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The American Missionary
JULY, 1894.
VOL. XLVIII.
NO. 7.
* * * * *
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL.
FINANCIAL--SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES 249
VACATION 251
MR. WHARTON THE EVANGELIST--OLD SILVER DOLLARS 252
THE SOUTH.
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES:--
TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY, TOUGALOO, MISS. 253
BALLARD NORMAL SCHOOL, MACON, GA. 255
BEACH INSTITUTE, SAVANNAH, GA. 256
ALLEN NORMAL SCHOOL, THOMASVILLE, GA. 258
McINTOSH, GA.--BURRELL SCHOOL, SELMA, ALA. 260
NORMAL SCHOOL, ORANGE PARK, FLA. 262
MERIDIAN, MISS. 263
GRAND VIEW, TENN. 264
CHURCH WORK:--
THE EVANGELIST AT WORK 265
THE CHINESE.
LETTER FROM REV. W. C. POND, D.D. 268
BUREAU OF WOMAN'S WORK.
"WHAT PROGRESS DO YOU MAKE?" 269
WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS 270
RECEIPTS 272
* * * * *
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
Bible House, Ninth St. and Fourth Ave., New York.
* * * * *
Price, 50 Cents a Year, in advance.
Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., as second-class
matter.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
PRESIDENT, MERRILL E. GATES, LL.D., MASS.
_Vice-Presidents._
Rev. F. A. NOBLE, D.D., Ill.
Rev. ALEX. McKENZIE, D.D., Mass.
Rev. A. J. F. BEHRENDS, D.D., N. Y.
Rev. HENRY HOPKINS, D.D., Mo.
Rev. HENRY A. STIMSON, D.D., N. Y.
_Corresponding Secretaries._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
Rev. A. F. BEARD, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
Rev. F. P. WOODBURY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Assistant Corresponding Secretary._
Rev. C. J. RYDER, _Bible House, N. Y._
_Recording Secretary._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Treasurer._
H. W. HUBBARD, Esq., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Auditors._
PETER McCARTEE.
RICHARD S. BARNES.
_Executive Committee._
CHARLES L. MEAD, Chairman.
CHARLES A. HULL, Secretary.
_For Three Years._
CHARLES A. HULL,
ADDISON P. FOSTER,
ALBERT J. LYMAN,
NEHEMIAH BOYNTON,
A. J. F. BEHRENDS.
_For Two Years._
SAMUEL HOLMES,
SAMUEL S. MARPLES,
CHARLES L. MEAD,
WILLIAM H. STRONG,
ELIJAH HORR.
_For One Year._
WILLIAM HAYES WARD,
JAMES W. COOPER,
LUCIEN C. WARNER,
JOSEPH H. TWICHELL,
CHARLES P. PEIRCE.
_District Secretaries._
REV. GEO. H. GUTTERSON, _21 Cong'l House, Boston, Mass._
Rev. Jos. E. Roy, D.D., _151 Washington Street, Chicago, Ill._
Rev. W. E. C. WRIGHT, _Cong'l Rooms, Y. M. C. A. Building,
Cleveland, Ohio._
_Secretary of Woman's Bureau._
Miss D. E. EMERSON, _Bible House, N. Y._
COMMUNICATIONS
Relating to the work of the Association may be addressed to the
Corresponding Secretaries; letters for "THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY," to
the Editor, at the New York Office; letters relating to the finances,
to the Treasurer; letters relating to woman's work, to the Secretary
of the Woman's Bureau.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
In drafts, checks, registered letters, or post office orders, may be
sent to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer, Bible House, New York, or, when more
convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, 21 Congregational House,
Boston, Mass., 151 Washington Street. Chicago, Ill., or Congregational
Rooms, Y. M. C. A. Building, Cleveland, Ohio. A payment of thirty
dollars constitutes a Life Member.
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS.--The date on the "address label," indicates the
time to which the subscription is paid. Changes are made in date on
label to the 10th of each month. If payment of subscription be made
afterward, the change on the label will appear a month later. Please
send early notice of change in post-office address, giving the former
address and the new address, in order that our periodicals and
occasional papers may be correctly mailed.
FORM OF A BEQUEST.
"I GIVE AND BEQUEATH, the sum of ---- dollars, to the 'American
Missionary Association,' incorporated by act of the Legislature of the
State of New York." The Will should be attested by three witnesses.
* * * * *
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
VOL. XLVIII. JULY, 1894. NO. 7.
* * * * *
American Missionary Association.
* * * * *
FINANCIAL.
In some respects our report is favorable. Our receipts for the eight
months ending May 31st are $18,487.18 more than for the same period
last year. If the Association had received funds from the Government
this year for the eight months, $10,127.95, the receipts would have
been 28,615.13 more than last year. The payments for the eight months
have been $11,315.16 less than last year. With this showing the debt
of the current year to May 31st is $19,419.98 as over against
$49,222.32 to May 31st of last year, but as this debt of the current
year is to be added to the $45,028.11 due at the close of the year
September 30th, 1893, it makes the total debt May 31, $64,448.09.
