Produced by Cornell University, Joshua Hutchinson, Valère
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The American Missionary
March, 1895
Volume XLIX, No. 3.
CONTENTS
THIS NUMBER--FIELD NOTES
ARE THEY GRATEFUL?
PIONEER MISSIONARY IN AFRICA (Illustrated)
PIONEER MISSIONARY AMONG INDIANS (Illustrated)
A SOUTHERN JOURNEY, BY SEC. BEARD
VALUE OF PURE AND INTELLIGENT CHURCHES
TILLOTSON, AUSTIN, TEXAS (Illustrated)
DEATH OF DR. TAYLOR
DEATH OF REV. C.C. PAINTER--ONE MISSIONARY DAY
SOUTHERN FIELD NOTES
A SCHOOLBOY'S COMPOSITION
WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS
RECEIPTS
NEW YORK
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
Bible House, Ninth St. and Fourth Ave., New York.
Price, 50 Cents a Year in advance.
Entered at the Post Office at New York, N.Y., as second class matter.
American Missionary Association.
PRESIDENT, MERRILL E. GATES, LL.D., MASS.
_Vice-Presidents._
Rev. F.A. NOBLE, D.D., Ill.
Rev. ALEX. MCKENZIE, D.D., Mass.
Rev. HENRY HOPKINS, D.D., Mo.
Rev. HENRY A. STIMSON, D.D., N.Y.
Rev. WASHINGTON GLADDEN, D.D., Ohio.
_Corresponding Secretaries._
Rev. M.E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N.Y._
Rev. A.F. BEARD, D.D., _Bible House, N.Y._
Rev. F.P. WOODBURY, D.D., _Bible House, N.Y._
_Assistant Corresponding Secretary._
Rev. C.J. RYDER, D.D., _Bible House, N.Y._
_Recording Secretary._
Rev. M.E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N.Y._
_Treasurer._
HENRY W. HUBBARD, Esq., _Bible House, N.Y._
_Auditors._
PETER McCARTEE.
JAMES MITCHELL.
_Executive Committee._
CHARLES L. MEAD, Chairman.
CHARLES A. HULL, Secretary.
_For Three Years._
WILLIAM HAYES WARD,
JAMES W. COOPER,
LUCIEN C. WARNER,
JOSEPH H. TWICHELL,
CHARLES P. PEIRCE.
_For Two Years._
CHARLES A. HULL,
ADDISON P. FOSTER,
ALBERT J. LYMAN,
NEHEMIAH BOYNTON,
A.J.F. BEHRENDS.
_For One Year._
SAMUEL HOLMES,
SAMUEL S. MARPLES,
CHARLES L. MEAD,
WILLIAM H. STRONG,
ELIJAH HORR.
_District Secretaries._
Rev. GEO. H. GUTTERSON, 21 _Cong'l House, Boston, Mass._
Rev. JOS. E. ROY, D.D., 151 _Washington Street, Chicago, Ill._
Rev. W.E.C. WRIGHT, D.D., _Cong'l Rooms, Y.M.C.A. Building, Cleveland,
Ohio._
_Secretary of Woman's Bureau._
Miss D.E. EMERSON, _Bible House, N.Y._
COMMUNICATIONS
Relating to the work of the Association may be addressed to the
Corresponding Secretaries; letters for "THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY," to the
Editor, at the New York Office; letters relating to the finances, to the
Treasurer; letters relating to woman's work, to the Secretary of the
Woman's Bureau.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
In drafts, checks, registered letters, or post-office orders, may be
sent to H.W. Hubbard, Treasurer, Bible House, New York, or, when more
convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, 21 Congregational House,
Boston, Mass., 151 Washington Street, Chicago, Ill., or Congregational
Rooms, Y.M.C.A. Building, Cleveland, Ohio. A payment of thirty dollars
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NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS.--The date on the "address label" indicates the
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FORM OF A BEQUEST.
"I GIVE AND BEQUEATH the sum of ---- dollars to the 'American Missionary
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York." The will should be attested by three witnesses.
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY
VOL. XLIX.
March, 1895.
No. 3.
In this number of THE MISSIONARY we present our readers with an
interesting variety of information, embracing sketches of personal
observation by secretaries of the Association, letters from field
workers, pictures of pioneers in two important fields, and pictures of
one of our higher institutions. It is with sorrow that we are compelled
to notice the death of our late honored and beloved President, Dr.
William M. Taylor, and that of Professor Painter, so successful and so
faithful in his work among the Indians.
* * * * *
FIELD NOTES.
BY SECRETARY RYDER.
MOUNTAIN WORK.--A very interesting spiritual awakening seems to prevail
in many points of our mountain field. From a pastor of one of these
churches among our American Highlanders we have received the following:
"I have held meetings a couple of weeks, first at the church, and then
at the academy. A large number have been reached. The open meetings
disclosed the new life to all. We held daily meetings of prayer in the
evening, and a large percentage of the students attended. All took part.
The Y.P.S.C.E. has increased fourfold, and all the time is occupied in
their meetings, and often two or three arise to speak at once. Six names
were presented for active membership, and two for associate. The work is
not confined to this single church and academy.
