for the mechanical department, when funds shall be secured, has
been bought at a cost of $5,000—$1,250 of which was from the Hon.
J. H. Raymond, of Austin. Some progress has also been made in
obtaining subscriptions for the new hall, which is imperatively
needed to meet the pressing demands which are made upon us from all
parts of the State. How urgent this call is may be inferred from
the fact that on the 2d day of last October, one day before the
opening of the school, Allen Hall was full to repletion, and the
work of turning away began, and continued throughout the year, so
that it is safe to say that for every one received one was refused.
We had one hundred in our boarding department during the year.
This necessitated placing four students in the larger rooms, and
three in nearly every other—too many by far, but there seemed to be
no other way. They begged to be received, while the two or three
already in the room, urging us to admit one more, made it difficult
to refuse. Put yourself, dear reader, in our place, and you will
appreciate our condition, and why we allowed this crowding process.
It was the best that could be done under the circumstances. Besides
the one hundred in the boarding department, we had ninety-one day
pupils, making our total attendance during the year 191. We have
no primary department. Our numbers would have been very greatly
increased if we had had the room to store them.
In educational and religious results the past year has been
our best. More and better work has been done. The training has
been more thorough and systematic, and the real progress more
satisfactory. This was to be expected. Each year increases largely
our own knowledge of the work and how best to do it.
Our religious services have been more largely attended and richer
in results. A goodly number found Christ, and gave clear evidence
of a change of heart. One in particular, who had been intemperate
and profane to a sad degree, underwent a complete transformation.
Our Sunday school was well attended, drawing in quite a number from
the outside, while our prayer meetings, on Sunday and Thursday
evenings, were pleasant and profitable.
The temperance society, with a pledge prohibiting the use of both
rum and tobacco, embraced nearly every student of the institution.
They gave evidence that they had joined for life. Many of them are
doing good work in this direction, in the schools where they are
now engaged in teaching. We have reason to feel deeply grateful for
the advancement along the whole line of our threefold yet one work.
Our closing exercises won the praise of the many who were present.
Among these were Gov. Ireland, ex-Gov. E. M. Pease, Hon. Mr. Swain,
Comptroller of State, Judge Delaney of the Court of Appeals, Prof.
Hogg, at the head of the schools of Fort Worth, and many other
prominent citizens of Austin.
Able addresses were made by all of the above gentlemen and others;
but among them all none was more cordial and appreciative than that
of Gov. Ireland. He urged the students to continue to press onward
and upward, assuring them that the hour was close at hand when
merit will determine every man’s position, and not the color of his
skin. All, including those named, expressed themselves surprised
and pleased at what they saw and heard. It was the brightest day in
our history.
This brief summary of the work of the past year indicates, but
cannot fully unfold, our need of more room. Young men and women
in the same building is an unfortunate necessity. It is the best
and only thing that can be done with safety to the work, and even
this is full of danger. Then to be forced to refuse admittance
to so many is unpleasant. We ought to keep the streams flowing
toward us, and not turn them in other directions or cause them to
cease flowing altogether. As our only institution in the great
Empire State we ought to provide liberally for it, that it may
carry forward the work so auspiciously begun. No field can be more
inviting. Nowhere in all the South is there a more Catholic spirit.
Everything conspires to insure large returns on all investments
in this department of Christian effort. Are there not friends who
will now come forward and render us needed help in the hour of our
necessity? Twenty thousand dollars in cash or approved pledges and
the new hall will be begun. Some two thousand are already secured.
Monuments of finest brass will perish through the wearing passage
of the ages, but those erected for the uplifting of a race are
imperishable. Will you help erect this?
* * * * *
LETTER FROM FLORENCE, ALA.
