1852: An Acadia Tragedy Unfolds (Part 6, Jun 5/25)

Four papers given at the public exhibition

A program of the public exhibition provides details of the papers given before a crowd on June 4. Nine students spoke that day. Essays written by four of those nine students were later published in the Christian Messenger, giving us insight on their writing style and classroom learning. Archivist Wendy Robicheau highlights those four essays.

The second speaker of the day was Henry King, of Onslow, Nova Scotia. Mr. King spoke about “The Royal Scholar of the Ninth Century.” His paper focused on Alfred the Great and the Anglo-Saxon ruler’s accomplishments as a scholar. As part of his recount, the author pulled many, historical references to science and even compared it to science in the 1800s.

Benjamin Rand, of Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, took the lectern as the seventh speaker on 4 June. Mr. Rand’s essay was called “I can, and I will, The Talismans of Human Progress.” As the author discussed the nature of humans to move forward, to invent, and to creatively solve challenges, he frequently invoked “I can and I will” to demonstrate human spirit. Mr. Rand called upon Nova Scotians to keep pace with advances in science. Interestingly, and with hindsight, his paper contains imagery of oceans, water, and floods.

Anthony Phalen, from Rawdon, Nova Scotia, addressed the crowd next. Mr. Phalen spoke about “The Student of Nova Scotia—His Aspirations, His Claims, and His Destiny.” His paper also includes references to water when discussing students and their educational needs. Mr. Phalen called for more support of students and explained the purpose of a College saying, “within the walls of a College [is] the reputation of aspiring to personal elevation and the elevation of society”. (Christian Messenger, 15 October 1852, 332)

Last at the lectern was William Grant, whose hometown was listed as Sydney, Cape Breton. Mr. Grant delivered the speech “Heroes of the Nineteenth Century.” The author spoke forcefully about Christian heroes, those who died for their faith, and issues of morality. But two sentences rang out from the essay, which now have an eery tone. Mr. Grant wrote, “We follow them to the gallant ship, the last adieu is taken. The canvas spread, the breeze wafts them far away, and at length they reach the distant shore.” (Christian Messenger, 19 November 1852, 372)

On 7 June, all four of these students drown as their sailboat sank in the Minas Basin. Tomorrow’s post shows that Mr. Grant asked to sing a fortuitous song on the night before the accident.