Ilion High School - Class of 1951

Herkimer Evening Telegram - June 25, 1951

Ilion HS Graduates Hold Baccalaureate Service

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Ilion HS Graduates Hold Baccalaureate Service

Ilion - The graduating class of Ilion High School, together with parents and friends, gathered at the high school auditorium last night for the annual baccalaureate service.

The program was under the direction of Rev. Stanley B. Thomson, of the First Baptist Church, who also spoke on "How Much Will You Hazard?"

Telling his audience that "as sacrifice hits are necessary In baseball, so in the race of life we need sacrifice and courage," Rev. Thomson warned that "it is sometimes necessary to take a stand for right, regardless of consequence," and stated "The future of the world will all its high destiny will be won by those who find values so rich that for their sake they will hazard their all."

Referring to the place of religion in this grasp of values, Rev. Thomson said "it is first necessary that we have great faith, a genuine religion. This is not simply a matter of creeds, but in Carlyle's words, 'it is what a man does believe, what he lays to heart and knows for certain, concerning his vital relations to the mysterious universe'."

Work and Courage

"If we seek God’s will," added Rev. Thomson, "we can make our world one of joy and worthy achievement ... It is by work and courage that we overcome the evils of the time, and build God's new kingdom."

The Rev. Paul Wagner, Presbyterian minister, gave the invocation and a reading from the scripture, and the Rev. Leonard D. Peale, Methodist Minister, took part in the program with the evening's prayer.

Miss Marjorie Windsor, organist, gave both the prelude and postlude, while the Community Chorus, supplemented by members of the three church choirs, presented musical selections, under the direction of Charles F. Green. Several hymns and anthems were sung, including "Immortal, Invisible,God Only Wise," and "Immortal Love Forever Full".

Commencement Tomorrow

Ilion - Ilion High School's commencement program will be presented tomorrow night at 8:15 in the Capitol Theater, before an expected capacity house. The majority of seats have been reserved by families of the graduates members and the faculty and the junior class.

Rev. Leonard D. Peale pastor of the First Methodist Church will give the invocation, while the program itself will get under way with a school orchestra rendition of "Festival March," by Bergen, under the direction of Charles F. Greene.

The valedictory address, "A Dream or a Reality," will be given by Lester Short, Jr., while Thomas Adams will deliver the salutatory address on the subject of natural resources.

Guest speaker for the evening will be Douglas Silverton, famous educator, lecturer and author, who is now professor of literature at Harpur College, Endicott. His topic s "What Have You To Declare?"

Senior members of the varsity choir, under the direction of Greene, will sing three numbers, including "After Graduation Day," by Lippman; "America My Own," by Cain; and "Now Is The Hour," by Darby.

After the choir numbers Principal Joseph Baker will award prizes to honor graduates, and diplomas will be presented by Dr. Earl P. Watkin, superintendent of schools.

The program will close with a benediction by Rev. Peale.