THE C. L. S. C. CLASSES.

CLASS OF 1885.—“THE INVINCIBLES.”

“Press on, reaching after those things which are before.”

OFFICERS.

President—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.

Vice President—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.

Treasurer—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.

Secretary—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.

Executive Committee—Officers of the class.

After Commencement, what? More of the same sort, undoubtedly—of a better sort, if possible. The members of the class of ’85 are now near enough to the “finish” to arrive at some more or less mature conclusions as to the future. They find that the word “commencement” is to be no misnomer, and is not even to be criticised. For after four years of reading and study the students find that they have not come to the end, but only to the beginning. The matter selected for them has been so good, so substantial, and really so inspiring, as a whole, that an immortal, if not divine, sort of hunger for the best in literature, science, art, philosophy, has been created in their minds, and they could hardly stop if they desired. The aggregate amount of literary and scientific information which has been acquired is really large, and much of it has been retained as a permanent fund of knowledge, but this has proved to be but a small part of the benefit that has been derived. Thousands of people have just begun to find out how little they really know, and how much they ought yet to learn, to satisfy their own ideas and notions as to what is required to make one, not learned, indeed, but reasonably well informed! And what they think they need to know, they feel sure that they have now discovered how to learn, and have acquired habits of reading and thinking which will make the processes easy and enjoyable, instead of laborious and tiresome. They have already looked beyond bounds into the green fields and pastures new of that which is best, most beautiful, and grandest in the domain of thought, and suggestion, and philosophical research and discovery, as brought out by poets, philosophers, statesmen and philanthropists, and they are likely to pass through the Golden Gate and out from the Temple on the hill into a still broader fraternity of thought and action, whose limits will correspond with those of the world itself.

A breezy letter from the plains of Dakota contains the following: “I have been studying entirely alone, and have found the course a blessing that can not be valued. Here, quite removed from society, while winter winds howl round my cabin home, I find help, companionship and pleasure in the studies of the dear ‘Home College.’ The most attractive corner of my little room is the one where my beloved books lie on the home-made shelves. My little ones love them too, and there is scarcely a time when I need help but what I can find it in my books.”

One young lady from Massachusetts, who hopes to hear the “Chautauqua Chimes,” writes: “I have a class of girls in Sunday-school, and want so much the help I think I shall be able to find at Chautauqua. The course has been just what I needed, and I know I have grown, mentally and morally, since joining the C. L. S. C.”

This from a gentleman in Kansas: “If health will permit I hope to be one to enter in under the Arches among the ‘Invincibles.’ I must be one of the oldest of the ’85s. I was fifteen days old at the battle of Waterloo, and, if I am spared till my next birthday, I shall have arrived at the bounds allotted to man in the Bible.”

One ’85 writes: “I hope to receive my diploma at Chautauqua, but, I am a busy mother with six children, and can not always plan so long ahead. I have had the greatest pleasure and satisfaction in the course, for, with a family of wide-awake boys and girls about me, I have found it is very necessary to refresh myself and keep well informed on all subjects.”

One enthusiastic lady from Texas writes: “I have gathered through four years of delightful reading an intellectual bouquet, whose fragrance I hope to wear about me when I pass, not only through the Arches at Chautauqua, but when I pass through the ‘Beautiful Gates’ to the Celestial City.”

Another testifies: “I am one of the busy mothers and housekeepers who pursue the C. L. S. C. course under numerous and varied difficulties, but find my enthusiasm increasing as the four years draw to a close.”

From Massachusetts: “I intend to still ‘press on’ after I graduate—in fact, I hope always to be a Chautauquan.”

Wisconsin contributes: “I like our motto and our name, and I love the C. L. S. C. Though reading alone, it has always been an inspiring thought that many thousands are reading the same course.”

Another: “I regret that the course is so nearly finished, but the spirit it has awakened within me has enabled me to ‘Press on, reaching after those things which are before.’”

