acknowledgment of moneys sent by and through the Association,
to the sufferers by the yellow fever in the South. It is most
gratifying to know that it has been expended with such care, that a
return of names and amounts given has been made to us:
NEW ORLEANS, September 30, 1878.
_My Dear Sir_: Allow me, on behalf of several of our sufferers
from yellow fever, in this city, to thank the American Missionary
Association, through you, for great relief—a draft of $50, sent
them in this time of dire need.
None but they who are here can fully know the terrible suffering to
which our people are reduced; and I beg to assure the Association
that this act of charity will never be forgotten by them.
I sign myself, on their behalf, as well as my own,
Yours, very gratefully,
C. HUNT.
* * * * *
SCHOLARSHIP LETTERS.
Extracts from Students’ Letters to their Benefactors.
STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY.
_Dear Benefactor_,—I am happy to say that I am at school, striving
to accomplish all I can before the ending of this session. I have
been wonderfully blessed of the Lord these few years that I have
been serving Him; and I cannot stop serving God, he is so kind to
me. O, I love to work for Jesus; He is always willing to help the
poor. Last October I was thinking how I could manage to continue at
school this session, having only $21.50 to commence. I thought that
I would continue trusting the Lord and ask Him to help me. Then I
went to school, and found the teachers ready to receive me. I told
them that I would begin school Nov. 1st. Thus the Lord has blessed
me to commence, and I think He will help me to the end. I wish
again to thank you for the aid you have furnished me toward getting
an education. During the holidays last Christmas I built a house
12×24 for an old gentleman who was very anxious to help me get my
schooling, and he paid me; then I was able to buy an overcoat. If
the Lord is willing, I will continue in school two years longer.
Pray for me that I may be able to help my people.
C. H. C.
TALLADEGA COLLEGE.
_Dear Sir_,—I am glad to have the opportunity of writing you
this my third letter. You know that this is my third year in the
seminary, and that I was to finish my course of study at the close
of it. Among all my benefactors there are none to whom I feel so
grateful for my education as to you. By the assistance, which I
have received from your charitable hand, I shall be enabled to
complete my studies and enter upon a field of labor at our next
Commencement. It would be impossible for me to repay you for what
you have done for me during these last years of my course, though
I had bags of “fine gold.” I know that my getting an education was
not the ultimate motive that actuated you to give your money; but
that I might be prepared thereby for the Master’s service, and to
go into His vineyard and help build up His kingdom. This is the
fruit which, I perceive, you expect to find growing upon the vines
which you have planted and watered; and, by the help of my Master,
this shall be the labor of my life. I feel that I have a work here
in the South among my people, which God would have me do, that no
other man can do. When I look abroad and see what is to be done
to raise this people out of chaos, and the almost overwhelming
responsibility that is resting on us who are being prepared for the
work, it almost discourages me; but I have made up my mind to die
in the work.
The most encouraging thing among us is the fact that most all
of the schools and colleges which have been founded here for
the education of the colored people are conducted and taught by
Christians. The colored people, though the majority of them are
unlettered men, seek for Christian teachers—even in our common
public schools—as a general thing.
The mission work carried on by the theological students is still
full of interest, and promises a bright future for the many
thousands who are being brought to a knowledge of the truth. The
students of the college go out into all parts of the State and
teach day and Sunday-schools, and by so doing exert a Christian
influence over their pupils.
I trust that the good Master, who sees the doings of all His
children, will increase your store, that you may continue to
help lift up those who are bound to ignorance and degradation.
Remember especially the American Missionary Association, which has
been instrumental in doing so much for the Christian elevation
of this people. It has pressing need of funds to carry its work
successfully.
If I never have the opportunity of writing you again, or of hearing
from you at any time, I trust we shall meet each other in the
kingdom above, where we shall remain together forever, and give God
all majesty and praise.
From your ever grateful servant,
J. D. S.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY.
_Dear Sir_,—It becomes my delightful as well as grateful task to
drop you a line in recognition of your kindness. The opportunities
for us who were lately transformed from chattels into citizens to
enjoy the advantages of a collegiate or theological training are
a rarity. Schools, seminaries, universities are many; they abound
in every quarter; but we are either barred out of them by poverty
on the one hand or proscription on the other. Therefore, when the
philanthropic hearts of our friends at home and abroad are moved
to institute places of learning for our benefit, and aid us in
securing the wherewithal to attend them, we experience a joy, an
inward pleasure, a sense of gratitude, I may say, unspeakable.
Our University, I am glad to say, is in a prosperous condition; no
opposition daunts it in its upward march, and I am warranted by
every circumstance in heralding the fact that “we are rising.” I
entered the Theological Department here last autumn and am pursuing
a regular course. If at the completion of my studies I shall go
into the world and shall there prove faithful to my trust, fulfil
the office of the ministry, reflect honor upon this institution and
credit upon myself, then I shall feel that your kind benefaction
was not bestowed in vain. Accept my sincere thanks for the interest
thus manifested in our welfare.
