offered the prayer, in which he thanked God for the existence of
Straight University and the good it had done.
The five young men composing the senior class, who made their
salutations to the audience, represented three of the Southern
States, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Their orations were well
written and well delivered. One of the orations was solicited for
publication by two of the New Orleans papers represented in the
audience by their editors.
The music, both in the afternoon and evening, was exceptionally
fine, and so pronounced by all. It was entirely under the direction
of Professor J. M. McPherron, and reflected great credit upon his
method and excellence of instruction.
STONE HALL.
The new dormitory for girls will be entirely finished by July 15th.
It must be furnished by the 1st of October. Milwaukee, Wis., West
Newton, Mass., and Evansville, Ind., have already forwarded money
to furnish and name a room. Others have the money partly raised.
Dear friends, come to our help at once. Send $50, if you can. Send
$25, or $10, or $5. Do the best you can and at once. It is God’s
work, and we ask your aid in His name.
* * * * *
LE MOYNE NORMAL INSTITUTE.
PROF. A. J. STEELE, MEMPHIS.
The passing months have again brought us to where we may look
back over the entire work of the year. While we grieve over
opportunities lost and efforts to all appearance fruitless, we can,
too, rejoice that the “Master of the harvest” has given increase.
The year has been one, on many accounts, unusually successful and
satisfactory. Never before have we known our pupils so susceptible
to all good influences and so ready to receive instruction and
guidance from their teachers.
During the year past, the school has experienced a most precious
revival, over forty of our young people professing conversion. In
our closing prayer meeting for the year, it was found that there
were but about a dozen students of the Normal department who had
not accepted the Saviour.
In way of school work we have never before secured so satisfactory
results as this year has shown. Our attendance has been more
constant, and consequently our work more thorough.
A class of eight—five young men and three young ladies—this year
complete the course of study, and go out to work at teaching in
three different States, one taking a prominent place in the schools
at Fort Smith, Ark.
We have for the entire year had the active sympathy and hearty
encouragement of the best people of the city; Gen. Humes, a very
prominent lawyer and formerly a major-general in the Confederate
army, giving the annual address, and the daily papers making full
reports of lectures, graduating exercises, &c.
Our industrial work has developed to our entire satisfaction, and
by all our patrons and friends is now regarded as a very important
and valuable feature of the school.
A class of girls has had careful instruction, with actual practice
in the experimental kitchen, in the nature, relative values and
healthful methods of cooking different articles of food, including
vegetables, meats, breads, pastry, &c., &c. Classes in needlework,
knitting, use of sewing machines, &c., have had daily lessons and
practice.
We are confident that instruction of this nature can be given in
connection with a day-school, without interfering with regular
school-work, and at slight expense and small increase of teaching
force. I am anxious to have a workshop fitted up where the boys
and young men shall receive instruction in wood-working and the
ordinary use of tools for that purpose.
We shall have a full and strong attendance for next year. We are
having more students from the country, and usually they are those
who put to good use the training and instruction they carry from
here. Not less than seventy of our students will be teaching during
vacation, those of former years with those going out from this
year’s work. I should look upon our work as of little importance
and value if our influence did not extend and multiply in this way.
* * * * *
EMERSON INSTITUTE.
REV. O. D. CRAWFORD, MOBILE.
Three hundred and fifty pupils enrolled for the year, carries our
numbers above any point reached since the boarding accommodations
disappeared in the “Blue College” fire. Had we possessed boarding
facilities and sufficient school-room, the number would have been
as near 500 as 350.
Two days of this week were given to the final written examinations,
and in some of the departments three days were so used. Thursday
was devoted to oral examinations. About thirty visitors favored
us—among them Rev. Dr. Burgett, whose name is becoming familiar to
your readers as one that appreciates this work of the Association;
another, the Rev. W. G. Strong, pastor of the largest colored
church in the State. The common sentiment of these judges was that
the pupils did remarkably well, and showed that they had received
careful and thorough training.
