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VOL. XXXVI. JULY, 1882. NO. 7.
THE
American Missionary
“THEY ARE RISING ALL ARE RISING, THE BLACK AND WHITE TOGETHER”
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION,
ROOMS, 56 READE STREET.
* * * * *
Price, 50 Cents a Year, in Advance.
* * * * *
Entered at the Post-Office at New York, N.Y., as second-class
matter.]
CONTENTS.
* * * * *
PAGE.
EDITORIALS.
THIS NUMBER 193
DEATH OF WM. E. WHITING 194
PARAGRAPHS 194
THE NEW LAW AND OUR WORK 195
GENERAL NOTES--Chinese, Indians, Africa 196
SEEKING A WIFE IN TARTARY (Cut) 197
BENEFACTIONS--SELECTIONS 199
THE FREEDMEN.
ANNIVERSARY REPORTS 201
HAMPTON INSTITUTE 201
FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE 202
TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY, MISS. 204
HOWARD UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON 205
AVERY INSTITUTE, CHARLESTON 205
BEACH INSTITUTE, SAVANNAH 206
PEEPING THROUGH (Cut) 207
EMERSON INSTITUTE, MOBILE 207
NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE 208
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION AT MARION, ALA. 210
AFRICA.
MR. LADD’S JOURNAL 211
ABYSSINIANS (Cut) 213
THE INDIANS.
NEW CHURCH AT DUNGINESS 215
RECEIPTS 215
* * * * *
American Missionary Association,
56 READE STREET, NEW YORK.
* * * * *
PRESIDENT, HON. WM. B. WASHBURN, Mass.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _56 Reade Street, N.Y._
TREASURER.
H. W. HUBBARD, Esq., _56 Reade Street, N.Y._
DISTRICT SECRETARIES.
Rev. C. L. WOODWORTH, _Boston_.
Rev. G. D. PIKE, D.D., _New York_.
Rev. JAMES POWELL, _Chicago_.
COMMUNICATIONS
relating to the work of the Association may be addressed to the
Corresponding Secretary; those relating to the collecting fields,
to the District Secretaries; letters for the Editor of the
“American Missionary,” to Rev. G. D. Pike, D.D., at the New York
Office.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
may be sent to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer, 56 Reade Street, or,
when more convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, Rev. C. L.
Woodworth, Dist. Sec., 21 Congregational House, Boston, Mass., or
Rev. James Powell, Dist. Sec., 112 West Washington Street, Chicago,
Ill. A payment of thirty dollars at one time constitutes a Life
Member. Letters relating to boxes and barrels of clothing may be
addressed to the persons above named.
FORM OF A BEQUEST.
“I BEQUEATH to my executor (or executors) the sum of ---- dollars,
in trust, to pay the same in ---- days after my decease to the
person who, when the same is payable, shall act as Treasurer of the
‘American Missionary Association’ of New York City, to be applied,
under the direction of the Executive Committee of the Association,
to its charitable uses and purposes.” The Will should be attested
by three witnesses.
The Annual Report of the A. M. A. contains the Constitution of the
Association and the By-Laws of the Executive Committee. A copy will
be sent free on application.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
* * * * *
VOL. XXXVI. JULY, 1882. NO. 7.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
* * * * *
Our readers will find in this number of the MISSIONARY reports of
the anniversaries of seven of our institutions. Other reports will
appear in our next issue.
It will be seen that the number of pupils in the higher grades of
study has been unusually large and that the boarding departments
have been crowded as never before.
We opened during the year new dormitory buildings at New
Orleans, Tougaloo and Talladega. These have given much needed
accommodations. By autumn, Livingstone Missionary Hall at Nashville
will be ready for occupancy, affording rooms for 140 boarders
besides chapel, library and recitation rooms. Stone Hall at Atlanta
will also be completed, which, though not a dormitory building,
will nevertheless relieve the other buildings so that greater
accommodations for students can be secured; but still the pressing
need at Atlanta will be more room for the girls’ department.
The growth of interest among the colored people in our schools is
outstripping the growth of conveniences for them, and new dormitory
buildings at several points are becoming an imperative necessity.
There are many reasons for this condition of affairs. One is the
righteous purpose exhibited in the work of the A. M. A. South. Both
whites and blacks realize that our institutions are based upon
the great fundamental principles of the Gospel. They witness the
self-sacrifice of the teachers, their prayerful devotion to the
welfare of their pupils, the frequent revivals resulting from their
efforts, the large number of students sent forth to teach, and
the churches planted and supplied with a responsible and educated
ministry. The work done inspires confidence.
Some time since, the principal of a colored institution received
an honorary degree from a Southern college, whose trustees had
observed his work for a series of years. When conferring the
degree, they said: “We recognize your fidelity to the principles
of those who sent you forth.” It is fidelity to the principles
that have actuated the A. M. A. for nearly forty years that is
winning the hearts of the people, and every year confirms the
conviction that we have only to press forward with renewed energy
and perseverance in order to achieve the best results for the whole
southern portion of our country.
