for the higher courses. In the Normal course, special attention
is given to those studies which will furnish young men and women
with the education needed in the various branches of business
life open to them, and which especially will qualify them as
teachers, for which there is, and must continue to be, a great
demand. In the Collegiate Department—which includes, among other
studies, the higher Mathematics, Mental and Moral Philosophy,
and Latin—a higher grade and wider scope of studies will be
added so soon as there is a demand for them. The school is yet
in its infancy, and the number of those who are fitted to pursue
to advantage the highest grade of studies is, of course, very
limited.
LAW DEPARTMENT.
An able corps of Professors has been secured. Jurists of
reputation and successful practice at the bar of Louisiana have
kindly offered their services, with little hope of adequate
compensation, and every facility is provided for young men of
talent, who are attracted by the profession of the law, to
fit themselves for honorable and successful practice. Regular
graduates from this department, at the conclusion of a two years’
course of study, and a well sustained examination, are admitted
to the bar of New Orleans, with authority to practice in all the
courts of the Commonwealth.
THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.
College graduates, who can be instructed in the original
languages in which the Scriptures were written, are greatly
desired, and until they can be secured, this department will
but partially accomplish the object for which it was organized.
The churches need thoroughly educated ministers, with carefully
cultivated minds, who can intelligently preach the word. The
degree of suffering for the lack of such ministers cannot be
told. In the meantime, it is our aim to make the best use of
the material we have, and transform it from a state of utter
crudeness to one of partial fitness for the present demands of
the churches. Men of piety and ability to speak and to teach are
received, and advanced as far and as rapidly as their imperfect
preparatory education will admit. Louisiana, with a colored
population of 370,000, is ripe for a glorious spiritual harvest.
The churches are calling in vain for intelligent laborers to go
forth into the harvest. I wish the prospect was brighter for a
large class of intelligent, spiritual, and enthusiastic students
to enter this department, and to lift it to a high grade of
usefulness.
THE NEW UNIVERSITY.
The building on Esplanade street, built in 1870, was entirely
destroyed by fire February 16th, 1877. Since that disastrous
event, our sessions have been held in Central Church, which
is also the property of the American Missionary Association.
A new site, more convenient and attractive, was purchased in
January last. It is located on Canal street, the most beautiful
avenue in New Orleans. It comprises a half square of land, 150
feet front by 310 feet in depth. The new building, for whose
design great credit is due to Prof. Thomas N. Chase, while not
adhering strictly to any style of architecture, may be classed
as _Italian_, as it approaches more nearly to that order. The
dimensions of the building are 72 feet by 51½ feet. The five
large recitation rooms are 30 feet by 50½ feet. The halls are
10 feet in width. The building is conveniently arranged, and all
the requirements of the school, we think, have been anticipated
in its design. The funds at the disposal of the Association did
not admit of ornamentation; but the building, when completed,
will be substantial, convenient, and comely. It will be ready
for dedication and occupation at the opening of the fall term,
October 1st. Grateful as we are for this new structure, we are
not satisfied; neither should the friends of the freedmen in the
North be satisfied. Straight University, in order to fill the
measure of its usefulness, and cultivate the territory open to
its occupation, must furnish accommodations for students from
abroad—from towns outside of New Orleans, and from adjoining
States. It must have _dormitories_. Two buildings, one on
either side of the main building, are urgently needed, and at
the earliest possible day. Then, when our group of buildings
are completed, we can invite and welcome the best talent of the
race, at whatever distance from New Orleans it may be found.
Then our beloved University will become, among the educational
institutions of the South-west—and especially of the Gulf
States—the magnet, attracting to itself the best in intellect,
in heart, and in promise of future good.
* * * * *
VIRGINIA.
Additions to the Church—An Indian’s Creed—A Good Beginning.
REV. RICHARD TOLMAN, HAMPTON.
Four students united with the church by profession the first
Sabbath in May. It is several years since any Communion season
has passed without some additions to the church.
