The Evening Tribune October, 1891

Church & Society
 

   A small audience listened to a very entertaining and instructive lecture by Prof. Bernard Bigsby, at the Congregational church last night. Prof. Bigsby went into the derivation of language in general and our own tongue more particularly. He showed conclusively the existence at one time of a common language, traced the evolution and admixture which resulted in the English language as it stands today, from the old Sanskrit, down through the Latin, Greek, German, and Saxon showing the common roots of many familiar terms. The lecture was interspersed with many anecdotes related by Prof. Bigsby in an inimitable manner. He gave the Lord’s prayer in the old Derbyshire English dialect, although he claimed it was not a dialect at all, but the purist, and in fact, almost the only remnant of the old German Saxon tongue. Beautiful as it is in any tongue it was especially so in the soft, aggressive, and to us, quaint diction used. We hope to have the pleasure of listening to him again.

10/3

   Prof. Bigsby gave another lecture last night at Akeley Institute. His subject was "Some Old English Schools," he gave an interesting account of the location and administration of these old institution and related some telling anecdotes of his connection with Rugby and his acquaintance there with "Chinese" Condor. He mentioned that some of the old traditions that cluster around those places are as dear to the boys as their very lives, among them being that pathetic incident in connection with Winchester school of "Dulce Domum." The story is too well known to need repetition here, but it gained force and beauty in the telling. Prof. Bigsby’s lectures are "articulate photographs," no other words will express their dramatic forceful beauty. Incidental to the lecture, he gave a beautiful word picture of the grand old Cathedral of Winchester and its famous pulpit. Altogether it was lecture worthy of the rapt attention it received from all.

10/10

   At the Opera House tomorrow night, Prof. Adrian, the famous medium, will give one of his great lectures on spiritualism, together with a physical and mental test séance. Prof. Adrain has appeared in a great many cities in this country, and wherever he has been he has always created a furor of amazement. The greatest scientists in Europe have been puzzled at his wonderful manifestations and tests. The spiritualistic press have sung his praise from Maine to California, and claim he is the greatest developed medium of the day. During his entertainment many queer things happen, which are not only puzzling but laugh-provoking. During his dark circles in Kansas City, an Irishman who out of native curiosity was a sitter, swore that he had been bitten on the calf of his leg by a dog, and when the supposed wound was examined not even a mark could be discovered. Another sitter claimed that the fiddle bow had been almost forced down her throat. In fact, a hundred manifestations occur nightly to keep the audiece in a roar.

10/20

   A congregational meeting was held at the First reformed church last night for the purpose of calling a pastor. Rev. Peter DeBruyn, of Rochester, N. Y., was unanimously elected.

   The distinguished lecturer, Robt. Nourse, opened the Star Lecture Course at the Congregational Church last evening. He was greeted by a fine audience that was delightfully entertained by the wit, humor, satire and pathos of "John and Jonathan."

10/21

   Mr. P. Klaver and Miss Dean Boer were happily married at the Second Reformed Church last evening. The services commenced at 6:30 and were conducted by Rev. Boer of Coopersville (who is uncle of the bride) assisted by Rev. J. J. VanZanten. Dr. M. Vandenberg officiated as groomsman and Miss Sena Boer, sister of the bride, as bridesmaid. Rufus and John Boer were ushers.

   At 11:30 o’clock the newly married couple went on board the steamer City of Milwaukee and amid the greetings and good wishes of friends started on their bridal tour. They will be absent for some time visiting friends in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

   Many handsome and valuable presents were received from friends in this city and abroad. Among the guests at the wedding from abroad were Mr. W. Hardy, Grand Rapids; Mr. A. J. Bolt, Vriesland; Mr. and Mrs. K. Boer, Holland; Mr. and Mrs. B. DeVries, Holland; Mr. G. VanDuren, Holland; Mr. J. VanderVeen, Holland; D. and C. Brouwer, Grand Rapids.

   The bride’s dress was a rich cream albatross.

   Miss Dean Boer is well known in this city having been a teacher in the public schools for several years. Mr. Klaver needs no introduction being one of the best known and most popular young men in the city. Both have scores of friends who wish them happiness and prosperity forevermore.

10/26

   The party at the Highland Park Hotel Saturday evening, was a very enjoyable affair, although only a few were in attendance.

   Rev. Wilkinson’s sermon last evening was on St. Andrew’s Brotherhood, an organization for the better teaching of Christianity among young men. This organization has grown quite strong during the past few years especially in the large cities. He spoke of an organization in this city, which will probably be done.