Those who have read the statements made in the MISSIONARY will recall
that in the month of March our debt was reduced $10,718.47, and in
April $4,847.40, but the fear was then expressed, which has since been
realized, that these reductions might not continue. The month of May
shows an increase of the debt, bringing it now to $64,448.09. We
appeal most earnestly to the friends of the Association to stay the
progress of this debt.
* * * * *
SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES.
We begin in this issue of the MISSIONARY to print the reports of the
anniversary exercises of our schools. They will occupy largely this
number and the next, and will appear somewhat in the order of time in
which the schools closed. When the whole are published, they will make
an impression of the vastness, variety and usefulness of the work. It
will show institutions of higher grade in nearly all the States of the
South, normal and graded schools in nearly all the large cities, and
parochial schools connected with many of the churches. The industrial
feature of these schools will appear most conspicuously in the details
given.
In the account of the larger schools, Fisk University, Talladega
College, Tougaloo University, Straight University and Tillotson
Institute, Austin, Texas, we give but in part the full extent of the
plan originally laid down by the Association, for it does not include
Hampton Institute, Atlanta University and Berea College, children of
the Association which have set up and are conducting housekeeping on
their own account.
The origin of Hampton Institute was in that first freedmen's school at
Fortress Monroe, enlarged year by year, and at length falling under
the sagacious eye of Gen. Armstrong, it opened to him in almost
prophetic vision what his great genius and untiring industry brought
to full consummation. Nor did the American Missionary Association send
this child forth empty-handed. It turned over to its use the one
hundred and twenty-five acres of beautiful land, with its buildings,
permanent and transient, on which the wonderful plant is now
established.
Atlanta University was founded by the Association, and under the wise
leadership of President Ware, and the steady support of the
Association for many years, it at length reached a condition of
independence and self-support.
Berea College, founded by the intrepid John G. Fee, a missionary of
the American Missionary Association, owned by its own Board of
Trustees from the first, was for many years assisted by the generous
contributions of the Association.
These three institutions, though independent of the Association and
not under its care or support, if added to the list already given of
our higher schools, will show a line of educational lighthouses
stretching from the Atlantic to the Gulf and thence into the heart of
Texas. Such was the original plan of the Association, and such has
been the remarkably successful result.
But the work of the Association is not confined to the Negro race. In
the mountains of the South it touches with the wand of Christian
education the noble Highlanders of America with their proud
achievements and yet with their long-neglected education, needing the
inspiring uplift of the school and cultured church. To these
influences they yield a most hearty response, and no brighter reports
will be found than from these mountain regions.
The Indians have from the outset been the subjects of our watchful
care, and with some variation in their activity, the services among
them have brought forth some of the brightest results. Revivals during
the past year of greater power than any reported from any other part
of the field were experienced in these Indian churches.
The Chinese work on the Pacific Coast, under the admirable leadership
of Dr. Pond, has made steady progress in the conversion of souls here
and in carrying the gospel to China.
The mission in Alaska, brought to so sudden and terrible a close by
the murder of Mr. Thornton, is expected to be opened again this summer
by the return of Mr. and Mrs. Lopp to Cape Prince of Wales. With their
knowledge of the language and of the people, and with the advantages
of their past experience, we hope the mission will enter upon a new
and much more successful life than heretofore.
We invite the friends of the Association to study this work in its
variety and extent. We make no comparisons, but surely this work
touches the sympathies of the patriot and the Christian, and calls for
a steady and abundant support.
* * * * *
VACATION.
We congratulate our teachers who are now returning from the South on
the vacation that awaits them in the hills and on the seashores of the
North. They have had the unbroken toil of eight or ten months in the
South, far from their homes and friends, finding little companionship
except with the pupils and their parents, sometimes ostracized and
scorned by the whites--and yet not always--for we rejoice to say that
there are many localities in the South where the work of our teachers
is appreciated and where they are themselves treated with Christian
courtesy by the whites.
We need not ask their friends at the North to welcome these returned
workers with that kindness that is restful, but we do ask that the
facts they reveal in regard to the South may be heard and heeded.
There is no set of witnesses more competent to tell of the actual
situation at the South, its home life, its industries, its struggle
with difficulties, than these same teachers. Sometimes the teachers
have been there but a short time and their labors may have been
confined to one locality, but in that narrow range their observations
among the colored people have been most minute. They have watched the
operations of the pupils closely from day to day, and have been
brought constantly in contact with the people in their cabins, in
their work, and in their trials.
But many of the teachers have been there for years and in different
locations, and their representation of the state of affairs is as
reliable as any that can be found from any source whatever. If the
observations and experiences of this corps of teachers could be set
forth, they would furnish, with all its lights and shades, the most
accurate picture that could be presented of the state of affairs in
the South. Pastors and churches would do well to give these returned
teachers an opportunity to present in the prayer-meeting and elsewhere
the exact facts as they have found them in the South.
* * * * *
MR. WHARTON, THE EVANGELIST.
