at the Immanuel Presbyterian Chapel of this city. The young man
is about twenty-two years old, was born in San Francisco, though
he has spent most of his life in China. This is the sixth of the
Chinamen that have been received into the churches of this city.
Three have been enrolled among the members of the Fourth Avenue
Presbyterian Church, Dr. Howard Crosby’s.
—The first Chinaman was admitted to citizenship in the United
States by naturalization, last week, and we count the event an
auspicious one just at this time. The man is Wong Ah Lee; by
trade he is a cigar-maker, and his wife is an Irish-woman. With
a view, mainly, to make a case which can be carried up to a
conclusive decision from the highest court, the Judge here ruled
that a Chinaman is either white or black, and so must come in.
California’s ruling has been that a Mongolian is neither white or
black, and so cannot come in.—_Congregationalist_, December 4.
* * * * *
OUR QUERY COLUMN.
_Query._—South of the Ohio River the work of caring for the
sick falls to the colored people. During the past weeks there
has been greater demand for skilled nurses than for competent
teachers. How can A. M. A. schools prepare their students for
this important profession? What is the best method of instructing
pupils in a knowledge of the simpler details concerning the
proper care of the sick?
TEACHER.
We shall be glad to have full answers to this important inquiry
from those who have had experience. It calls attention to a most
important part of the teacher’s work. Meanwhile, we would suggest
that the _Hampton Sanitary Tracts_ may be found very useful for
distribution, or to be read to older pupils and parents. The first
three can be obtained by addressing the “Hampton Tract Editing
Committee,” Hampton Institute, Va. The cost is five cents apiece,
or four dollars a hundred copies. They are entitled: No. 1, “The
Health Laws of Moses;” No. 2, “Preventable Diseases;” No. 3, “Duty
of Teachers.” This last seems to be exactly addressed to the case
in hand.
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
* * * * *
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Revival in Howard University.
Rev. Wm. W. Patton, D.D., President.
You will be glad to hear that there is much religious interest in
our institution at the present time. It has been gradually coming
on all the autumn, but was greatly aided by the week of prayer
held by the Young Men’s Christian Association of the University in
concert with other Associations. Some ten or twelve of the students
think that they have begun the new life lately, and we look for
further good results. This is highly encouraging, as showing that
in addition to the educational advantages which gather around our
location, spiritual blessings may also be received. We desire the
prayers of all Christians that the work may be continued with
power. Our theological students have been deeply interested in the
meetings for prayer, and have rendered valuable aid.
* * * * *
VIRGINIA.
A Destitute County.
The following extract from a letter by an esteemed friend in a
central county in Virginia is suggestive of the many dark places
throughout the South yet unreached by the school or the church:
The field in this county alone is an ample one. The colored
population of the county largely exceeds the white, and the yearly
ratio of increase is in excess of the white. A half generation has
passed since the era of emancipation, and it is melancholy, indeed,
to any Christian mind and heart, to contemplate how rapidly this
portion of the population, in the very heart of one of the oldest
States in the Union, is crowding the broad road to perdition;
how, in the entire absence of all organized efforts for elemental
education and proper religious instruction, they are relapsing into
semi-heathenism. There is not to-day a single school of any kind
or character for them within the limits of the county (which may
be safely estimated to contain five thousand souls of all ages and
sexes of the colored race), except the Sabbath-school which has
been taught by the writer.
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
New Church at Shelby Iron Works—Talladega a Missionary Centre.
Rev. G. W. Andrews, Talladega.
A Congregational church of twenty-one members was organized
Oct. 10th, at Shelby Iron Works, Alabama. This is the fifteenth
Congregational church planted by the A. M. A. in this State. Eight
of them are in the vicinity of Talladega College, the most distant
being forty miles away. They are the out-growth of the mission work
carried on by the teachers and pupils of the college.