W. A. S.
* * * * *
AFRICA.
* * * * *
THE MENDI MISSION.
Annual Meeting of the Missionaries—The Board of Counsel and Advice.
The missionaries of the Mendi Mission are, in accordance with the
instructions of the Executive Committee, organized into a Board of
Counsel and Advice. In this capacity they met at Good Hope Station,
August 7th, 1878: Rev. Floyd Snelson, President; Rev. A. P. Miller,
Secretary. After devotional exercises, with which each session
opened and closed, committees were appointed on church work, school
work, agricultural work, extension of mission work, reception of
scholars, buildings, &c.
We give the reports of these committees in whole or in part, as
presenting a clear view of the work in hand, and its wants. We
submit the question also with confidence, whether this band of
colored men does not, by this careful and business-like survey
of its work, approve itself as well qualified to carry on the
important mission which has been assigned its members in their
far-off fatherland.
The Report of Committee on Buildings.
We, your committee on buildings, beg leave to submit the following
report. On entering the field we found all the buildings at Good
Hope in a dilapidated condition, three in number, namely, the
mission-house, chapel and school-house. The latter was a mere
wreck, having been covered with bamboo, which was completely
rotten. This allowed the rain to pass through, which hastened its
ruin. As we desired to open school and at once proceed to work, we
were compelled to repair it. As one of our first duties, the whole
building was made anew, and also enlarged at a cost of about £100.
The chapel, too, was in a similar state, although it was covered
with boards and tin. The school was held in this during the time
of repairing the school-building. As soon as this was completed we
proceeded to the repairing of the chapel. From this we went to the
mission-house, which we found to need more repairs than we could
possibly make before the rains fully set in.
The first work was to begin the covering of this, that the
building, with its contents, might be protected during the rains,
though we were interrupted frequently, being called to the
repairing of the floor, which was fast decaying. We could not cover
the whole of the building before the rains had fully set in. The
remainder of the roof was patched so that it might serve through
this season.
Since the rains commenced some internal repairs have been made. We
recommend that the remainder of this building be covered as soon as
the weather will permit, and that all or a greater part of it be
painted.
We have also been trying to enclose the premises, but under much
difficulty. This is very much needed, that cattle roaming about may
be kept out.
At Avery we found three buildings, namely, the mission-house,
chapel, freight-house; in addition to these a mill-shed, the three
former in good condition. Adjacent to the house is an ell built for
a kitchen, bath-house and store. Under the chapel is a room for a
school; adjacent to this is another room, used both for school and
sewing-room. Also, at the freight-house is a shed-extension used as
a lumber wharf. The mill is in a decaying condition, the greater
part of it being covered with bamboo, which was rotten, and allowed
the rains to pass through, greatly to the injury of the frame-work
and the mill apparatus generally. Repairs have been made on this
roof more or less ever since our coming on the field. Still, we
regret to say that this work is not as yet completed. Repairs
have also been made on the under part of the shed, a water-trunk,
saw-lever, etc., have been replaced, yet much more is needed to put
this structure in good condition, which we deem best to have done
during the next dry season. Again, there are other things that must
be supplied as early as possible—rubber-belts, etc. The belts, we
are informed, have already been ordered by the Executive Committee.
As it is so difficult to pass up the ascent from the front wharf to
the house, we recommend the construction of an elevated stairway,
which would put the whole place in a good condition.
At Debia, we found also one building in a dilapidated condition,
namely, the teachers’ home—a structure enclosed with rough
boards—three rooms and a bamboo roof. This roof, like most others
on the field, was almost worthless. It has been re-covered, and
is used at present for school purposes. Previous to our coming on
the field, a country building had been erected for a chapel and
school, which for want of attention had gone to decay. If this work
is to be continued, it is quite necessary that a better building
be erected for the same purposes, so that the persons teaching and
carrying on the religious work there, may have the use of the house
and reside upon the field. Each of the above stations has one or
more country buildings erected for different purposes.
We submit all to your consideration.
The Report of Committee on Agricultural Work.
Your committee on agricultural work beg leave to say that at Good
Hope, according to records left at this station, there are four
hundred acres of land under the control of the Mendi Mission, some
of which we think might be very profitably put under cultivation.
But we regret to say that we have no means other than hoes and
cutlasses to begin such a work.
It was our purpose on entering the field to do something in this
direction. Therefore we began to clear the land, turning over
some with hoes; but as the premises were not enclosed, and cattle
were roaming over them, it was impossible for us to plant to
any advantage. Therefore the first part of our work had to be
abandoned, and we are giving our attention to the fencing of the
premises, with a view to doing something in the agricultural work
at the opening of the next season.
