CHARLESTON SOCIAL INSTITUTE.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 786, 9 March 1871, Page 2

CHARLESTON SOCIAL INSTITUTE.

The first of the second series of those truly pleasurable entertainments —the local Institute readings—took place at the Institute on Monday evening last. The night was favorable and the attendance <*ood. The liev. Mr White was voted to the chair, and in a few well expressed and appropriate remarks gave the audience a cordial welcome, and introduced the Rev. Mr Flavell, who chose as his subject " Concentration," which lie he treated in a masterly manner. He called upon the friends of the Institute, who he declared should every one, regardless of creed, race, or country, unite in rendering it thoroughly efficient. The rev. gentleman was attentively listened to, and his remarks frequently elicited applause. Mr Masters gave a humorous reading with good effect. The next item on the programme was a performance by the Glee Club, consisting of Messrs Greenwood, Tregurtha, Williams, Ivelling, and Jones, of " Annie Lisle." which was rendered with much taste, Mr Greenwood singing the solo parts. " Mary, the Maid of the Inn " was given as a recitation by Mr Walker in good style. Mr Burcham folio aed with that racy, humorous reading, " The Spirit of Contradiction," wtiich was capitally read, and created much merriment. The Chairman remarked that he had to deviate from the programme, and, instead, of the Glee Club, he would call upon Mrs Bear, who had kindly consented to sing. She gave with exquisite pathos that beautiful song, " Be kind to thy father," at the conclusion of which she was warmly applauded and an encore loudly demanded, to which she aceeded by singing " Then you'll remember me." Mr Alexander then read a Scotch piece entitled " Meg Dods," and during its reading excited much laughter. The next was a reading by Mr Mitchell, after which followed another performance by the Glee Club, Mr Tregurtha singing the solo parts in " I long for my home in Kentuck." Mr Broad read Artemus Ward on " Courtship," and " Census taking in America" in capital style. The entertainment concluded by the Glee Club singing "Nelly Gray." A vote of thanks was proposed by the Eev Mr Flavell to Mrs Bear and also to the Chairman.