This new church at Shelby begins its existence under most favorable
circumstances, most of its members being present or former pupils
of the college. All are colored people; two are preparing for the
ministry; one has been a student at Oberlin, Ohio; one was for some
time a resident of Hartford, Ct., and more recently of Columbus,
Ohio, a graduate of the high school there and a former pupil here;
one is principal of an academy of ten years’ standing at Shelby and
a graduate from Talladega. With two or three exceptions, all of
them have for some years been trained in our Sunday-schools. The
Shelby Iron Company is in hearty sympathy with the movement; the
Superintendent, himself a Methodist, coming into the preliminary
meeting and saying publicly that the Iron Company would look with
peculiar favor on this church should it be organized, recognizing
as it did the necessity for more intelligent Christian instruction
for the colored people.
The sectarian walls, which in the South are built heaven-high,
have in this particular place been badly shattered. There is no
outspoken opposition on the part of the colored people, as in every
other place known to me. The different denominations worship in the
same building, the lower story being devoted to the school and the
upper one to the churches. The Iron Company own about two-thirds of
the building, the original cost being three thousand dollars.
I suppose there are a million of dollars invested by the Shelby
Iron Company at this place, mostly owned in the North. One owner
is an honored member of the Centre Church, Hartford, Ct.; another,
of the Park St. Church, Boston; another is a Massachusetts man
well known among “iron men” both in this country and abroad. The
Superintendent is a noble Christian man from Illinois, and was a
colonel in the recent war. Several of the local managers are from
the North, some are from the South. Most of the workmen, white
and colored, who stand all day side by side, are gathered from
the surrounding region. Here the North and South meet and learn
to know and love each other. The Iron Company is helping to solve
the great national problem no less truly than missionary schools
and churches. It seems to me sometimes that its entire business
is carried on as a kind of missionary enterprise on the broadest
basis. Owning thirty thousand acres of land immediately about the
“Iron Works,” it exercises wholesome restraint over all classes.
Nothing seems to be overlooked; the church, the school, the home,
the village morals, the town adornments and the State, are all
cared for.
Talladega College, a college only in name yet, is the rallying
point for our missionary work in this State. It is just such a
college as a missionary college should be, its whole work as a
school being subordinate to the church. It is a training school,
patterned after the missionary colleges of the American Board.
Its grand aim is to raise up a native ministry so as to plant
churches, and through them carry an intelligent gospel to the
masses. We are not especially afraid that there will be any lack
of school-teachers. With our eye fixed steadily on our missionary
work, enough who cannot attain to the Christian ministry will
become teachers, and they, catching the spirit of the institution,
will become missionary teachers. It is surprising to see how this
spirit has taken possession of our pupils. There is scarcely one
who goes into the country to teach who does not organize his
Sabbath-school as promptly as his day-school, and pursue it with
even more interest. It is the first thing he reports on his return.
Hundreds are converted by this means; Bibles, tracts, religious
literature, and light are spread in all directions; thus are
constantly carried forward many Sabbath-schools, and through them a
glorious pioneer Christian work. Out of this work have grown eight
churches, so near to the college as to be its special care, and in
which a hundred conversions are reported for the summer just ended.
Of the twenty pupils in the Theological department, all have been
reaping in this missionary field during the summer vacation, about
one-half as preachers. The home church takes a lively interest in
them during their absence. Prayer is made to God without ceasing
in their behalf, and often interested members go out to aid them
in their revival meetings. Letters are constantly received from
them to be read at the monthly missionary concert, and public
thanksgiving is rendered for the good work they report. Thus is
maintained a lively interest in Christian missions and Christian
work.
There has been an evident increase of interest in our mission
churches about the college this summer; all but one report revivals
of greater or less power; one reports thirty-two additions by
confession; four report the completion of their houses of worship,
free of debt—houses hitherto unplastered and otherwise much
exposed, but now neat and comfortable, and everybody is happy
over it. One is building a new house of worship unlike any of
the others; it is built of logs, large and commodious. One poor
fellow was so intent on pushing forward to completion his house
of worship, that he expended all his salary for the summer, and
then pawned his Sunday clothes. On his return to school he reports
twenty-three conversions, his house of worship completed, but no
money in his pocket. If ever there was a man worthy of aid, he is.
