VOL. XXXV. NO. 9.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
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“To the Poor the Gospel is Preached.”
* * * * *
SEPTEMBER, 1881.
_CONTENTS_:
EDITORIAL.
ANNUAL MEETING—FINANCIAL—OUR BROADSIDE 257
THE PLACE OF THE CHURCH IN THE WORK OF MISSIONS 258
HEALING OF THE NATION’S WOUND 260
SUGGESTION WORTH PASSING ALONG 261
BENEFACTIONS—GENERAL NOTES 262
THE FREEDMEN.
OUR CHURCH WORK BROADSIDE.
Washington, D.C.; Hampton, Va. 265
Wilmington, Beaufort, N.C.; Charleston,
Orangeburg, S.C.; First Cong. Ch.,
Atlanta, Ga. 266
Cut First Cong. Ch., Atlanta, Ga. 267
Atlanta Univ., Savannah, Ga. 268
Woodville, Marietta, Cypress Slash, Ga. 269
Belmont and Louisville, Ga.; Talladega,
Mobile, Marlon, Ala. 270
Montgomery, Selma, Ala. 271
Shelby Iron Works, Childersburg, Florence,
Ala.; Tougaloo, Miss.; Cong.
Churches of Louisiana 272
Nashville, Memphis, Tenn. 275
Chattanooga, Tenn.; Berea, Ky.; Little
Rock, Ark. 276
Goliad, Paris, Flatonia, Texas 277
Corpus Christi, Texas 278
THE CHINESE.
JOTTINGS FROM THE FIELD 278
WOMAN’S HOME MISS. ASSOC’N.
MISS WILSON’S WORK IN KANSAS 280
CHILDREN’S PAGE.
PAULPHEMIA’S MA 282
RECEIPTS 284
CONSTITUTION 287
AIM, STATISTICS, WANTS, ETC. 288
* * * * *
NEW YORK:
Published by the American Missionary Association,
ROOMS, 56 READE STREET.
* * * * *
Price, 50 Cents a Year, in advance.
Entered at the Poet Office at New York, N.Y., as second-class matter.
American Missionary Association,
56 READE STREET, N.Y.
* * * * *
PRESIDENT.
HON. E. S. TOBEY, Boston.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
Hon. F. D. PARISH, Ohio.
Hon. E. D. HOLTON, Wis.
Hon. WILLIAM CLAFLIN, Mass.
Rev. STEPHEN THURSTON, D.D., Me.
Rev. SAMUEL HARRIS, D.D., Ct.
WM. C. CHAPIN, Esq., R.I.
Rev. W. T. EUSTIS, D.D., Mass.
Hon. A. C. BARSTOW, R.I.
Rev. THATCHER THAYER, D.D., R.I.
Rev. RAY PALMER, D.D., N.J.
Rev. EDWARD BEECHER, D.D., N.Y.
Rev. J. M. STURTEVANT, D.D., Ill.
Rev. W. W. PATTON, D.D., D.C.
Hon. SEYMOUR STRAIGHT, La.
Rev. CYRUS W. WALLACE, D.D., N.H.
Rev. EDWARD HAWES, D.D., Ct.
DOUGLAS PUTNAM, Esq., Ohio.
Hon. THADDEUS FAIRBANKS, Vt.
Rev. M. M. G. DANA, D.D., Minn.
Rev. H. W. BEECHER, N.Y.
Gen. O. O. HOWARD, Washington Ter.
Rev. G. F. MAGOUN, D.D., Iowa.
Col. C. G. HAMMOND, Ill.
EDWARD SPAULDING, M.D., N.H.
Rev. WM. M. BARBOUR, D.D., Ct.
Rev. W. L. GAGE, D.D., Ct.
A. S. HATCH, Esq., N.Y.
Rev. J. H. FAIRCHILD, D.D., Ohio.
Rev. H. A. STIMSON, Minn.
Rev. A. L. STONE, D.D., California.
Rev. G. H. ATKINSON, D.D., Oregon.
Rev. J. E. RANKIN, D.D., D.C.
Rev. A. L. CHAPIN, D.D., Wis.
S. D. SMITH, Esq., Mass.
Dea. JOHN C. WHITIN, Mass.
Hon. J. B. GRINNELL, Iowa.
Rev. HORACE WINSLOW, Ct.
Sir PETER COATS, Scotland.
Rev. HENRY ALLON, D.D., London, Eng.
WM. E. WHITING, Esq., N.Y.
J. M. PINKERTON, Esq., Mass.
E. A. GRAVES, Esq., N.J.
Rev. F. A. NOBLE, D.D., Ill.
DANIEL HAND, Esq., Ct.
A. L. WILLISTON, Esq., Mass.
Rev. A. F. BEARD, D.D., N.Y.
FREDERICK BILLINGS, Esq., Vt.
JOSEPH CARPENTER, Esq., R.I.
Rev. E. P. GOODWIN, D.D., Ill.
Rev. C. L. GOODELL, D.D., Mo.
J. W. SCOVILLE, Esq., Ill.
E. W. BLATCHFORD, Esq., Ill.
C. D. TALCOTT, Esq., Ct.
Rev. JOHN K. MCLEAN, D.D., Cal.
Rev. RICHARD CORDLEY, D.D., Kansas.
Rev. W. H. WILLCOX, D.D., Mass.
Rev. G. B. WILLCOX, D.D., Ill.
