o’clock. Very soon ten buggies and one-horse wagons, well loaded
with ministers, delegates and spectators, were seen on their way
to a council of churches which was called to meet 14 miles N. W.
of us to consider the expediency of organizing a church at Cypress
Slash. The roads are quite level all the way, pretty much through a
pine forest. All were highly pleased with the trip. Three churches
were represented in the council—the Midway, Ogeechee and Savannah
churches. Dr. Roy represented the A. M. A.; Rev. J. R. McLean
was chosen scribe, and Rev. F. Snelson moderator. In reply to
inquiries it was said that the community generally would look upon
the movement with favor. They wished as soon as possible to have
an intelligent minister sent to them, such as the A. M. A. would
recommend, and they pledged to do all they could to support him.
Fifteen persons were then baptized, 20 were received by confession,
28 from other churches—48 in all. A sermon was preached by Dr. Roy,
from Rev. xxii 17: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” Scripture
read by Mr. J. McIntosh. The ordinance of baptism administered
and the prayer offered by Rev. F. Snelson. Rev. J. R. McLean
gave a short address and the right hand of fellowship. Rev. R.
F. Markham gave the address to the church, and Dr. Roy extended
a cordial welcome to the fellowship of all the Congregational
churches in America. Five deacons were then ordained, Mr. Markham
offering the ordaining prayer of consecration. Several whites were
present; one white lady, who assisted largely in providing dinner
for our company. I must acknowledge this to be the first place
in the South where I have _ever_ seen a white man ask for prayer
among the colored people and at their meeting. This was done by a
man of about 60 years, while I was trying to gather the nucleus
which formed this church. Another important Congregational seed is
planted; pray that its growth may be a success.
* * * * *
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Plymouth Church—Home and Sunday-School Work—Avery Institute—Social
Recognition.
REV. TEMPLE CUTLER, CHARLESTON.
We came here from Chattanooga about the first of March. We have
not had time to do much more than to look about us and take the
lay of the land. There seems to be no reason why we may not build
up, in this city, a strong church upon the true foundation of the
Apostles. The church here (Plymouth) is largely an offshoot from
the old Circular, Independent, or Congregational church, one of
the oldest in this city. In an old plan of the city, giving the
location of the principal buildings in 1704, the White Meeting
House occupies a conspicuous position, and probably gave its name
to the street on which it stood, which is now the principal street.
This church was established by Presbyterians, Congregationalists
and French Protestant refugees. It afterwards passed into the
hands of Congregationalists, and then suffered, as many of our
Congregational churches did, by a division, a part forming
themselves into a Unitarian congregation. Not far from 120 members
from this old Independent church have joined Plymouth church since
its organization. We do not have to contend, therefore, with the
prejudice against a new form of government and worship, as we do
in some parts of the South. Besides this, there are Presbyterian
churches among the colored people here whose mode of worship is so
like ours that the people have been educated into sympathy with our
government and worship. Notwithstanding all this, from one cause
and another, Plymouth church has had a stormy life, and is now
struggling for existence. What will be the outcome of our effort it
is not best to predict; only this: “If God be for us, who can be
against us?” I remember a Christian worker once made the remark,
that “If we have God on our side, we are in the majority, let who
will be on the other.” This is the encouragement we have. If we
can succeed in getting the membership decidedly and firmly on the
Lord’s side, the end is secured. But the obstacles and hindrances
are not few. What we need, and what alone can save us, is a baptism
of power from on high. Some of our good friends at the North are
in mortal fear of the doctrine of a higher Christian life. If they
will come down here, we will show them some of the phases of the
lower Christian life, until they will be willing to accept anything
that will tend to make Christians holy and love one another. I
don’t propose to say much about the church at present, only this:
that we need greatly a revival of pure religion.
Miss Wells, our missionary, is getting into the homes of the
people, and we already see the good results of her work. She has
organized a Sunday-school in the out-skirts of the city, at which
she has secured many more promises than attendants. Still she
is working on, and will eventually succeed in her enterprise.
The readiness of the colored people to promise is wonderful, but
the fulfilment is exceedingly doubtful. If you question their
fulfilling their pledge, they reply, “Oh, yes, Missus, we coming
shuah; you may look for we.” Sure enough we do look, but seldom
find. Our home Sunday-school is increasing in efficiency and
numbers, and we hope before long to report a prosperous condition.