The fifteen Indians who have lately joined the school have taken
hold of study and of manual labor with commendable zeal, and
give promise of becoming good teachers and guides of their race.
One of them now shows evidence of Christian character. Their
promptness and decision, as to the duties required of them, were
put to the test in reference to the use of tobacco, to which they
were so strongly attached that, as one of them said:—“There are
three things I love: I love God; I love Jesus; I love smoke.”
When asked if they would comply with the rules of the school,
prohibiting the use of tobacco, after considering the matter
awhile in silence, one of them gave an expressive sign that he
would cut loose from tobacco; and then all the others gave the
same significant pledge—a pledge which, their teacher assures
us, they will never break.
* * * * *
SOUTH CAROLINA.
History of “Avery” Graduates.
PROF. A. W. FARNHAM, CHARLESTON, S. C.
Avery Normal Institute was organized in Charleston, S. C.,
October, 1865. The first formal graduation occurred in June,
1872, at which time eleven young people received diplomas from
the Institute. A class has been graduated each succeeding year,
numbering as follows: In 1873, fourteen; 1874, six; 1875,
fifteen; 1876, nineteen (including one post-graduate); 1877,
twenty-two—giving a total of eighty-six. Of this number, death
has taken five.
Our school aims to fit its graduates to be competent teachers.
Forty-six have been engaged in the public schools of the
State—schools first in rank, in scholarship, and discipline.
Forty-one of the forty-six are teaching to-day; seventeen hold
State certificates.
One young man of the class of 1872 is an ordained minister. He
was also graduated at South Carolina University in 1877. Another
from that class, and one from the succeeding class, are studying
with the ministry in view—one at Madison University, New York,
the other at Atlanta University, Georgia. Three others from later
classes are in higher institutions, preparing themselves to
preach the Gospel.
Our graduates bid fair to represent all the professions. One is
in Howard University, studying medicine, and one in the leading
Normal school of our county, preparing for teaching. The total
number in higher institutions is seven, while four more have
already received the degree of A. B. Five others were in South
Carolina University when it closed its doors. These young men
were ready to enter the Junior year of the College course when
their studies were so abruptly ended. With one exception, they
are teaching.
Thirty-eight of our graduates are members of Evangelical
churches; twenty at present are engaged in Sunday-school work.
“By their fruits ye shall know them.” But is this all that Avery
has done? No! Her influence has pervaded the homes of hundreds,
and the lives of thousands. Her light has shone in every quarter
of the State; and other lands are destined to share in her
gifts, for the good ship Azor is carrying three of her pupils to
“Africa’s sunny fountains.”
The questions are often asked: “What per cent. of your school is
brown?” “Don’t the browns receive instruction more readily than
the blacks?” The query, in the minds of so many, has led to an
actual count of the graduates with regard to color, which gives:
_Black_, 19; _brown_, 55; _fair_, 12. But, “the Lord is the maker
of them all;” nor is He “a respecter of persons.” We sow “beside
all waters.” “What shall the harvest be?”
* * * * *
GEORGIA.
Pilgrim Church and Sunday-School—Band of Hope—Twichell School.
REV. JOHN H. H. SENGSTACKE, WOODVILLE.
This small settlement of colored people is situated three miles
west of Savannah, Ga. It was bought by a Northern agent, and
divided into half-acre lots, which are now selling, on the
instalment plan, for seventy-five dollars each. The houses are
very small and uncomfortable; but since the American Missionary
Association has erected a new meeting-house and parsonage, the
people have commenced to put up better dwellings, and a strong
love for home comforts is gradually taking hold upon the masses.
The inhabitants of Woodville obtain a living by selling in the
city market, or laboring in gardens and on rice plantations. In
this settlement there are two groceries, and three on its border,
where strong drink is sold, even on the Lord’s day.
The only house of worship in this place is the Pilgrim
Congregational Church. This church was organized in 1871 as the
Woodville Church, and re-organized in 1875 as the Pilgrim Church.