Rev. WM. M. TAYLOR, D.D., N.Y.
Rev. GEO. M. BOYNTON, Mass.
Rev. E. B. WEBB, D.D., Mass.
Hon. C. I. WALKER, Mich.
Rev. A. H. ROSS, Mich.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
REV. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _56 Reade Street, N.Y._
DISTRICT SECRETARIES.
REV. C. L. WOODWORTH, _Boston_.
REV. G. D. PIKE, _New York_.
REV. JAS. POWELL, _Chicago_.
H. W. HUBBARD, ESQ., _Treasurer, N.Y._
REV. M. E. STRIEBY, _Recording Secretary_.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
ALONZO S. BALL,
A. S. BARNES,
C. T. CHRISTENSEN,
CLINTON B. FISK,
ADDISON P. FOSTER,
S. B. HALLIDAY,
A. J. HAMILTON,
SAMUEL HOLMES,
CHARLES A. HULL,
CHAS. L. MEAD,
SAMUEL S. MARPLES,
WM. T. PRATT,
J. A. SHOUDY,
JOHN H. WASHBURN.
COMMUNICATIONS
relating to the work of the Association may be addressed to the
Corresponding Secretary; those relating to the collecting fields to
the District Secretaries; letters for the Editor of the “American
Missionary,” to Rev. G. D. PIKE, D.D., at the New York Office.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
may be sent to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer, 56 Reade Street, New
York, or when more convenient, to either of the Branch Offices, 21
Congregational House, Boston, Mass., or 112 West Washington Street,
Chicago, Ill. A payment of thirty dollars at one time constitutes a
Life Member.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
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VOL. XXXV. SEPTEMBER, 1881. NO. 9.
* * * * *
_American Missionary Association._
* * * * *
The Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting of the American Missionary
Association will be held in Worcester, Mass., commencing November
1st, at 3 P. M. For particulars see fourth page of cover.
* * * * *
FINANCIAL.
This month brings around the close of another fiscal year.
Our balances will be struck on the 30th of September, and we
are exceedingly anxious that all parties, either churches or
individuals, who have intended to contribute to our work during
the current year, should do so as early as possible. Our appeal
is that you give to this cause liberally as the Lord may have
prospered you. Our receipts for the nine months to June 30th were
very encouraging, but the receipts for July, the first month of the
last quarter, have not been as large as we had reason to hope. The
increase over July of last year has been only fourteen per cent,
instead of twenty-five per cent., the amount necessary to carry
forward the additional work we have undertaken. But we trust that
our friends will enable us to meet these appropriations without
embarrassing our treasury. Every dollar received during the next
thirty days will help us to meet our pressing demands, and possibly
save us from closing the year with debt.
* * * * *
OUR BROADSIDE.
We give room in this number of the MISSIONARY to a broadside on
Church work. Our object is to present to our patrons, at a view, an
array of the large number of new churches we have established for
the colored people. A majority of the pastors employed by us have
been connected in some capacity with our Institutions, a goodly
number of them having graduated from the theological classes at
Talladega College, Fisk and Straight Universities.
It may be said, with grateful assurance and peculiar emphasis,
that this Association _establishes_ its churches. It prepares
a constituency by its day and Sabbath-schools, and from this
educates a ministry. In this way it develops a demand for a pure
church, and also the possibility of maintaining it when established.
It will be observed that nearly all the churches reported have
been blessed during the year with additions to their numbers,
and that many have made improvements upon their property. The
Sabbath-schools have everywhere received due attention, and much of
the progress in the different churches has been made possible by
the earnest, prayerful and unremitting labors of our missionaries
in this department of religious work. Missionary meetings and
societies have been greatly encouraged and the cause of temperance
widely promoted. Many of the young converts have found their way
to institutions of learning, and many have engaged in teaching and
missionary service.
When it is taken into account that these young churches are
reformed churches, and that their church life is a new experience
among the colored people, where they shine as lights in the world,
it will be readily seen, we think, that this branch of our work
augurs most hopefully a day of better things for the new South, and
that the hearts and hands of these brethren, whose letters will be
found elsewhere, should be strengthened, and their numbers largely
increased.
* * * * *
THE PLACE OF THE CHURCH IN THE WORK OF MISSIONS.
In these days, when science is pushing her inquiries in every
direction with reference to the discovery of new facts, in order
that she may deduce therefrom the course of nature and the system
of the universe, there is danger that we overlook the basis in
man’s moral constitution on which, alone, knowledge can have the
highest significance and value. The drift is seen not merely in the
public schools, but in the college and the professional seminary,
which, more and more, are reducing education to the acquisition of
facts, or to a simple intellectual drill. The scientific method,
so called, has no place for moral agents or moral causes, and so
its account of the world is forever rendered on a physical rather
than on a metaphysical basis. With such a tendency in education,
this Association can have no sympathy. It is the friend of all good
learning, and will do its utmost to advance education; but it does
not believe that a man can be well or symmetrically educated until
his moral faculties are disciplined in advance of, and equally
_with_, his intellectual. For this reason it would put the church
at the center and foundation of all its work. In this respect it
would co-operate with God, accepting His own appointed agency
for the moral instruction of mankind. The church, as the great
moral teacher, bears the stamp of a divine origin and authority.
Its function is to teach divine truth, and to put man into right
moral relations to the deep order of the universe. Any system of
education, then, which ignored the church, or even set her in
the background, would fail in a well rounded development of all
the mental powers. A partial substitute may be found in other
professions and other institutions, but nothing can take the place
of the church as the authoritative teacher of moral and spiritual
truth.