Avery Institute is one of the finest schools in the South; I don’t
know as there is a superior to it anywhere. A gentleman in the
city was speaking of the receptivity of the colored children in
comparison with the whites, to the disparagement of the former,
when another gentleman, prominent in democratic politics, said
there was no disparagement on that side. “You just go over
to that Avery school, and hear the examinations, and listen
to their literary exercises; why, it is glorious, perfectly
wonderful—_magnificent!_” This is not undeserved praise. Every
visitor expresses himself highly pleased with the appearance of the
school. Prof. Farnham deserves the praise which he receives for the
high character of his school. After the anniversary exercises, just
before Easter, the students and graduates of the school presented
Avery with a beautiful flag of blue bunting with a palmetto in
white worked in the centre, and Avery Institute in large letters
above and below. It is the first time the flag of the State was
ever presented to a school supported by Northern philanthropists
for the benefit of the colored people.
I would say in regard to social recognition, that the principal
objection to us workers here is, that we are Northerners. I do
not think any class regards it such a terrible disgrace to do
something for the elevation of the negroes. Charleston is far in
advance of other cities of the South in this respect. It is the
only city that I have seen where a real Christian conception, or
rather _perception_, of duty seems to be felt. The city has built
some of its finest school buildings for the colored children; in
one of which there are 25 white teachers, all Southern born. In
another school, under the care of Rev. Mr. Adams, a colored man,
as principal, there are three or four white ladies from some of
the most respected families in the South. Several of the colored
churches are ministered to by white men. In _antebellum_ days, Dr.
Jeredeaux (Presbyterian) had a church of colored people, where the
whites had to take the gallery, while the blacks held the pews
below. The building was one of the largest in the city and used
to be thronged. Since he left, his congregation has become a good
deal scattered. He had a singular power over his people. He thought
as much of his “niggers” as he did of his white congregation, if
not more. He would not let any man preach to his colored church.
He was pastor of a white church at the same time, and many of his
white congregation would go to hear him at Zion church, but they
had to take the gallery. I do not mean to say, by any means, that
every thing is pleasant and sweet between the two races, but there
are things to commend. The things to be condemned, we hope, will
soon pass away, and we shall not have to think of some things which
we leave unsaid. It is certainly pleasant to labor in a community
where you are not constantly reminded that you are despised by
Christian people, and some of them from the North, too, because
you are doing what your conscience and every sentiment of our holy
religion commends. If anything will stir up all the depths of
righteous indignation, and sorely tempt one to go a little over the
bounds of the term righteous, it is to be brought in contact with
that phase of Christianity which prevails almost universally in
the South; and the fact that letters are not filled with burning
words of scathing criticism of this spirit, is a standing proof
that our workers exercise the largest spirit of charity. And they
are right. We are not here to seek the applause of men, and I
presume it is altogether better for us and the people among whom we
labor, that the white people do not welcome us to this field. I can
easily see the snare that popular favor would be to us. I have long
since come to the conclusion that God knows best how to have His
work accomplished. If some misconstrue our motives in coming into
this work, it is no more than the men in Christ’s day did in regard
to his motive. It is sufficient if the servant be as his Lord. Oh,
for grace, _grace_, _grace_, to do our Master’s will.
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
The State Conference of Congregational Churches.
MRS. G. W. ANDREWS, TALLADEGA.
The fourth annual meeting of the Conference opened with a sermon by
Rev. Dr. Bascom, for the last winter pastor of the church. He spoke
from the words, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” impressing us with
the valuable estate of the Christian.
Saturday was held our first morning prayer meeting, when “Blest be
the tie that binds” was the sentiment of every heart. Thanksgivings
for revivals of God’s grace in the churches and in individual
hearts arose like holy incense. At other meetings of this kind,
numerous and interesting accounts were given of special visitations
of the Spirit; at Anniston, the Cove, and Childersburg; at
Talladega, Selma, Marion and Montgomery; the last two not resulting
in any extensive work of grace. We felt how sweet that there are no
desert places in God’s love.
