into two piles, the first consisting of those which contain exactly
the stipulated weekly offering, and the second of those which do
not, as for example, when the donor wishes to make two or more
offerings at once. Care is taken to mark on each envelope of the
second pile, opposite the proper date, the amount which has been
found in it. Each of these piles is now assorted, so as to bring
together all the envelopes whose names occur on the same page of
the record book, for convenience in entering the amounts. Much
time is saved by having a second person read the name-numbers and
amounts to the person who enters them, reading of course, the
figures on the flaps of the first pile, and those opposite the
given date on the second. The envelopes are then properly punched,
and afterwards assorted according to the school-rooms, and given
to the respective teachers to distribute to the scholars. To
save loss, this distribution is deferred till the day before the
offering.
The record book is long and narrow, so as to get as many names as
possible on a page. The account of each donor requires but one line
running across two opposite pages, which are ruled vertically for
twenty-five entries. The amount given each week, even when more or
less than the stipulated amount, is entered under the date of that
week, thus bringing all the offerings of the same week in the same
column.
The handling of the money is facilitated by using small cotton bags
large enough to hold a hundred cents, or several dollars in nickels.
ITS RESULTS.—Envelopes were issued to two hundred and nine persons.
Only ten of these preferred not to state how much they would give
each week. Sixty-nine, or about one-third, offered to give one
cent a week; forty-three, or about one-fifth, offered two cents;
fifty-one, or about one-quarter, five cents. Only fifteen out of
the two hundred and nine offered more than five cents a week. Among
the scholars, the amounts ranged from one to ten cents; among the
teachers, from five cents to one dollar.
Out of the one hundred and ninety-nine who offered definite
amounts, sixty-three paid exactly what they had stated at the
outset; thirty-four (all scholars) paid more—in some cases double
and over; while one hundred and two (of whom a good many had left
school) paid less. Thus very nearly half paid in full or over. Many
of the others were deficient only a few cents, and these, in many
cases, unavoidably so. Little notes like this would sometimes come
in with the offerings: “This is all that I can pay; I have done the
best I could.” The record shows that many who fell behind for a
time afterwards made up the deficiency.
The offerings of the ten scholars who did not state what they
would pay weekly, averaged a little over one cent a week; of the
remaining one hundred and eighty-five scholars, a little over two
cents a week; of the fourteen teachers, a little over twenty-one
cents a week.
The scholars paid in all $102.02; the teachers, $73.00; making in
the aggregate, $175.02. _This was a little more than eighty-seven
and a half percent. of all that was offered at the start._
Excluding the teachers, all of whom paid in full, the scholars
redeemed eighty percent. of the amount they set out to pay; and
this percentage would have been larger but for the scholars who
left school before the close of the year.
Finally, the best result of all is, that we have learned something
of the happiness of Christian giving, when practised thoughtfully,
conscientiously and willingly.
* * * * *
CHARLESTON, S. C.
Avery Normal Institute.
[_Extracts from the Charleston News and Courier, July 4th, 5th and
9th._]
The Graduation Exercises of this institution were held at the
school building in Bull street, yesterday, commencing at nine
o’clock in the morning.
The programme included singing by the school, and addresses and
essays, which reflected great credit upon the several pupils who
delivered them.
A large number of prizes, including several handsome books, were
distributed to the successful pupils in the several classes, and
diplomas were presented to the graduates.
Many features of the programme were excellently rendered, and it
is, perhaps, fair to award the palm to the salutatory and essay
by Julia D. Edwards, and to the discourse on “Class History” by
Elizabeth R. Tucker. These compositions were well conceived and
gracefully delivered. The singing, too, deserves special praise,
and there was one contralto voice in particular very noticeable for
its strength and clearness.
The institution, which is devoted to the education of the colored
youth of this city, has turned out ninety-seven graduates since
1872, all of whom do honor to their instructors.
Reunion Exercises.
The series of exercises which were arranged for three days, closed
most auspiciously, yesterday, with a reunion of the graduates. The
programme comprised vocal and instrumental music, original essays,
recitation, declamation, oration and closing address. The main
hall, where the exercises were held, was thronged with an audience
highly appreciative, as was continuously evinced.