Last night 800 people crowded the Third Baptist Church to witness
the closing exhibition. Although the aisles were filled with people
standing down to the middle of the house, many turned away from the
door. Dr. Burgett offered the opening prayer, and Rev. Mr. Strong
pronounced the benediction. All the exercises that came between
astonished many, especially the white people present, and gave
pleasure to all until the weariness of standing made many persons
about the door restless and unduly communicative. The popular
judgment is that much progress has been made during the year.
Personally, we think many exhibitions at white schools would suffer
in comparison with this one.
The future of this people is full of promise.
* * * * *
SWAYNE SCHOOL.
REV. O. W. FAY, MONTGOMERY.
Prof. Martin and his efficient corps of assistants are deserving
of commendation for their hard and thorough work at this point
during the school-year just closed. The number in attendance has
been unusually large, (the whole enrolment being 644 against
484 last year); but in thoroughness of teaching and in all that
constitutes good discipline there has been a decided advance all
along the line. Recognizing the fact that the school building has a
seating capacity for only about 350, while the average attendance
for a part of the year has been 450, the necessity for enlarged
accommodations, as well as some of the difficulties encountered by
the teachers, will be apparent.
On the principle that what is good for a part is good also for
all, there was no favoritism shown in the assignment of parts in
the closing exercises. All, “from the least to the greatest,” were
given a _speech_. Although the average was somewhat reduced near
the close of the term, yet, with the more than three hundred to
take part, it will readily appear that the “Commencement Exercises”
of Swayne College (as the patrons call it), could not all be
crowded into a single day. Consequently, in order that a _good_
thing might last a good while, it was arranged to devote three
evenings to the speaking. Friday evening, May 20th, was given to
the exhibition of the Primary department; Friday evening, May 27th,
to the Intermediate; and Tuesday evening, May 31st, to the Higher
department. The Congregational church proving too small on the
first night, the exhibition was held the second and third nights
in the M. E. Zion church, with an audience on the last night,
which, admitting all members of the school free, and charging an
admittance fee of a nickel for adults, netted more than seventeen
dollars.
These exercises, consisting of declamations, dialogues, solos,
choruses, &c., were creditable entertainments, and gave evident
satisfaction to the members of the City Board of Education and
other white visitors in attendance, as well as to the patrons of
the school.
Monday and Tuesday, May 30th and 31st, were occupied with the
examinations of the several departments. These were entered into by
the pupils with a good deal of genuine enthusiasm, and evidenced to
the goodly number of visitors present that the efforts in “drill,”
on the part of the teachers had not been in vain. The “Swayne” is
doing good work.
* * * * *
BEACH INSTITUTE, SAVANNAH.
The school was brought to a successful close to-day. The year has
been one of interest and profit, although of trial, on account
of severe and, in some cases, protracted sickness on the part of
nearly all the workers in this field. The school has prospered,
and the progress made by some of the pupils has been very marked.
Differing degrees of attainment, as well as of ability to express
their knowledge, was clearly shown in the examinations. The closing
oratorical exercises this afternoon, in the presence of an audience
which crowded the chapel, were interesting in every particular.
Without any special expenditure of time and strength in preparing
for these, the most creditable results were shown. There was almost
no prompting. The original productions, chiefly having relation to
some country and the people inhabiting it, were well conceived and
well expressed. The reading was distinct. It is manifest that that
form of public address is doomed, and will soon be heard no more
among the colored people, which only “mouths” words, regardless
of sense and of the listening ear. Such scenes as that at “Beach”
to-day have only hope in them for our country and the colored race.
C.
* * * * *
BYRON, GA.
BY REV. S. E. LATHROP.
I recently attended the closing exercises of Rev. P. W. Young’s
school at Byron. Going down on an evening freight train, I arrived
at 9 p. m., and proceeded with my little girl and Bro. Young to
the church, which is used also as a school-room. People in these
country places are slow in getting together, at night especially.
