Journal of Rev. R. H. Stone
CAPE PALMAS, Jan. 26th, 1 859
Dear Brother Taylor:
Saturday, Jan. 21st, 1859 — Visited a Sunday School
celebration at Monrovia. The children of the various
denominations collected at their respective Churches, whence,
headed by their pastors and teachers, they proceeded to the
government square. Here they were formed into a line of
procession with a band of music in front, and with banners which
bore appropriate quotations from Scripture for inscriptions. They
marched down through a Kroo town to a pleasant nook on the
beach, shaded by the overhanging cliffs of the Cape. As we passed
along the beach, the raging surf flung its foam at our very feet.
Having arrived at the appointed spot, the children and guests were
arranged in systematic order, to hear the addresses, and to engage
in the singing which was to follow.
After a prayer by Rev. John Seys, and an introductory
address by Bishop Burns, the children, led by Mr. and Mrs.
Messenger, an amiable and interesting couple of our party,
engaged in some very pleasant singing. The speakers stood upon
the rocks above the company. Among the speeches on the
occasion, was one delivered by Ex-President Roberts, and two
from Messrs. Rambo and Messenger of our party. The assembly
were refreshed by an excellent dinner, served up under an arbor of
palm leaves. This part of the beach is, to the natives of Monrovia,
what the Capitol Square is to the citizens of Richmond, and the
scenery around was characteristic of Africa. Companies of natives
were collected around, or sitting in picturesque groups on the rocks
above us, others were strolling indifferently about the beach. Nude
urchins were delighting themselves by diving under the surf, while
others rather more advanced in years, were practising upon its
arching crests.
This is the second celebration of this kind held at this place.
The anniversary one, which occurred a few months since, was
honored by addresses to the children in the public square, from the
President, Vice President, Ex-President and a naval officer.
Sunday 2d — Listened this morning to a sermon by Brother
Hill of the Bassa mission. Attended in the evening the Sunday