The exercises were opened by a piano solo, a galop, which was
admirably played by Martha C. Gadsden, of the graduates of ’73.
After an address of welcome by Mrs. M. S. Lowery, an oration on
“True Greatness” was pronounced by John M. Morris, an alumnus of
the institute.
It is but justice to make special mention of the essays: “Youth the
Crisis of Character and Destiny,” by Merton B. Lawrence; “Avery
Normal Institute our Home,” by Susan B. Artson; “Woman’s Position
in Society,” by Susan A. Schmidt; “Necrology,” by Catharine A.
Wallace; “What is Life Without an Aim,” by Ada C. Turner.
Avery can well afford to risk its reputation as an educational
institution on such essays, all of which showed no ordinary degree
of culture. The vocal gem of the exercises was the soprano solo,
“Blooming Springtide,” rendered with rare sweetness and taste by
Martha C. Gadsden.
Impressions made on a Visitor from a Neighboring State.
Although daily notices were made in the _News and Courier_ of the
closing exercises of Avery Institute, as they took place from day
to day, the following account by a visitor from a neighboring State
will not be without interest:
“Avery Institute has had four principals during its brief
existence of thirteen years, and has been fortunate in their
quality. Two of them, Mr. Warren and the present incumbent, Mr.
Farnham, were fitted for their work by a course of moral training
and considerable experience in schools of similar grade to this,
and especially by their ardent love for their occupation.
“Absence of weeds from the flower-beds, tidiness of walks and
yards, cleanliness of floors and desks, and signs of neatness
everywhere suggested the possible theory of a ‘clearing-up
time’ for the occasion, but a quiet search for information on
this point revealed the fact that things were not ‘fixed up
for Sunday,’ but wore their every-day attire. If a maximum of
stillness, with a minimum of apparent effort, is the _ultima
thule_ of school discipline, there are no new lands for Avery
Institute to discover.
“The plan of ‘native helpers’ is being tried here, the faculty
consisting of a principal and two lady teachers from the
North, and five graduates of the school. Full attendance, good
scholarship and excellent discipline point to a successful
experiment.
“July 2d at Avery was ‘Children’s Day.’ There is not room for the
little ones at the closing exercises, and so Mr. Farnham gives
them _their_ day. The songs, ‘A Smiling Face for Me,’ ‘If I were
a Sunbeam,’ ‘I love the Merry Sunshine, and the recitations ‘The
Golden Side,’ ‘The Little Philosopher,’ and ‘The Summer Time,’
indicate the joyous nature of the programme and the spirit of
the occasion. The teachers seem to appreciate the sentiment of
Dickens, ‘I love these little people, and it is not a slight
thing when they, so fresh from God, love us.’
“July 3d was ‘Graduates’ Day.’ The class of nine girls and one
boy furnished music sufficient for the occasion, both in quantity
and quality. Lessons with children, one on composition and one
on number, conducted by two of the graduates, constituted a
novel feature in the programme, and showed something of the
methods of teaching employed in the institute. By permutations
and combinations almost _ad infinitum_ on the numeral frame, the
children learned the ‘Table of Sevens,’ if they had never heard
of it before; and the fact that ‘reproduction’ without credit to
the author is plain stealing, was faithfully impressed upon the
young mind. One of the graduating girls made a strong argument in
the negative upon the question, ‘Should Young Men take a College
Course?’ The simplicity and self-possession of the graduates were
very pleasing. So also were their fine articulation and musical
voices. A little more volume, however, would not have been
offensive, and would have filled the hall better.
“Prizes were distributed by the Rev. Mr. Patton and the Rev. Mr.
Dunton, and diplomas were presented by Prof. Chase, of Atlanta.