He is now in my back-yard sawing wood. You will hear from him some
day. These young prophets of the Lord are making rapid progress in
the knowledge of the Bible and the system of theology, and wherever
they go, are beginning to be recognized by all classes as well
qualified to break the Bread of Life to their people.
I am glad to report that the white people, seeing the character
and efficiency of these young men, are coming to understand and
appreciate our work. I believe they heartily approve what we are
doing. I have repeatedly experienced their hospitality this summer,
and had many conversations with them relating to our mission here.
From the president of a well-known college, down to the poor man
who did not know his letters, I have found nothing but approval.
The time is not far distant when this approval will be more
outspoken and pronounced. When the Christian men of the South and
your missionary workers from the North understand each other, from
that day they are one in Christian work. We bless God for this new
feast of love. Pray that no political excitement may interrupt the
growing good feeling.
* * * * *
The Thin End of the Wedge—A First Thanksgiving Service.
REV. WILLIAM H. ASH, FLORENCE.
Our work here in Florence is the “thin end of the wedge,” and with
sufficient facilities, the smiles of the Master, and patience
in its workers, great good will result. The services are well
attended, and sometimes the house is disagreeably filled, and we
are without the proper means of ventilation. The members of the
church begged me to express for them to the Association their
sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the _new organ_ sent them; it
has increased the interest of our services greatly. Last Thursday,
Nov. 28, the first Thanksgiving service ever held in this place
among the colored people was observed in our church; therefore it
has a history in connection with our work here. I made it a union
service, inviting the Baptists and Methodists to worship with us.
This congregation of Baptists, Methodists, and Congregationalists
worshipped as though Christ was the Head of the Church, instead of
any one of the denominations present. The service was solemn and
intelligent. It truly seemed that the Lord was in His holy temple.
After service a gentleman of about sixty or seventy years of age
said, “I have been here forty years, but I never heard of such a
thing as a Thanksgiving service among the colored people.” This is
the “dawn of a new age.” Pray for us.
* * * * *
MISSOURI.
Free Schools in the State.
REV. J. E. ROY, D. D., FIELD SUPERINTENDENT.
This noble Western State, plowed by war and sowed to freedom, is
now coming on with harvests of temporal and moral prosperity.
As I have been going over its territory, looking after the five
school-houses of the Association, I have been delighted with the
evidences of progress in the free school system. It is a great joy
to see in these cities and towns the new, large, two-story brick
school-houses of modern style and furnishing. The system works
more slowly into the back settlements. But in a Kansas City paper
I see it stated that in the country places of Jackson County there
are _one hundred and fifty_ of these schools. At Warrensburg I saw
the imposing three-story stone edifice of the State Normal School,
built by that town and its county of Johnson, and now occupied by
_four hundred_ pupils from every part of the State.
Special provision is made in the law for its enforcement in behalf
of free schools for the colored children. These are managed by
the same school board and are supported from the same tax fund.
These officers are compelled to provide schools wherever there are
fifteen of such scholars in the district. If they fail to do it,
it is the duty of the Superintendent to require it to be done. I
met one case where the out-districts declined to co-operate with
the Board in this matter, when only a threatened appeal to the
Superintendent brought them to terms. I have been gratified to
see the heartiness with which the five boards I have dealt with
are pushing the free school system in behalf of blacks as well as
whites. Nor have I been deceived, as some may imagine.