* * * * *
The fathers are passing away. The death of Wm. E. Whiting, which
occurred June 3, removes one of the most familiar names in the
annals of the American Missionary Association. He was chosen
member of the Executive Committee at the first election, and no
complete list of the officers of the Association has been published
since, that does not contain his name. Of that first list but one
man survives him (a Vice-President), and of the administrative
officers, he was the last. His position has been various; on the
Executive Committee from 1846 to 1871; Assistant Treasurer from
1865 to 1875; Vice-President from 1876 till his death. In all Mr.
Whiting’s relations to his associates in the office and to the
workers in the field he was ever gentlemanly and courteous; in the
discharge of his duties he was faithful and conscientious. He was
among the first to enlist in the great anti-slavery struggle, and
in the martyr age of that contest he bore his share of contumely,
reproach and danger. In his private life and as a member of the
Church of Christ, he had rendered himself so useful and so beloved
that the heartfelt eulogy pronounced upon him at his funeral by his
pastor might have seemed overdrawn but for the attesting evidence
of the manly and womanly tears that throughout accompanied the
eloquent words.
* * * * *
We were pleased to have a call on the 20th of May from Rev. D. K.
Flickinger, the Missionary Secretary of the United Brethren in
Christ, who had just returned from a tour of inspection at the
Shengay Mission in the Sherbro country of West Africa, bringing
with him the Rev. Mr. Gomer, a colored man who is the local
Superintendent of the mission. We gained from them much valuable
information concerning our own mission among that people. It is
wonderful how much exposure that Secretary and his Superintendent
have been able to endure in that climate. We bless God for the
great work which their church through them is doing for West Africa.
* * * * *
The faculty and students of the Wesleyan Female College at
Macon, Ga., on the 12th of May celebrated the birthday of their
benefactor, Mr. George I. Seney. They sent him a telegraphic
greeting, which he acknowledged. They had music and poetry and also
an oration by Colonel Hardeman, one of the first orators of the
State.
* * * * *
The _Christian Recorder_, the official organ of the African M. E.
Church, thus pronounces its benediction upon Mr. John F. Slater,
changing the Spanish Bishop’s cursings upon liberal journalists
into blessings:
“May Almighty God bless John F. Slater with the perpetual
blessings pronounced upon His saints and His angels! May he
live with the martyrs and the confessors! May the Lord judge
him as he judged Moses and David and Hezekiah! May the earth
preserve him alive! Let him be blessed day and night, sleeping
and waking, in eating, in drinking, and in playing, when he
speaks and when he keeps silence! May not his eyes be blinded,
his ears be deaf, and his tongue be dumb! Blessed be every
member of his body! Let him be blessed from to-day and forever!
May his sepulchre be that of the saints! May no famished wolves
prey upon his corpse and may his eternal company be that of
Michael and his angels!”
* * * * *
THE NEW LAW AND OUR WORK.
We are mortified that our Government has reversed the traditions
and the precedents which have made our country a home for people
from all parts of the world. The political parties bidding for the
prize of the Pacific Coast have humiliated our nation in the eyes
of all the others. It were a ludicrous spectacle, if it were not so
sad, the great nation of the West receiving at this Atlantic port
in a single month 90,000 immigrants of half a dozen nationalities
and yet shuddering in its Congressional Halls over the 105,000
almond-eyed people who in the last score of years have landed at
our Pacific harbor. It is a grotesque object lesson which we are
now exhibiting at the Golden Gate--our ministers of Government
standing there and watching for any stray vessel ready to send
back the few Chinamen, who, following the star in the east of
Christian civilization, have ventured over the waters to compare
with it their pagan religion. Fifty millions of Christian people
seem afraid to bring their system into competition with the effete
superstitions of a hundred thousand heathen sojourners. We have
been praying that the walls of opposition might be broken down and
the doors opened to the Gospel among the nations; and now when
China is the answer to that prayer, saying “Come to us” with your
glad tidings, and let some of us go over to eat of the tree of life
in your land, we close the port, we slam the door in their faces.
And how does this new law bear upon our work on the Pacific coast?
Will this cutting off of the supply preclude all enlargement of the
school and mission process? May it even call for a curtailment of
our present operations? By no means. We have as a stock on hand,
these hundred thousand people, and we should push our evangelizing
appliances to their utmost capacity, so as to do the most possible
for the soul-welfare of those who are left under our influence, not
only for their own good but preeminently that they may be prepared
to receive and to help to Christianize those who shall yet follow
them, and then, also, to carry with them on their ever-intended
return to the land of their fathers the blessings of the gospel
of Christ. It may be that this enforced quiet and isolation shall
become a mighty factor in this scheme for Christianizing the
Mongolians who are already upon our shores. And so with this sea of
prohibition before us, we hear the voice saying, “Go forward.”
Then the politicians’ law is for only ten years. Meantime it may
appear to the interest of one party or the other to repeal the
restricting edict. The conscience, the principle of the nation,
will be at work. Demands for labor in subduing and developing that
majestic Farther West will yet be heard. Before we are aware of
it, the floodgates may be raised and a great tide of immigration
may set in from the neighboring country over the Western sea. So,
in any event, we must be on the alert, doing in this line the full
measure of work that God brings to our hand.
* * * * *
GENERAL NOTES.