The first paper noticed on the programme was “Our Mission Work,” by
Rev. G. W. Andrews, Talladega—an inspiration from his experience of
nearly nine years in the service, instructive and profitable. After
the rest and refreshment at the “Home” of two hours’ “nooning,” we
listened to the discussion of the question, “How shall we interest
the church of Christ, North and South, in our work?” Some of the
replies: By doing it with all our might, thus showing that it
interests us; by showing that it is a specific work, placed in the
hands of the Christian church by the marked Providence of God;
by combining the efforts of women, North and South, for special
missionary work; by not only arousing men, but raising money to
carry it on to successful completion.
Right here came in most appropriately the presentation of “The duty
of economy and industry,” so as to increase our giving, by Rev. D.
L. Hickok, Mobile. Full of fresh and vigorous thought, the most
prominent was that of _saving_ to spend.
At the announcement, “Examination of candidates for the ministry,”
nine young men came forward. The young men were not only questioned
by their leader, Rev. Mr. Andrews, but by many others on the
general range of questions in systematic theology, followed by
personal Christian experience in their calls to the ministry, until
all present were convinced of their thorough preparation for their
work. The evening was given to an address by the Rev. J. E. Roy, D.
D.: “How are the Freedmen getting on?”—a graphic picture of their
condition then (at the surrender) and now.
A little time being left, “How to win souls,” by Rev. O. W. Fay,
of Illinois, lately arrived, was impressively treated. First, make
it your business; then, in successfully prosecuting this business,
come into personal contact with him you would win. Sabbath morning
we were disappointed by the absence of Prof. J. C. Silsby, of
Selma, who was to have conducted the Sabbath-school quarterly
review. After a short review of the quarter’s lessons, brief
addresses were made, and the time profitably spent. The sermon
Sabbath morning, by Mr. J. D. Smith, of Shelby, from the text,
“Can ye not watch with me one hour?” was a touching picture of the
heavy-laden disciple and a Saviour’s yearning for sympathy. At 3
P. M. a children’s meeting, addressed chiefly by Prof. E. P. Lord,
of Talladega, was said to be very interesting and instructive. The
writer was unable to be present. Monday morning a business meeting
closed the session of Conference proper and opened
THE THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE.
The first paper, “The History and necessity of a new Revision of
the Bible,” by Rev. C. B. Curtis, was a most thorough treatise upon
the subject, for which he expressed himself partly indebted to the
_Sunday-School World_. We admired the caution with which he handled
the sacred subject, lest some poor wayfaring man should hear to
his hurt. At the end we were left to anticipate with joy the new,
complete and pure revision, which, after all, will not contain _one
single change_ vital to Christian faith.
The second paper, “The Relation of Theological Education to the
Church of Christ,” was by Mr. J. D. Smith, of Shelby, showing that
a pure religion is conserved by an educated ministry; and without
it, the tendency is to superstition and heathenism. Following this,
a study of the 110th Psalm, conducted by Mr. Y. B. Sims, of the
theological class, brought us all under his tutelage and sharp
questioning for half an hour. I noticed some of the Doctors of
Divinity scratching their heads previous to answering, while “the
smile went round.” At night we listened to a sermon on the “First
Commandment,” by Rev. D. L. Hickok. Power, pathos and eloquence
were combined in it. Plans of sermons by Revs. P. J. McEntosh,
Horace Taylor, Alfred Jones, and Revs. Andrews and Bascom, closed
the Institute.
THE SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTION,
the third section of the Conference, opened on Tuesday with an
address by Rev. D. L. Hickok, of Mobile, on “The Field and the
Workers.” Other topics of this interesting day were: “The Best
Methods of Conducting Teachers’ Meetings,” Rev. G. W. Andrews;
“Necessity of Pointed Teaching,” Rev. P. J. McEntosh; “How to
Cultivate the Spirit of Giving in Sunday-schools, and How to
Dispose of Moneys Collected,” Mr. J. D. Smith; “S. S. Music—How to
keep up with the mass of New Music,” Rev. C. B. Curtis. Reports
of Sabbath-schools. At night the S. S. Convention closed with a
multitude of speeches on as many topics.