The Lincoln Institute at the Capitol, as a Normal School for
colored teachers, receives an annual appropriation from the State
of $5,000. A democratic editor told me that that was considered as
a matter of honor, and that so there was no danger of its being
discontinued. This institution of sacred name had also a sacred
origin. For its founding, the 62d and 65th Regiments of U. S.
colored infantry, when discharged from service in January, 1866,
contributed a fund of $6,379. The Freedmen’s Bureau furnished
$8,000; the Western Sanitary Commission, $2,000; and agents Beal
and Lane raised $2,000. The building is of brick, 60×70 feet,
three stories high, a comely structure crowning a hill just out
of Jefferson City. Its current catalogue enrolls 123 students. It
is controlled by a local board, of which the Governor and State
Superintendent are _ex-officio_ members. Revs. R. D. Foster and M.
Henry Smith have served as principals the most of the time since
it was opened in 1871.
The Association has its five school houses at Troy, Fulton,
Westport, Warrensburg and Lebanon. These were procured in part by
aid from the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1867–9. They were at first run by
teachers sent from the North, but were gradually taken up by the
local school boards. I find them all in such use now. Three will
probably be sold to those boards at their present low valuation.
Two will be sold to local colored Methodist churches, as the
schools require larger and better houses, which the authorities
intend to build. These houses have also been used all the time as
places of worship by the colored people. The seven or eight colored
teachers in these schools were educated in Lincoln, Fisk, and
kindred institutions. I have found them young people of character,
and of tact in handling their schools. They have to be examined.
They receive from $35 to $45 a month, about the same as white
common-school teachers.
The A. M. A. has done the work of initiation. By this tour of
inspection I am deeply convinced of the wisdom of the A. M. A. in
putting its strength upon Normal and Collegiate institutions, and
so doing a wholesale business. Raise up teachers and send them back
into the country. Raise up the men and women for the professions
and for the higher walks of social life. That is the work.
* * * * *
AFRICA.
* * * * *
A CHURCH ORGANIZED AND DEDICATED AT AVERY
A meeting of Counsel and Advice was convened September 29th at
Avery Station, by order of Rev. Floyd Snelson, and, on solicitation
of the minister in charge, Rev. A. E. Jackson, to organize and
dedicate a church to God. Owing to our inability to reach Avery
on Saturday in time to hold preliminary exercises, examination
of candidates for admission, etc., this part of our duty was
deferred till Sunday morning. This, with our other duties, made our
programme for the day quite full.
Early Sunday morning the Board met in the church to begin the
labors of the day. The sun shone brightly, yet we could but feel
that many round us were groping in darkness, without any clear idea
of Him in whose image they are made. Brother Snelson was elected
moderator, and A. P. Miller secretary. Brother Gomer, General Agent
of Shengay Mission, who favored us with his presence, offered
prayer. “Guide me, oh! Thou great Jehovah!” was sung.
In absence of letter missive, the minister in charge gave his
reasons why a church should be established or organized at Avery.
He spoke of the willingness of the people to receive the story
of the Cross; said that some came far to hear “God palaver,” and
express their joy in being permitted so to do. Brother Hallock,
the interpreter (native), and Brother Wise, were asked several
questions. Their reasons were clear and very satisfactory. It seems
evident that the industrial work at this station, which gives
employment to many, is a means of good both to mission and people.
It was deemed fit to organize a church at Avery, to be known as the
Second Congregational Church of the Mendi Mission.
By 11 o’clock, at the ringing of the second bell, the chapel was
crowded with natives, for the most part in native costume. Brother
Snelson spoke to them through an interpreter, telling them the
object of our coming together. The candidates for admission to the
Church were then called forward. “A charge to keep I have” was
sung by the congregation. Prayer was offered by Brother Snelson,
after which the missionary hymn, “From Greenland’s icy mountains,”
was sung; and as it was being sung, each missionary, as he looked
upon the sable congregation, could but feel that the “harvest is
plenteous, but the laborers are few.”