THE CHINESE.
--The Chinese Sunday-school of the Mount Vernon Church, Boston,
numbers 110, and is increasing so rapidly that it is difficult to
find teachers.
--Thirty-one societies employ in China 618 laborers and expend
$764,039. The American Board, last year, led in the amount
expended. The China Inland Mission has the largest number of
laborers, and the American Presbyterian Church the largest number
of ordained missionaries.
--The medical ladies of the Methodist Episcopal Mission at
Kin-kiang have more to do than they are able to accomplish. The
Home is crowded with poor, sick women, who cannot be turned away,
showing how great is the need of a hospital building.
--The Medical Missionary Hospitals at Han-kow and Tien-tsin are now
entirely supported by the natives, who thus not only tolerate, but
encourage the propagation of the Christian tenets which are known
to be disseminated at such institutions. Thus old prejudices melt
away.
--The island of Hainan, on the coast of China, has a population of
about 1,500,000. A Mr. Jeremiassen, formerly engaged in the service
of the Chinese customs at Canton, being an earnest Christian, left
this service to engage in mission work at his own expense. He is
now on the island of Hainan for the purpose of introducing the
Gospel there.
* * * * *
THE INDIANS.
--According to the last statistical report of the Missionary
Society of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, it had among the
Indians 13 ordained and licensed preachers, 7 candidates, 40
ruling elders, 29 deacons, 24 organized congregations and 527
communicants.
[Illustration: SEEKING TO WIN A WIFE IN TARTARY.]
--At Capt. R. H. Pratt’s Indian Training School there has been an
increasing religious interest the past winter. One evening those
who are already members of Christian churches were asked to rise.
Thirty-four stood up. Then all who were wanting to be Christians,
and trying to be Christians, were asked to rise; whereupon 72
arose. This included the first class. The prayers of the young men,
which are now altogether in English, were short, but in many cases
showing, by the tone and manner, an earnest desire for a Christ
life.
--The latest established of the Training Schools for Indians
is that at Forest Grove, Oregon, under the auspices of the
Presbyterians. It started with an appropriation of only $5,000
two years ago, out of which to erect buildings, clothe and feed
the Indians and pay all the necessary expenses of transportation.
The Indian boys have erected the building in which they live,
doing all the work from the foundations up. They have made all
the furniture, beds, chairs, tables, all the desks and essentials
of the schoolroom. The girls have made bedding, all the clothing
requisite for the schoolroom, and under the guidance of the matron
have done the necessary cooking.
* * * * *
AFRICA.
--The United Presbyterian Church of Jamaica has sent Mr. H. G.
Clerk, who has been educated in the college at Kingston, as a
missionary to Old Calabar, Western Africa.
--Mr. James Stewart and party reached Livingstonia early in
September to begin work on the road to be made between Lakes Nyassa
and Tanganyika. Dr. and Mrs. Hennington and party were at Quilimane
Oct. 25.
--Dr. Laws reports the removal of the mission from Cape Maclear,
the previous chief settlement of the Livingstonia Mission, to
Bandawa, on the road now being made to Lake Tanganyika.
--Rev. and Mrs. David Scott and party report themselves at Blantyre
Dec. 10. All were suffering somewhat from fever.
--The C. M. S. Uganda Mission finds Mtesa again on his good
behavior, and the missionaries are having all desired liberty and
much encouragement in their work.
--Three members of the Livingstone (Congo) Inland Mission, Messrs.
Clarke, Richards and Ingham, had succeeded in reaching Stanley Pool
in safety about Christmas.
--The West Central African Mission of the American Board has
experienced a severe loss in the death of Rev. Walter Weldon
Bagster, the leader of the enterprise. Mr. Bagster had occasion to
visit the coast frequently for the furtherance of the work, and on
this account was more exposed to the African fever than those who
remained at Bailunda, the principal station of the mission, the
altitude of which is 5,000 feet above sea level.
--Lake Ngami, to which a native mission has lately been sent, is
2,500 feet above the level of the sea. It lies between 20th and
21st parallels of south latitude, and was discovered on Aug. 1,
1849, by Dr. Livingstone and his fellow-travelers, Messrs. Oswell
and Murray.
* * * * *
BENEFACTIONS.
Mr. Geo. I. Seney has furnished the means to build a chapel for the
Lucy Cobb Institute at Athens, Ga.
The late Ex-Gov. O. C. Washburn, of Wisconsin, has left by will
$50,000 for a public library at La Crosse.
Hon. John R. Bodwell gives $1,000 and three other persons $700
towards the erection of a new building for the Hallowell Industrial
School.
The Methodist Seminary at Montpelier, Vt., has received $30,000 for
endowment purposes.
Mr. Roland Mather, of Hartford, Ct., has given $12,500 towards the
Professorship Fund of Chicago Seminary.
Mr. Chas. Pratt, a graduate of Amherst College, has given $25,000
towards a gymnasium for that institution.
The Senior Class of Iowa College have secured nearly $6,000 for the
rebuilding of East College.
The late Mrs. Percy, of Oakland, Cal., bequeathed $4,000 to Mills
Seminary; $3,000 for scholarships and $1,000 for general use.
