Newspaper Tidbit: Independence Day at Cannon Branch (1912)

Manassas Democrat

11 July 1912

INDEPENDENCE DAY AT CANNON BRANCH

Temperance the Chief Subject

Field Secretary, Anti-Saloon League, Chief Speaker -- Addresses by Messrs. Meetze, Blough, and Hutchison

The Cannon Branch and Bradley Sabbath Schools joined in celebrating the Fourth of July at Cannon Branch last Thursday, with a very interesting program consisting of recitations, declamations, dialogues, songs and special addresses.

Edward J. Richardson, Field Secretary of the Anti-Saloon League of Northern Virginia, delivered, both in the morning and afternoon, an interesting address, using a number of well-chosen cartoons to illustrate the baneful influence of intemperance and told in burning words the story of shattered homes and broken fortunes for which the liquor traffic is responsible.

Hon. C. J. Meetze, with his usual jeu de esprit and enthusiastic advocacy of the cause of temperance, delivered a forceful address declaring that if he had his way Virginia would be free from saloons and their influence.  

Rev. E. E. Blough, in well-chosen marks told of how the tobacco nuisance, which generally went hand in hand with the liquor habit, might be done away with or at least abated.

 Westwood Hutchison, in his accustomed good-humored way, spoke of how the masses might better their condition by self-denial along certain lines and through proper ambition.

Thus, independence day was pleasantly spent by friends and neighbors who partook of an appetizing dinner, from well-filled baskets contributed by those in attendance and which was greatly enjoyed.

If such meetings as this could be held on Independence Day in every county in the state for a few years, "the Old Dominion" -- mother of states and statesmen -- would free herself from the shackles which bind her to one of the chief causes of human depravity and of human misery.

Church Record Sunday: Successful Convention of Sunday Schools

Manassas Journal
July 18, 1919

MEET AT WOODBINE

Successful Convention of Sunday Schools of Coles District

The Sunday Schools of Coles district met in convention Sunday, holding an all-day session at Woodbine Church.  Mr. Herbert Purcell, superintendent of Woodbine Sunday School, presided, introducing the speakers.  After the opening hymn devotional exercises were conducted by Mr. W. B. Winslow, of Buckhall, Mr. B. Herring welcomed delegates and visitors on behalf of the Sunday Schools and Mr. D. P. Bell made the response.  Addresses were made by Messrs. C. J. Meetze, J. T. Flory, S. C. Harley and Rev. Ralph G. Rarick, an evangelist who is conducting a series of meetings at the Cannon Branch Church of the Brethren.

Mrs. R. R. Hayes read a paper on "The Goal of Christian Education," Mrs. Herring read a paper on cradle roll work, Miss Drua Herring read a paper on Sunday School work and a reading was given by Miss Dorothy Merrill.

The musical program was composed of hymns sung by the assemblage and selections by the missionary head from Nokesville.