The roll was then called by Brother Jackson; after which the
candidates were examined, and by vote of the Council eighteen were
received into full membership. Some of the candidates were not
received because of not being legally married. They were instructed
to attend to this matter, and then they might be received into the
church. They are to remain under watch-care until this obligation
is met. After examination of candidates, Brother Snelson spoke to
them about things peculiar to their country—slavery, polygamy, etc.
The meeting was then dismissed to meet at 7 P. M. Brother Gomer,
who has for years known our work, expressed his astonishment at
seeing so large a congregation assembled in the house of God at
this place, and at the good order kept throughout the exercises.
Some of those received were old members, while others were new
converts, among whom were three chiefs, Peah Carle, Carray Phemah,
and Sei Lōtō. These men exercise a vast influence over their
people, and their being reached makes the reaching of their people
easier.
The people assembled at the ringing of the second bell. “Praise
God from Whom all blessings flow” was sung. Brother Snelson then
led the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer. A hymn was sung, after
which the Rev. J. Gomer offered prayer. “Alas! and did my Saviour
bleed?” was sung. Portions of Scripture were read by A. P. Miller.
The services of organization and dedication were combined, owing to
want of time. Brother Snelson spoke through the interpreter, and
told the candidates what their step meant—turning from death unto
life. The church, too, he said, we had come together to dedicate to
God and His service. Brother Snelson preached, choosing Luke xii.
32, as his text—“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” A comparison was made
between the people to whom these words were spoken and these our
benighted brethren. The promises of God were dwelt upon. We must
trust in Him for salvation. The dedicatory prayer was then offered
by Rev. A. P. Miller. A hymn was sung. The right hand of fellowship
was given by Bro. A. E. White. The address was delivered by Rev. J.
Gomer. The Lord’s supper was then celebrated; Brothers Gomer and
Jackson presided. It was a solemn scene. The Doxology was sung,
and the benediction pronounced by A. P. Miller. The meeting was
one long to be remembered. One more stronghold is now erected in
this land of night to tear down the powers of darkness. We have all
reason to thank God for His blessings thus far. A better day is
dawning for these benighted, long-neglected sons of Africa.
Brother Gomer says that more laborers (colored) are wanted in his
mission. We, too, in a work so vast, can but ask God to prepare
such as are needed for a work so difficult.
We ask the prayers of all lovers of mankind that the work
begun here may not only succeed, but that its influence may be
far-reaching.
REV. FLOYD SNELSON, _Moderator_.
REV. A. P. MILLER, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
THE INDIANS.
* * * * *
THE LATE INDIAN WAR AND CHRISTIANITY.
REV. MYRON EELLS, S’KOKOMISH, WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
* * * * *
We have had another Indian war, and, as usual, there has been a
cry in favor of turning the Indians over to the War Department.
There are some, however, of us who will persist in seeing something
favorable to Christianity and the present policy even in this war,
and we think we have our reasons for it.
I do not propose, at present, to thoroughly discuss the causes
of the war, for I am not well enough acquainted with them to do
so intelligently. Some will lay the blame on Government, some
on a Christian policy, and some on the Indians. Perhaps all may
have to bear a part. Although I believe that the Government
has often treated the Indians wrongfully, yet a long course of
observation has convinced me that the Indians are not all saints,
and when the Government is often crooked, either intentionally or
unintentionally, and two crooked sticks come together, there is
almost always sure to be trouble.
The published statements of General Crook, who is not supposed to
be very sentimental in his feelings toward the Indians, and who was
at the Fort Hall Agency at the beginning of the war, implicates the
Government severely.
A residence of nearly three years in Idaho, 1871–1874, in the
very region of the war, led me to believe that very little was
energetically done for Christianizing those Indians. This has
been true at some Agencies. Their annual reports show that while
the Government opened wide the doors for Christian work, when
the present policy was adopted, and said, “We will give you
opportunity, encouragement and aid, if you will only send the
Indians missionaries,” yet that Christians have failed to take hold
of the work as they ought to have done. If this was true of the
Indians engaged in the late war, Christians may have to bear a part
of the blame.