A new site was chosen, and the present meeting-house was erected
in the same year. This church has been a great blessing to the
people. A deep religious feeling has prevailed in our midst, and
many have become savingly acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. Mr. Markham is deeply interested in this little church,
and a great assistant to the young pastor in charge. A revival
is still in progress; twenty persons have been recently added
to the church, and seven are waiting to be received at the next
Communion.
The Sabbath-school is prospering. We have no well qualified
teachers as yet, but Twichell School is preparing instructors for
this work. We need lesson papers and other papers. Who will help
us in this direction? Our Band of Hope consists of both adults
and children. This society is working hard to save men from a
drunkard’s grave, and hell. It has much opposition to overcome.
The rum-sellers and whisky-drinking church-people are its worst
enemies.
TWICHELL SCHOOL.—This school is held in the church, and is
taught by the pastor. Through the benevolence of the A. M. A.
and the Congregational Church Sabbath-school at Grand Rapids,
Mich., we have been able to instruct hundreds of children, and
it is pleasing to know that our labor has not been in vain, for
many of the little ones are rejoicing in Christ the Lord. Mrs. S.
N. M., of Dubuque, Iowa, “the Merry Workers,” at Grand Rapids,
Mich., and other Northern friends, deserve our sincere thanks
for the deep interest they have taken in this work. Every effort
put forth in the name of Jesus to elevate this ignorant people
deserves the heartiest encouragement.
* * * * *
School Children Farming—Their Parents Buying Farms.
SEABORN SNELSON, MCINTOSH.
Our school is very small, as it always is at this season of the
year, the children having to assist their parents in farming.
For that reason, during the summer months of the previous years,
we have had to teach about two hours at night, for the benefit
of those who could not come in the daytime. We have not yet
commenced night-school this year, though it is desired by many.
There are many children in our neighborhood who belong to our
school, but we find it very difficult to get all, or the most of
them, to attend school regularly. We have a pretty good average
attendance, but do not at all times have the same scholars, which
causes much discord and delay.
The children seem to be anxious to learn, but it is done in
the midst of hardships which are uncommon to children in many
other places. The older people are not as much interested in the
education of their children as they should be, by a great deal.
Only two schools for the colored children are kept up during the
year in this county, namely, Second Midway and Old Midway. There
are other places I know of in this county, where much might be
done in the way of instructing the people in the right way, and
they would be very glad to receive it; but the aid is wanting.
About two-thirds of the colored people in this county are trying
to buy land, and really some have succeeded in so doing; but it
is done by about four years’ _hard_ labor and strict economy.
There is very little money in this county, and it will be so
until the colored people pay for and take possession of these
lands. After a couple of years they will be able to do much for
themselves in many ways.
* * * * *
A Growing School—A Literary Society.
COSMO P. JORDAN, MARIETTA.
The Mission School at Marietta was opened Oct. 15th, 1877,
with four pupils only. The 2d day of January, 1878, there were
fourteen. The end of January found a roll of thirty-seven, which
has steadily increased to seventy-two. It may be seen that the
growth of this school was not very rapid, from the fact that it
was opposed by many of the colored people in the city. But the
more water they threw on this little spark, the brighter and
faster it burned, till it has become a centre of attraction.
Friends of this work are fast multiplying, and the future seems
bright.
My school is composed of some very bright and promising young
men and women, seven of whom go out every summer to teach. The
studies are spelling, reading, writing, geography, composition,
grammar, and arithmetic.
To this work is attached a literary society, known as the Junto,
the exercises of which consist of reading, speaking, discussions,
and singing. It was likewise opposed, but is now as largely
attended as any church in the city.
* * * * *
MISSISSIPPI.
An Old School—Temperance Work—The Gourd Family.
MISS ANNA HARWOOD, GRENADA.
Our school, in age, ranks among the older ones, having been
established in the Spring of 1866, and we have been its teachers
continuously up to the present time. First, we were missionary
teachers; after a time the Freedmen’s Bureau lent us its aid,
until the organization of free schools by the State; thereafter,
we taught the public school until last year.