The records show that a hundred and sixty acres of land are under
control of our mission, at Avery. About eight of these are cleared
off, including yard. Three hundred and six coffee-trees are growing
on said land. The trees are not in a very promising condition, and
we are unable to say as yet what the result will be. The land is
very hilly, yet a small portion of it might be utilized to some
profit, but must first be cleared. All such work will necessitate
an additional expense, the returns of which we need not expect to
realize very soon, yet will tend to advance civilization.
Report of Committee on Church Work.
Your committee on church work beg leave to submit to you the
following report. We regret to say that on entering the work at
Good Hope Station, we found the church abandoned, the doors having
been closed for months, since the death of the Rev. Barnabas Root.
Many of the members had united with the Church Mission Society.
We re-organized with as much of the old element as willingly
returned, and set to persuading others who knew not Christ to come
into the fold, and we rejoice to say that our efforts have been
blessed. Twenty-two new converts have been added, mostly from among
the pupils of the mission, and some who serve as laborers; nearly
all from the native element, whose eyes have been opened to the
truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and have learned to love Him.
Now our number of regular members is forty-four. In addition to
these we have baptized ten children. Our church is in a healthy
condition, and attended mostly by a native element, preached to
through an interpreter. The attendance is good, and at times our
accommodations are not sufficient. We hope soon to see many others
coming into the kingdom.
We have also organized a Literary Society, which adds greatly to
the interest of our work. This meets the first and second Fridays
in each month, in our chapel. But like all other departments of
our work, this is greatly retarded by continued rains. We hope to
redeem the time when the dry season sets in again.
Our hours of conducting services at Good Hope Station are,
on the Sabbath, preaching at 11 A. M., Sunday-school at 3 P. M.,
and prayer-meeting or preaching at 7 P. M. We have also a
prayer-meeting Wednesday evening, and one every morning, very
early, for the benefit of laborers and natives generally.
At Mannah Bargroo Station, or Avery,
we have a new chapel, which has been opened since our coming to the
field. Meetings were conducted in the first part of the year by
Bro’s James and White. The people became more and more interested
in these meetings. Since the arrival of the new missionaries, Rev.
A. E. Jackson has been put in charge of that work, and regular
preaching services, together with prayer-meetings, have been kept
up.
A number of the old members from Good Hope Church, and those who
have been converted, have been brought together, their names
enrolled, and other preparations made, looking forward to an
early organization, which, we hope, will take place as soon as
the weather will allow. Seven adults have been baptized and four
children. The whole number enrolled is thirty. There is great
interest manifested among others whom we hope soon to see converted.
We have preaching services at eleven A. M., Sunday-school at two
P. M., prayer-meeting at seven P. M. Also a Thursday evening
prayer-meeting. There is a preaching station outside the mission.
Report of Committee on School Work.
Your committee on school work beg leave to report to the members
of the Board of Counsel and Advice, the progressive state of
the schools both at Good Hope and Avery, under the existing
circumstances. The progress of the schools is wonderful when
compared with the chances of the scholars. The advantages have been
poor, as we have been trying to fight without arms for the last
nine months. We have been, and are now, almost altogether without
books, which not only discourages teachers and pupils, but is also
a great loss to the scholars and the general work. [Provision was
made for a supply of books from England, but a misunderstanding led
to delay; the books have since been sent from this country.—ED.]
As time with missionaries is something in Africa, where so much
darkness prevails, we lay before you the real needs of our schools.
Many of our scholars attend school with only a handkerchief as a
garment, tied around their necks, hanging somewhat cloak-fashion.
School is taught at Debia. The prospect does not seem very hopeful,
yet more so than at any time previous. The people are very poor,
and are not able to supply the wants of their children. A larger
number could be brought in if we were to aid them a little. This,
we hope, we shall be able to do, to some extent, in future, as we
trust we shall be so advised by the committee at New York.
The Sunday-schools, no small factor in our work, are in a
flourishing condition. We stand in great need of Sunday-school
books, papers, mottoes, etc., which, we hope, will soon be supplied
us.
Our aim is to train up young men and young women, who may go forth
into this broad continent, and carry the light to those benighted
ones whom we are unable to reach. Therefore, we recommend to this
body the importance of establishing, at whatever station in their
judgment seems best, a High School for the purpose of training up
persons to be missionaries to the dying millions in the interior,
with hope of the approval of the Executive Committee at New York.
On Reception of Scholars at the Stations.
The Board resolved itself into a Committee of the whole to discuss
this question, after which the following resolution was unanimously
adopted:
_Resolved_: That experience has convinced us that it is absolutely
necessary to keep a Boarding Department, to some extent, at each of
the stations, viz., Good Hope, Avery and Debia.
