Soirée and Musical Festival at Puslinch Monday July 26th 1874. On Thursday evening the 22nd instant, a soirée was held in Kirkland’s Chapel, Puslinch, and proved to be a grand success. The want of an organ has long been felt in leading the psalmody in that congregation, and a few of the leading members and their friends thought that the best plan to raise funds for that purpose was to hold a soirée. Over 200 tickets having been sold, and over $13 taken at the door, gives them the handsome sum of about $70 to start with. Owing to the press of election business, Mr. D. Stirton was unable to attend, but he compensated as far as possible for his absence by sending a handsome donation. Mr. James Anderson (Springfield) was called to the chair. A very able and eloquent address was delivered by the Reverend Mr. Cookman, Berlin. Addresses were also made by Messrs. Ellis, Little, Kirkland, and Glennie. The choir, under the able leadership of Mr. Glennie, performed some beautiful pieces of music, Miss Kirkland presiding at the organ kindly furnished for the occasion by Messrs. Jackson & Co. On the following day, ample provision being left from the previous evening, invitations were sent to Messrs. Kilgour and Downie, school teachers in the adjoining sections, to come and bring the children with them. This was done, and the children with their parents spent a very pleasant afternoon in singing, reciting, etcetera. Such reunions must have good effect on the community, there being present representatives of all nationalities, and must be a cheering relief for the teachers from their arduous duties. After spending three hours very pleasantly, all separated, delighted with the afternoon’s entertainment.

from the Guelph Mercury newspaper