THE WOMAN’S MISSIONARY MEETING
was held in the afternoon. We could not have foregone the good we
gained by that excellent meeting. I have regretted that I did not
reserve my time for an exclusive report of it, as it was one of
so much interest; I will only note its general features, however,
as full minutes will be published in connection with the minutes
of the Conference. After the usual devotional exercises and
reports, we listened to an address by Rev. Dr. Roy, which was so
thoroughly appreciated, that a unanimous vote of thanks was given
at its close. Then came the following papers: “The Opportunities
afforded to the Women of the Colored Race for Education and Moral
Improvement,” Miss M. J. Adams, Montgomery; “Present Encouragements
to further prosecute Special Missionary Work for our Colored
Women and Girls,” Mrs. H. W. Andrews, Talladega; “The Industrial
School, a Means of Success in Training our Young Women for Future
Usefulness,” S. Ida Allen, Talladega.
The Conference with its triple object closed, we were ready to
enjoy the best wine, which, after the example in Cana, had been
reserved till the last. The interesting
EXAMINATION AND ORDINATION SERVICES
of Mr. J. D. Smith, Shelby, took place on Wednesday; examination
conducted by Rev. O. W. Fay, the new pastor at Montgomery.
Searching questions were put, and grew more and more so as the
candidate showed abundant ability to answer. An examination of
two hours was well sustained. The leading examiner said he had
never listened to a better examination, and had attended all the
important ones about Chicago. One reply I must give you, showing
the firm convictions of Mr. Smith on the subject of emotional
religion: Ques.—Do you think it necessary, when under conviction,
that a man should be thrown on to the floor and go through various
contortions of body before he can become a Christian? Ans.—No,
sir; I do not think when God knocks at the door of a man’s heart,
that he “knocks down the man.” This reply evidently met with
hearty approval. The ordination exercises were conducted in the
evening; sermon by Rev. Wm. H. Ash, Florence, an earnest setting
forth of ministerial duties. The impressive ordaining prayer by
Rev. Dr. Bascom, and charge to pastor and right hand of fellowship
by Revs. Taylor and Andrews. The doxology, “Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow,” closed what to us had seemed like a “feast of
weeks.”
* * * * *
SOUTH-WESTERN CONFERENCE.
Annual Meeting at New Iberia, La.
REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, NEW ORLEANS.
Our Annual Conference met at New Iberia, April 2–6, and on account
of the deep interest and spiritual results directly attending
it, marks an important era in the history of the Congregational
churches of Louisiana. The very delightful meeting of the
Conference in 1878, at the same place, prepared us for the
recurrence of like scenes this year. But the Lord had greater
and better things in store for us, and the Conference of 1879
stands alone in the marvellous tenderness and earnestness which
characterized all its sessions, and in the precious baptism of the
Holy Spirit, resulting in the conversion of _fifty souls_, and in
the quickening and reviving of all the churches represented.
Of the 16 churches connected with the Conference, 14 were
represented. Two large churches, one at Gretna, (Rev. W. P. Ward,
pastor,) numbering 250 members, and the one at Algiers, (Rev. James
Craig, pastor,) numbering 121 members, which left the Conference
seven years ago, and have since been independent, were very
cordially re-admitted. The brethren on the ground understand the
great importance of this step. The re-admission of these large
churches will be an element of strength in many directions. Their
temporary withdrawal was the result of a misunderstanding which
should never have occurred.
Two new churches were received—the church at _Harangville_, in
Lafourche parish, with a membership of 30, and the church at
_Little Pecan_, in Iberia parish, eight miles from the city of New
Iberia. Rev. P. P. Proctor will take charge of this church.
The year has been one of growth. Revivals were reported in several
of the churches, especially in the Central Church of New Orleans
and in Terrebonne.
The membership of the churches numbers 1,303. During the year
ending April 1st, 1879, there have been admitted to the churches
213, of whom 190 were received on profession of their faith. Number
in Sabbath-school, 670. Adult baptisms, 146; infant baptisms, 122.
Our Northern friends will be startled to know that 119 have been
excommunicated during the year. But after all it is a hopeful
sign. It is a process of purification painful, but necessary. The
church cannot afford to shelter unworthy people. I wrote to one of
the pastors who had sent his report to me, and asked him if it was
true that 37 had been excommunicated from his church the past year.
“Yes, sir,” he wrote me, “it is all right; they were not walking in
Christ.”
DISCUSSIONS.