_The Executive Committee of the American Missionary Association at
its last Annual Meeting appealed for $500,000 for the endowment of
its chartered institutions at the South. The anniversaries of the
different colleges of the land are calling the attention of the
benevolent public to their growth and wants. We especially urge the
claims of the colored people South to a full share of the gifts
made for endowment purposes._
* * * * *
SELECTIONS.
A RICH MAN’S BENEFACTIONS.
In these days of numerous contested wills it is something of a
novelty to see a rich man forestall the lawyers by making his
bequests before his death. George I. Seney is one of this class.
His large gifts have been entirely unsolicited; they have been
made simply because he himself thought that they ought to be made.
These bequests make in the aggregate $1,485,000, not bestowed
through sentiment or caprice, but in accordance with the trained
judgment of a shrewd, far-sighted business man. When asked why
he made these various bequests during his life, he answered:
“First of all, because I feel that I am a trustee, responsible
for the right use of the money given me. With the experience
that I have, I believe that I am the person best qualified to
carry out the provisions and duties of that trusteeship. What
certainty have I that these provisions and duties would ever be
duly carried out after my death? Absolutely none. Whereas now,
by making these gifts in my lifetime, I am sure that the precise
object I desire is accomplished in just the way I want. And then,
too, I am more and more convinced of the truth of the words: ‘It
is more blessed to give than to receive.’ The great danger of
increasing riches is that it fosters a disposition to hoard money
only for the sake of hoarding it. Slightly to alter a common
word, it becomes _money_-mania with them; they gloat over their
millions, just because they are millions and not because of the
happiness producible from them. Now I maintain that such a spirit
is unworthy not only of a true Christian but of a true man, and I
have determined never to let it appear in my character.”--_New York
Tribune._
GIVING IS GETTING.
One of the plain paradoxes in the realm of mind, matter, nature and
grace, is that true gain comes only through loss; that hoarding
is impoverishing; that there is no way of keeping one’s hold on a
desired good, like parting with it; that acquisition is a result
of expenditure; that dividing is multiplying; that scattering is
increasing; that spending is saving; that giving is getting. Bodily
strength comes from its expenditure, not from its hoarding. Every
wise use of a muscle adds to the power of that muscle.
It is the use, not the possession, of any material treasure that
gives it its highest value. Money gathered and kept for its own
sake increases the discontent and cravings of its holder: while
money sought and handled for its beneficent uses gives pleasure
and satisfaction to him who employs it. As a rule, men and women
of ample means shrink more from the outlay of money for their
personal convenience and enjoyment, or for the giving of pleasure
to others, and really have less of the delights which money-using
might secure, than persons of more limited income who have no
desire for money as money; no wish to be rich, in comparison with
the thought of living and doing richly. Straitened circumstances
are quite likely to increase with growing accumulations of wealth;
and unsatisfied cravings for riches are exaggerated by every effort
at their satisfying. “There is”--indeed there is--“that withholdeth
more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” And the pinch of
poverty itself can never nip so sharply as the pinch of withholding
avarice.
Our mental faculties gain through their using. Giving out thought
in speech or writing increases one’s treasures of thought, as well
as one’s ease and power of expression. In our moral nature the same
principle prevails. Pres. Hopkins said: “It is of the very nature
of the affections that they give; and of the desires that they
receive.”
The exercise of desire is belittling, that of affection, ennobling.
Desire brings unrest. Affection brings content. When a child
receives gifts, or selfishly employs what has been given him,
his _desires_ are exercised, and by their very exercise they are
strengthened and intensified. But when the child gives to others,
it is his _affections_ which are exercised, and which are enlarged
by their exercise. As with the child, so with those of us of any
age. Only as we give do we get anything that is worth getting. Only
in our giving do we find the real pleasure of living. If we find
that our affection, our ministry, our presence, is a source of
comfort or pleasure, we recognize a blessing just there.
“For the heart grows rich in giving; all its wealth is living
grain.
Seeds, which mildew in the garner, scattered, fill with gold the
plain.”
--_S. S. Times._
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOSEPH E. ROY, D.D., FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
ANNIVERSARY REPORTS.
HAMPTON INSTITUTE.
BY REV. H. B. FRISSELL.
Anniversary day at Hampton was cool and comfortable. The steamers
from New York and Boston for several days previous had been
bringing the friends of the institution from the North, and the
morning of Thursday, May 25, found a good number assembled to
witness the anniversary exercises.
At 8.30 A.M. the battalion was drawn up in front of Academic Hall
and the regular morning inspection was held by the U.S.A. officer
who has charge of the military drill of the school.
The students and visitors then passed to the large assembly room of
the New Academic, where morning prayers were held and the news of
the day was read. The rest of the morning was spent in visiting the
classes and looking at the various industries. The Indian classes
claimed their full share of attention, and showed an improvement
in the advancement and general character of the pupils over last
year. The kitchen garden, the cooking class for girls and the
class in the new “tonic sol fa” system were filled with visitors.
The training class, where the seniors had a chance to show their
skill in teaching a row of ten urchins brought up from the primary
school, was one of the features of the day.