“The 4th was ‘Alumni Day,’ and, despite all the attractions at
the Battery, the hall was well filled. The exercises consisted
of addresses, essays, recitations and songs, all by members of
the class. ‘Independence Day’ afforded some stimulus to the
occasion, and called forth some of the sentiments and feelings
of the emancipated race, but revealed no sign of bitterness or
malice. The orderly conduct, dignified demeanor, literary merit
and good elocution of the day, evinced that ‘Avery’s children’
are an honor to their foster parent, the American Missionary
Association, and to their native State and city. Two or three
hours spent in discussing ‘viands that tickle the palate’ and
in social converse, reviving memories of past school-day life,
terminated the three days of closing exercises at Avery Normal
Institute.
“The teachers and pupils were gratified by the presence of some
of the well-known and respectable residents of the city.”
GEORGIA.
Ogeechee—Changes for the Better—Saving Souls and Saving Money.
REV. JOHN R. MCLEAN, PASTOR.
We have a good Sunday-school. It is not so large as it might be;
but the children, and all who attend, are getting thoughts of the
Bible that they can get nowhere else around here. And it is making
a great change with the old people, as well as with the children.
The other schools hold the children by giving them cake and candy;
I hold them by giving them Bible truth. I find that it has more
power over them for good than all the cake and candy that can be
given them. The children act better on the Sabbath than they did
when I first came here. I can see a great change.
The church is doing, I think, quite well. It takes a steady, but
slow, patient and faithful work, to lead a people out who are so
far in the dark as these have been. I can see a manifest desire on
the part of the members to do better than they have been doing, and
even better than the members of other churches.
Last Sabbath was our Communion-day, and I never was in a more
lovely meeting in my life. We had no one to join (for the first
time, I think, since I have been here), though there were three or
four who had been received some time before, but were not able to
be out on that day so as to join. Some of the churches that only
had preaching once in the month, have it now every Sabbath, since
they see that we have it every Sabbath.
I know of no place in the South where the colored people get so
much money for labor as they do here. But they don’t save any money
at all; they get it, and it is gone, and they cannot see what they
got for it. I am trying to induce our members to save their money,
and buy for themselves homes; but it is hard to get them to do
this, like almost everything else that is right and for their own
good.
I know the Lord has blessed me greatly in my work, for which I am
thankful. Pray for us at this place.
ALABAMA.
A Surprise Party—A Church well Organized—Burrell School.
MR. E. C. SILSBY, SELMA.
Brother Noble mentions a surprise party in Montgomery. I can
refer to an occurrence somewhat similar here. Last fall, during
the time that we were without a pastor, Brother Callen, of the
church, filled the pulpit. His labors were faithfully performed,
and our “Ladies’ Society” determined to give him a “pound donation
party.” The “Teachers’ Home” was decided upon as the place, and
the members of the church were quite eager to bestow upon him some
slight testimonial, indicating their appreciation of his Christian
character and faithfulness. It was a complete surprise to him, and
the articles contributed were opportune, although “pounded” at him.
One of the most encouraging features of our church is the “Ladies’
Society,” which holds a prayer-meeting every Sabbath afternoon,
and a sewing society every fortnight. At these prayer-meetings the
girls and young ladies of the church are frequently put forward
to lead, and thus are educated to Christian work. The older and
younger ladies are also brought more nearly together, and made to
realize more fully a common interest in the cause of Christ. An
account of this meeting has been given in the MISSIONARY, and, by
this means, a very pleasant correspondence has grown up between the
society here and one at Dedham, Mass. The ladies at Dedham sent
their greetings and sympathy, and encouraged and helped us with
their prayers. It has been a blessing to both societies. Hearing of
the efforts of our ladies to purchase matting for the aisles of our
church, they generously rendered assistance, and the matting has
been laid.
One interesting and instructive feature of our work is that of the
Committee on Missionary Intelligence. This committee was organized
during the pastorate of Brother Pope. Its work is to present at
times reports of missions in this and other lands. On the occasion
of this presentation the attention is certain to be fixed, and the
matter of the papers is discussed for sometime afterwards.
Four new members have been received on profession; two heads of
families and two young people. One has been received by letter.
One of those uniting on profession—a man—had long been the subject
of prayer by a wife, mother, sister, son and other friends, but at
last the stubborn heart has yielded, and he is free.