Under the head of "_Church Work_" will be found in these pages a
sketch of the work of an evangelist in our churches during the past
year, written by himself. That evangelist is so unselfish and
consecrated to his work, and has been so long and so successfully
employed in it that we are sure our readers will be glad to have some
account of the man himself.
Mr. James Wharton is an Englishman, resident at Barrow-in-Furness,
near to Furness Abbey and the English lakes. He is not an ordained
minister, but a lay preacher, as Mr. Moody is. He accepts no salary
for his services, and consents to receive only the amount of his
traveling expenses. For over twenty years he has been thus engaged,
residing at his home in the summer but busy in gospel work, and in the
winters traveling to distant places. His labors have been in England,
Ireland, Scotland, the Shetland Islands, Wales, Canada, Spain and
America. During these ministrations he has traveled 88,000 miles, and
has made eleven trips to America.
In 1876, he learned of the condition of the emancipated slaves of this
country, and entered into correspondence with this Association with
reference to work here. He has spent eleven years here, and has
evinced great wisdom, good judgment and, as will be seen by the report
of his work this past year, has had great success. He was the first
man to attempt an open-air service in New Orleans after the war. He
stood on a cotton bale at the foot of Canal St., and continued the
service for several weeks, although the white people threatened to
shoot him. In his labors among the blacks of the South, he strikes the
happy medium between undue excitement and cold formalism. As he
returns from year to year, he rejoices to find the converts of earlier
years holding on their way with faith and a stable Christian life. Our
readers will be interested to read the sketch which Mr. Wharton gives
of his labors.
* * * * *
OLD SPANISH DOLLARS.
A friend sends, with the following brief note, two Spanish dollars of
ancient date. We hope that some lovers of ancient coin will be able to
make a good offer for them:
"I send you by express two old Spanish silver dollars of date 1786 and
1800, for the work of the American Missionary Association. They belong
to my wife, who has had them a long time and now thinks they had
better be sent out to help in the Lord's work through the American
Missionary Association. Our hope is, that some lover of the great and
good cause, who has also a fancy for old and rare coins, may appear,
who would pay a liberal premium for them. If such should be the case,
we would be much gratified to be informed as to how much they bring to
the work."
* * * * *
THE SOUTH.
* * * * *
_Anniversary Exercises._
* * * * *
TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY, TOUGALOO, MISS.
BY PRES. FRANK G. WOODWORTH, D.D.
While, owing to hard times, the enrollment at Tougaloo this year, 362,
was less than that of the two previous years, the average attendance
has been better than before, larger numbers having continued until the
close. The year has been marked by specialty good work on the
students' part, only one having failed of promotion. It has been a
notable year also in the religious development of many. One only of
the Normal Department is not now a professing Christian, and at the
farewell prayer-meeting he expressed the earnest desire soon to become
one. In the new Theological Department nine have been enrolled. The
prospect for next year is that this feature of the work will be
largely developed. The new College Preparatory Department has made a
most successful beginning, seven having been enrolled and having done
good work. The past year has also been notable in the industrial
departments. Great attention has always been given to these, though in
the girls' industries, especially, the facilities have been
exceedingly inadequate. During the year, Berkshire Cottage, the girls'
industrial building, has been completed, and in it are pleasant
accommodations for the needlework and cooking classes. Seventy girls
have had class instruction throughout the year in these branches. In
Berkshire Cottage is also carried on the work for which the building
was specially designed--the model housekeeping. When the rooms are all
furnished eight girls at a time, in two sets of four, will keep house
for two months at a time, gaining a practical knowledge of household
economies. This year sixteen girls have had this most important
training, the last four in the new cottage. Of this four, three were
in the graduating Normal class. The exhibits of the cooking and sewing
classes at Commencement, consisting of cakes, biscuits, confectionery,
etc., and a great variety of well made and useful garments, were
highly praised, and a large number sold to visitors. Few schools have
better facilities for the practical and most important work of
developing homemakers than has Tougaloo. Upon the trained young women
who can make good homes depends very largely the future of the Negro
race.
AGRICULTURE.
From the earliest history of the school there has been attention paid
to agriculture, and each year sees development in the acreage under
cultivation and the quantity of produce raised. This year nearly all
the fresh meat and the milk, sweet potatoes, molasses, vegetables,
etc., needed by the large boarding department, have been raised on the
farm, and some things have been marketed, besides the large amount of
corn and hay needed upon so large a plantation. The need of a special
agricultural building, to cost about $2,000, in which those students
who work upon the farm can live, and where they may have special class
instruction, is greatly needed.
MANUAL TRAINING.
The Manual Training Department has also this year received new
impetus. It includes work in wood and iron, and industrial drawing.
The methods are those of the most modern and most approved schools for
manual training. Sixty boys have had the woodworking, and twenty the
forging. Industrial drawing has been the new feature of the year.
There are twenty new and complete sets of drawing tools. For the lower
grades there is elementary or "one view drawing," and in the normal
grades both boys and girls have advanced work that includes the
fundamentals of machine and architectural drawing. Orthographic and
isometric projection are taught. The exhibit of this drawing work was
remarkably fine, and elicited hearty commendation. Its utility was
clearly recognized when on the walls were seen drawings of house
framings, house plans, architectural and building details, etc. It
should be said that the work along industrial lines is neither
optional nor elective, but that it is a part of the regular class-work
of the school as much as grammar or arithmetic.
