We often speak of the influence of the schools and churches of the
American Missionary Association, but perhaps it is not realized how marked
this is in the growth of a missionary spirit among the people. To
illustrate this we call attention to reports of a few of the Women’s
Missionary Societies among the colored people.
The Woman’s Union of Alabama reports as having raised by its auxiliaries
$259.41, and the spirit of the auxiliaries is manifested in the following
items:
Anniston.--A society of girls of the church, ranging in age from five to
fifteen years. The object is to increase an interest in mission work. The
monthly fee is one cent. We hope to be able to do much more this year than
we did last.
Jenifer.--The chief object with the Jenifer Union is Africa. The meetings
are held twice each month. Mothers’ meetings are held every Friday, where
fervent prayers are offered for all missionaries. Then a few minutes we
spend in special prayer for Misses Fearing and Thomas, and Mr. and Mrs.
Sheppard, colored missionaries in Africa.
Montgomery.--Our Union meets every Monday. We make articles for sale. The
money obtained in this way is used in helping any good cause. We have sent
five dollars to the American Missionary Association for work among the
Indians.
Talladega.--We study the various mission fields, home and foreign. We have
a Dorcas meeting when we make and repair articles of clothing. The third
meeting of the month is the Mothers’ meeting, where prayers are offered
for many households. We have expended during the year $13.60 for work at
home, $32.44 for American Missionary Association Indian work, $40.50 for
foreign missions.
The auxiliaries of Union of the Tennessee Association report as follows:
Chattanooga.--The visiting and prayer-meeting committee have been
unusually active. All classes of the sick and needy have been visited and
comforted, and consolation and financial aid carried to many homes. Amount
raised for the year, $67.24.
Memphis.--Our Union meets monthly, and usually discusses two or three
subjects on mission work. Our missionary cow is well, and its owner,
Sister Rachel, furnishes good milk and butter to the sick free of charge,
and will walk two miles to sell five cents’ worth for the benefit of the
Union. Amount raised during the year, $63.11.
Nashville, Howard Church.--Our women are united in all lines of church,
mission and industrial work. We are gradually growing in membership and
enthusiasm. Our small contributions are no indication of the interest and
labor shown. Amount raised for the year, $37.10.
Nashville, Jackson Street Church.--Our Union numbers about twenty members.
We have been blessed during the hard times in our effort to do church and
mission work. Receipts for the year, $50.10.
Louisville, Ky.--The outlook is bright for a steady progress in the
uplifting of humanity. Amount raised for the year, $21.
Little Rock, Ark.--Our Society has been acting in the double capacity of
church aid and missionary society. We have recently organized a Church Aid
Society in order that we may give the attention of our Union to mission
work proper at home and abroad.
North Carolina.--The President reports a most cheering advance in interest
and contributions, $223 having been raised by the women of the Union
during the year. This was done by very poor and hard working women. While
most of the money was spent for aid in their churches and to the sick and
needy about them, some of it was sent to the treasury of the Missionary
Board.
A few words from Mrs. Ella Sheppard Moore, president of the Tennessee
Association, tell the whole story. These once unhappy and largely idle
women in practical Christian effort are now employed in Christ’s name,
intelligently, radiant in the joy of His salvation.
WORK AT McLEANSVILLE, N. C.