"I went recently to another village and half a dozen committed
themselves for Christ. The Association needs an evangelist to visit
these fields. Audiences fill the churches, most of them people who are
out of Christ. All that prevents meeting this crying want of these
mountain people in supplying to them more intelligent and consecrated
ministers of the Gospel is the lack of money consecrated and given to
this great service. This mountain field is now ripe to the harvest.
Will not the churches multiply their gifts so that we can send into this
harvest field more devoted men who are ready to go if they can do their
work and simply be supported?"
* * * * *
The hard times and the difficulty of the mountain people to get clothing
is illustrated in the following, which comes to us in a recent
missionary letter from this mountain field:
"There would have been much more suffering had it not been for the
clothing which has gone out from this school. When seven chickens bring
only thirty-five cents the poor mountain people do not have much
chance."
* * * * *
A pastor of the Association among our American Highlanders writes as
follows: "This has been a most blessed and glorious season of
refreshing. In the bounds of my work this fall and winter I have held
and assisted in meetings which have in all resulted in something more
than 100 hopeful conversions. My work now is especially to care for and
look after the welfare of these precious souls lately brought to Christ
and to give as much time as possible to my studies."
* * * * *
INDIAN WORK.--Our friends will remember the appeal made by Rev. James F.
Cross, of Rosebud Agency, S.D., at our annual meeting at Elgin, Ill.,
for a chapel to be built at Cedar Butte, S.D. President Gates, moved by
the appeal, took it up so enthusiastically that nearly $400 came from
him and other generous givers. The Indians drew the logs and have just
erected the chapel under the direction of Superintendent Cross. A note
just received from the field contains the following, which abundantly
proves the wisdom of opening this new station at Cedar Butte and helping
the Indians in the erection of their church: "Last week I was up to
Cedar Butte church. It was the first time since it was built that I have
been there for service. I received two young men into the church. It was
a warm day and the thermometer has not been ten degrees away from zero,
except to go thirteen below, since." This chapel at Cedar Butte is the
center of a new work, and this message brings the hopefulness of the
field.
* * * * *
"We received five grown persons to our church fellowship on Sunday, and
two children were baptized. Three Christian Indian families were
constituted by Christian marriage at the same time. Praise God!" So
writes Supt. C.L. Hall, of Fort Berthold Indian Mission, N.D.
* * * * *
ARE THEY GRATEFUL?
REV. CHAS. F. SARGENT, THOMASVILLE, GA.
Very often we are asked if the people among whom we labor are grateful
for the work that is done for and among them--whether there is
self-denial on their part in helping themselves in church and school
work.
It is very important that we should have some expression on their part
in regard to this. There are many incidents in which grateful
acknowledgment is made. A few incidents will best answer the above
question.
A little more than a mile from here there lives in an almost
uninhabitable cabin an old lady who is called "Aunt Eliza." I saw her
first one cold day last winter, when I called and found her in bed sick
with pneumonia. We ministered unto her as we best could, providing
medicine, food and clothing.
From a missionary barrel garments were obtained which helped to make her
body comfortable. She depended on the kindness of a neighbor to gather
sticks for her and draw water. At times there was only enough fire in
the fire-place to give a faint glimmer, not enough to make the room
cheerful. Aunt Eliza is old and crippled, and it was only with much care
and patient waiting that in the goodness of God she was restored to
health. Some time passed after her recovery before I saw her. She came
to our house on a hot summer day to bring an offering of gratitude for
God's mercy in giving her back health and strength. She brought to us in
a corner of her handkerchief fifty-five cents which she had saved from
little gifts from children and grandchildren nearly as poor as herself.
She had at this time only meal enough in her house to make one "pone" of
bread. Gratefully she urged upon us her self-denying gift of
thanksgiving. Of course we accepted it, only to return it to her in the
name of the Master, who is the Great Gift Giver. Later in the season our
sister remembered us again. She had saved for us two chickens, but a
"_conjuror_" came along and said he would tell her fortune for them. He
succeeded in "_beating_" her out of her offering for the Lord, and in
return she received nothing. She came and told us all about it. This
good woman did not rest until she brought us one at a time the chickens
that she had promised. When the Association met with us a few days ago
she brought, as her part to help, a few eggs. There are other incidents
in her life which are interesting, but we cannot tell them all now. She
certainly is grateful and gives the "widow's mite" in giving all that
she has. She has been to our church and been blessed in meeting God in
the sanctuary. The first Sunday that she came she bowed and courtesied
to the people as she came in, much to their amusement.
* * * * *
A PIONEER MISSIONARY IN AFRICA.
[Illustration: REV. GEORGE THOMPSON.]