The new stone building erected for the industries of the school
with the money given by Mrs. Stone showed this department to the
best advantage. The shoe shops, the printing establishment, the
tailoring and knitting department have gained a new impulse, now
that they have gotten into their large new rooms. The saw mill, the
harness-making shop, the tin, carpenter and wheelwright shops were
all in full blast.
After a pleasant lunch in the “Stone building,” the procession,
headed by the trustees and re-inforced by a large party from
Norfolk, made its way toward Virginia Hall, where the graduating
exercises were to be held. In a few moments the large hall was
crowded. A few words from Gen. Armstrong explained the change
in the graduating exercises inaugurated the previous year, by
which the speakers of the day were for the most part members of
classes that had graduated in previous years, and had come back
to tell of work done and experience gained. Only two speakers,
the valedictorian and salutatorian, were from the class of ’82.
This change of plan has been found to work well, and has made the
exercises of the last two years especially interesting.
The speeches of the afternoon were, for the most part, full of
practical common sense, plain, straightforward accounts of work
done and the difficulties and discouragements met and overcome. The
salutatory, delivered by one of the girls of the graduating class,
told of the missionary work which the students had done among the
poor people of Hampton, of the Bible reading in the miserable
cabins, and the help which they had been able to bring to those in
distress.
“My Home” was the title of a very interesting piece by one of the
girls, in which she described the condition of affairs among the
colored people in one of the western towns of Virginia. “To the
Girls” gave the graduating class and the audience the wisdom which
had come from a year’s experience in the world. Thos. Wildcatt
Alford, a young Indian chief, made a strong plea for the education
of his people. He said that one educated Indian could do more for
the benefit of his people in one year than a regiment of soldiers
in ten years. He spoke hopefully and bravely of the future of his
race, and of what he meant to do for it. He is one of the three
Indians who graduated with the present class, the first who have
finished the regular English course of the school.
“Our Race,” by one of the early graduates of the school, told of
the discouraged feeling which he had when he arrived at Hampton and
found that most of the students had to work hard with their hands
every day. He showed of what advantage that same training had been
to him, of how he had been able to build his own school-house. He
spoke of lack of industry as being one great obstacle in the way of
the success of the colored people.
Between the speeches, the great chorus, massed in the front part
of the hall, swelled out in the national hymns of the different
countries and the pathetic slave songs so full of power and
feeling. After the valedictory, Rev. Dr. Strieby, the President of
the Board of Trustees, presented the diplomas to the graduating
class with appropriate remarks. Sixty students came forward to
receive their diplomas. The present class is much the largest that
has gone forth from the institution.
After the parting hymn had been sung by the class, Rev. Dr. Bartend
paid a glowing tribute to the school and to Gen. Armstrong’s work.
He said: “For many years after the beginning of this institution,
we were accustomed in this part of the country to speak of the
Hampton school as an experiment; to-day, by the help of Almighty
God, we can say that Hampton school is a magnificent success.” He
spoke of the work that was being done for the colored race, of the
manly characters that were being developed by the school training.
He referred to the Indians, and especially to the speech which one
of them had made. He spoke of the intention of the early settlers
of the country in regard to them. “Two hundred and fifty years ago
there came floating into this beautiful harbor vessels from the old
country. What was their object? What was their hope? The prayer
that arose from their decks was this: God give us strength that we
may educate and Christianize the Indian. William and Mary College,
now almost ready to perish, is the monument of their endeavor. They
did not see the answer to their prayer. God works in His own way,
in His own time, with His own men. Could they see what we to-day
behold, they would say as do we, speed on! God speed this glorious
school. God bless its patrons that we may raise up good citizens
here and glorify God forever and forever.”
The closing remarks were made by Rev. Dr. Burrows, of Norfolk,
in the course of which he said that he had often heard of the
institution, but the half had never been told him. When the crowd
poured forth from the hall, the sun was far down in the west and
the steamer was waiting to take away some that had brought much of
brightness and cheer to our anniversary day.
* * * * *
FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE.
BY MRS. L. A. SHAW.
Commencement week, crowded with exercises representing the treasure
accumulated by a year’s labor and overhung with the joys and
sorrows usually attending such occasions, has just closed. Nearly
two weeks ago “the last things” commenced, and the sadness of
parting from friends began to settle down, tempering the joy of
having completed a year’s work.
Friday, May 19, the first public exercises were held. A class of
thirteen, having completed the Common School Normal Course, gave an
exhibition and received certificates of fitness to teach the common
English branches.
Sunday morning Prof. Bennett preached an appropriate sermon from
Matt. 25:34. His delineation of the blessedness and glory of the
saint’s inheritance in Heaven was especially attractive to tired
teachers and pupils. The Baccalaureate sermon in the afternoon by
President Cravath was from John 3:19. The darkness of the souls
of those who engage in evil practices was so vividly depicted that
deep and lasting impressions must have been made on many minds.
Dr. Haygood, President of Emory College, Georgia, delivered the
annual sermon before the Missionary Society of the University.