Another feature has been the opening up of the "Tougaloo University
Addition to Tougaloo." About one hundred and twenty acres of
university land have been surveyed and plotted off into home lots of
about five acres each, to be sold to former students of the school and
to others who desire to educate their children at Tougaloo. Already
several lots have been taken and homes built, and in a few years there
will be quite a little educational community.
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.
The Commencement exercises, May 20th-23d, passed off pleasantly. On
Sunday, President Woodworth's baccalaureate was from the text, "He
endured as seeing him who is invisible." The farewell prayer-meeting
in the evening, conducted by Miss Page, valedictorian of the
graduating class, was peculiarly rich and helpful in its
reminiscences, forecastings and inspirations. All the graduates go out
as earnest Christians. The boys' gymnastic exhibition on Monday
evening drew a very interested audience, and the eighth grade
exercises on Tuesday morning were admirable. The alumni meeting was
the largest that has ever been held, one-third of the alumni having
been in attendance. Two notable papers were read, one by Miss Jessie
Rhone, of '84, on, "It is better beyond," and one by Mr. W. H. Lanier,
'81, on, "The conduct to be pursued by the educated colored young
people in gaining success." Both were hopeful and helpful.
Mr. Lanier's relation of his experience as teacher in one of the most
difficult towns of the State, where former teachers had been run off
and the school closed by the whites, and of the way in which he had so
conducted himself that men whose only greeting at first was, "Howdy,
boy," now recognize him cordially with, "How do you do, professor,"
was a most admirable illustration of how tact and good sense will help
to break down barriers. The Commencement concert on Tuesday evening
drew a very large crowd. Every seat was occupied and all standing
room, and it was clearly shown that the chapel at Tougaloo is all too
small. Over one hundred and fifty of the audience of about six hundred
were white. Better chorus work is not often heard. Tougaloo is
fortunate not only in having had competent music teachers, but in
having in Prof. Hill, Dean of the Normal Department, a most capable
musician.
For the first time in years Commencement day was showery, but a large
audience assembled to see the normal graduation. Seven graduated, and
their orations and essays were highly creditable. The annual address
was given by Rev. B. F. Ousley, now professor in the Alcorn
Agricultural and Mechanical College at Rodney, Miss., the State
institution for colored young men, and formerly a missionary of the
American Board in South Africa. It was a clear, thoughtful, and in
every way admirable presentation of the qualifications of "The Man for
the Age." Brief impromptu addresses were made by Rev. S. P. Smith,
American Missionary Association pastor in Jackson, Mr. W. H. Lanier,
of '81, Major Millsaps, one of the leading bankers of the State, Rev.
S. C. Mounger, presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South, residing at Jackson, and Col. J. L. Power, of the Jackson
_Clarion Ledger_. The last three gentlemen emphasized again and again
the fact that the best white sentiment of the State is heartily in
favor of such work as is done at Tougaloo, and in full sympathy with
it.
* * * * *
BALLARD NORMAL SCHOOL, MACON, GA.
PROF. F. T. WATERS.
The Ballard Normal School, located at Macon, Ga., has closed with
flattering success in all departments. The work in all the grades
reflects much credit on the teachers, but no work is more marked than
that of the industrial department. The display was much more imposing
than was thought possible, the work having been delayed until late in
the year; it seemed at first unwise to try to make any display at all,
but all felt paid for the attempt. In the girls' department we found
work of all grades of sewing, dresses, waists, aprons and other
articles of wearing apparel, also darning, matching, buttonholes,
quilting, etc. Each article was marked with the name of the girl and
grade, and many were the exclamations of commendation from those who
visited the rooms where the display was made. Works deserving special
mention are buttonholes made by Martha Howard of the seventh grade;
patching by Lulu Gaston, and darning by Gertrude Williams. The
cooking-school, for lack of money, was discontinued after three
months, but during that time substantial progress was made, and there
can be no question about the advisability of pushing the industrial
work as far as possible the coming year. In the boys' department, too,
all were surprised to see the articles in display. There were joints
of every shape, all of them showing skill of high order; there were
many useful articles displayed, such as pen-racks, pen-trays,
towel-rolls, hat-racks, puzzles, etc. Many of the articles were given
away by the boys to the friends, and some of the articles will be
exhibited in the North to show the class of work done in our schools.
As it seems to me, no branch of work is more important than the
industrial, and great interest is taken in it by the boys. The lack of
money has made it necessary to curtail this very important part of our
educational work.
The work done in the last year leads me to believe that there should
be no cutting down in any part of the work of Ballard school, which I
regard as one of the most promising of the many American Missionary
Association schools, and especially should there be no cutting in
either of the industrial departments. More than any one thing, these
people need to be taught the use of time and the saving of money;
this, with the intellectual and moral training in our schools, will
make full grown men and women. The work-begun is one that should be
pursued with no let up.
