Rechabite Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3474, 12 February 1880, Page 2

Rechabite Soiree.

The tenth anniversary of Rechabitism on the Thames was celebrated by a soiree and concert at the Templar Hall last evening. There was a large attendance, and after an enjoyable tea had been partaken and the tables cleared away, Mr W. J. Speight took the chair, and in his opening remarks referred to the rise and progress of the Order of Kechabites on the Thames. He initiated the first eight members, who then formed the tent and they had now multiplied to 120. He advised all people to give up the idea that intoxicants were beneficial, and referred to the benefit of temperance men uniting to combat the evils of insobriety. Mr Owen then played a bril iant overture on the piano, Mfter which Mr S. T. Wirite.house gaveja reading appropriate to the occasion. Miss Gribble's fine contralto voice was heard to advantage in the pretty solo " Strangers Yet." She had to respond lo an encore. Mr Danby, P. 0.X., was called on to address the meeting. With the other district officers he bad been going into the accounts that day, and was not prepared to say much. He was glad to say that though the membership of the Order had decreased slightly their finances had improved. Mr Stall worthy, G.li. (Newmarket), spoke on the principles of Kechabitism, and urged on the audience to join one of the tents on the Thames. After Mr Brown, of Newmarket, had effectively given a temperance recitation Mr Ibbetson sang •' Killarney." In this favorite song his clear bell like tenor was heard to great advantage, but he exceeded hitnseU when he responded to an encore by singing " Beloy d iiye." After a few remarks irom Mr French, of Auckland, Miss Hamlin sang with, great taste, a pretty trifle entitled " So tlie. Story Goes," ami had lo respond to s unanimous recall. After a reading by Mr Nodder. Mr 0. McLirer made his debut in " The Sexton," and succeeded very well. With a liule cultivation. Mr McLiver will possess a very valuable voice. He was encored, as also was Miss.Chileott for the song "Fondly I'm Dreaming." A recitation by Mr Btallworthy and a short address by Mr E. iN'icboll fallowed, after which Mr W. Gribl'le sang *" The Vicar of Bray," and being encored, sang " Holy Friar." A vote of thanks was accorded to the ladies and gentlemen who had helped to make the anniversary a success. The singing of the " National Anthem " brought the proceedings to a close.