During all these years of varying fortunes our school has
steadily progressed, until there has grown up around us a
generation of young people, not great, nor wise, nor learned,
only as they are compared with those who have gone before them;
but, standing out from the blackness of darkness of twelve years
ago, they furnish a bright and hopeful outlook.
We organized a Temperance society early in our work here, and it
has never died out. We, several years ago, gave the control into
the hands of the young people, being only members, for service,
when needed. They have changed names, and banners, and badges
more than once—just now it is blue ribbon—but the object has
always been the same. Our Sunday-school has always claimed our
best efforts, and we are glad to know that more than two-thirds
of our older scholars are professing Christians. But the work
done is but a drop compared with that which is not done. We
have lived to see very many hopes and dreams fade out, and to
learn that manhood and womanhood are not plants of the gourd
family—Jonah’s kind, at least. The knowledge of what we have
not done, and cannot do, is sometimes very hard to bear; and,
perhaps, we have thus learned to do what we can the more gladly,
feeling sure that we, ourselves, grow thereby. And maybe this is
a part of the work, for we, too, are our Father’s children.
* * * * *
THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY.
Its Catholicity—Closing Exercises.
The year of the Theological Department of Howard University has
just closed. This department is under the joint care and support
of the Presbytery of Washington, and of the American Missionary
Association. The former sustains Rev. L. Westcott, as Professor
of Revealed Theology and Biblical History, and Rev. A. W. Pitzer,
D. D., as Professor of Biblical Studies and Moral Science; the
latter supplies the instruction given by the President, Rev.
Wm. W. Patton, D. D., in Natural Theology, the Evidences of
Revealed Religion, and Hebrew, and by Rev. John G. Butler, D.
D., in Pastoral Theology, Church History, and Homiletics. The
theological students this year have numbered thirty-two. These
are in all stages of preparation for their expected work. Several
are already ministers, and are preaching, every Sunday, as
pastors of colored churches in Washington; but, having had no
early advantages, they are making up deficiencies as best they
can.
The theological students come from seven different denominations,
while their instructors represent four. This is an unusual
illustration of Christian union, and shows how much can be done,
on a simple evangelical basis, for meeting the pressing wants
of the colored population of our land. The work needs to be
conducted on a broad, generous basis. We can thus introduce a
powerful leaven of truth and righteousness where it is especially
needed. The plan of instruction has been, to meet the special
wants of each individual according to his age, his forwardness
or backwardness of study, the time that he could remain, etc.
Such as have enjoyed a classical education, are encouraged to
take the regular three years’ course pursued in all theological
seminaries. Others are taught what is found to be most needed
to fit them for their work, in the form of English studies. Six
have studied the Hebrew this year, and they passed a creditable
examination in the grammar, and in translation, averaging quite
as well as ordinary white students in theological institutions.
These students also attend the Bible-class conducted by the
president on the morning of the Lord’s day, and his preaching
service in the afternoon, in the latter of which he has lately,
in a series of discourses, pointed out the weakness and absurdity
of modern skepticism, as an antidote to the influence of the
infidel lecturer, popularly called “Bob” Ingersoll, who has taken
up his abode in Washington.
Although the theological students have numbered thirty-two this
year, it so happens that but one has completed his course; and
as a distinguished clergyman who, it was hoped, would deliver
the address at the anniversary, failed us at too late a moment
to substitute any one else, the closing exercises took the form
of a debate by eight of the young men, on this question: “Has
a church a right to make total abstinence from intoxicating
drinks a condition of membership?” This point was debated with
much earnestness and shrewdness, and arguments, _pro_ and _con_,
were drawn ingeniously from reason and Scripture in a way which
testified favorably to the abilities of the speakers. One of
the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States takes a
deep interest in this department of the University, and lately
expressed himself emphatically in favor of encouraging and
endowing it, as an important means of elevating the colored
ministry and churches of all denominations. Its friends
anticipate for it a future bright with usefulness.
* * * * *
THE INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONVENTION.