It is well to remember, also, that that which best develops and
educates the moral powers is the best possible discipline for
the mind itself. No subjects require clearer perception, sharper
analysis and more discriminating reason than moral subjects, and
no men show keener minds than those who have been trained to
reason on moral questions. Illustrations of this in ancient times
are found in the Jewish patriarchs, and in modern times in the
people of Scotland and of New England. And yet the common schools
of these latter countries, until within fifty years, were of the
rudest sort, and only taught the simplest elements of an English
education. But their people, trained in the sanctuary, under a
ministry which was able to reason of righteousness, temperance and
a judgment to come, were as strong intellectually as they were
tough and clear-minded morally.
Senator Hoar, in his recent oration before the law school of Yale
College, asserted and proved that the best lawyers of the last
generation were indebted to the strong pulpits of New England more
than to anything else for their intellectual clearness, and for
their judicial discrimination and force.
Let there be a strong pulpit in any community, and there will be
strong men around it, mentally and morally, though the schools are
of the simplest. On the other hand, if the pulpit be weak and the
outcoming moral influences be feeble, though the schools be ever
so well equipped and endowed, the people around will lack high
purpose, and scholarship itself will be frivolous and effeminate,
destitute of the rugged strength which comes to natures fed from
the deep roots of moral earnestness and conviction.
It need hardly be said that the great need of the South, especially
among the colored people, is a _strong_ church and a _pure_ church;
for slavery damaged the colored man morally vastly more that it
did intellectually. Indeed, his intellect was rather sharpened
by the invention and craft on which it was constantly put, while
the forces which strengthened the will and nourished a pure heart
were the weakest possible; and yet nine persons out of ten suppose
the damage was intellectual, and are greatly surprised when our
teachers assure them that colored children are as bright, and learn
as readily, as white children.
A moment’s reflection would satisfy any one that the weakness would
be on the moral side, for the reason that the life of the slave was
so ordered as to ignore all moral distinctions and to violate all
moral obligations. Hence, the building up should be strongest on
the moral side. No greater mistake could be made than to attempt
to graft on to a low moral character a high degree of intellectual
culture. Should we send forth a generation of students, with sharp
wits and dull moral perceptions, we might contribute to the roll of
more adroit villains, but we should add little to the list of good
men.
The church, therefore, should be emphasized at all points and
at all times. It should command for its preachers the best and
the ablest men. Both races need this. Only this can destroy the
conditions which made it possible that white blood should now be
running in the veins of three-fourths of the colored people. The
Southern pulpit has failed to sufficiently enforce either good
morals or practical righteousness. For lack of this, slavery was
possible, and dueling and violence covered the land with blood.
The remedy for this is a new and right system of moral teaching.
This, we repeat, is the peculiar function of the pulpit. That this
may be made _possible_, churches pure and intelligent must be
established all over the South. It should be done now, because we
are laying the foundations and determining the character of the
coming generations. If the first crop of leaders are morally weak,
they will enfeeble their successors, and perhaps vitiate the seed
and the crop for all time to come.
We need to put into the African blood the iron of the Puritan faith
and purpose, so that they may do for the African continent what
our fathers did for America. The first men sent to that dark land
should hold the ideas and principles out of which may be evolved
churches, schools, homes and Christian states, from the mouths of
the Nile and the Congo clear down to the golden Cape. If we cannot
inoculate the colored race with those moral sensibilities and
forces which will render them charitable, humane and just, then we
look to them in vain for help in the salvation of our own land, as
well as in the founding of Christian institutions and Christian
states for the continent of Africa.
* * * * *
HEALING OF THE NATION’S WOUND.
It was a gaping, festering sore that was left by the fratricidal
war. A speedy healing was not to be expected. It took nearly a
century for the mother country and America to get over their
grievance. There is much of encouragement that this later feud will
be more speedily composed. There have been some special influences
at work. The occurrence of the Centennial tended to divert
attention from the old trouble, to arouse the spirit of patriotism
and to abate ill-will. The prevalence of an epidemic at the South
for two seasons gave the North an opportunity to express moral and
material sympathy, which did much to awaken reciprocal good-will on
the part of the people of that section.
When President Garfield was shot, the people of the South rose up
with as much indignation and sympathy as those of the North. It was
a benediction for the Nation to be lifted by such a ground-swell
of emotion, and that the impulse of Christian patriotism. We feel
confident that President Garfield, restored to soundness, will by
this dreadful dispensation be all the more disposed to temper his
administration with fairness and righteousness, such as will carry
on the process of healing in the body politic.
The Peabody fund and its judicious disbursement at the South is
doing its work of palliating feeling. Miss Willard’s tour of
temperance lecturing through the South was a hopeful revelation of
harmonious sentiment. Dr. Mayo’s eminently successful educational
visitation was in the same line.
Then it is also clearly manifest that the scheme of the North
for aiding the South in the education of the colored people is
coming to be recognized there-away as one of pure philanthropy and
patriotism. The testimony of Dr. Haygood in his book, “Our Brother
in Black,” to this effect, is but the expression of not a little
of latent sentiment. He pronounces “immortal honor” upon these
teachers. He says that without such service the South would be
uninhabitable by this time. Our teachers and preachers, dwelling
there from year to year, and returning North betimes, become
interpreters of the mutual and improving good feeling. They command
respect at the South, they retain affectionate regard at the North,
and so become a bond of union between the two sections. More and
more this process will go on with happiest results.