The “Ministerial Association,” formed last year, and consisting
of the ministers from the various colored churches, has been
holding its meetings this year. The association meets at the study
or residence of each pastor, in turn. The time of the meeting is
occupied in discussing doctrines, presenting plans of sermons,
and deciding upon practical subjects to present to their various
congregations.
The Sabbath-school still continues in interest, and is growing in
strength. I well remember that, a few years ago, when the Northern
teachers who were laboring in the Sabbath-school went home for
their vacation, we with difficulty secured a few to take their
places; but now, superintendent, organist and teachers could be
secured from resident members of the school.
The church is now in charge of Brother A. J. Headen, a student from
the Theological Department of Talladega College.
I will add that the interest in Burrell School is not diminishing.
The school was never so far advanced in studies before, and for
the coming year the prospect is good for having quite a number
of advanced pupils. We seem to be keeping a hold upon our older
pupils. I have a class of them in one study this summer. Some are
becoming very proficient in vocal music, singing by note.
* * * * *
Anniversary of Trinity School—A Grateful People.
REV. HORACE J. TAYLOR, ATHENS.
The thirteenth anniversary of the commencement of Trinity School
occurred on the 28th of last May. On the Sabbath previous the
anniversary sermon was preached by the pastor. The scholars had
prepared themselves for the exercises of Tuesday evening. At the
appointed hour the church was full of a bright-faced throng of old
and young. A class of little girls, dressed in white, stood on each
side of the broad central aisle; and as Miss Wells (who begun the
school May 28th, 1865) advanced, they spread flowers in her way.
She was conducted to her seat, which was covered with flowers. The
exercises consisted of speeches, compositions, and music. One old
man—Uncle Dennis Collier—said he was very grateful to Miss Wells
for what she had done for him. He was blind, and couldn’t learn to
read, but his “wife was the grandmother of sixty-six children,” and
he doubtless felt that he had through them received a full share
of the benefits of the school. She had done him favors, he said,
“and if you want to know what kind of favors, here’s one of ’em,”
as he vigorously shook his coat. Then the offerings of flowers were
brought forward, and it seemed as if Miss Wells would be buried in
the mass of roses, lilies, magnolias, etc.
These anniversaries do the people good, and enable them to look
back and compare their condition in May, 1865, with their present
condition, and to learn more forcibly what it is that is lifting
them up.
School closed on the 28th of June. The examinations were on the
afternoons of the 25th, 26th, and 27th. The schoolrooms were
crowded with people from the neighborhood; they were of every
shade from black to white, but all “colored.” All the classes were
examined, from the little “tots” to those in grammar, analysis, and
algebra. The examinations showed patient drill on the part of the
teachers, and generally work on that of the scholars.
Friday afternoon and evening—the 28th—occurred the exhibition.
Compositions, declamations, orations and music instructed and
amused the audience till well along to midnight. All were pleased
and edified. The colored people remember that, before the war,
they sometimes went to anniversaries and exhibitions of the white
people, but now they can attend those of their own.
* * * * *
A Gospel Ship.
REV. PETER. J. MCINTOSH, PASTOR, ANNISTON.
The church building stood unoccupied about one year after the
students of Talladega Theological Class, under the direction of
Rev. H. E. Brown, had ceased to work upon it. Mr. Albert Brown and
J. R. McLean, students at Talladega, labored to organize a church
here, but the denominational prejudice was so great that they both
were compelled to give up in despair.
I came to this place in April, 1875. My first sermon was preached
to a benevolent society, which assembled in the church building.
The society numbered about 100 members. You can imagine how
earnestly I plead with my heavenly Father that He might give me a
place in the hearts of these people. I preached from 1 Cor. xiii,
13, dwelling largely upon charity, interpreted love. I see before
me to-day those faces which were indexes to so many prejudiced
minds, as they commenced to show approval of my discourse. At
the close of the services, I asked the people if they would meet
me here in this house and take part in carrying on a series of
meetings, two weeks from that time. They said they would.