Rev. George Thompson was early enlisted as a missionary in the Mendi
Mission on the west coast of Africa. He had been a most ardent friend of
the slave, active in aiding their escape from the house of bondage, and
as a consequence had spent five years in the Missouri State Prison. He
went to Africa in 1848 under the commission of the American Missionary
Association, and proved himself to be remarkably useful. One of his most
far-reaching efforts was in the work as a peacemaker. A fierce and
unrelenting war had been raging among the tribes around the mission, and
this was brought to a close through the wise and persistent efforts of
Mr. Thompson. He was chosen umpire for the contending chiefs, and after
repeated and wearying excursions, and ten interviews or councils with
both parties, he at length succeeded. Then came the joy which peace
brings. Warriors met and fell on each other's necks; chiefs, who were
for years enemies, now shook hands and embraced each other with the
affection of long-separated friends; sisters, wives and daughters, long
captives, fell into each other's arms, weeping for joy. A chief's
daughter was seen running to embrace her father's feet, a wife hastened
to welcome her husband and children, and entire towns were filled with
cries of gladness. The beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers," belongs
to Mr. Thompson.
Ill health at length compelled Mr. Thompson to relinquish the work in
Africa, and in 1856 he returned to Oberlin, Ohio, where he spent five
years in publishing his book on Africa, entitled, "Palm Land," and in
educating two boys whom he brought with him from Africa. In 1861 he
removed with his family to northwestern Michigan, where he labored as a
home missionary for eighteen years, being the pastor for fifteen years
of a church which he established. He then returned to Oberlin, where he
remained until his death in 1893. In all these years Mr. Thompson was a
laborious and useful man, actively engaged in awakening the churches to
an interest in Africa, in writing his books and educating his children.
In his later years, while living in Oberlin, he was abundant in labors
in connection with Sunday-schools and feeble churches in Ohio and other
States.
* * * * *
A PIONEER MISSIONARY AMONG THE INDIANS.
In 1843 a number of young men from Oberlin entered upon a mission among
the Ojibway Indians in the northern part of what is now Minnesota, under
the auspices of the Western Evangelical Missionary Society, which was
soon afterward transferred to the American Missionary Association. Of
the inaccessibility of this field, a competent authority has said:
"There is probably no missionary field to-day on the face of the earth
more difficult to reach than this was at that time."
[Illustration: REV. S.G. WRIGHT.]
Among this group of missionaries was Rev. S.G. Wright. As a part of his
experience it is said that after a short visit at home, Mr. Wright
returned to the mission taking his young wife with him--their wedding
tour. It was a journey of over a month made in a canoe. They were both
compelled to walk at intervals twenty-two miles in the swamps along the
side of the stream until they reached Mr. Barnard's station. These walks
were varied by sickness; Mr. Wright sometimes had chills every day, but
at Mr. Barnard's station he recovered. There remained yet twenty miles
of their journey, and this was undertaken on foot, but soon a storm
brought five inches of snow. Mr. Wright says: "My wife was very lame,
and what woman would not be after walking twenty long miles through mire
and water, over high hills and through gullies, in snow from four to
five inches deep?"
The change wrought by these missionaries can be indicated in a sentence:
When they went there the Indians cultivated almost no land and their
only domestic animals were dogs. They maintained a precarious existence
by hunting and fishing, and the gathering of wild rice, with starvation
as no uncommon experience. In a few years these Indians raised their own
supplies of corn and potatoes, with some to sell to procure other
necessaries; they began to build houses for themselves; had the benefit
of a saw mill and a grist mill, with the blessings of a church and
boarding school.
The Association withdrew from the mission in 1859, but Mr. Wright
returned under other auspices, and spent several years in effective and
useful work. He still lives and is active in Christian labors as a
member of the church in Oberlin.
* * * * *
A SOUTHERN JOURNEY.
BY SECRETARY A.F. BEARD.
It included every Southern State in extent from Virginia to Texas, and
from Texas to Florida. It was a study of schools, their methods and
attainments; it was the acquaintance of new teachers and their work, the
greeting of those who have become old friends, the look into the eyes of
more colored youth in schools than usually falls to one person. It was a
comparative study of classes of all grades in schools of the same grade,
and of schools in different States and environments. It was an
examination of industries in agriculture, industries in mechanics, of
schools, normal and collegiate. It was an inspection of properties; an
inquiry as to the prices of paints and brick and lime and wall papers.
It was a visit to churches, a handshake with pastors and deacons, a
gathering of congregations to "make their wants and wishes known" to
"the Association." One soon learns that the correct use of the definite
article to designate the A.M.A. is not confined to those who have
studied grammar. There is only one Association for these people. They
never call it "American" nor even "Missionary." "The" is all sufficient,
and it does one good to hear his society thus alphabetically
abbreviated, as it does to meet these warm-hearted brethren of the
colored churches which have been nourished with life by "The"
Association. If anyone is suffering from iciness in the cardiac region,
there is no better place for him to get the cockles of his heart well
warmed up than in some of the colored congregations' churches which I
visited. I said some. Alas! there is a difference in churches--in the
South.
I find the schools full of interest, and that in the higher institutions
the girls and young women are side by side in nearly equal numbers with
lads and young men in climbing up the steep hills of education. It is,
indeed, climbing. It takes more time, more patience and more resolution
than most white students with happier conditions can realize.
The characteristics of the student are changing somewhat from the
former days. Pupils are pushing into the more advanced grades earlier
in years. They have not the memories of slavery as had the generations
before them--only the traditions of it, and certain of its
influences--for influences do not die when institutions pass away. There
is not, for example, much old-fashioned Puritanism stalking about in New
York in these days, but considerable of Puritan influence is alive and
is just now contributing to the hopefulness of the times and the
interests of municipal reform and even of the State government.