A person in attendance on revival meetings at this place writes to
Dr. Roy:
“I hasten to tell you what a dear Saviour I have found. I have
accepted Him as mine and I mean to serve and trust Him the rest
of my life. Last Sunday the 20th year to a day since my marriage,
I resolved to be a Christian, but thought I would wait till the
middle of the week before starting. On last evening (Monday) I
drove my team down to the boat for passengers, but on finding that
I would probably have to carry them back and hence be kept from the
meeting, I drove away and attended church. When the invitation was
given I could wait no longer; went forward, gave my heart to Jesus,
and to-day I am a new man, not ashamed to tell the world. I was so
glad that I wish others could this afternoon in the praise meeting
speak for my Saviour, whose pleadings I have so long withstood. I
wanted to write you these words, because I knew you were anxious
for my salvation. How glad have I been always to meet you. No man
would I rather see or hear talk than you. You have caused me to
shed many a tear, but you didn’t know it. Oh I am so glad that
the Lord spared me that I might return to Him. I mean to give the
balance of my days to the blessed master. Shall do all I can to
have others come to Him and live for Him; pray for me that I may be
strong and useful. The Evangelist and his good wife are truly sent
out by the Lord.
“Bro. Brown and they work nicely together. We just seem to be
in a good way. No doubt many will be converted. Up to this time
twelve have been brought out into the light. The Christians are
strengthened, the church encouraged and a good feeling prevails
among the people.”
* * * * *
LETTER FROM McINTOSH, Ga.
FROM REV. FLOYD SNELSON.
Our school work has been vigilantly prosecuted this year, somewhat
to the end that the great demand which is made upon us for persons
to teach the public schools in this and adjoining counties might be
met. We have twenty-eight students licensed and sent out to work
this year, who have received all or a part of their training in our
school. Still a great many more are wanted. I have appeals before
me now for teachers for seven schools, made up and ready to begin
at any time, that I cannot supply. I do hope to see the day when
some lover of humanity will aid us with the facilities of a regular
boarding-school here, that this great need of teachers in the
common schools may be met. The twenty-eight that have gone out this
year to teach are allowed from 20 to 40 pupils. With an average of
30 in each of their schools, they will be able to start a light in
the dark minds of 840 needy ones.
Our church work, I am very thankful to say, has also received an
additional Divine recognition. At our last communion season, which
was held July 22, sixteen persons, hopefully converted, came into
the fellowship of the church, and six children were brought to be
baptized.
* * * * *
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
—An effort is being made by Rev. Mr. Roberts, of Paris, Texas, to
organize a church at Dood City, where he has been holding special
meetings.
—A new house of worship has been dedicated at Belle Place, La. Rev.
Wm. Butler, pastor, was assisted by Rev. W. R. Polk, of New Iberia,
in the dedicatory services. The A. M. A. furnished a portion of the
funds for the building.
—Rev. B. F. Foster, who labored the past year as pastor and
teacher at Fayetteville, Ark., will prosecute his studies at the
Theological Seminary, Chicago. Rev. John M. Shippen, a recent
graduate of the Theological Department of Howard University, has
accepted an invitation to occupy the place vacated by Mr. Foster.
—Rev. George W. Moore, a graduate of Fisk University and Oberlin
Theological Seminary, has assumed the pastoral care of the Lincoln
Memorial Church, Washington, D.C., under favorable auspices. He is
to supply Dr. Rankin’s pulpit one Sunday.
—Rev. Zechariah Simmons, a licentiate of the North Carolina
Association, has been appointed to take charge of the mission
at Woodbridge, N.C., with reference to the organization of a
church. The A. M. A. has recently purchased a parsonage for his
accommodation.
—The church in Oaks, Alamance Co., N.C., is building a comfortable
house of worship under the supervision of Rev. J. N. Ray, its
pastor, who has received $100 from the A. M. A. for the furtherance
of the enterprise. Miss E. W. Douglass, an experienced missionary
teacher, has been appointed to labor at this point.
—Mr. G. W. Jackson and his wife (Rose McCutcheon) are pushing their
mission day and Sunday-school work at Whiteside, Tenn. They have
been visited by Rev. Jos. E. Smith and Mrs. Steele of Chattanooga,
and meetings of much promise have been held.
—The _Clarion_, of Jackson, Miss., gives an interesting report
of the colored Congregational Church, organized by the A. M. A.
in that city, with Rev. C. L. Harris, pastor. The church has a
membership of 16 and a Sabbath-school of 63. Services are held in
the hall of the Hope Fire Company. The citizens of Jackson have
subscribed liberally toward the erection of a house of worship.