The National Cotton Exposition to be held this fall at Atlanta,
upon a gigantic scale, will be another mighty loom for weaving the
fabric of national good-will.
We be one people, with one English inheritance of language and
history, of character and civilization, with a common possession of
Revolutionary glory and of pride in our national development. We
must let the dead bury their dead. We must push on in all proper
ways to remove prejudice and to restore confidence. Service for our
common country in the way of evangelization and of righteous civil
administration, will be one of the most effective aids in healing
the Nation’s wound.
* * * * *
A SUGGESTION WORTH PASSING ALONG.
After the presentation of the cause of the American Missionary
Association recently to a church in Connecticut, the pastor made
the following suggestion to his people:
“We have now had this great subject before us. We shall never,
probably, see it more clearly. We shall never, probably, feel its
importance more. What shall we do about it? I was going to announce
a contribution for next Sabbath; but perhaps it will rain; perhaps
you will not be here; perhaps you will forget. Besides, I notice
that church plates do not hold a great deal. We make them a small
business. We ought to do more for this cause. We want to do more.
And so, if I can find two or three young ladies ready for the work,
I will send them to your houses. Be ready! Look the matter all
over, and do as good a thing as you can. After that, perhaps, we
will pick up the stray bits when Sunday comes.”
It is pleasant to add that the pastor found canvassers without
difficulty, and that about three times the amount usually given by
plate collections was gathered.
Atlanta University undertakes the work of “head-making” so far
as this means the development of a clear and sensible intellect,
controlled by a good heart. It was, however, “_bread_-making,” and
not “head-making,” which the types in our August number should have
mentioned to the credit of the Atlanta girls, whose loaves, rolls
and Yankee doughnuts so delighted the gentlemen of the examining
committee at the recent anniversary. Plain cooking is a part of the
regular instruction in Atlanta University.
* * * * *
BENEFACTIONS.
—Beloit College, Wis., has received $10,000 from Mrs. J. S.
Herrick, to be applied for a new observatory.
—The bequest of Col. Wm. E. Putnam to Marietta College, Ohio, will
probably amount to $35,000.
—Mr. Reuben J. Flick, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of
Wilkesbarre, has recently given $20,000 to Lincoln University.
—Mr. Geo. I. Seney has recently added $100,000 to his gift to
Wesleyan University, the interest of which is to be given in prizes
to students.
—Mr. A. L. Williston and wife have given $10,000 for a new
observatory at Mt. Holyoke Seminary, in memory of their deceased
son.
—The late Ebenezer Alden, M.D., of Randolph, left a legacy of
$5,000 to Phillips Academy, Andover, for helping students, or
paying for instruction, at the discretion of the tutors.
—A friend of Yale Divinity School has given $10,500 for a new
library building, which is now being erected between Marquand
Chapel and West Divinity Hall.
—Mr. Leander McCormick, of Chicago, has donated his splendid
telescope, costing $50,000, to the University of Virginia, and
offers to build the observatory to receive it.
—Mr. Wm. H. Vanderbilt, of New York, has given $25,000 to the
University of Virginia, and Mr. Lewis Brooks, of Rochester, N.Y.,
has given a splendid museum, costing about $60,000, to the same
institution.
—_Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., has Jubilee Hall completed
and overflowing with students, and is now erecting Livingstone
Missionary Hall, by the gift of Mrs. Stone; but endowments are the
great necessity. Twenty-five thousand dollars will provide for a
professorship, and there are seven such needing endowment._
* * * * *
GENERAL NOTES.
AFRICA.
—M. Matheis has been sent out by the French Government to explore
the region extending from the bend of the Niger to Lake Tchad.
—The question of the establishment of a small railroad on the
Decanville plan, between Ogooué and Alima, is being considered.
—M. J. Thomson left London the 6th of May to go to Zanzibar, from
whence he will proceed to make the geological exploration of the
Rovouma for the Sultan of Zanzibar.
—Messrs. Demietri and Michieli, agents of the Italian Society of
Commerce in Africa, have set out from Khartoum for the Red Sea at
the head of a caravan of 700 camels, laden with various kinds of
merchandise.
—The Commercial Association of Lisbon has moved a patriotic
subscription, the proceeds of which will be offered to the
Government to co-operate with it in the foundation of civilizing
stations in the Portuguese African colonies.
—An Italian party consisting of an officer and 14 men, while
attempting to penetrate Abyssinia from Assab Bay, have been
massacred in the interior. It is possible that the Italian
Government may send a military expedition to demand redress.
—Until recently there has been no bank in the English colonies
of Western Africa. Many of the merchants have been hindered from
entering into negotiations with these colonies by the difficulty of
obtaining reliable information relative to the state of commerce.
But the Bank of West Africa has now been established, with a
capital of 500,000 pounds sterling, having its centre at London, and
stations at Sierra Leone, Lagos, and later at Cape Coast, at the
Gambia, and wherever the exigencies of commerce render it necessary.
—Dr. Lenz affirms that the soil of the Sahara is not as sterile
as is commonly believed. In Iguidi, in particular, they found
many foraging places for the camels, and they often saw troops of
antelopes and gazelles fleeing at the approach of the caravan. Dr.