Influences continue, and it will take time for those of slavery or the
effect on both races to pass away.
One may not particularize among so many schools and churches as were in
the path of my visitation, and one must generalize if he will keep
within limits. For ten years now it has been my privilege to study the
South as a personal observer, not only in schools and churches and not
only on the regular routes of travel, but in the bypaths of rural life
and in talks with all classes and conditions of men of every shade of
color. I may, therefore, be permitted to generalize.
First, it is often said that those who live among evils best understand
them and know how to meet them. This is a fallacy. The missionaries in
China knew better what was for the good of China than did the Emperor
himself. There are people in the United States, also, who could give
some good points to the new Emperor of Russia, and if he would take them
and use them it would be for the advantage of that country. It is true
that impressions are not facts, and one cannot run over a fashionable
route of travel holding converse with some hospitable Southern host and
return with much more than impressions. Such are likely to speak with
more confidence than knowledge, but, on the other hand, one who confines
himself to a single locality in the South and to the local facts is more
likely to have his views lean to inclination than to truth. One's
opinion ought to be estimated by his information. I have known an
otherwise intelligent citizen of New Orleans to be ignorant of the
existence of Straight University with its 500 students and its noble
accomplishment. A citizen of New York in this case could give the
citizen of New Orleans some information about the South.
Secondly, the negroes are gaining. Never were the schools better in
their entire range in different States, the studies more exacting, the
purpose on the part of students for mastery in their work more resolute.
Never was there manifested a more self-reliant spirit. The people are
having a hard time just now; many are poorer than ever before, but the
negroes are gaining, inch by inch. There are millions in schools and
unreached millions yet who could not read a word in the New Testament if
they had one; but the gain is seen in many ways; in schools, in
churches, in homes, and in the improved quality and character of the
newspapers edited by colored men, as also in their increased numbers.
The schools under the direction and superintendence of colored teachers
are gaining in standing and worthiness.
Thirdly, the white South is gaining. Not very rapidly, but gaining. The
lawless part of the South--and there is a lawless part--is as lawless as
ever. The lower and more violent elements, however, are but a small part
of the Southern people. Still they know that the general public opinion
is not positive enough to condemn them in any question between the
negroes and the whites; hence they are not afraid to do what they will
with the negro. The great body of the Southern people are law-abiding,
with the single exception that they do not propose to respect the
Fifteenth Amendment. They are committed against this. They deprecate
lawlessness. They are personally kind to the negroes. They are busy in
the ordinary duties of life, but the lawless know that these good people
will never disturb them in their injustices to the negro. Then, there is
a relatively small element of the people who are prophets of a better
day. They themselves often feel the slavery of a public opinion which
puts odium upon them when they are too friendly in behalf of the
oppressed colored man. They cannot oppose many things which they feel to
be wrong without losing their influence. These seers of the future are
in hearty sympathy with our work and give it such personal encouragement
as they may under the tyrannical conditions of a public opinion not
friendly to equal rights on the part of the negro.
There is a great gain, also, in Southern public opinion as to the
capacity of the colored man and his possible future. This gain is seen
in the better provisions for the colored public schools, in towns and
cities. The schools of the A.M.A. are both object lessons and incentives
for the education of the white as well as the colored in the public
schools. The South is exceedingly sensitive as to the opinion of the
North. A trifle of published criticism, for example, goes through the
Southern papers with rebuttals enough to break down a national
constitution. An imperfect and incorrect report of an interview, which
lived just long enough to be printed, has been lately passionately
confuted in certain Southern newspapers with a profusion of epithets
which were out of all proportion to the harmless nonsense committed to
the press by an untrained reporter--a new illustration of the extreme
sensitiveness of the South to Northern opinion. Northern sentiment is
often ridiculed, and frequently sends not a few Southern newspapers into
spasms, but it is heeded. Let it be kindly and true, and pressed
fraternally and constantly "In His Name" who came
"To take away transgressions
And set the captive free."
* * * * *
THE VALUE OF PURE AND INTELLIGENT CHURCHES.
The extract given below has the true ring. It is from one of the pastors
of the American Missionary Association educated at Tougaloo and Howard
Theological Seminary. If sometimes our church work seems small and
discouraging there are many things to be remembered. Many times we are
told by the pastors of our churches "we could have larger churches and
more of them if we would accept the standards of those about us."
Moreover, some little church with fifty members may be doing more for
the cause of Christ than some big church of ten times the number. But,
read the extract:
"In the battle of Milliken's Bend, a color bearer was seen far in
advance of his company. The captain shouted to him, 'Bring those colors
back to the army!' The reply was sent back, 'Bring the army up to the
colors.'
"Just so, in the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee,
and the South generally, our church is lifting up the standard, and
although men are constantly trying to get the standard bearer to fall
back to the army of biased, narrow humanity, the church ever shouts back
the reply of the immortal color bearer, 'Bring the army up to the
colors.'