—Rev. S. N. Brown, while furnishing a vacation supply at Florence,
Ala., has been assisted by the evangelist, Rev. J. E. Fields, in a
series of revival meetings, which has resulted in an addition of
twenty members to the church. This is the church which was so much
depleted by the Exodus.
—Rev. A. W. Curtis, of Marion, Ala., on invitation of Rev. Dr.
Raymond, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, has preached on
exchange with him. This is said to be the first expression of
fellowship of this kind the A. M. A. preachers have received at the
South. Mr. Curtis has also accepted an invitation to exchange with
the pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in the same city.
—Rev. Geo. W. Clark of Athens, Ga., and his people, with aid from
the A. M. A., have purchased a lot and are proceeding to build a
house of worship. Up to this time they have held their services in
the chapel of Knox Institute.
—The A. M. A. is building a church at Pekin, N.C., with
accommodations for school purposes.
—The church at Chattanooga, Tenn. (Rev. Jos. E. Smith, pastor),
have built a new fence about the meeting house, which has been
painted outside and inside and beautifully frescoed.
—The St. Louis _Globe-Democrat_ says, in connection with the Press
Convention: “One remarkable paper was that represented at the
Convention by its business manager, R. C. Edmondson. It was _The
Fisk Herald_, a college paper published at the Fisk University
in Nashville, Tenn.; in fact, the only college paper the colored
people have. It is a nice eight-page tinted paper, well printed
and generally well reading journal.” The _Daily World_ says: “The
present number is of neat typographical appearance, and is filled
with interesting reading matter. A liberal encouragement should be
extended to this enterprise.”
—The President of the Produce Exchange, Wilmington, N.C., speaking
of the school of the A. M. A., says: “The boys, after leaving
the institution, get employment more readily than others, because
their moral principles are higher, and because they are generally
better fitted for intelligent occupation than the majority of those
who profess to have received an elementary education. The people
of Wilmington have great cause for thankfulness that our Negro
population is so law-abiding and faithful to duty; and to take
courage from the results already accomplished in a transition so
violent from a life of slavery to that of freedom and citizenship
in the eyes of the law. The utmost harmony has prevailed between
the races for many years past, and instances of disagreement
between employers and employed are far more rare than among the
whites in the North.”
* * * * *
THE CHINESE.
* * * * *
RECRUITS FOR THE SOUTH CHINA MISSION.
REV. W. C. POND, SAN FRANCISCO.
I trust that our friends do not forget how God has begun to fulfil
the prayer which the motto of our mission, “China for Christ,”
and the hearts of our Chinese Christians sent up during so many
years, in the establishment by the American Board of a Mission in
China to co-operate with ours, and to reach, first of all, the
swarming millions in those districts from which our immigrants
have come. In connection with the departure of Bro. Hager to this
field, our Congregational Association of Christian Chinese gave
$500 in cash, and one of its best members and my best helpers as a
co-laborer. Bro. Hager has established his head-quarters at Hong
Kong and has gathered there a school similar in all respects to
ours in California. But this is only a rendezvous. The main work
is elsewhere, preaching the gospel and scattering the word of life
on the main land. Lee Sam is busy with this already; enduring
hardness as a good soldier, and working almost alone. But he will
not be suffered to work long alone. Our helper for years past at
Sacramento, Lem Chung, sailed for China more than six weeks ago,
and has already, we hope been welcomed at Hong Kong. Sustaining for
years a relation to the Chinese of Sacramento every way equivalent
to that which an American pastor sustains in the community where
he labors, he so commended himself by his mental capacity, his
faithfulness, his Christian spirit and consistent walk that while
our Chinese brethren clung to him as few American churches do to
their pastors, he was also “of good report,” or, as the revision
reads it, “has good testimony from them that are without,” both
Chinese and Americans. Whether he will remain permanently in China
is not decided, but so long as he does remain, I doubt not he will
be ready for every good word and work. And now three others among
our helpers, Hong Sing of Santa Cruz, Wong Him Wong of Stockton
and Lou Quong of the West School in this city, are making ready to
depart. They go together. They hope to begin missionary work on
the steamer. They hope to continue it when they reach their native
land. We shall miss them greatly. They have approved themselves
in our service, workmen that needed not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth and illustrating its power in their
consistent lives. But with reference to our great purpose, “China
for Christ,” our loss is a gain, and we gladly take others to fill
the vacant places, hoping that these too, trained to preach by
preaching and to teach by teaching, will follow their brethren to
the dark regions across the wide sea.