* * * * *
BEACH INSTITUTE, SAVANNAH, GA.
MISS JULIA B. FORD.
The closing week began with the class reunion, Friday evening, May
18th, when, notwithstanding a wild wind and rain storm, a blithe
company assembled in the cosy rooms at the Teachers' Home.
Sunday afternoon, May 20th, an able baccalaureate address was preached
by the Rev. Alexander Ellis, of Savannah. The large audience, which
filled our flower-decked chapel, were said, by a resident, to be "the
best colored people of Savannah." Certainly the sight of this large
company of refined and intelligent persons of the Negro race might
have served as an inspiration to a worker for that race.
On Tuesday morning, after the usual opening exercises, the Rev. Mr.
Upshaw gave an instructive and stirring talk on the evils of the use
of narcotics. A good letter from the Junior Christian Endeavor band of
Ionia, Iowa, was read to the students, who returned a hearty vote of
thanks for the draft for five dollars therein contained for a clock
for our chapel, also for the promise of a scholarship for a student
next year. Then the long line of students repaired to their respective
class-rooms, followed by the friends who came to listen to their oral
examinations. The latter were in all grades, from the seniors who
replied to questions in Latin, mathematics, etc., to the tiny tots in
room No. 1.
INDUSTRIAL WORK.
A conspicuous feature in the day's programme was the exhibition of
articles made in the _sewing department_. Hundreds of specimens were
effectively displayed against the walls of the large office. There
were nicely made garments, bright patchwork quilts, dressed dolls
illustrating hygienic styles of dress, buttonhole work and neat
patches. Much of the work done won warm commendation from the visitors
present, and that by the boys of the third grade received a full share
of praise. In many cases it was difficult to believe that the
specimens of work done in May were wrought by the same pairs of hands
as the great, uncouth stitches made on the companion pieces furnished
in January. Yet each pupil has had but two hours' instruction a week.
We hope during the coming year to enlarge and improve the department.
Extending our sincere thanks to the kind friends who have sent us
supplies for the sewing, we would, by the way, very modestly suggest
that a good sewing machine is needed here, and if one should be
forthcoming from the beneficent ones who have an especial interest in
this most important branch of education, we should indeed hail its
advent with fervent gratitude.
Tuesday noon found us with our friends again gathered in the chapel,
where prizes were awarded to those who had made the most improvement
in sewing. One little girl had said to her sewing teacher: "Oh, if I
can only get a prize for sewing, just a card, or anything, to show my
mother that I am improving, and that she is getting something in
return for the dollar she pays for my tuition!" From the nice books,
etc., sent us in boxes by Northern friends, we distributed our prizes.
To this little girl we were glad to give something, which rejoiced her
heart, and the gleaming eyes of several other pupils--notably those of
the boys of the third grade--as they came forward for the coveted
honor, was a pleasant sight. Before dismissal, the Rev. L. B. Maxwell
gave us a bright and helpful little talk. Tuesday night, in the
freshly decorated and densely crowded chapel, was given an exhibition
by members of all grades of the school. The songs, recitations,
readings, gymnastics and tableaux elicited much delighted applause.
Thursday morning the school assembled to listen to the reading of
promotions. One of the pleasantest memories of Beach Institute which
the workers there carried away to their vacation was that of the sight
of the eager yet self-controlled company of students, which, holding
its breath to listen, yet, when it heard, spent no breath in murmurs
of delight or of disappointment. Only the graver, self-reproachful
expression or radiant smile betrayed the feelings of the listener.
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
Thursday evening the Anniversary exercises took place. Palmettoes,
roses, etc., made our chapel a place of beauty. Over the platform in
artistic design, the class motto, "_Row, not Drift_," hung above a
great boat decorated with the blossoms of the cape jasmine, suspended
over its crossed oars, tastefully tied with the class colors--nile
green and cream white. All showed effectively against a soft
background of white overlaid with festoonings of the long gray moss.
Our eight graduates, seven girls and one stalwart youth, "a rugged
young oak in the midst of roses," rendered their parts in spicy
essays, humorous reading, graceful and spirited recitations and
earnest oration in a manner which won due signals of appreciation. The
choruses, etc., were sung in good style, the diplomas were given, the
successful contestant for the scholarship from the new tenth grade was
announced, the class song was sung, and then Richard R. Wright, who in
his boyhood sent to Northern friends the message, "_Tell them we are
rising_," and who is now President of the Georgia State Agricultural
College for Colored Youth, followed with an address replete with that
which might instruct and enthuse this class of 1894, which was about
to embark in boats in which they were to "_Row, not Drift_."
As one listened to this address, again what an inspiring scene met the
eye--the gifted, cultured speaker, his very life an inspiration, the
semicircle of earnest, hopeful young graduates, the chapel and
adjoining rooms crowded with an audience whose appearance betokened
education and refinement, among whom were doctors of divinity, editors
and other professional men. One could but only exclaim, "Within these
thirty years, verily, '_What hath God wrought!_'"
Oh, that American Christians could be brought to such a sense of the
tremendous needs of this Negro race at the South, that through myriad
channels the needed supplies would flow, to continue and enlarge this,
the Master's own blessed work.