CLASS OF 1886.—“THE PROGRESSIVES.”

“We study for light, to bless with light.”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

President—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.

Vice Presidents—The Rev. J. T. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland; Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.

Secretary—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.

The “Progressives” of New England are true to their name, and most encouraging reports are received from circles and those who are studying alone. A young man teaching school in a remote village in Connecticut writes: “I feel far below the standard of our class, but am determined to do the best I can, God helping me. Leisure moments are delightfully spent in reading or meditation. Hope to complete the course in 1886, and then go on with extra readings.”

The class of 1886 is deeply bereaved by the removal to higher duties and joys of a most worthy member, Mrs. Emma Webster Darling, wife of the Rev. J. K. Darling, of Chelsea, Vermont. She died on the morning of Easter Sunday.

One of our busy workers, A. M. T., of Ontario, Canada, has made an attractive little devotional book, “My Work, or Conditional Promises,” for every day in the month.

A young lady from Boston writes: “I have devoted to C. L. S. C. work at least forty minutes every day since I have been a member, and would gladly do more if time would allow.”

From the snow hills of Maine comes this cheerful testimony: “I sometimes envy people their riches, but am thankful for the C. L. S. C. every day of my life, for I am a farmer’s daughter, and so situated that I am debarred from the enjoyments of most young people, and would often be very lonely were it not for the books of the C. L. S. C.”

The Hopkinton tent, at Framingham, has been secured for headquarters, and will be made comfortable. If the ladies of ’86 who contemplate visiting Framingham next summer will remember that they are a “committee of the whole” on decorations, the tent can doubtless be made homelike and attractive at little expense. Bring something to brighten it, if only a penny Japanese fan.

CLASS OF 1887.—“THE PANSIES.”

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.”

OFFICERS.

President—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.

Western Secretary—K. A. Burnell, Esq., 150 Madison Street, Chicago, Ill.

Eastern Secretary—J. A. Steven, M.D., 164 High Street, Hartford, Conn.

Treasurer—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be obtained.

Executive Committee—The officers of the class.

The New England Pansies seem to be more active of late than their fellow blossoms farther west. The following report of their reunion represents something of their enthusiasm: The New England branch of the class of 1887 C. L. S. C. held its spring meeting in the chapel of Union Congregational Church, Providence, April 3d, 1885. About one hundred members were present. After a short time spent in social intercourse, the meeting was called to order by the president, the Rev. F. M. Gardner, for Rhode Island. The C. L. S. C. study song was sung, which was followed by the secretary’s report of the meeting in Boston; the minutes were duly approved. It was voted that the committee on headquarters be increased by the addition of Mr. Jeffers, of Pawtucket, and Mrs. Morrill, of Allston. Mr. Gardner, in his own bright manner, gave some account of the efforts of the committee in preparing for class headquarters at Lakeview, and stated reasons why the plan suggested at the Boston meeting should be postponed, though not abandoned. Inasmuch as several members of our class have been afflicted by the loss of loved ones from their homes, it was voted that a committee be appointed to present resolutions at this meeting expressing the sympathy of the class with them in their bereavement. The musical and literary exercises were opened with a fine piano solo, which was followed by a pleasing quartette. Then an address on “The C. L. S. C. vs. Social Pastimes,” by the Rev. N. T. Dyer, of Middleboro, was delivered. Mr. Dyer being unable to be present because of illness, Mrs. Dyer most creditably took his place. The address was a convincing statement of the advantages of the C. L. S. C., and could it be circulated among those not interested in the course, would undoubtedly influence many to enroll in the Circle. Mrs. Emily C. Fletcher, of Pawtucket, read a poem written for the occasion, from which we extract the following, referring to the influence of the C. L. S. C.:

After music, and an address on Lakeview, resolutions of sympathy to those of the circle who had met with bereavements were adopted. The association then adjourned, after which a delightful reunion was enjoyed by the members.