The speaker by his book, “Our Brother in Black,” has proven his
interest in the colored people, and by his recent refusal of the
office of Bishop in the M. E. church has demonstrated his loyalty
to the choice made when he entered upon educational work. His
sermon was listened to with close attention as he presented anew
the setting apart and sending out of Paul and Barnabas on their
first missionary tour.
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., oral
examinations of the various classes were conducted by their
respective teachers. These were visited by quite a number of
friends and strangers from different parts of the country, some of
whom took part in the work by asking questions as opportunity was
given.
Monday evening the two literary societies of the University held
their anniversary exercises. In a debate between representatives
of the two societies on the question “Should the State assume the
payment of bonds issued in aid of railroads,” their ability to
grapple and handle a living subject in a masterful and convincing
manner was fully demonstrated.
Tuesday evening the Senior Preparatory exhibition, and Wednesday
evening the graduating exercises of the higher normal department
and the Alumni Address by John H. Burrus, were attended by large
and enthusiastic audiences. Mr. Burrus is a member of the class of
’75. He described the “man for the times” in a way to inspire those
preparing for usefulness. Four higher normal graduates received
their diplomas, and ten from the Senior Preparatory class enter
college.
Thursday, the “day of days,” to the two college graduates,
dawned clear and beautiful. The audience assembled promptly at
ten o’clock. The exercises opened with a number of distinguished
guests on the platform. The music by the Mozart Society elicited
much praise, as did the music given on other occasions by the
same society. The two young men who were that day to take their
degrees delivered their orations in a self-possessed and dignified
manner that was a prophecy of future success. The subjects,
“True greatness of republics” and “Atheism destructive of man’s
nobility,” sufficiently indicate the line of thought.
The commencement address by Dr. Scott, President of the State
University Columbus, Ohio, was worthy of the occasion, and crowned
the whole with its beauty and grace of diction and the scholarly
treatment of the hackneyed subject, Time. Music, sculpture and
painting were beautifully shown not only to pay tribute to time,
but to have their very existence in it. Words fail to describe
the effect of the whole with the exquisite closing in the words
of the poem, “I sat alone with my conscience.” It was remarked by
one of the hearers, “That is the poetry of science.” After a few
remarks by Gov. Hawkins and the Hallelujah Chorus by the Mozart
Society, came the alumni dinner. At the table with the President
and his wife were seated Gov. Hawkins, Judge Lawrence and wife of
Nashville, Dr. Scott, orator of the day, Dr. and Mrs. Phillips of
the Nashville Institute and the two new A. Bs. The other guests
were seated at tables near the President. The after-dinner speeches
by the Governor, Dr. Scott and Mr. Stewart, who is finishing the
new custom-house, were evidences that “the world moves.” The
Governor spoke of the solicitude he felt at the close of the war
in regard to the future of the colored people and his questions
as to what would really be the outcome of the struggle. He said,
“The question has been answered. It is answered in the exercises
of this occasion, in the intelligent faces before me. The tasteful
decorations of these halls, these very walls themselves, have
answered the question of doubters as to the elevation of the
colored people.” His presence and remarks were well calculated to
help on the good work of breaking down the walls of caste prejudice
in which many minds are still inclosed.
Dr. Scott referred to the condition of things during and at
the close of the war, in which he had a part. He expressed his
delight in being permitted to see the growth and progress of the
last seventeen years. His words of appreciation and sympathy
were especially grateful to the workers. He reminded them that
any institution which outlives the trying period of training and
sending out its first graduates and of nourishing and giving
strength to its first alumni was destined to live and grow. Alma
Mater is a name dear to every good student, and Fisk University has
a history and a future. The delightful exercises were brought to a
fitting close by all rising and singing the doxology, “Praise God
from Whom all blessings flow.”
* * * * *
TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY, MISS.
BY MISS J. KELLOGG.
The final examinations occupied three days, the 25th, 26th and
29th of May. The attendance of parents and friends increased from
day to day. On Sunday a Sunday-school Institute was held and the
attentive throng seemed about as great as the chapel would hold,
but the absolute limit of its capacity was not reached until the
exhibition, Tuesday evening, when the people were fairly wedged
in. A beneficent down-pour of rain Wednesday morning prevented the
crowd from being any greater on that day, and rendered the air so
cool and pleasant that people did not suffer from being closely
packed.
The Committee on Decorations had made the chapel very inviting
with a fountain, motto and other devices. A class of six earnest,
faithful Christian students, three young men and three young women,
having completed the normal course, were to receive certificates.
President Pope addressed his sermon to them Sabbath evening--his
theme being Serving One’s Generation.
At 10 o’clock on Wednesday, the 31st, the commencement exercises
began. As these young people have been, in accordance with the
avowed aim of this institution, educated for usefulness in
practical life, it was fitting that their essays and orations
should be as they were, on subjects of every-day interest and
treated in an intensely direct and practical manner.
The music was inspiring, especially the class song, composed
for them by the Rev. B. A. Imes, of Memphis, a fine scholar and
talented gentleman of their own race.
In presenting their certificates, the President gave them five
“Remembers” from the Holy Scriptures, as his final charge to them.
In the afternoon the annual address was delivered by the Rev.