The subjects considered were practical and the addresses were
earnest and to the point. The topics of “Church Extension,”
“Education,” “Temperance,” and the “Moral Character of Ministers
and Church Members,” came prominently before the Conference. The
sentiments expressed, in which there was entire agreement among
the brethren, were pure in tone, and placed our churches upon
the broad platform of moral purity and intelligence. I shall be
pardoned if I particularize. Social and domestic relations among
the colored people in the dark days of slavery, in a great many
instances, do not bear inspection. The necessities of those days
call for a charitable judgment, but do not justify a continuance
of the evil. There is but one sentiment in the Congregational
churches of Louisiana on this subject: _legal marriage is insisted
on in all cases_. No exception is allowed on any plea. Said one of
our pastors while this discussion was pending, “Individuals living
unlawfully can remain members of my church only so long as it takes
to call a church meeting to turn them out.” The pastors agreed that
they could afford to preside over small churches, but not over
impure churches. I desire to emphasize this fact, that our friends
may know that we are building upon a good foundation, and that our
work, whatever the rate of its progress, is in accord with the
Gospel of Christ.
The discussion on the topic of “Education” called forth the deep
convictions of the brethren that the churches need and must have
educated pastors, and that the colored people must demand the
highest benefits of education that can be obtained. The first
eager, enthusiastic desire for education which followed in the
wake of emancipation has been succeeded by a calm, intelligent,
determined conviction that the future of the race in America
depends upon the thorough education of the people.
CHURCH EXTENSION.
A question which occupied the serious attention of the brethren was
the extension of our work in the State,—how may our churches be
strengthened and their usefulness extended, and how may new fields
be occupied and cultivated? It was represented to the Conference
that several churches occupying virtually an independent position
were prepared to join our ranks, and that “all things were ready”
to organize churches in many communities where the people were in
sympathy with our spirit and polity. To meet this demand, and to
gather a harvest already ripe, the Conference decided, and I think
wisely, to appoint from their own number four missionaries, who
should go through the Southern parishes to preach the Word, to
instruct and encourage the people, and, wherever the opportunity
offered, organize believers into churches, and minister to them
till stated preaching and pastoral care could be provided. The
brethren appointed were Rev. W. P. Ward, of Gretna, Rev. James
Craig, of Algiers, Rev. Homer Jones, of Lake Peigneur, and Rev.
Samuel Smith, of Terrebonne.
I have great confidence that these brethren will bring good tidings
to the Conference in 1880.
ORDINATION.
The church at Terrebonne asked that Samuel Smith, who had for
several years exercised his gifts as a preacher, and who was known
to the brethren as a thoroughly good man, be ordained to the Gospel
ministry. The church at Lafourche Crossing presented the name
of William Reed, who had supplied their pulpit for one year; and
Thomas E. Hillson, of New Orleans, who was licensed two years ago,
applied in his own name for ordination. The examination of the
candidates was faithful and searching, and was well sustained. It
was unanimously approved, and the public services of ordination
took place on Saturday night, in the presence of a very large and
deeply interested audience.
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
I have reserved till now the narrative of one of the most wonderful
and precious revivals it has been my privilege to witness.
Occurring in connection with the sessions of the Conference, it
seemed like the Divine benediction upon our work.
The pastor, Rev. Wm. Butler, said to me on my arrival, “We want
revival services every night. I have announced them, and the people
expect them.”
No special services had been held, and no conversions had occurred;
but the people were anticipating the Conference with great
expectations of good. The first night the church was filled. As
Moderator I preached the annual sermon to an attentive and tender
audience. At the conclusion of my sermon the pastor said to me,
“Call out the mourners.” I said, “No; wait until to-morrow night.”
In my heart I did not expect a revival to begin the first night.
The early morning prayer meeting was a rich spiritual feast; the
discussions during the day were marked by perfect harmony. At night
the church was packed. The spirit of God was manifestly present.
Mr. Hall and Mr. Ward preached effectively. Those desiring to
become Christians were invited forward to the “mourner’s seat.”
Thirteen responded. The good work had begun, and we had only to
“wait and see the salvation of God.”
An inquiry meeting was held in connection with the morning prayer
meeting. Those who came proved by their words and manner how deeply
God had convicted them of sin, and their need of a Saviour. Night
came again, and with it an eager, crowded assembly. Mr. James
preached earnestly, and the number of inquirers was increased to
twenty.