Two members of the class of ’87 have recently left us for the “better life:” Miss Grace F. Cook, who died March 22, at Vilas, Wisconsin, after a protracted illness, and Mrs. Rev. E. S. Osborne, of Kingston, New York, who died at her home, March 16th.

CLASS OF 1888.—“THE PLYMOUTH ROCKS.”

“Let us be seen by our deeds.”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

President—The Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Boston, Mass.

Vice Presidents—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 108 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.; the Rev. Wm. G. Roberts, Bellevue, Ohio.

Secretary—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.

Treasurer—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.

All items for this column should be sent, in condensed form, to the Rev. C. C. McLean, St. Augustine, Florida.

Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.

Our circle in Ouray, Colorado, in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, numbers ten. The picturesque spot where live these ’88s is about a day’s journey from the railroad. They name themselves after the Indians, “Uncompahgee,” who once wigwamed there. They have their “round-table,” and keep up their weekly meetings.—Another circle, of three, has been organized among the “Rockies,” at Gunnison, Colorado, and meets weekly. Our ’88s have reached the Indian Territory. At Chouteau we have one hard worker, who, having commenced in February, has nearly caught up with the class.—At the confluence of the Missouri and Vermillion Rivers we have an enthusiastic class of ten. Lawyers, teachers, journalists, milliners, and busy wives, with a “Pansy” for the president, compose the class. They conduct their class weekly, on the “conversational plan,” which they claim affords grand opportunity for interchange of opinions and sentiments.—A circle of five ladies and one lone gentleman compose the “Clio,” of Clark, Dakota. So delighted are they that they never adjourn for any other engagements.—The “Kankakee,” of Illinois, thirty-eight regular and four honorary members, meets fortnightly. Their Shakspere program was so full that a portion was postponed until the next meeting. An honorary member has delighted them with an address upon “Water.”—The twelve members of “Calumet,” Carthage, Ill., were favored with a visit and instructive talk from Chancellor Vincent.—We were greatly surprised to receive a letter from our old friend, the Rev. W. H. Hyatt, president of our circle in Whiteland, Ind.—Ten young persons of Dubuque, Iowa, compose the “Circle of Athens.” An excellent motto have they selected: Sapientiam petimus. That their search for wisdom is eager is evinced by the fact that they have in a most interesting manner pursued the studies in spite of all allurements. The memorial days have been appropriately observed, and Longfellow’s day celebrated by a banquet.—Seven constitute “Alpha,” of Barnesville, Ohio. They began January 1, and have nearly completed their studies. They expect to begin on time next year.—The “Athena,” of Wanskuck, Providence, R. I., is composed of fifteen busy people, who are delighted with the studies.—From the programs of the “Hamilton,” of Lowell, Mass., we are satisfied that the forty members are truly among our liveliest coming Chautauquans. They have largely experimented in chemistry and electricity. This circle mourns the loss of one of its best members in Mrs. Benjamin Robinson, who endeavored to brave a New England storm, in order to attend one of the meetings, and lost her life.—Seventeen regular and three honorary members represent a circle in Joplin, Mo. Nothing but illness has caused an absence at “roll call.” Once a week they follow Chautauqua program. Success has marked their public as well as private meetings.—One from Maine has taken fresh courage since reading Chancellor Vincent’s article in the April Chautauquan, “How to Work Alone.”—The “Riversides,” of Milford, N. H. (eight members), have finished the year’s studies.—“Zeta Phi,” of Buffalo, N. Y., are seven “zealous learners.” They observe all special days, having essays upon given subjects.—A zealous lady of ’87 class organized seven earnest and hopefuls into the “I. X. L.,” of Newport, Ky.—Clamida (state not named) boasts of two enthusiastic circles. The secretary of one strongly objects to our name, repudiating the idea that we have anything in common with the “Pilgrim Fathers.” She is even tired of a reference to their trials, and believes, with another, that the “Pilgrim Mothers” are more worthy of “toasting,” closing with “Seriously, why were we thus afflicted?”