At the time of this writing, a fortnight remains before the close
of our fiscal year. Toward the $12,500 which our work for the year
_must_ cost, we have received in cash and pledges $11,800. To find
$700 more within these two weeks seems to be quite impossible,
by virtue of any resources remaining within the superintendent’s
reach. He repeats over to himself: “My God shall supply all your
need;” he recounts to himself the many mercies past; and how, again
and again, in his own experience, what seemed impossible has come
to pass, and still he questions and he doubts, and asking, seeking,
knocking, can do no better than to cry, “Lord I believe, help thou
mine unbelief.” Before this reaches the eye of our readers, the
fiscal year will have closed, and the account will be made up: yet
_not so closed_ but that if any of our readers are willing to share
with me the load which open doors and proffered harvests have laid
upon me, their help would be most welcome and most _timely_.
* * * * *
BUREAU OF WOMAN’S WORK.
MISS D. E. EMERSON, SECRETARY.
* * * * *
MEETING OF BUREAU OF WOMAN’S WORK.
In connection with the Annual Meeting of the A. M. A. in Brooklyn,
notice of which is given elsewhere, there will be a Woman’s Meeting
in the interest of our Bureau of Woman’s Work. Report of mission
work among the Chinese on the Pacific Coast will be made by Mrs.
W. C. Pond, wife of Superintendent Pond; on Indian Missions, by
Mrs Alfred L. Riggs, wife of the Principal of our Santee School,
Nebraska; on work among the mountain whites of Kentucky, by Mrs. A.
A. Myers, wife of Rev. Mr. Myers, our missionary in that region;
on work among the colored people, by Miss Anna M. Cahill, late
Principal of Normal Department, Fisk University. Other ladies will
participate in the meeting, particulars concerning which, and also
as to the hour of the meeting, will be given in the religious press
at a later date.
* * * * *
THE PAPER MISSION, AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
BY MISS NANCY MARSH, PROVIDENCE, R.I.
Since we commenced our mission, May, 1880, we have received many
letters asking “What can I do?” To such we have made various
suggestions.
In Stoneham, Mass., the ladies felt they could not send boxes, but
wished to do something, so organized the “Stevens Home Missionary
Society,” and have sent to various places 779 papers and pamphlets,
and 7 Sunday-school books. They have basted 1,465 blocks of
patch-work and sent to seven teachers in Texas, Tennessee, Georgia,
North Carolina and Ladies Island; have basted also 49 handkerchiefs
“from pieces of cloth, to teach the children to sew, and give them
what they needed.” Postage $5.22. They have also corresponded with
several pastors and teachers. The Secretary says; “I am delighted
with some of the correspondence, and enjoy the work very much; am
so glad to help even a little in this good work. I love some of the
dear teachers very much, and it has all come through their dear
letters, heart touching heart, and all for Jesus. Thank you for all
the interest you have taken to help us get started, and for your
aid right along; we have had no names except what you have given
us.” This society has proved very efficient, and they have been so
grateful for the privilege of working, it has been a pleasure to
find them opportunities; it has done them good as well as others.
Some of these letters have been read in their missionary concerts,
and awakened an increasing interest in the community.
A lady in Chesterfield, Ill., formerly a teacher in Utah, and some
young friends have basted 300 blocks of patch-work for teachers in
Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee, feeling, she says, “that
our greatest privilege is to work for the Lord.”
A letter came to us from Middleboro, Mass., saying, “I am very
anxious to do something for the missionaries, and, as I am an
invalid, and unable to give money, I thought I could cut and baste
patch-work if nothing more.” Recently we received a card stating
“I have sent 600 blocks to Chattanooga, Tenn., I would be glad to
do more, but am now unable to do any kind of work, but hope to
sometime, if ever so little.” In answer to inquiries, this lady
says: “The work I sent Mrs. S—— I did lying on my reclining chair
nearly as flat as a bed; but have been confined to my bed many
weeks at a time, and suffering more than words can tell.” Surely
this service performed for the Master, in such weariness and pain,
shall not lose its reward.