Lenz did not follow the example of Barth, but went rather to pay
his addresses to the Kahia, who made his stay in Timbuctoo the most
agreeable possible. He gave him a fine house, and served him each
day an abundant and delicious repast—wheaten bread, butter and
honey, mutton and beef, chickens and game.
—Stanley has fixed the site of his second station at Isangila,
about 50 kilometers from Vivi. To reach this point, he traversed a
very dangerous country, where the population is scattered and which
offered no resources. The difficulties were increased by the amount
of baggage to transport, provisions, boats, &c., the whole weighing
42 tons—an enormous weight, considering the nature of the country
and the means of transportation. He was obliged to throw bridges
across the rivers, fill up the ravines, open, hatchet in hand, a
route across dense forests, blow up rocks, or drag the wagons by
force of arm along the sides of steep mountains. And still it was
not possible to advance with all his baggage at once. He had to
open the way with a group of pioneers, and after advancing a little
to make a halt, pitch a camp, then go back to bring by instalments
the rest of the convoy, till all were united.
* * * * *
THE INDIANS.
—Gen. C. H. Howard has been appointed Indian Inspector to succeed
Dr. I. H. Mahan, who resigned his position on account of failing
health.
—Rev. S. Hall Young, of Fort Wrangel, Alaska, writes: “With a live
missionary, a saw-mill and a Christian trader in the N. W. T. Co.’s
store, we can make that the model mission of Alaska.”
—Indians are employed on the California Southern R. R. with
satisfactory results, and it is predicted with a reasonable degree
of assurance that the experiment will prove to be a favorable means
of civilizing the Indians.
—The Santees had 2,344 acres under cultivation last year. They
raised 7,000 bushels of wheat, 2,000 of oats, 3,000 of corn, and
made 1,000 tons of hay for their stock. They also manufactured
120,000 bricks. It is the opinion of Mr. Lightner, their agent,
that as soon as the Nation is willing to recognize the Indian as a
citizen, holding him amenable to the laws governing the white man,
we may expect his civilization to advance with double rapidity.
* * * * *
THE CHINESE.
—There are 585 Chinese children in the public schools of San
Francisco.
—There are two Chinese papers in San Francisco. One man performs
the functions of editor, publisher, compositor, press-man,
book-keeper and office boy of the _Wah Kee_. This wonderful and
versatile man is fifty years old. The paper has 1,000 subscribers,
and costs ten cents per copy, or $5 per year.
—Candidates for missionary work in China have opportunity to study
the language at Oxford, Eng., in the department under charge of
Prof. Legge. The English Presbyterian Foreign Mission Committee,
believing that more can be accomplished by three months’ study at
Oxford than by a year spent in the unhealthy regions of China, have
adopted the plan of sending their missionaries to the former place,
to avail themselves of the instruction of Prof. Legge.
—Upwards of 2,000 Chinese have recently landed in two weeks’ time
in Australia. They come for the most part from Hong Kong, where
there is great depression in business and much suffering among the
people. The tide of emigration, which formerly set so strongly
towards the Pacific coast, seems recently to have been somewhat
diverted to Australia and the Sandwich Islands.
—The Government of China has decided to erect telegraphs from
Shanghai to Tientsin and other cities. Already hundreds of
telephones are in use. Questions in relation to railway systems
are being agitated, and a committee has been appointed for the
purpose of thoroughly canvassing the matter, submitting plans, etc.
Unquestionably a number of railways will be constructed within the
next five years, and perhaps sooner.
* * * * *
THE FREEDMEN.
REV. JOSEPH E. ROY, D.D., FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.
* * * * *
OUR CHURCH WORK BROADSIDE.
LINCOLN MISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
REV. S. P. SMITH.
I am glad to say that the religious state of the Lincoln Memorial
Church at present is good. It was organized the 10th of last
January with eleven members. In April the Lord poured out a special
blessing upon us, the result of which was eight converts. The
church has doubled its membership since its organization. In this
revival there was a little girl converted about nine years old, and
an aged mother about seventy-five. We have had only one admitted to
the church by letter; ten on confession of faith. There is quite
a large temperance work here carried on by Mrs. Babcock. This
temperance society is known as the Lincoln Mission Band of Hope.
Our Sunday-school is very large in the winter, but it thins out
in the summer. The largest attendance during any time through the
winter was 530.
The Lincoln Mission building in which our church worships has been
greatly improved. The large hall has been re-plastered and painted
inside and out.
We have sent two from the Lincoln Mission to Howard University.
This church also sent $4.06 to the American Missionary Association.
* * * * *
HAMPTON, VA.
REV. H. B. FRISSELL.
There have been admitted to church membership in Bethesda Chapel
during the year 31 persons—28 on profession of their faith and
three by letter. Of these, 15 were Indians, one white, and the
remainder colored students. With the growth of the school the
congregation at the chapel has so increased as to make it necessary
to add another wing to the building. Two prayer meetings have been
kept up by the colored students, one on the Sabbath and one on a
week day evening, the attendance and interest being well sustained.
The Indians have their own prayer meetings, where they take part in
their own tongue. They manifest a most earnest desire to know the
Bible, and spend much time in reading and studying it.
Most of the students of the school have been enrolled as members
of the temperance society during the past year. Considerable work
has been done in the country about. One of the students organized
a temperance society in the village of Hampton, and several
interesting meetings have been held. The subject of local option is
likely to come up in the fall, and the society hopes to make itself
felt on the right side.