* * * * *
ALLEN NORMAL SCHOOL, THOMASVILLE, GA.
MISS K. B. DOWD.
For this event we had made great preparations. For weeks practicing
had been going on vigorously, despite regular lessons and extreme warm
weather. The class to graduate consisted of four members, and we felt
anxious that as residents of Thomasville they should do themselves
credit, and grandly did they rise to meet our expectations.
Commencement exercises began Sunday evening with the baccalaureate
sermon preached by our pastor, Rev. C. F. Sargent. It was listened to
by a full house, composed of the best people among the colored race of
the city. Tuesday at 8 P.M. the school marched to the school-building
to find it already crowded to its utmost capacity, there being not
standing room then. Half an hour later tiers of eager faces were
peering through the open windows. Hack-loads came from the town and
adjoining towns, only to find entrance impossible. Some half a dozen
of the white citizens stood upon boards at the rear of the building
through the two hours' programme, and declared they "enjoyed it very
much." The concert lasted an hour and was followed by gymnastic drills
given by the boarding pupils. Their wielding of the heavy dumbbells
elicited hearty applause. With no breaks they went through with
marching, stepping movements, wand-drills and the anvil chorus, the
exercises closing with a full chorus, "The Song of the Sea," by
Veazie. Our only regret was that so many must be turned away. Between
the concert and the gymnastic drills, Miss Dickerman's tiny ones
entertained the company with motion songs, recitations and solos,
showing the careful drill and thorough work of the year.
Wednesday was a busy day indeed, for the church had to be trimmed for
the great event, namely, the graduating exercises. Long folds of blue
and yellow, the class colors, hung from the highest point in the
ceiling over the pulpit to the windows on either side. Directly in the
center, in large gold letters, was the class motto "Forward." Huge
bouquets of the most exquisite roses, sent in by friends and pupils,
were everywhere. A bank of ferns in front of the platform completed
the decorations. Just before the time to go to the church a heavy
thunder shower came up and the prospect for the evening was dubious
indeed, but by eight there was nothing more than clouds and mud to
trouble us. Upon reaching the church we found it full, despite the
rain, and among the audience were the editor of the city paper and one
of the leading physicians.
Prayer was offered by one of the colored ministers of the city,
followed by the "Te Deum Laudamus," by the school. The essays "Joan of
Arc," "Evangeline," "England's Growth in Free Government," and "H.
H.," were well read and well received. Comment was made by the doctor
upon the correct pronunciation of the class, a remark being made to
the effect that it was superior to the work done in their own schools.
There were no class honors, for _all_ had worked faithfully and well.
The speaker of the evening was T. S. Inborden, of the Albany high
school, a graduate of Fisk University. His address was an earnest
appeal for "growth."
The diplomas were presented by Rev. C. F. Sargent. His words to each
member of the class were most appropriate and heartfelt. The
"Good-night" song was followed by the benediction and that by the
hearty congratulations and good wishes of the friends of the school,
leaving in our hearts happiness and content that the hard work of the
year is appreciated and our school both blessing and blessed.
* * * * *
McINTOSH, GA.
PROF. FRED. W. FOSTER.
Wednesday morning, May 16th, marked the beginning of the end of our
year's work. After our usual devotional exercises we commenced the
public examination of our school in all the various classes. It was an
exhaustive review of as much of the work of the year as could be
covered in the given time. All passed off to the satisfaction of the
teachers and the great delight of a good number of visiting patrons
and friends. It was a thorough test, and was well met by the various
classes from primary to normal, and gave evidence of earnest work and
real advancement.
Although Wednesday's examination was the test of actual work, Thursday
was the day which marked the high-water point in the matter of general
interest, being the occasion of our regular anniversary. The exercises
consisted of declamations by a number of young men, and recitations by
young women, interspersed with music by a choir selected from the
school. Although my boys and girls wear dark skins and come from the
rice field and turpentine swamp, and their native speech is sometimes
little better than a jargon, still I would not have hesitated to put
them beside boys and girls coming from much more favorable
surroundings. Our music, too, rendered by young people whose previous
practice, for the most part, extended no farther than Gospel hymns or
plantation melodies, could not have failed to convince one of careful
drill and earnest effort, and was a very pleasurable part of the day's
programme.
The County Superintendent of schools was with us through the whole of
Thursday, and expressed his keen appreciation of the work done. While
these two days gave evidence of solid work accomplished, it is only by
daily contact during the entire year that one can realize the gain in
scholarship, methods of work, ability to think and express thought,
and the growth in morals and Christian character that has been made.
* * * * *
BURRELL SCHOOL, SELMA, ALA.
PROF. A. T. BURNELL.
Burrell School has just closed a very pleasant and successful year,
having, despite the hard times, a larger enrollment than any of the
three years preceding; the attendance being also slightly better at
the very last. Selma is an educational center, and, for the colored
people, has five institutions receiving generous patronage--the A. M.