"Every man and woman going out from our schools is imbued with the
thought that he or she is to hold up the standard of God--not man--for
the people. Every church, school or mission fostered by the A.M.A. is
holding up the highest ideals of all life. And while our work does not
grow in numbers as rapidly as we could wish, we are broadcasting the
good seeds of the Kingdom over all the land, and here and there they are
springing into life, bringing forth fruit--some thirty, some sixty, and
some an hundred fold; so we go on grinding out the grist ever and anon
holding one for toll. I am not ignorant of what other churches are
doing, and some are doing nobly, but ours is the great work. It has been
my observation, that wherever an enterprising work is being carried on
in church or school, the leading force is generally the product of
Congregational effort, directly or indirectly. So take away our work,
then it would be like blotting out the sun, moon and most of the stars
from the sky."
* * * * *
A COLORED MAN WINS.--Charles W. Wood, of Chicago, a colored contestant
for oratorical honors, has won the first prize in Beloit College, Wis. A
few years ago he was a newsboy upon the street, but he made up his mind
to have an education. With the aid of a generous patron he has nearly
completed his college course and justified the high hopes of his many
friends.
* * * * *
TILLOTSON, AUSTIN, TEXAS.
BY SECRETARY A.F. BEARD.
In the year 1875 the Rev. George J. Tillotson, of Connecticut, visited
various points of the South with a view to the establishment of a
school. He was accompanied by a secretary of the Association. After a
careful survey they selected Austin, Texas, as the most promising point.
About twenty-five acres of partially wooded land just beyond the eastern
boundary of the city of Austin were purchased for $5,000, the gift of
Mr. Tillotson. In the following year a charter was obtained and the work
of raising money for the building was entered upon. The funds were
finally secured, and in 1879 the foundations were laid, and the
building, 104 feet in length and 42 in depth, constructed of white
pressed brick with dress stone trimmings, rose to its five stories in
height. On the 17th of January, 1881, the school opened. Two of the five
floors were then open spaces. Eleven pupils only were enrolled at the
beginning, but the term closed in June with 107. During this year the
building was completed and named "Allen Hall," in honor of one of the
largest givers. At the opening of the fall term the beginning of the
next year, the accommodations were taxed to the utmost. In August, 1882,
the report reads, "Allen Hall is full to repletion, 100 in the boarding
department. Work cannot unfold for need of more room. Young men and
young women in the same building make an urgent appeal for a new
building."
At no time since the beginning of the second year have there been
adequate accommodations for all desiring to attend.
For ten years the institution under the name of "Tillotson Collegiate
and Normal Institute" has furnished to students from all parts of the
great State of Texas with its half million of colored people, and from
other States, and from Mexico, not only an opportunity to acquire a
thoroughly practical common-school education, but also a more extended
course to prepare students for entrance to the highest educational
institutions in the land; and a normal training course for teachers for
all positions in the public schools. Within this period of time a church
has been formed for the students of the institution and others, which
has been regularly ministered to by the president of the institution.
In the year 1888 a building for carpentry and manual instruction was
erected and a teacher was appointed for industrial training.
The picture following is that of Allen Hall as it looks down upon the
valley of the river Colorado. In every direction the views are of great
extent, and include many picturesque scenes. The State capitol--a mile
distant--and the various public buildings of Austin, are before the eye.
Since electricity has been introduced, Austin by night presents a
brilliant outlook from the grounds of the institution, but the light
which shines from these buildings on the hill sends its beams farther
than those of the electric plant, and pierces a denser darkness than
that of night.
[Illustration: ALLEN HALL.]
The industrial buildings--viz., the shop for carpentry, another for
blacksmithing, for repairing of vehicles, and for painting--are at a
suitable distance in the rear on the "boys' side" of the grounds. Below
them are located the barn, wagon house, hennery, etc.
On the crest of a second eminence, several hundred feet from "Allen
Hall," is the attractive new building (see picture, page 100) used as a
dormitory for teachers and young women pupils. In this building are the
culinary department also, and the dining room for each hall. There are
forty dormitory rooms in this hall which will accommodate sixty pupils
and their teachers. In addition to its dining-hall for all the pupils
within the institution there are reading and sewing rooms, etc., which
add to its completeness. There are not many school buildings anywhere
with more diversified landscape and beautiful natural surroundings than
those of Tillotson. Encompassed by oak trees large enough for shade and
shelter, but not over-towering the prospect, free from the distracting
noises and dust of the streets, and yet possessing all the advantages of
a thrifty and beautiful city, the student at Tillotson will have at
least one period in life that may not be commiserated.
This new building has not yet been duly named, and if anyone of those
who may read this sketch will give $1,000 to be used as an endowment
fund, the interest to be applied year by year as long as the school
stands, we shall be glad to name this new hall after the giver, unless
the name should happen to be too un-euphonious. Would not this beautiful
hall be a fine monument to bear the name of some considerate and
generous giver?
[Illustration: NEW HALL: DORMITORY FOR TEACHERS AND PUPILS.]
Tillotson was chartered under the corporate name of "Institute." This
charter has now expired, and since the institution has blossomed out
with the possibilities of a college it is hoped that under the new
charter it may bear the name of "College."