There has been an average attendance of 300 in Sunday-school. Forty
students have been engaged in the Sunday-schools in the vicinity,
three as superintendents and the remainder as teachers. One of the
schools where the students have become interested has increased in
numbers from 40 to over 200.
Thirty Bible students go out from the school on Sunday afternoons
to read to the old people. They are everywhere received with a
hearty welcome by those who have been deprived of the privileges
which their children enjoy.
The Missionary Society of the school has raised $229. As the last
winter was of unusual severity, the most of this amount was spent
in the relief of the misery at our very doors. During the winter
the students went out every week to mend the huts of the poor, to
carry them bedding, clothes and food.
A Christian association has been formed in the school, so that
those who come here from denominations that do not allow their
joining our church may feel that they have duties here as Christian
workers. So far as possible, the thought of their individual
responsibility for the souls of those around them is impressed upon
them.
* * * * *
WILMINGTON, N.C.
REV. D. D. DODGE.
We record a steady interest and growth in grace; one added by
profession, one by letter, one adult and six children baptized;
Sunday-school in good condition; large classes and good attention.
The improvement of property has been great, as already described in
the MISSIONARY.
One of the most encouraging facts is this, which has come to our
knowledge in several different ways, that when any one wishes to
get a trustworthy servant, the fact of membership in our church is
considered a most excellent recommendation. Experience has taught
employers its value.
* * * * *
BEAUFORT, N.C.
REV. MICHAEL JERKINS.
Our church is steadily increasing in numbers, and we are more
encouraged than ever. Four were added to our number last month. The
cause of temperance is prospering. We have a prohibitory law, and
no licenses are granted in the county and parish. The Sunday-school
work is hopeful, the number in attendance averaging about 120.
* * * * *
PLYMOUTH CHURCH., CHARLESTON, S.C.
REV. TEMPLE CUTLER.
The most encouraging feature of our work is the Sunday-school. We
have 120 in attendance, with an average of 82. Some difficulty is
found in procuring teachers. We manage, however, to keep up a good
degree of interest among the children. We have a Band of Hope that
numbers 120, mostly children, growing up to take part in the future
conflict over alcohol in this state.
During the winter we had a series of meetings that seemed to
quicken some of the old backsliders, who, we trust, will prove of
great help to the church, and a few conversions which resulted in
the bracing up of our spiritual energies considerably.
The people have raised about $500 for various purposes, about $200
of which went to repair the church, $100 to pay the debt, and the
rest for current expenses.
* * * * *
ORANGEBURG, S.C.
REV. T. T. BENSON.
We have been highly blessed by the Lord this year in our church
work, both temporal and spiritual. In April we enjoyed a revival
season, during which seven persons were converted to Christ, five
of whom have united with our church. Our Sabbath-school numbers 45,
and is doing well. New hymn books have been purchased, the church
has been repaired, painted and plastered, and a chandelier secured.
Three members of our church are absent teaching. One young man is
engaged in missionary work.
* * * * *
FIRST CONG. CHURCH, ATLANTA, GA.
REV. C. W. HAWLEY.
Last February and March were months of revival and ingathering. The
work commenced in the Storrs School, and the teachers there and
in the Sunday-school had precious answers to prayer and precious
rewards of labor. Never was it more plain that church and school
are strongly wedded and mutually helpful. Almost daily meetings
were held for several weeks, all quiet, orderly, solemn; short
sermons, many prayers and much individual testimony for the Lord.
Rev. Henry E. Brown and wife and Brother J. E. Lathrop, of Macon,
rendered good help to the pastor.
[Illustration: FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ATLANTA, GA.]
March 13th was a memorable Sabbath, 28 uniting by profession and
two by letter. In April, seven joined by profession, and in May,
four more by profession and three by letter, making an addition of
44 in the three months.
A new temperance society has been organized; new members, almost
without exception, take total abstinence pledge, and but few old
members are known to have the drinking habit.
The Sunday-school is prospering; over 50 in the infant class;
sometimes over 300 are present in all.
With the aid of the American Missionary Association and Northern
friends we have a fine new bell. Church property is valuable and
in good order. We have paid up our church debt, and have now a
fine church costing $5,000, with a seating capacity for 500, and a
basement under the whole for Sunday-school rooms. During the year
ending January 1, 1881, the church raised for debt and current
expenses about $800.
Many of our young people are in Storrs School or Atlanta
University. One has just graduated from the theological department
in Howard University; six or more, now or formerly members of our
church, are at work in the Gospel ministry, and two score or more
are, or have been, engaged in teaching among their people.
* * * * *
ATLANTA UNIVERSITY CHURCH.
REV. C. W. FRANCIS.
The church of Christ in Atlanta University is made up entirely of
teachers and pupils in that school, and so has a somewhat different
sphere from many of our sister churches. It now numbers 88 members,
having received larger accessions during the past year than in any
other year of its history, 22 having joined, all save two upon
profession of faith.
A very gracious revival prevailed for the last five months of the
school year, during which time more than 50 persons were converted,
several more of whom will unite with this church after longer
experience, and the rest with churches at their homes. It was a
delightful and precious work, affecting nearly every member of
the school, quickening the religious life of former members, and
gathering in a harvest week by week up to the close of the year.
The temperance work is made a special care, as the need for it
is so great, and all who go away to teach during their summer
vacation, as all do save six or eight of the younger members, have
furnished them a package of selected temperance literature, and
are instructed in methods for its use, after careful instruction
upon the general subject, so that all are engaged in mission work
of that character in the schools which they teach and the families
which they visit.