E. ("Payne") Institute, the Reformed Presbyterian ("Knox") Academy,
the Baptist University, Burrell School, and the public school
supported by the city, the latter just taking possession of a
commodious brick building; so we may truly say that the youth of the
despised race now have an upward look. And yet _not one-half_ of the
colored children of Selma are even enrolled, much less regular
attendants at school.
These people are fond of public exercises, and give large audiences
and interested attention that seem to know no diminution, even when
some twenty closing exercises of the different grades occur, as within
the past ten days. Burrell came in for her share, beginning with the
annual sermon by the principal on the 20th of May, and offering two
evening programmes on the 24th and 25th in the Congregational Church,
each well patronized, the last named securing an especially full
house. "Maud Muller" and the "Songs of Seven" were given with
tableaux, while Carleton's "First Settler's Story" and the "Tramp
Story" showed that careful training had been given in elocutionary
lines. The primary and intermediate grades presented the customary
variation of recitations, dialogues and songs. One and all did well;
the church was tastefully decorated, our twenty-eight foot flag having
a prominent place; the patrons and friends of Burrell were loud in her
praise, and the teachers on the evening of their departure were given
a banquet by a surprise party at the "Home."
INDUSTRIES.
One feature of the programmes at the church, calling attention to some
work of Burrell not done at these other schools, illustrating shop,
sewing and drawing, were interesting for their own sake; first a
presentation of models executed at our shop, then a tableau of the
boys having on their aprons and caps and tools in hand; then the girls
of the fourth and fifth grades grouped with different articles of
sewing about the sewing teacher, who stood directing one of the number
at work upon the new sewing-machine. The drawings exhibited were two
large, finely executed crayons that won the admiration of all. These
industries, for which over $50 had been solicited the past year, were
fully shown at Burrell School building during the week on public days
when some fifty patrons favored us with their presence and praise,
former pupils lamenting the lack of these features during their school
days.
BIBLE STUDY.
Better than all special attractions, than the general interest in
texts and teachers, has been the marked interest in Bible study and
evident conversion of a number of our pupils whose lives show a
changed purpose. The Endeavor Society has had a part in this, and each
of the last meetings seemed to be better than the others, so that it
is hoped that the organization may be maintained through the summer.
It was the prayer of a "father in Israel" here, "Turn loose thy Spirit
upon us, for sinners are running wild to hell; uphold our heads above
the swelling tides of sin in which others are floundering; and, after
the confusion of this life is wound up, permit us to march around thy
throne above, eternally."
There is in the above the true idea, however strangely it is phrased;
but the words of our pupils sometimes need translating, and they
continually interest even a teacher of long-standing among them. Only
recently the writer has come upon these expressions: "He called me
out of my name," meaning that the objector had been called "a fool,"
perhaps; and "I've done spoiled it out," the excuse of one who had
erased his examples before the teacher could correct the same.
* * * * *
NORMAL SCHOOL, ORANGE PARK, FLA.
BY REV. T. S. PERRY.
At Orange Park Normal School the year just closed has been a
prosperous one. Owing to straitened means and hard times, the
enrollment has been a little less than last year; but in the grade of
scholarship there has been a distinct advance.
Many pleasant incidents have occurred, notably the Christmas festival.
A United States flag, nine feet by fifteen, presented to the school at
Christmas, was hoisted over the building February 22d, with great
enthusiasm. Appropriate exercises, including such patriotic songs as
"The Star Spangled Banner," "The Red, White and Blue," "The Battle
Hymn of the Republic," gave added spirit to the occasion.
Of a hundred pupils not one has died or been seriously sick during the
year--a fact that speaks much for the sanitary condition of the
school.
The concluding exercises, beginning with our annual picnic, May 19th,
have all been interesting. The literary societies have done themselves
much credit. The closing day, May 30th, brought together from near and
far an assembly of all sorts and conditions, of every hue from fairest
blonde to ebony, which completely filled the spacious chapel. The oral
reviews or examinations, the music, both vocal and instrumental, were
highly appreciated; while the calisthenics showed admirable drill. In
the evening came more music, essays, recitations and the like, to the
great enjoyment of a crowded audience.
The exhibit made by the industrial department was extremely
gratifying. Many specimens of plain sewing, neatly and strongly done,
showed that the girls have been making progress in the practical arts
of the house-keeper and home-maker; while abundant samples of fancy
needlework displayed not only rare deftness of hand, but an artistic
taste as well. Pretty quilts, elegant bed-spreads, handkerchiefs of
drawn work, tasty tray-cloths, embroidered table-covers, doilies,
aprons, neckties, etc., were displayed in profusion.
The boys' exhibit of wood-work was no less gratifying. Their numerous
picture-frames and book-shelves, of tasteful designs and handsome
workmanship, would in many cases have done no discredit to expert
craftsmen; while many articles by the smaller boys gave proof that
hand, eye and judgment were being trained in an admirable way. The
workshop is also an excellent school of applied arithmetic, as well as
of practical handicraft. Free-hand, and some surprisingly good
mechanical drawings were exhibited; also plain, colored and relief
maps, illustrating the geography of our own and other lands.