Dr. Truman M. Post, of St. Louis. As I cannot reproduce it for
you, I will only say that it seemed an address which must prove
a strong lever to aid in the “Uplift of Character, Intelligence
and Social Life,” which was his theme. Taking a sweeping glance
at the providential dealings of God with races and nations, he
came speedily to the problems which confront us in this our
commonwealth; and, after pointing out that races or individuals can
only be uplifted by their own exertions, cannot be raised but only
assisted to rise by external aid, and that it is not merely duty,
but godlike privilege for the stronger and more fortunate to render
this aid to the weaker and less fortunate, he dwelt upon specific
means of advancement and elevation, and pointed to a hopeful future.
There were but few white visitors present. Despite the rain,
a carriage load of gentlemen came out from Jackson, and added
materially to the interest of the exercises--Mr. Lemly, a trustee
of this institution; Col. Power and Gen. Clifton, members of the
State Board of Visitors.
The first-named gentleman is accounted a firm friend of the school,
but can never be prevailed upon to evidence it by speech-making.
The others spoke very kindly and entertainingly. In the close of
his witty and eloquent speech, Col. Power, Editor of the _Clarion_,
spoke of the progress he had witnessed in this school since its
establishment, and expressed the hope that a few years hence
the enrollment will have increased from a couple of hundred to
a thousand, and that a spacious chapel will have been erected,
capable of holding them all and their friends.
Gen. Clifton stated that in asking the Legislature for an increased
appropriation for this school he had said that he believed it was
doing more good than any other school in the State, and he could
repeat that as still his conviction, because it is doing a work so
vitally needed.
* * * * *
THEOLOGICAL DEP’T, HOWARD UNIVERSITY.
BY REV. W. W. PATTON, D.D.
Our theological anniversary exercises passed off very pleasantly
May 5th. They were held in the Assembly Presbyterian Church,
which is of convenient size and centrally situated. Though
the weather was unpleasant, the attendance was good, both of
the white and colored races, and included various persons of
distinction. The number of theological students this year has been
thirty, not including eight others, who study principally in the
classical department. The graduates were five, connected with the
Congregational, Presbyterian and Methodist denominations. Three
go to the Southern field, and two look towards Africa. Their
addresses were most creditable in matter and manner, and were
warmly received by the audience. On behalf of the Washington Bible
Society, Rev. Dr. Butler presented each of them with a neatly bound
copy of the Holy Scriptures. Rev. Dr. Bullock, the chaplain of
the United States Senate, made an excellent, practical address to
them, on their coming life-work, and Rev. Dr. Craighead, Dean of
the department, added some felicitous closing remarks. Owing to
the endowment by Mrs. Stone, supplemented by the large aid of the
American Missionary Association, and in a less degree by that of
the Washington Presbytery, the Theological Department of Howard
University is in vigorous operation; and we are prepared to receive
and train young men, white or colored, for the Gospel Ministry of
all Evangelical denominations.
* * * * *
AVERY INSTITUTE, CHARLESTON, S.C.
BY REV. E. T. HOOKER.
The public exercises incident to the closing of the school year at
Avery Institute began Monday evening, May 29, with an exhibition
by a portion of the intermediate department, under the charge of
Miss Emma T. Miller. Though this was not a usual or most prominent
feature of anniversary, it was enthusiastically received by one
of the best audiences of the week, which have all been large and
indefatigable. They were well repaid by the bright recitations,
well-drilled singing and tasteful appearance of the pupils.
Tuesday morning, at 10 o’clock, began what is called “Children’s
Day,” being a similar exhibition of accomplishments by the primary
department, under Mrs. Brown and Miss McKinley, both natives of
Charleston and of kindred blood with their pupils. The performances
in dialogue, recital and music of these little ones did not differ
from those in Northern schools of the same grade, which is enough
to say both for the culture received and the faculty displayed.
There were as many faces, too, of ideal childhood beauty, and
obviously as much parental pride somewhere back of this their
juvenile début, as if their race was not just making its début upon
the stage of Saxon civilization.
Tuesday night saw a rendering of a lengthy and varied programme
by the scholars of the upper grades not graduating. The _News and
Courier_, in a report printed the next morning, says: “Of the
essays it may truthfully be said that they were written with neat
rhetoric and obvious originality; of the recitations, that they
were given without a faltering of memory, and some with admirable
distinctness of enunciation and winning hold upon the listeners.”
The regular Commencement exercises were held on Thursday, and
attracted a large crowd of persons of both colors and was of more
than passing interest. The stage was handsomely decorated, and
above was the class motto, “Perseverance overcomes all obstacles.”
After the essays, songs and choruses, the diplomas of the Institute
were awarded to the three graduates by the Principal of the
Institute, who took occasion to commend the graduates for their
perseverance and to congratulate them upon their success. The Rev.
E. J. Meynardie then delivered an eloquent address on “National
Responsibility,” arguing that no civilization is perfect which is
not founded upon the fundamental principles of revealed religion.
He also claimed with justifiable pride to have been the first man
in this city in _antebellum_ days to advocate publishing the repeal
of the prohibition upon schooling for the slaves. He spoke within
A. M. A. walls evidently _con amore_. He is pastor of the Bethel M.
E. Church South.
* * * * *
BEACH INSTITUTE, SAVANNAH, GA.