About $75 was raised during the year at the monthly missionary
meetings, which was given to promote the temperance work.
About 75 members of the church are now engaged in teaching their
summer schools, most of them taking the lead in Sunday-schools, and
so exercising a genuine missionary influence over a great number of
people.
* * * * *
SAVANNAH, GA.
REV. B. D. CONKLING.
There has been a good deal of sickness among our people and
the missionaries. We have had additions to the church at each
communion. The Sunday-school work is prospering finely, the pennies
outnumbering the attendance every Sunday but two from January
1st to June 1st. The average attendance at the Sunday-school for
January was 112, which gradually increased until, in May, the
average was 162⅘. The average collections of the Sunday-school for
May were $2.12⅘ for each Sunday.
From January 1st to May 31st the congregation raised for church and
missionary purposes $83.71; and the Sunday-school, during the same
time, $36.73. This does not include some $25 raised to provide an
excursion for the Sunday-school and its friends. Several members
during the year, who are either ministers or ministers’ wives, took
letters of dismission; others still are in some of the institutions
of the American Missionary Association for higher learning. More or
less missionary work is being done constantly by resident members
of this church.
While it is not a large church, it has had, and does have, a large
influence for good throughout the whole city; especially has it
been the means of revolutionizing in the way of improvement the
Sunday-school work here and here-abouts.
* * * * *
WOODVILLE, GA.
REV. J. H. H. SENGSTACKE.
This church was organized in the year 1871. In the year 1875 Mr.
J. H. H. Sengstacke, teacher of the public school at Woodville,
was elected pastor. At that time the membership consisted of 12
persons. They worshiped in an old building about one-third of a
mile from the present edifice. The church was at first known as
the Woodville Congregational church; but at the beginning of Mr.
Sengstacke’s ministry the name was changed to Pilgrim church. The
American Missionary Association built a new house of worship,
and Mr. S. was set apart for the Gospel ministry. The church has
been growing rapidly ever since, the congregation at present
averaging 200. The Sabbath-school is flourishing. In the year 1877,
Sengstacke Band of Hope was organized. Rev. J. M. Smith’s people,
of Grand Rapids, Mich., have done much towards building up this
work. In 1877 the church purchased a bell and an organ.
In 1878 the American Missionary Association built a neat little
parsonage.
In 1879 the church was ceiled and painted inside.
In 1880 the people, with aid from the American Missionary
Association, raised the meeting house on a brick basement, also the
church was repainted and new seats were added.
In 1881 a new fence was put around the lot, and the meeting house
was improved on the outside, trees were set out, and a lot was
purchased at the Five Mile for mission work. Pilgrim church has had
revivals every year.
* * * * *
MARIETTA, GA.
REV. EDGAR J. PENNEY.
On my arrival a year ago, only seven persons (four men and three
women) responded as members of the church. Since my ordination
last December, 13 have been admitted, six by letter and seven by
profession. This encourages us in great measure to labor on. The
Sunday-school has shown a steady increase for some months and is
making real progress. We are better able than ever to hold those
who came at first out of mere curiosity. The following quotation
respecting temperance forms a part of the constitution of the
church: “Any member convicted of using intoxicating liquor other
than as a medicine shall be liable to discipline.” Three of our
members spent the past six months in Atlanta University.
* * * * *
CYPRESS SLASH, LIBERTY CO., GA.
REV. ANDREW J. HEADEN.
We have a church of 60 members, and our work is growing in favor
both with white and colored; five have recently been added by
profession. Our Sunday-school is increasing in numbers and
interest. One young man has gone to the Hampton Institute to fit
himself for a teacher. Our church property has been improved, and a
parsonage erected at a cost of about $230, in connection with which
there are ten acres of land. The field here is a promising one, and
considering that the church has been organized only two years and a
half, the progress of the work seems to us very encouraging.
* * * * *
BELMONT AND LOUISVILLE, GA.
REV. WILSON CALLEN.
The work of ingathering in these churches has been slow and steady.
Some who had been negligent have returned and manifested an
interest in the church. At Belmont 11 new members have been added
during the past four years.
There is a good attendance at Louisville, although but two have
united with the church during my ministry. There is great need
of temperance work among the people. The Sabbath-schools are in
tolerable good condition. We have very little church property, and
we are not able to keep what we have in good repair.
* * * * *
TALLADEGA COLLEGE CHURCH, ALA.
PRES. H. S. DE FOREST, D.D.
Preaching, Sunday-school, church and neighborhood prayer meetings,
with class of Bible readers, monthly concert, and meeting of the
Woman’s Missionary Society, have been kept up in usual order and
with a good degree of interest during the year. For three weeks,
meetings were held each evening. Several, chiefly students boarding
in the college family, found Christ, and the church was revived.
The preaching was first and mainly to Christians rather than to
the impenitent. Besides the mission churches which have grown out
of the College church, the students and teachers have sustained
five Sunday-schools in needy districts. The College church has
rare facilities for distributing illustrated Sunday-school and
temperance papers. The parish missionary has faithfully pursued her
work, discovering and relieving much of want, and speaking to the
neglected.
A temperance society has been organized, embracing in its
membership those not connected with the College church, with a
pledge of abstinence from the use of tobacco in all its forms, as
well as from the use and sale of intoxicating liquors.