The botanical work exhibited was worthy of all praise. Fifty varieties
of flowers, comprising nearly all the most important orders, have been
examined and classified, and half as many handsomely mounted.
This young school is doing a work of inestimable value. On the very
spot, where less than a generation ago gangs of slaves toiled under
the overseer's lash, and within rifle-shot of the plantation
whipping-post, their children are now developing into worthy
citizenship; and youth, both white and colored, are growing up into
enlightened Christian manhood and womanhood.
Many of our students are poor--very poor--and are working out their
salvation by efforts none the less pathetic because so bravely and
cheerfully made. The truest heroism is unconscious. Touching stories
could be easily told. Those who struggle so courageously and
perseveringly for an education do not need to be pitied, but they need
to be aided and encouraged. May the Lord inspire those who can to hold
out a helping hand and so fulfill their own prayer, "Thy Kingdom
come."
* * * * *
MERIDIAN, MISS.
MRS. H. I. MILLER.
Our school closed on the 29th of May, and it has been a full one
despite the trials we have had because of hard times. On the 27th, our
pastor, Rev. C. L. Harris, preached his annual sermon to the school.
The church was crowded as never before, not even at its dedication.
The topic, "The satisfied soul," was handled with marked ability, and
the audience was deeply moved. On Monday our school-rooms were visited
by many friends, and our ex-graduates from Tougaloo were welcomed
home. The "students'" sociable at night was a pleasant affair, and
gave us a chance to plan with our scholars about their work this
summer. All are eager for work that they may enter school in the fall;
all seem ready to do whatever they can find to do.
The most spiritual feature of our closing exercises was on Tuesday
morning, when at the opening hour the house was filled with friends to
unite in a "Congregational love-feast," as they called it. We had
several clergymen and teachers, and one lawyer and a host of friends
to cheer us with their words, or to aid us in our service of song and
prayer. One friend told of a wealthy colored man who had pledged to
give three thousand dollars to the American Missionary Association to
carry on these Christian schools, although he himself is not a
Christian. May his example incite others to come to our help.
After two hours of pleasant interchange of good fellowship we all went
to the church, where the industrial work was on exhibition. It was
arranged with great artistic effect. Each room had its display by
itself in miniature booths constructed out of the finished sewing. The
primary rooms had festoons of "blockwork," and under an awning made
from a bright patchwork quilt, made by them, hung their dainty
pockets, tidies, scarfs, etc., quaintly outlined in bright needlework.
There were scores of buttonholes arranged in a wheel pattern, and they
were beautifully done, and were admired by all. There were three
entire quilts, twenty-nine garments of various kinds, and twenty-five
neatly hemstitched handkerchiefs, besides a large quantity of articles
for home decoration. Perhaps the exhibit which attracted most
attention was the young men's department. There were fourteen
handkerchiefs and eight Windsor ties hemstitched by the young men, and
hardly any of them had ever used a needle, yet their dainty work was
pronounced _equal_, if not superior, to that of the young ladies.
There were in all four hundred and sixty-three articles made, some
from old material, some from scraps and some from new cloth. Before
the winter term the young girls had cut and prepared their own sewing.
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
At eight o'clock in the evening the house was filled to overflowing
with people who wished to witness the graduation of twelve young
persons, or to hear the various exercises from the younger children,
and to listen to our well rendered music. The exercises were all
excellent, although they were greatly marred by the vast audience on
so warm a night. There were no failures, but fine delivery and
appearance. The mayor of the city was pleased to pronounce it "grand."
And so closed our school year, but "the half has not been told" if we
omit to tell of the spiritual growth. Twenty-four in our school have
united with our church, almost as many more with other denominations,
and some have now gone to their own homes, and will there confess what
Christ has done for them this year. It has been a beautiful year. We
can but feel that God has been with us. The flowers and blackboard
decorations were very attractive, and our dear old flag draping the
entire wall behind the platform added not a little to the
attractiveness of our rooms. On Sunday the sadness of parting was
accentuated, and it was from a full heart each one gave the Y. P. S.
C. E. benediction of "The Lord watch between thee and me while we are
absent one from the other."
* * * * *
GRAND VIEW, TENN.
FROM "DAYTON LEADER," DAYTON, TENN.
GRAND VIEW, TENN., MAY 19.--Commencement exercises at Grand View
Normal Institute were held last night. This excellent school is
situated on the eastern brow of Walden's Ridge, fifty-five miles north
from Chattanooga. It overlooks a view of fertile valley below, and
beyond a vast expanse of numberless wooded hills with glimpses of the
Tennessee river winding between, while on the horizon looms the dim,
majestic form of the Smoky Range.
It is an institution of the American Missionary Association
(Congregational), and is equal to many of our lesser colleges.
Mathematics is carried through trigonometry and surveying. Latin and
music are taught, also, as well as the ordinary studies of the common
and high schools. Above one hundred and fifty pupils, from a dozen
different States, were on the roll of the past term. The teachers are
of the highest order and their efficiency was emphatically
demonstrated by the splendid work of last night's exercises.