It has the following departments: Common English, Normal, College
Preparatory, College, Vocal and Instrumental Music, and Industrial, and
a department for trained nurses. The faculty of the institution has
consisted of the president, the normal principal, the industrial
teacher, and ten other teachers. The boarding department is conducted
upon the model of a Christian household. The intention is by no means
simply to furnish rooms and meals for those who are in attendance, but
also to inculcate ideas of right living and thinking, which are
indispensable to true manhood and womanhood.
In the Common English department the purpose is to prepare the pupils
thoroughly for the practical duties of life.
The College Preparatory gives a careful preparation in the way of
language studies which will fit them to enter into the more generous
course of study in which they may be fitted to be intelligent preachers
and leaders of their race. The demand for college-educated men among the
negroes is an intelligent one. This race cannot be elevated unless there
can be raised a sufficient number of strong, earnest men, thoroughly
trained intellectually, as well as morally; men who shall have a larger
than a local vision, and who shall stand forth as representative leaders
and teachers of those less fortunate than themselves.
The Normal department adds the study of subjects and methods, for those
who are preparing to become teachers among their own people.
The Industrial includes not only manual instruction, but carpentry,
blacksmithing and mechanical drawing for boys and young men, and also
sewing and dressmaking for girls and young women.
[Illustration: MANUAL INSTRUCTION SHOP.]
For a young institution the record of Tillotson is excellent. There are
few places in the great empire of Texas where it has not already become
known through its pupils, or through teachers who have received their
education within its walls.
Being under the care of a distinctively Christian organization it
carries out the intention of its founders in providing religious
instruction for all who attend. Its Sunday School, its Christian
Endeavor Societies, its social worship, its church service, its mission
work, all intensify the religious influence and religious life.
Tillotson is far away and needs friends who will give it help. It needs
scholarships and professorships. It needs a library, chemical and
philosophical apparatus, and a printing press. It needs gifts of
bedding, tableware for the halls, and clothing for needy students.
Friends, it needs your Christian sympathy and Christian prayers, that
the great and blessed Teacher may dwell within its walls and in the
hearts of the inmates.
* * * * *
DEATH OF DR. TAYLOR.
Nine years ago we were called upon to record the death of Governor
Washburn, President of this Association. While he was seemingly in the
fullness of life and while on the platform at the meeting of the
American Board he suddenly and unexpectedly fell asleep in death. In a
far different way did his successor, Rev. William M. Taylor, D.D., meet
in quietude and with patient resignation the summons that called him
home. The premonition of death came three years ago, and the march has
been steady to the close. During these months his patience and sweet
assurance have been as marked illustrations of the power of the Gospel
as other graces were in his more active career.
Dr. Taylor, long before he became President of this Association, took a
deep interest in its work and brought to it his own personal influence
and that of his large and wealthy congregation. As a presiding officer
he was constant in his attendance, and by the dignity of his manner and
his great force of character gave guidance and strength to the
gatherings of our annual meeting. But Dr. Taylor was broad, and his
sympathies went forth to every form of endeavor for the spread of the
Gospel and the benefit of mankind. With a strong character derived from
his Scottish ancestry, he had made his mark as a pastor in the growth of
a church under his care in the old country. Nearly a quarter of a
century ago he came to this city, and by his commanding eloquence, his
pastoral gifts and the books which flowed from his pen, he has exerted a
wide and salutary influence. On great occasions, at college
anniversaries and at missionary and ecclesiastical gatherings, Dr.
Taylor was one of the most acceptable and efficient speakers. One marked
characteristic of Dr. Taylor came from his great heart, and mellowed and
sweetened all his other powers. He has finished a glorious course, and
has gone to his reward.
* * * * *
REV. CHAS. C. PAINTER.
The recent death of Prof. Painter has removed a most useful and
efficient worker in behalf of the Indians. He died at his home in
Washington, of heart disease, after an illness of only twelve hours. He
was sixty-two years old, born in Virginia, but resident for most of his
life in New England, where he was an acceptable pastor. He was called
from that position into the service of the American Missionary
Association, acting for a time as Professor in Fisk University. He,
however, soon gave his life to promoting the education and civilization
of the Indians, and for ten years was connected with the Indian Rights
Association. It was a tribute to his knowledge and service in the Indian
work that about a year ago he was appointed a member of the Board of
Indian Commissioners.
* * * * *
ONE MISSIONARY DAY.
MISS S.E. OBER, EVARTS, KY.
At work again. Back from the rest and change of the summer vacation.
Leaving behind friends and home, comforts and pleasures, and nearly all
the advantages of civilization. But coming to a greater joy, a higher
privilege than any of these can afford--the "high calling" of our
Master, to minister to poor, needy souls in His name.
So with great happiness we gather up the loose threads and the dropped
stitches of last year's work, and start anew. Come with us through one
day, and taste a few of a missionary's joys. After our household tasks
are over, and we have gained new power from our daily devotions, we
start out on our work. Over one hundred boys and girls give us bright
greetings as we ride past. We must go on horseback, as there are no
_good_ roads in our vicinity.