BY H. H. WRIGHT, PRINCIPAL.
The work at Beach Institute is taking on more definite shape.
This year a class has graduated, and the course of study for the
remaining grades has been brought into something like symmetry.
The Savannah public schools graduate the colored pupils from
the grammar grade, above which no provision is made for their
education. For the white pupils, however, a High School is
maintained. Hence the ambitious colored youth, many of whom are as
fair as their white neighbors, turn hopefully to the “Beach” as a
school which will give them what the city fathers have denied them.
The first of the public exercises which have just closed the
academic year was a public examination, held Friday, May 26. The
programme was the regular daily programme, so far as the order of
classes was concerned, but the questions put were given at random
and without previous preparation from the work of the entire year.
By this plan, of course, a few failures occurred, but the visitors
felt that they had seen the classes fairly tested, and their hearty
commendation was duly appreciated.
The second public exercise was a sermon preached in the
Congregational Church to the graduating class on Sunday evening,
May 28, by the pastor, Rev. Dana Sherrill. His earnest words of
advice to rise above county and State lines and become at least
national in their views of life were fitly spoken and well received.
The third public exercise occurred Wednesday, May 31, beginning at
11 o’clock A.M. An extensive programme of declamations, dialogues
and songs was rendered in a most satisfactory manner and listened
to by a crowded house. The tables, the organ and the lamps were
most tastefully trimmed with a profusion of flowers, the gifts
of the pupils. Jessamines mingled their fragrance with that of
the late-blooming rosebuds. Pond lilies and Spanish moss were
enlivened by the æsthetic sunflower. Upon the platform, during a
part of the exercises, were the Hon. J. O. Ferrill and Mr. Murray.
The former is a member of the City Board of Education and a firm
friend of the colored people. He has frequently advocated in the
Board, but with only partial success, more extended facilities
for their education in the public schools, and better salaries
for the colored teachers. Mr. Murray is a representative of the
Savannah _Daily Recorder_. In the audience were numerous colored
men of influence, who happened to be in the city attending the
Baptist Missionary Convention. The music was furnished entirely
by the pupils, and included songs, quartets, duets, solos and two
instrumental pieces. The exercises were closed by the graduation of
a class of two girls. The diplomas were presented by the principal.
Then the pupils rose at the touch of the organ, and striking up a
march, “The Christian Soldier,” sang their way to their various
school-rooms, and the year’s work was ended.
[Illustration: PEEPING THROUGH.]
* * * * *
EMERSON INSTITUTE, MOBILE, ALA.
BY REV. O. D. CRAWFORD.
Emerson Institute has rounded out a year of peculiar
disappointments and has crowned the last days with a brighter bow
of promise than ever. The seven teachers have sought a well-earned
rest in their cooler homes of the North. Their heroism at the
burning of our church and school building last January, and their
cheerful endurance for Christ’s sake of the hardships that have
followed, have been beautiful object lessons to their pupils and
any spectators. As the scattering of the early disciples from
Jerusalem advanced the Kingdom, so our dispersion to two different
sections of the city, it is believed, has accomplished the hope of
our night.
No colored man has co-operated with us more efficiently than Rev.
A. F. Owens, pastor of the Third Baptist Church. He and his people,
after our fire, offered us the use of their house for school
purposes. No mention of pay was permitted beyond that involved in
some repairs necessary to adapt it to our purposes.
The marks at the written examinations fell below those of last
year, as might have been expected in the midst of such privations.
But at the oral examinations, on the 25th, the various classes
gratified their teachers and visitors. Among the latter were our
staunch friend, Rev. Dr. Burgett, and three colored pastors.
The brightest color in the bow appeared in the anniversary
exercises. The preparation had not interfered with regular lessons,
but their thoroughness was manifest in the hearty testimony of the
leading white M. E. pastor in the city, Rev. J. O. Andrews, who
had offered the opening prayer. The exercises were witnessed by
over 800 people, some of them outside, at the window. Those within
entered by tickets, an experiment which fully succeeded in the
presence of those who have some real interest in the work, and in
securing better attention. The new Music Department was justified
by its fruits, especially in a short cantata in which the Queen of
the Fairies crowned the virtues.
Like the latest wonder, the exhibition is universally declared
the finest ever witnessed here. The deliverances warned against
alcohol, tobacco, ignorance and laziness, and recommended labor and
piety.
The advanced point made was the presence and remarks of the
Recorder (Mayor) of the Port, R. B. Owen. He was accompanied by
his wife. As his honor came upon the platform, before the closing
song, the Superintendent grasped his hand, exclaiming, “The North
and the South, one and inseparable!” to which he responded, “That
is my sentiment.” In a few well-chosen words he expressed his
pleasure in the efforts of the colored people to gain an education;
declared that the time had come for intelligence and morality
to be the recognized mark of a man, and said he was “infinitely
gratified” with the performances of the young people at this time,
and grateful for the opportunity of witnessing the results here
obtained, and of giving a word of cheer to all engaged in the work
of education.
* * * * *
THE NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE.
BY SUPERINTENDENT ROY.