After working hard all day in the fields (it was just the busiest
“cotton-cropping” time), they have to go home, get their suppers,
dress up in their best clothes, and then go perhaps three or four
miles. So it was half-past ten o’clock before the audience arrived
in sufficient numbers; but finally the curtain was drawn and the
exercises began. Declamations, readings, dialogues and music were
given by the school, with much credit to themselves and their
teachers. These exercises were under the direction of Mrs. Amelia
Young, the pastor’s excellent wife, who showed decided talent in
managing. It was after midnight when the exercises closed, and then
your reporter was called on for a speech, which at that hour of
the night (or rather morning) turned out to have one merit—that of
brevity. A young neighboring teacher also made a speech, and the
session was closed.
Next morning came off the examination of the classes, which showed
commendable progress and encouraging attention to the studies.
These country schools have many disadvantages which are not felt in
larger places; but Bro. Young and his wife have evidently done a
good work here, and are elevating and helping the whole community
by their labors. A picnic dinner was spread in the church, as the
rain prevented its service in the beautiful grove surrounding.
After bountifully satisfying the inner man, and a little more
speech-making, we returned home well pleased.
* * * * *
TALLADEGA COLLEGE—LAYING OF CORNER-STONE.
PRESIDENT H. S. DE FOREST.
The corner-stone of the new dormitory which Mrs. Stone gives to
Talladega College was laid May 13th. Scripture was read and
prayer offered by President De Forest. Professor Andrews, the
veteran in American missionary service in Alabama, laid the stone
and gave an address, in which fitting reference was made to the
good lady who, having seen and known none of us here, with her
queenly benevolence, has blessed not only this school of Christian
learning, and others in the South, but indeed round the world.
The students were well represented by Spencer Snell, a member
both of the Normal and Theological departments; after which a
very appreciative address was delivered by Captain N. A. McAfee,
a citizen of the place and a friend of the college from its
foundation.
The sun was very hot that afternoon, and the services, beginning
at 5 o’clock, naturally ended in a collation, which was followed
by off-hand speeches, the singing of old-time songs, and music
from a brass band. Some references were made to the past, but
the prevailing thought was of gratitude to God for what He has
wrought, of the duties of the hour, and of preparation for the
auspicious future. Twelve years ago the corner-stone of Foster Hall
was laid, in the days of turmoil, fear and violence. The first
college building, now called Swayne Hall, was begun nearly thirty
years ago; and it is a noteworthy fact that one who worked as a
slave on that structure is the brick contractor of this, while his
home to-day is the place owned by his master at the time of the
surrender. The history of this man, who is a pillar in the college
church, as well as an influential citizen among both blacks and
whites, shows something of the possibilities and hopefulness of
this Southern work. More of it is to be done, and it is a privilege
to have a hand in it.
* * * * *
NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE.
REV. ALFRED CONNET.
This Conference, organized two years ago at Raleigh, held its
third meeting with Bethany Church at McLeansville. The churches
were all represented. Rev. Islay Walden and his delegate, Deacon
Potter, together with three others, came fifty miles in a one-horse
wagon to attend the Conference. One of the party, Mrs. Hill, now
a widow, has had twelve children, forty grand-children and twelve
great-grand-children. She had never seen the cars nor heard a
railroad whistle till she came to the Conference.
The opening sermon was preached by Rev. David Peebles, of Dudley,
from John vii. 37. On Friday the Conference organized by electing
Rev. G. S. Smith, of Raleigh, Moderator, and re-electing Rev. David
Peebles, Clerk. The morning meeting for prayer and reports from the
churches was a precious season.
Rev. Mr. Peebles discussed Church and Sunday-school Singing and
Pictorial Preaching; Rev. W. H. Ellis, Children for Christ; Rev.
G. S. Smith, the A. M. A. Work and National Council. The sermon
Friday night was by Rev. Islay Walden; text, the first Psalm.
Saturday afternoon the Conference held an experience meeting, in
which some very interesting and touching reminiscences were given,
particularly that of the death and burial of the martyr, Rev. Mr.
Luke, related by Mr. Peebles. While this was in progress, Mr. James
Gilmore, who sold the A. M. A. the grounds for this mission, came
in, was made an honorary member, and sat, an interested listener,
until the close.