We are entirely compassed about with mountains; on every side they lift
their grand heads in everlasting testimony of the wonderful handiwork of
the Almighty. But we have little time to gaze upon their beauty, for
more precious creations of the same great Hand are needing our
attention.
See this little hovel, built of rough logs, scarcely serving to keep out
the wind or the rain. Let us enter. A most pitiful sight awaits us. The
fever has been before us. For months it has raged, and two human souls
have been taken from the family which dwells here. On a rude filthy bed
lies the wasted frame of a once stalwart man. He is as feeble as the
infant; a wan child is sitting near by. The mother, in tattered
garments, totters about her work, so enfeebled by the disease that her
strength is inadequate for her tasks. Three of the children are nothing
but skeletons, and sit listlessly on the floor, taking but little
notice of anything going on about them.
The thin faces light up at sight of us, and a cordial welcome is
extended. The only whole chair is brought forward for our use. You might
expect a torrent of complaints from these poor creatures. But no,
instead come words of praise to God that He had spared so many of their
lives, that He had been _with_ them in their sufferings.
A year ago, when we visited this hut, we found them stolid and
indifferent, caring nothing for spiritual things. The woman sat smoking
over the fire, scarcely vouchsafing us a word, and muttered to a crony,
"Wot's thet thar woman nosing 'bout yere for? She'd er heap sight better
let we uns erlone."
It was very hard to ask permission to hold prayers with them in such a
hostile atmosphere, but it is our duty to "sow beside _all_ waters," so
we proffered our request.
"Yer kin ef yer mines ter. I haint er carin'," was the ungracious reply.
But what a change _now_. The woman's face glows with a light that only
comes from the "light of the world." "God's been mighty good ter we
uns," she says. "Ef hit hedn't ben fer Him we'd er died. An' we uns air
bound ter do ez near right ez we kin, an' serve ther Lord, ther hull lot
on us."
Does it not make our own hearts glow to hear such words, and see the
wonders God hath wrought? And with thanksgiving we read and pray with
them, and strengthen their faith with God's Word. After noting their
needs, and promising to supply them from the articles sent us by
generous Northern friends, we go on to the next house.
We find the same sad state of affairs; fever-worn men and women, wasted
children, and starvation and want staring them in the face. But we find
also the same great change. God's Spirit has been working among them,
and hearts are softened and lives changed by His power. So we go from
hut to hut, until the way becomes too steep to ride, and we leave our
horses and climb, on foot, the lofty, rocky ridges.
We find men who were reckless and bad ready to listen to God's Word, and
in broken voices asking for prayers. We find women who have lived lives
of open shame penitent and contrite, showing by their abandonment of
their evil ways that they are sincere when they say, oh so earnestly,
"We uns air tryin' ter do right."
But all is not so encouraging. We must visit homes where vice reigns
supreme; where women are lost to shame, and glory in their sin; where
even the children have the "trail of the serpent" upon their young
faces; where the men are brutal and beastly, and even sickness does not
_touch_ them.
Let us call at this old log house as we pass; nestled under a high
cliff, with the creek flowing past, it looks like some ugly blot on the
"face of nature." But it is a _school-house_. There is no window, no
chimney, only a hole in the side of the house, opening into a sort of
pen of rocks, in which the fire is built; an admirable arrangement to
send all the heat out of doors, and the smoke into the house. Several
rough benches (that do not invite to ease or comfort) and an ancient
chair complete the furniture of the room. Several boards painted black
form the "blackboards." Here we find two tattered urchins and three tiny
girls, whose faces have evidently not made the acquaintance of soap and
water for some days.
The teacher is one of the advanced pupils of our academy--a bright young
man, who will attend our school when his is completed. We ask where the
rest of the scholars are.
"Pulling fodder or stripping cane," is the reply. And the children have
to work so much in the fields that they seldom have the chance of
attending school. Out of fifty or sixty scholars only a very few ever
attend these public schools. But it is growing late, and we have a long,
rough way before us, so we spur on toward home, reaching it just as the
glow of the sunset dies away from the last distant peak and the dusky
twilight settles down over the whole land.
A hurried supper and then to the church prayer meeting. Here are
gathered quite a number, and we have a very good meeting, feeling the
presence of our Saviour in our midst. So closes one of our days, and
wearied in body, but refreshed and strengthened in spirit, we go to
rest.
* * * * *
SOUTHERN FIELD NOTES.
REV. GEORGE W. MOORE.
The mission station recently opened at La Pine, in the black belt of
Alabama, is a door of hope to that needy people. The people came for
miles around to greet the missionary and to hear the Gospel. At another
point in Alabama we found a promising field which one of our theological
graduates from Talladega had opened. He began the work in a rented hall
at his own cost, and after he had gathered a congregation and found it a
needy and at the same time a hopeful field he raised the "Macedonian
cry" to the American Missionary Association for help. The Pauline
heroism of this brother in preaching the Gospel in his own hired house
is shared by our brethren in various parts of our Southern field. The
work is so large and the needs of the people are so great that this
spirit of Christ must be more fully expressed, both in gifts and
service, to reach the pressing calls for help.
