Messrs. Editors– It affords me much pleasure to give you and your readers some account of the great and glorious Temperance Reform at Harpers-Ferry, Va., which place has “lang syne,” like too many other towns, stood in need of Reformation. There is now two strong societies at this place, on the total abstinence plan. The one gotten up by the friends of the Methodist Church, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Morgan– the other by the friends of the Catholic Church, under the care of the Rev. Mr. O’Brien. Being unacquainted with the proceedings of the Society attached to the Methodist Church, I shall speak only of the “Catholic Total Abstinence Society.” Their first meeting was held on Sunday, August 22d, which meeting was addressed by the Rev. JOHN O’BRIEN, Pastor of the Church. Of his address I am unable to give you such a description as would do the Rev. speaker any thing like justice– suffice it to say, it was the most powerful appeal I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It had a great effect. Immediately after its conclusion, seventy-two persons took the pledge, and a Society was formed of which Doct. James Garry was chosen President and James A. Fitzsimmons Secretary. On Sunday the 11th inst. they had their second meeting, when, after a most beautiful and thrilling address from Doct. GARRY, the President, eighty-two persons more took this pledge, making in all 154 members. The next regular meeting will be held on the first Sunday in October, when it is believed the number will swell to nearly three hundred. It is a glorious cause, and every friend to the properity of mankind, every lover of the peace and harmony of society, ought to wish it God speed; it deserves the encouragement and assistance of every good citizen. A great number of the Ladies came forward and gave their names and aid to the good cause. Great praise is due to the Rev. Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Samuel Lover, Doct. Garry, and others, for their efforts in the good cause. Let them go on and prosper, and sweet will be the reward of their labors. AMICUS.
Harpers-Ferry, Sept. 13, 1841
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