* * * * *
MOBILE, ALA.
REV. O. D. CRAWFORD.
A revival followed the State Conference in March; 15 persons
between the ages of 13 and 18 manifested a deep interest, and
received so much light on the supreme question, as carried them
beyond the reach of the ordinary instruction of the colored
churches and revival seasons. The church was much blessed.
We received to fellowship one young man, a pupil in the Institute,
of rare promise. Several temperance sermons were preached, and 30
names secured to the pledge.
The church building was moved through the street to its more
eligible location on the Institute grounds, and improved by a large
front door and steps and cornice.
Out of their deep poverty the people raised about one dollar at
each monthly concert of prayer for missions. Two lady members are
engaged in teaching in public schools acceptably.
* * * * *
MARION, ALA.
REV. A. W. CURTIS.
Marion is an old town, quite an educational centre, but in all
other respects left high and dry on a side switch. Hence our
church and work is a good deal like that of New England—a good
place to emigrate from. There is not business enough to give work
at home, and the young people have to go away; we are trying to
make it a good home and training-school, and look for the results
elsewhere. This summer nearly all our men are abroad for work—many
at Tougaloo, working on the new building—some renting land in the
district around. Most of the young women as they marry find homes
abroad for the same reason.
The children and young people who were converted last spring hold
out well, and form the principal part of our number at prayer
meeting. We see occasionally also those who united with other
churches. Ten united on confession at our first communion, four
at the second. So far as I can learn, all our church are strictly
temperance folks. Our Sunday-school is small. We have had three
Sunday-schools kept up in the country by members of our church who
had day schools in those districts.
Most of our members have homes which they are making more valuable
by improvement, while property in town has greatly depreciated. Our
church have undertaken to raise $100 and to build a school-house
this summer. It may be a question whether they will succeed in the
latter as soon as they have planned.
Ten of the young people of our church have been at Talladega
during the past year, two at Fisk, and one in Tougaloo. Four of
our members have been teaching school with good success and one is
preaching.
A young man who graduated with honor at the Normal here last week
was converted with us. He wishes to go to Africa, but will probably
go under Methodist auspices, according to his friends’ wish. I have
found a large field and a very needy one.
* * * * *
MONTGOMERY, ALA.
REV. O. W. FAY.
With our church, the past year has been one of more than ordinary
encouragement and blessing. Spiritual growth is manifest. Special
meetings were held during the week of prayer and three weeks
following; result, several hopeful conversions; 12 have united
with the church, six by letter and six by profession. A healthful
sentiment in favor of temperance prevails throughout the church and
congregation, cherished by special services and efforts through
the year. Not one person to my knowledge is addicted to the use of
drink. Sunday-school is vigorous with enthusiasm, numbering 175
pupils. Decided improvement both in attendance and contributions
have been made during the year. Though this has been financially
a hard year for our people, nevertheless in loyalty to church
obligation they have done better than ever before in their history.
Nine of our members have been in attendance at Talladega College
and Fisk University during the year; three of these are studying
for the ministry. As a whole, the church work at this point has a
bright side, and we feel like thanking God and taking courage.
* * * * *
SELMA, ALA.
REV. C. B. CURTIS.
Our church observed the week of prayer with a good degree of
interest, which was followed by a series of meetings continuing
through the month of January. Five were added to the church by
profession and four by letter. An effort was made in behalf of
temperance by all the churches, in the beginning of the year,
to send a petition to the Legislature for the suppression of
intemperance, but failed as to results. Christmas, a temperance
Sunday-school concert was held. The Sunday-school has been steadily
increasing, as shown by the following figures, which give the
average attendance for six months: January 82, February 77¾, March
83¼, April 84¾, May 112, June 101¾.
A mission school at the house of the pastor has been in operation
for the year, with an average attendance of 18 weekly.
An effort has been made to raise a special donation for the A. M. A.,
that the Association may receive the $50 pledged as a duplicate
from a friend in Massachusetts. The “Mission Workers” of the
church and Sunday-school have made by sales, and given for various
purposes, $30.45. Six of our pupils are at school at Talladega, two
at Tougaloo. Ten members are engaged in teaching or missionary work.
Interest in the cause of missions has been furthered by a
“missionary tea party,” held at the home of the pastor. Items of
intelligence from the broad field interested all.
* * * * *
SHELBY IRON WORKS, ALA.
REV. J. R. SIMS.
I can only give you a brief report of my work, as I have been here
but a short time.
We have not had any revival, only in the church there seems to be a
renewed spirit among her members.
We deem the Sunday-school work of vital importance, and endeavor
to increase its interest from time to time; average attendance,
90; teachers five. Our building is now being newly painted, and we
hope to finish plastering by the 1st of October. Five pupils from
the church have been sent to some institution of learning. Number
engaged in missionary work, five.
The work, as a whole, seems to be hopeful. We ask your prayers that
we may be strengthened.
* * * * *
CHILDERSBURG, ALA.
REV. ALFRED JONES.
Revival work has been very encouraging. Most of the youth have been
led to embrace religion in consequence of our meetings. Thirty have
joined our church, 22 of whom came through since I have been here.
Our church is a temperance church; everybody looks upon us as a
temperance people. We have the best Sabbath-school in Childersburg.
We have plastered our meeting house and added a church farm worth
$250, and a bell worth $45. Four of our church members are studying
at different institutions.
* * * * *
FLORENCE, ALA.
REV. WM. H. ASH.