I met three interesting characters in the black belt of Georgia. The
first was named Moses. On meeting him he addressed me with "You don't
knows me, does you? My name is Moses." His friend "Uncle Plenty" lived
in a little cabin by the roadside. He had heard of the Association, and
was glad to greet me as one of its missionaries. He told me that he felt
so thankful for what the Northern friends had done for his people that
he wished his little cabin and half acre lot to be bequeathed to the
American Missionary Association. I dined with "Uncle Plenty" and met
Father Joshua, a poor old blind man ninety years of age, in his cabin.
They told me the story of their lives in slavery and how they had prayed
to see this day of freedom and light.
Moses and Joshua and "Uncle Plenty" are types of the old people and
times that are giving place to a new generation and a brighter day.
Among the new enterprises reported at the meeting of the Georgia
Association at Thomasville, Ga., were two churches and several missions
from the vicinity of Columbia, S.C.
I spent Thanksgiving Day at Lowell, N.C. Our mission at this point is
the only church in that vicinity. It was the first Thanksgiving service
they had ever enjoyed or even heard of. It was held in a log cabin.
Lowell is the center of a large negro settlement; the people have had a
hard lot, and but little opportunity to improve their condition. They
are very grateful to hear the Gospel.
Forefather's day was observed by the Nashville churches in the
theological hall of Fisk University. We "spiritual children" of the
Pilgrims honor the fathers whose descendants have enriched us through
the A.M.A. by the schools and churches that have been planted among us.
The church at Lexington, Ky., had a season of "refreshing" in December,
when several heads of families united with it. Howard church, Nashville,
also had an awakening with good results. This church has increased its
membership fifty per cent. in fifteen months. Jackson Street Church,
Nashville, held a recognition service for its new pastor in January.
We were glad to greet the churches and brethren of Louisiana after an
absence from them of two years. The Spain Street Church at New Orleans
held a series of Gospel meetings in which a number avowed their faith in
the Saviour, and the church was strengthened.
Straight University is crowded with an earnest class of students.
This school is doing a great work for the people of Louisiana and
surrounding States. In spite of the hard times, which are very severe in
the South (laborers in Louisiana and some other States receive only
fifty cents a day and board themselves), the people are making great
sacrifices for the education of their children, and our pastors and
teachers are making heroic struggles that the work in school and church
may go forward.
The need of the continuance of the work was never greater and the
results of the service of our workers were never better. To retrench
further at this time would not only cripple the work among the needy
peoples of our field, but shut the door of opportunity in many places,
and injure the people in their efforts to rise, and discourage our
self-sacrificing missionaries. The people are grateful for these schools
and churches and need more of them. We appeal to our Northern friends to
come to the rescue of the American Missionary Association at this time.
* * * * *
A SCHOOLBOY'S COMPOSITION.
A little lad six years of age in the primary grade of Knox Institute,
Athens, Ga., attended rhetoricals in which several pupils read
compositions on the subject of America. He was greatly impressed, went
home, and wrote without supervision the composition below. Although he
has put the raccoon, lion and tiger among the birds, it is certainly a
pretty good composition for the first one written by a child six years
of age. Could any of the children six years old to whom THE AMERICAN
MISSIONARY may come do better than this little black boy?
AMERICA.
America is a large country, and it has many large rivers, and it has
many animals, and has wild creatures.
America is a most important country. And many a people like to go there.
And it has many wild birds--mocking birds, nightingale, raccoon, and
also the opossum and lion, tiger, elephant, and the rhinoceros.
And in America there are lakes, seas, and the bushes are so thick that
you can hardly tell when a human is beside them.
The States in America are so large that ten hundred can get in these.
But if one of the animals was to seize you once you would never want to
go there any more, for if one of them get hold of you you would hollow
like anything. It would settle your hash. It would frighten you so much
you never would want to see one of them.
HALL JOHNSON,
Age 6, December 16, 1894.
* * * * *
WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS.
MAINE.
WOMAN'S AID TO A.M.A.
_State Committee_--Mrs. Ida Vose Woodbury,
Woodfords; Mrs. A.T. Burbank, Yarmouth;
Mrs. Helen Quimby, Bangor.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
FEMALE CENT. INSTITUTION AND HOME MISS. UNION.
President--Mrs. Cyrus Sargeant, Plymouth.
Secretary--Mrs. John T. Perry, Exeter.
Treasurer--Miss Annie A. McFarland, Concord.
VERMONT.
WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION.
President--Mrs. J.H. Babbitt, W. Brattleboro.
Secretary--Mrs. M.K. Paine, Windsor.
Treasurer--Mrs. Wm. P. Fairbanks, St. Johnsbury.
MASS AND R.I.
[A]WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
President--Mrs. C.L. Goodell, Boston Highlands, Mass.
Secretary--Mrs. Louise A. Kellogg, 32 Congregational House, Boston.
Treasurer--Miss Annie C. Bridgeman, 32 Congregational House, Boston.
CONNECTICUT.
WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION.
President--Miss Ellen R. Camp, 9 Camp St., New Britain.
Secretary--Mrs. C.T. Millard, 36 Lewis St., Hartford.
Treasurer--Mrs. W.W. Jacobs, 19 Spring St., Hartford.