Moberly will be remembered for hosting a significant celebration in colored circles. Yesterday, Emancipation Day was marked by a grand celebration, with the colored community gathering to commemorate the occasion. Excursion trains arrived from all directions, bringing in a large crowd. Mr. H. E. Watts, the passenger and ticket agent, reported that around 3,000 tickets were sold from various stations to Moberly.

The fairgrounds were the heart of the festivities, where barbecued mutton was served. Attendees enjoyed speeches, a baseball game, and various other attractions. A notable event was the laying of the cornerstone of the Second Baptist Church, which took place at 6 o’clock with great ceremony.

Here is the program for the day’s events, which was mostly carried out as planned, except for the band concert and speeches at the courthouse. These were canceled due to misunderstandings about lighting, a shortage of bands, and the absence of some speakers:

Program at the Fairgrounds:

• 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.: Speaking and Music
• 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.: Barbecued Dinner
• 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.: Speaking by Prof. O. M. Wood of St. Louis and others
• 5:00 p.m.: A procession will form and march to Elizabeth Street, where the Cornerstone of the Second Baptist Church will be laid with Masonic ceremonies conducted by Grand Master Prof. J. H. Pelliam of Hannibal.

The day was a momentous occasion, reflecting the community’s spirit and unity in celebrating their heritage and laying the foundation for their future.