(1) Because the people are unable to continue their scholars in
school as necessity demands, to fit them for missionary work as
suggested by the Executive Committee.
(2) The people on the whole are not sufficiently acquainted with
the benefits of an education to compel the attendance of their
children, even if they were able.
(3) We can never train up persons to serve as assistants in
missionary work without taking them from under the unwholesome
influence of their parents, and placing them under Christian
influence.
(4) Therefore, seeing the difficulties which exist from having to
receive the material upon which we are to work sent us at the will
of the parents, we recommend to the Committee at New York that
each station be allowed to retain as many scholars as can be well
provided for. We submit this to your weighty consideration.
Extension of Mission-Work
was discussed by the Board. This is a question of great importance,
and to carry our views into effect, will necessarily require a
large sum of money. We regret to say that from the outset we
have been greatly embarrassed, in attempting to extend our work,
because of the want of means with which to do it. And we are no
more encouraged now, from the fact that we are continually being
instructed by the Committee that the means are short, and we must
curtail expenses. At present we have not a dollar to do this, and
we are unable to tell when we shall have. In our view, there are
many places which could be opened and worked up with great success.
But our present situation forbids any attempt. We hope the change
may be such soon that we shall be able to do something in this
direction, as we consider this to be one of the purposes for which
we were sent out.
REV. A. P. MILLER, Sec.
* * * * *
THE INDIANS.
* * * * *
FORT BERTHOLD, D. T.
REV. C. L. HALL, MISS’Y OF THE A. B. C. F. M.
Yeast.
So Kingsley entitles one of his books; and we may give the name to
all those influences which help in preparing the bread of life for
this people, or in preparing them to receive it.
First comes the article itself; we have been furnishing them with
it to make wholesome bread. Their Indian way of preparing flour,
is to fry soggy dough in a panful of grease over a fire made of
sticks in the centre of the lodge. Any one who goes back with
longing memories to the old days of open fireplace cookery, may
enjoy it to his heart’s content without the least contamination
with modern conveniences in, a Ree or Gros Ventres or Mandan
earth-covered lodge in this place, a journey of only two or three
days by railroad and steamboat from Minneapolis. The Indians,
however, take kindly to cooking-stoves when our “Uncle” furnishes
them; and we are trying, as the first requisite of household
health, to teach them to make good bread. Our first step was
to create a desire for it, by giving them good bread. But the
preference for “white man’s bread” has been created, and the cry
for yeast to make it has been daily heard at our door this summer.
Lately, we have said, “no more yeast,” but “go and pick hops, and
we will teach you how to make yeast”; and specimens of gathered
hops are exhibited. It is a great gain to have the people eating
wholesome food, for the want of which, in their changed condition
of life, and the absence of the former abundance of game, they are
dying off. It is greater gain to have them beginning in any way
to make home more comfortable, attractive, decent; to have the
women improving in cooking, and tidiness of home management; the
men drawn to an interest in building better houses; the family to
have an ambition for doors and windows and bedsteads, and cups and
saucers and tables, and cupboards made of old boxes with calico
curtains. But chiefly is it gain to get through such work the
confidence and the hearts of the people, that we may lead them to
Christ; and if yeast will set the leaven at work by which we may
leaven the whole lump, we say, _Amen_!
Flowers.
We have not limited ourselves to yeast. On Friday afternoons we
have given the children who attended regularly, a good meal at a
table, with all the accessories of a Christian board, including
grace. Other little means of attracting the people to higher things
have been beautiful clusters of scarlet blossoms, blooming all the
season on the fence, and handsome dahlias and zinnias and four
o’clocks, by the house. Groups of little Indians stand open-mouthed
before them, or some old woman, with her willow-basket full of
corn or squashes on her back, is attracted and cheered by these
beauties—gifts of God’s love. That they do notice the flowers at
all is a hopeful sign. Early in the spring, I picked a bluebell,
and spoke of its beauty to an Indian man who was helping me set
fence posts. He said, with a scornful expression at my ignorance:
“That isn’t anything, it isn’t good to eat.”
Farming.
Then they study our garden, with its variety of different
vegetables and roots, and its young trees. They are doing well at
agriculture—better than most Indians in the territory of Dakota.
This year their crops of corn, potatoes, squashes and beans are
large and fine; but they raise nothing else; and they have not
learned to care for stock, to milk, to make butter, and grow feed
for cattle. They do not put up hay for their ponies, but let them
grow poor during the winter, on such dried grass, and corn-stalks,
and cotton-wood bark as they can pick up on the prairie or the
bottoms by the Missouri. They are not of much value in harness, but
are one with their rider, and endure fatigue and hunger with him
marvellously. They think I ought to keep a horse. I tell them my
cow gives milk and butter, and their horses don’t. So they look on
at our methods of life, and see their superiority; and gradually
want to copy them.
Death.