, brief
recitations and reminiscences of similar fires at Chautauqua, closing
with the “Night Song” and prayer for light and blessing on members of the
Circle present and absent.