Saturday night, the Conference held a rousing temperance meeting
and took strong ground by a unanimous vote in favor of total
abstinence, the use of unfermented wine at communion, and in favor
of prohibition, as submitted to the people of this State by the
last legislature for their ratification next August. The leading
temperance speech was made by Deacon Jones, of Raleigh, whose
grave was gratuitously dug for him at Chapel Hill some years ago
by the Ku Klux, but which he declined to occupy. He tells us the
Congregational Church at Raleigh is known as the prohibition church.
On the Sabbath the Sunday-school occupied the hour from 10 to 11
a.m. Sermon at 11 by Dr. Roy on the Great Commission. Text, Matt.
xxviii. 18–20. In the afternoon one infant was baptized and nine
persons received into the church, the pastor, Rev. A. Connet,
officiating. Communion was administered by Revs. G. S. Smith and
David Peebles.
Sunday night was devoted to the cause of Missions. Rev. A. Connet,
for ten years in the employ of the A. H. M. S., presented the
cause of Home Missions. Rev. G. S. Smith presented in earnest and
eloquent words the cause of the A. M. A. He was followed by Rev.
J. E. Roy, D.D., who gave a clear outline of the discoveries and
missionary operations on the continent of Africa. He told us how
the Christian world is looking to the colored population of this
country to evangelize the “Dark Continent.”
* * * * *
AFRICA.
* * * * *
THE ORDINATION AT GOOD HOPE.
REV. H. M. LADD.
No little interest centered about the ordination of Kelly M. Kemp.
It took place at Good Hope Station, Sherbro’ Island, West Coast
of Africa, Sunday, April 10th.[A] Being the first ceremony of the
kind in which the church and community had ever participated, it
was naturally looked forward to by many, not only as a matter of
deep interest in itself, but also as the harbinger of a better
state of things for the enfeebled and almost discouraged church.
Yet the field was an important one and must not be given up. The
Lord had set His seal upon some faithful souls here, and they were
praying and hoping for better things. Here, in the little graveyard
adjoining the church, lay those who had given their lives that
Africa might be redeemed. Here, by their side, lay one of Africa’s
own sons, the gifted Barnabas Root, whose Christian graces of
character had endeared him to all who knew him, and whose brilliant
attainments had been to all the friends of the colored race at once
a promise and a fulfillment of their fondest expectations. Their
mute appeal, seconding the conviction that God had not forgotten
this station, was eloquent, and prevailed. Good Hope was not to be
given up. On the contrary, it was to be strengthened, so far as
human power could do so, with a good hope, true to its name, that
God would add His blessing in the fulfillment of the rich promises
of His grace.
The property of the mission here is on all sides acknowledged to
be the finest on the island. It consists of a large tract of land,
part of it well wooded, about a quarter of a mile wide and a mile
long, running back from the Sherbro’ River or Sound, and commanding
a fine view of its many beautiful islands, stretching across to
the native town of Bendoo on the opposite side. The mission house,
large and well built, the church and school-house, besides a large
number of “fakis,” or groups of native huts, are on this land. The
grounds in front of the mission house are neatly laid out with
gravel walks and shrubbery, and extend to the river road skirting
the bank, where lies the mission boat moored to its wharf. It may
be truly said of this place, in the words of the grand old hymn,
that
“Every prospect pleases
And only man is vile.”
The property was well enough, and there was work enough to be done
among the dense native population settled upon or near it; but an
ordained minister to be the pastor of the church, a married man,
a man fully qualified for the great and responsible work, one
after God’s own heart, earnest, energetic, efficient, spiritually
minded, with a paramount love for the lost souls of his own people,
was wanting. The good seed had been sown, but there was needed
some one to harrow it in, nurture the growth and reap the harvest.
