This flourishing gathering of students, religious and secular, was
preceded this past summer by a large assembling of the teachers of Ohio
and vicinity, and the people were already admirably prepared for the
direct work of the Assembly. The program was the finest ever enjoyed by
the patrons of this place. In lectures and miscellaneous entertainments,
as well as normal class and children’s class work, it was not behind the
best in every feature of such gatherings, and the promises for future
years are most encouraging. Neither is Lakeside a whit behind its “old
mother” of the fair Chautauqua Lake in enthusiasm on the subject of
the C. L. S. C., although it necessarily lacks in numbers, and in the
distinction which comes of being the great “head-center;” a distinction
belonging, of course, to but the one place. But that all the people who
have interests at Lakeside, and who come under the influence of its
work, shall have something to do with this great reading circle, and get
a measure of its benefits, is one of the intense desires and energetic
aims of the Lakeside authorities. In accord with this purpose a day was
set apart, as usual, at the summer session of 1884, for the recognition
of as many members of the class of ’84 as might be present. Chancellor
Vincent was on hand and delighted the audience in the forenoon of the day
with his lecture on “Our Minister,” and in the afternoon held the special
Recognition Services, delivering one of his characteristic addresses on
this theme so near his heart, and moving his large company of hearers to
increasing zeal in behalf of the movement. Quite a representation of the
class were formally graduated. A large distribution of circulars relating
to the C. L. S. C. was made, and hundreds of people who had not before
come into direct knowledge of the subject were stirred into interest, and
doubtless many are thereby now at wholesome work. Several Round-Tables
were held during the Assembly, one by Dr. Vincent, on the evening of
the Special day, another by S. A. Wildman, Esq., and still another by
Rev. B. T. Vincent, the superintendent of the Assembly. At these there
was much interest manifested, and much more promoted, and evidences of
good work within the patronizing territory of Lakeside were given. It
is confidently expected that there will be a large representation of
the Class of 1885 at the Recognition Services which are provided for in
the outline of the program for the next year. And while, of course, all
who can go to Chautauqua and graduate under the brilliant circumstances
which attend the Commencement day there, will gladly do so, yet it will
be in some degree a delight, if that is not possible, to graduate at this
nearer point.