Diplomas were presented by Rev. Dr. Strieby, vice-president of the Board of Trustees, to the graduating class of seventeen colored and three Indian young women, and twenty colored and two Indian young men, 42 in all. Eloquent addresses were made also by Rev Dr. McVickar of Philadelphia, and Rev. Dr. Armstrong of Norfolk, imprisoned once by General Butler because he would pray for Jefferson Davis, but now thanking God for the new order, and rejoicing in Negro education.
The year at Gregory Institute, as usual, has been a busy one, both in school and out. As a worthy colored member of our church expressed it, "We are tormented with Christian work at Wilmington." We have had this year a total enrollment of 284 pupils, and the percentage of attendance has never been greater. The pupils have, as a rule, worked well, and in many cases the progress has been very marked. While we are not completely satisfied with the results, yet there has been very much to encourage our labors. The Lord has been merciful in keeping the workers in good health, and there has been no death and but few cases of sickness among the pupils.
The last week was taken up with examinations, both oral and written, and in perfecting arrangements for the anxiously looked-for event among our people, the closing exhibition.
Such a clamoring for tickets one never heard. Of course, not one-fourth asked for could be issued, for lack of room; but, as far as possible, the parents were admitted. Although a thunder-storm, lasting about an hour, came up just as the doors were opened, the people continued to pour in until the hall was as full as an egg, upwards of 500 finding seats.
The programme, which was a long and varied one, was carried out without any drawback whatever, thanks to the untiring efforts of the teachers and of Mr. and Mrs. Dodge, who all planned so well to make it a success. For three and one-half hours the audience gave the closest attention, and the comments since have been very flattering. Several, including some Northerners, have declared it to be the best exhibition they ever attended.
It would tire you to read the entire programme, so I will mention and describe briefly only a few of the pieces, though all were as creditably rendered as if it were a white school, with the singing perhaps better. The pupils, without exception, acquitted themselves nobly, and their neat appearance was worthy of special mention.