From Claremont, N.H., the question came: “What can a mission circle
do for Christmas?” We suggested a place as affording ample scope
for their ingenuity and generosity; so “the Sunbeams” (the mission
circle) 25 in number, from six to fourteen years, sent rays of
light and gladness to cheer the hearts of these desolate people
in the shape of picture-frames, book-marks, work and scrap-bags,
mittens, pin-balls, spectacle-cases for the old ladies, etc. The
ladies of this place also sent a box of second-hand clothing, which
was greatly needed.
There has been much labor in corresponding with so many persons:
69 letters and postals have been written. This includes work only
among the Freedmen, yet we have rejoiced in the interest awakened
in various places by this means, and are glad to help this good
cause in every way in our power. Aid has been given in various ways
and different places, which, including postage, makes $37.24. This
_patch-work_ has become quite an institution, 2,504 blocks have
been sent, greatly helping the teachers in their work, saving their
time and strength, and helping to form habits of industry which
are so essential to the well-being of these women and young girls,
thus fitting them for usefulness in the future. One old lady, who
is much interested in the young, and fond of patch-work, gave us
78 blocks very nicely basted, which were sent to Ladies Island,
so meeting the needs of a young girl whose quilt had come to a
standstill for want of materials.
In 1882, in order to enlarge our field of operations, we sent
to Dr. Strieby for new names of pastors and teachers among the
Freedmen, and are now able to report that we have forwarded to the
Southern States 1,021 papers and pamphlets, 339 lesson papers,
122 tracts, 74 Scripture cards and 103 Christmas cards; postage
$5.72. Besides these, papers have been sent by several persons
in different States. A teacher in Texas writes, “I should like
Sunday-school papers, temperance, and other tracts, to distribute
as I visit among the people.” “Can make use of the patch-work
and any other sewing prepared; thanks for encouraging words, and
sympathy, we need your constant and earnest prayers.”
From N.C.—“Your Christmas cards reached us safely; the children
enjoyed their gifts, and received them gratefully. My field is not
an easy one, but I am endeavoring with the Master’s help to plant
and replant fruitful seed. Any good reading matter is acceptable.
I need material for my sewing school (one dozen spools of cotton
and six crochet needles, were sent to this school by two young
ladies). Your letter was full of encouragement and good advice,
and strengthened me much. My work is chiefly among the children,
have 50 or 60 in Sunday-school in the morning, and about the same
number attend the Band of Hope every Sabbath afternoon. We have
prayer-meetings every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. I
have also a Bible-class for adults, which I teach an hour and a
half every Wednesday evening. Have received the patch-work from
Mrs. M., it is indeed a great help to have it basted, my time is so
occupied.”
Ga.—The teacher writes: “Thanks for your interest in us, we pay
for our Sunday school papers, for we think the people prize them
more when they pay for them; but I can send what I receive into
the country, where they are very glad of them; sent your roll last
night out twenty-five miles to a place where they have nothing to
help them; have several places to which I can send, and profitably
use all I receive. We are trying to give the people a little
instruction in mission work; and take up a collection once in three
months; this people need nothing more than to understand that there
are others as poor as themselves, and they certainly are very poor,
but, as they receive, they must also give; true growth comes from
looking out. Our day school has over 100, and our Sunday school
nearly as many more, some coming four or five miles, and have been
very enthusiastic in their work. My scholars are looking forward to
teaching. Last summer 14 were out, and more will probably go this
summer. We are hoping to give them better ideas of religion, that
they may help to change the character of the coming generation. We
have organized a “Woman’s Missionary Society.” They are to meet
from house to house, taking their supper with them; think it will
go far toward making them better housekeepers, as well as teaching
them to make things, which they will sell, and so get a little
money into their treasury, then they can send a dollar to some
cause in which they are interested. Pray for the success of this
society for through it, I hope to reach the homes, and there is so
much to be done in the homes before there can be much improvement.”
We have had cheering words from pastors in Arkansas and Kentucky,
telling of souls converted, Christians revived and children
gathered into Sunday schools. Our papers have been given where
there is great destitution of reading matter.