MRS. T. N. CHASE, ATLANTA.
As gems are valued by their rarity, so you can imagine how such a
gathering as the Sunday-school Convention seemed to us in Georgia.
We were favored, not more by hearing the appointed speakers in
the great Convention, than by the personal presence and good
words of many of its delegates in our own school-room. Gen. Fisk,
who has given not only his name, but his heart and hand to our
Fisk University, took Atlanta and the Convention by storm with
his happy address of welcome. It seems to me our young men can
never lose the inspiration of hope and courage that must have
come to them from him, whose youthful struggles had even exceeded
many of their own. Then we heard Dr. H. M. Parsons. All who
ever listened to him will understand how, at the close of his
words, we felt that, next to the Rock Christ Jesus, there was
not beneath the sun so firm a foundation as our blessed Bible.
Another day, Dr. McVicar, a college president from Montreal,
warned us of the Jesuits, with an earnestness such as, perhaps,
only a good Scotch Presbyterian could feel. Then we had “Hope
Ledyard,” the charming correspondent, whose young life seems too
exquisitely moulded to have always escaped the loving Father’s
crucible.
Best of all, we had good words from many not heard in the
Convention, and, perhaps, unknown to fame. There was Judge
Harman, of Oswego. How his clear eye took in the large
possibilities of our work, and how his great heart went out
toward us! As he warned us of the perils of a life without Jesus,
and the depths of despair into which life’s trials could plunge a
soul unsupported by the Everlasting Arms, his peaceful face and
silvery hair assuring us he knew whereof he affirmed, some of
us had rare glimpses into the blessed beyond. The words of Rev.
A. P. Foster, Dr. Tully, and several that I was prevented from
hearing, so lifted both teachers and pupils above the plane of
plodding school life, that we almost trembled to look down. The
fact that many such men, of kindred mind and heart, filled the
silent pews of the Convention, seemed to me the secret of its
power. We had heard as good papers from other platforms, but the
sight of such a body, all delighting in the Master’s command,
“Feed My lambs,” was enough to send us to our homes feeling, as
one of our girls expressed it, “I know I shall be a better woman
for having attended the Convention.”
In response to an invitation for the delegates to visit our
school, Governor Colquitt, who presided, remarked to the
Convention: “The University is a good place to visit, and is
doing a good work”; and added that he had a servant who had
attended our school some years, and the instruction received
there had not pushed him above his position—he was the same
humble, faithful boy about his work. Every summer he came to him
for a recommendation to teach, which he cheerfully gave him, and
the boy always returned in the fall the same good, modest young
man.
Dr. McVicar also took a public occasion to express his
appreciation of our work. After the close of his sermon, at
the Central Presbyterian Church here, while recounting to the
audience the many things of interest he had enjoyed in their
city, he remarked that he had recently visited most of the
universities of Europe, and added that nothing in Atlanta, or
the great universities abroad, had interested him so heartily as
their Atlanta University.
* * * * *
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN CONFERENCE.
REV. W. S. ALEXANDER.
New Iberia was the place selected for our Annual Meeting this
year, April 3-5, and one more attractive, or more important to
the general interests of our work, could not have been chosen.
This church was organized in 1866, and has a membership of 117,
of which thirty have been received on profession of faith the
past year. The population of the city is about 3,000, of whom
nearly, if not quite, fifty per cent. are colored.
The South-western Conference is composed of fourteen
Congregational churches, of which twelve were represented at our
Annual Meeting.
The reports from the churches showed very clearly that the past
year had been one of marked activity and spiritual prosperity.
Several churches, as the Central, in New Orleans, and St. Mark’s,
in Terrebonne, have been blessed with revivals of great power.
Other churches have been cutting off dead branches, and putting
themselves in condition for better service. In tabulating the
reports, I find that the present membership of the churches of
our Conference is 806. There have been added on profession during
the year (ending April 1st, 1878,) _one hundred and thirteen_,
and four by letter. Forty-seven adults and _eighty babies_ have
been baptized.