In this extremity God raised up one who seems to be the right
man for the place. Mr. Kemp is a graduate of Lincoln University,
and ably represents the thorough and practical training of that
institution. With his coming and installation as pastor, the
struggling church took heart, and determined, forgetting those
things which were behind, to press forward toward those better
things which they believed were in store. The examination took
place on Saturday evening, April 9th, and was well attended, and
although Mr. Kemp was feeling somewhat unwell at the time he stood
the long and searching fire of questions, theological, wise and
otherwise, with credit to himself and with great satisfaction to
the council, which, besides the “my-doxy” members, was composed
of representatives of various shades of theological opinion. This
fact indeed formed one of the pleasantest features of the council.
Here in the midst of a heathenism rendered fouler and more corrupt
by contact with an immoral civilization, and in a common work
for a common Master and a common people, party names were wholly
forgotten. One of the best and most earnest prayers that I have
ever heard was offered on this occasion by an excellent brother
of the Church Missionary Society, and he had no book before him
or gown on his back. The ordination exercises on Sabbath morning
were attended by a full house, while a deep sense of the solemnity
of the hour seemed to pervade every heart. The Holy Spirit was
manifestly present to sanctify the new relationship with the
outpouring of His grace. As appropriate to the occasion, the third
chapter of the First Epistle to Timothy was read. The sermon, full
of earnestness and spiritual power, was preached by Brother Evans
of the Shengay Mission. The charge to the people by Brother Jowett
was partially historical, reviewing the course of the church in
times past, and counseling sound wisdom for the future. Brother
Nurse, who knew something of the wants of the field, gave the
charge to the pastor; and Brother Jackson, of whose growing work
at Avery Station a fuller account will be given at another time,
as his co-worker in the mission, very feelingly gave his brother
missionary the right hand of fellowship; while it was my privilege
to offer the ordaining prayer. After the benediction, pronounced
by their new pastor, the people, with tears of gladness in their
eyes, flocked around him and his good wife, whom they had already
learned to love, for a hearty hand-shaking, which, as some one has
truly said, is also one of the means of grace. Can it be necessary,
after this little glimpse, so hurriedly taken, of the hopeful
relation just entered into, to ask the sympathy and prayers of all
the friends of missions for the blessings of God to rest upon the
new missionary and his work at Sherbro’ Island? He will have many
trying hours in that dark land, where there are worse things to be
feared and harder to be contended against than physical death. But
the promises are his as well as ours, and unitedly we can plead
them at the throne of grace. The promises of God include Africa.
FOOTNOTE:
[A] The location of Mr. Kemp was a matter of such importance,
considering the fewness of the workers and the demands of the
work, that it called for and received the most careful thought and
attention. After considering the subject in its various bearings,
and after duly consulting with all the persons concerned, it was
finally decided to station Mr. Kemp and his wife at Good Hope.
* * * * *
THE CHINESE.
* * * * *
“CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.”
_Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association._
PRESIDENT: Rev. J. K. McLean, D.D. VICE-PRESIDENTS: Rev. A. L.
Stone, D.D., Robert B. Forman, Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon. F. F. Low,
Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D.D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S. H. Willey,
D.D., Jacob S. Taber, Esq.
DIRECTORS: Rev. George Mooar, D.D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. E. P.
Baker, James M. Haven. Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, Rev. John Kimball,
A. L. Van Blarcon, Esq., George Harris, Esq., and the Secretary ex
officio.
SECRETARY: Rev. W. C. Pond. TREASURER: E. Palache, Esq.
* * * * *
ANNIVERSARIES.
BY REV. W. C. POND.
Since my last communication was forwarded, the four Mission Schools
in San Francisco have held their anniversary at Bethany Church, a
crowded audience being held attentive and interested till nearly
10 o’clock. An address delivered on that occasion by Jee Gam
was forwarded in advance of delivery, and published in the last
MISSIONARY. Last evening, Sunday, May 22d, the anniversary of the
Sacramento Mission was held at the First Congregational Church in
that city. The _Record-Union_, the leading paper at our capital,
devotes nearly a whole column to a notice of it, including a
verbatim report of the address by our helper Lem Chung. I am sure
that I cannot put our columns in the MISSIONARY to better use this
month than by reproducing that address entire.
ADDRESS BY LEM CHUNG.