On my arrival at the church at the appointed time for the meetings
to begin, I found the church crowded to its utmost capacity. We
held meetings for one week, which resulted in the conversion of
six persons, and the willingness of three others to join with
me in the formation of a church. Rev. H. E. Brown came up from
Talladega, and, on the 23rd of May, 1875, assisted by the Methodist
minister of the white church of this place, organized the First
Congregational Church of Anniston. With these nine members (all
heads of families) I took charge of the church, being elected by
them as pastoral supply. I preached here once in every two weeks,
and pursued my studies at Talladega.
During my absence, Brother A. J. Logan took charge of the church
services, and conducted them as faithfully as any one could have
done under the same circumstances. (He was one of the converts).
With these means, we set sail on the ocean of God’s eternal power.
We drifted on until we reached October, 1875, at which time we took
on board nine more passengers for glory. We again set sail with the
eighteen passengers on board. By October, 1876, finding that we
numbered forty-two, we deemed it expedient to stop over, and thank
God for bringing us so far on our journey towards the heavenly
Jerusalem.
It would have inspired every reader of this article to have heard
the words of thanksgiving and rejoicing, and to have seen the
sympathizing tears, as they stole silently down the cheeks of those
who had previously opposed the work here on account of its name and
obscure history to the colored people. Permit me to say just here
that many of the aristocratic whites of our village took part in
the above-stated exercises.
We anchored here for some time, making repairs and casting
overboard all who were diseased with intemperance and other
maladies, which are so common to those who are not willing to
resist the devil.
We rejoiced that the great Physician of souls had so wonderfully
preserved all of our number except six. One had taken the ship of
time, and sailed into eternity on the 26th of November, 1876—“Peace
be to his ashes”; three took leave for other churches; thus leaving
us thirty-two passengers for the next tour.
After repairing all things needful, we set sail again, with a full
supply of _love_, _truth_ and _mercy_. We landed in the midst of
a glorious revival, in September, 1877. Here we took on board
nineteen passengers more, and one on the 7th day of July, 1878.
A few days ago the church committee took account of stock, and
found that we have on board the gospel ship fifty-two _soldiers of
the Cross_, varying in age from thirteen to sixty, all of whom are
ready for the next tour, upon which we expect to start out on the
second Sabbath in September, 1878.
We have in our community some of the finest colored people in the
State of Alabama, most of whom are absolute strangers to Christ. We
most humbly solicit a petition in the prayers of each one who reads
this article.
* * * * *
MISSISSIPPI.
Grenada.
[_Extracts from, the Grenada Sentinel of June 29th._]
A representative of the _Sentinel_ witnessed the closing exercises
on Friday night, the 21st inst., of one of our colored schools,
under the management of Miss Anna Harwood and Miss Carrie Segur,
which was an exhibition most creditable to both teachers and
pupils, receiving praises from all who attended. The audience was
very large, among whom we noticed quite a number of prominent
white citizens, both ladies and gentlemen. The call for order,
accompanied with the request for good behavior, and that there
should be no talking or stamping of feet, was, considering the
immense throng which filled the church, well observed, and we
doubt not that all went away pleased and highly gratified with the
exhibition. The exercises were commenced with an opening chorus,
entitled, “Hold the Fort,” which was followed with prayer, by Elder
J. D. Williams. The declamations, dialogues, songs, etc., were all
very fairly rendered, and, in several instances, worthy of special
mention.
That the teachers deserve not only the congratulations of the
patrons of the school, but the encouragement and kindest regards
of every lover and promoter of education in our community, we
think all who were present, at least, will agree. That the colored
people are progressing, and that rapidly, too, in an educational
point of view, is a fact beyond any doubt, we will venture to say,
in the minds of those who have given the subject even a casual
investigation. We are impressed with the idea that our people in
general have not yet given to this system of free education that
reflection to which it is so richly entitled. But we are also
impressed with its growing favor, and the importance that will be
attached to the institution at no distant day. It is not only our
duty, but we should endeavor to make it our pleasure to encourage,
improve and build up our free schools.
* * * * *
KENTUCKY.
Berea College Commencement.