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[Illustration: The American Missionary]
MAY, 1896
VOL. L
No. 5
* * * * *
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL.
THE JUBILEE YEAR FUND, 145
ARREST OF OUR TEACHERS IN ORANGE PARK, FLA., 146
PARAGRAPHS--JUBILEE FIELD DAYS IN THE INTERIOR, 147
THE SOUTH.
THE OPENING CHURCH MISSIONS (Illustrated), 150
GRACIOUS REVIVAL IN SELMA, ALA., 155
COTTON VALLEY, ALA., 156
IMPARTIAL TESTIMONY, 157
WHAT OUR GRADUATES ARE DOING, 158
ALL HEALING, N. C.--PLEASANT HILL, TENN., 160
THE INDIANS.
PONCA, NEB.--FLYING BY'S VILLAGE, 160
HUT AND HEAVEN, 161
THE CHINESE.
LOS ANGELES MISSION, 162
WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS, 164
SHARES OF THE JUBILEE YEAR FUND, 166
RECEIPTS, 167
* * * * *
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 mail
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.
_Honorary Secretary and Editor._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Corresponding Secretaries._
Rev. A. F. BEARD, D.D., Rev. F. P. WOODBURY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
Rev. C. J. RYDER, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Recording Secretary._
Rev. M. E. STRIEBY, D.D., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Treasurer._
H. W. HUBBARD, Esq., _Bible House, N. Y._
_Auditors._
GEORGE S. HICKOK.
JAMES H. OLIPHANT.
_Executive Committee._
CHARLES L. MEAD, Chairman.
CHARLES A. HULL, Secretary.
_For Three Years._
EAMUEL HOLMES,
SAMUEL S. MARPLES,
CHARLES L. MEAD,
WILLIAM H. STRONG,
ELIJAH HORR.
_For Two Years._
WILLIAM HAYES WARD,
JAMES W. COOPER,
LUCIEN C. WARNER,
JOSEPH H. TWICHELL,
CHARLES P. PEIRCE.
_For One Year._
CHARLES A. HULL,
ADDISON P. FOSTER,
ALBERT J. LYMAN,
NEHEMIAH BOYNTON,
A. J. F. BEHRENDS.
_District Secretaries._
Rev. GEO. H. GUTTERSON, 21 _Cong'l House, Boston, Mass._
Rev. JOS. E. ROY, D.D., 153 _La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill._
_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., or 153 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. A payment of
thirty dollars constitutes a Life Member.
NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS.--The date on the "address label" indicates the
time to which the subscription is paid. Changes are made in date on
label to the 10th of each month. If payment of subscription be made
afterward the change on the label will appear a month later. Please
send early notice of change in post-office address, giving the former
address and the new address, in order that our periodicals and
occasional papers may be correctly mailed.
FORM OF A BEQUEST.
"I GIVE AND BEQUEATH the sum of ---- dollars to the 'American
Missionary Association,' incorporated by act of the Legislature of the
State of New York." The will should be attested by three witnesses.
* * * * *
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY
VOL. L. MAY, 1896. No. 5.
* * * * *
THE JUBILEE YEAR FUND.
In the last number of THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY we published the plea of
the Executive Committee of this Association for an offering to relieve
the Association in its financial necessities. We present below the
working point of that document in these words:
It is proposed to raise during the next six months a special
Jubilee Year Fund of $100,000, in shares of $50 each, with the
hope and expectation that these shares will be taken by the
friends of missions without lessening those regular
contributions which must be depended upon to sustain the
current work.
As the means of securing these gifts we subjoin the blank form of a
pledge, which, when signed by individuals or officers of churches, may
be sent to H. W. Hubbard, Treasurer, Bible House, New York. When the
amount pledged is paid our treasurer will send as a receipt a neatly
printed certificate. On another page will be found a list of pledges
already made.
We solicit especial attention to the closing paragraph of the sentence
quoted above, asking that these special gifts _shall not lessen the
regular contributions_, upon which the Association must depend to
sustain the current work.
We send forth this appeal under a deep sense of responsibility. We
know that business is still depressed and that many of the friends to
whom we make this plea have responded generously to the calls of
sister missionary societies. But we feel that it is a duty we owe to
God and to the needy peoples for whom we labor to attempt the relief
of this Association in its embarrassing and hindering liabilities. We
confidently believe that many of the churches and generous
individuals to whom we make this plea, feel as we do, a sense of duty
and responsibility in this important matter. Some to whom this may
come may be able to respond at once with a pledge of _one_ or _more_
shares. But to those who cannot, we urge that they lay by in store as
God may prosper them the means for as prompt a response as possible to
our call.
Share, $50. $100,000
THE JUBILEE YEAR FUND
OF THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
I hereby take ...... shares (Fifty Dollars each) in the Jubilee Year
Fund of the American Missionary Association, to be paid before the
close of the fiscal year, Sept. 30, 1896.
_Name_ .....................................
_P. O. Address_ ............................
* * * * *
ARREST OF OUR TEACHERS IN ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA.
Rev. T. S. Perry, of Limerick, Me.; Mr. O. S. Dickinson, of West
Granville, Mass.; Principal B. D. Rowlee, of East Woodstock, Conn.;
Mrs. B. D. Rowlee; Miss Edith M. Robinson, of Battle Creek, Mich.;
Miss H. S. Loveland, of Newark Valley, N. Y.; and Miss Margaret Ball,
of Orange Park, Fla., with two patrons of the school (white) residing
in Orange Park, were all arrested by the Sheriff at Orange Park, Fla.,
on Friday the 10th of April, charged with the crime of teaching young
people of two races under the same roof. They were not taken to jail,
but were given until Monday--the intervening days of Saturday and
Sunday--to procure bail. This esteemed pastor of the Congregational
Church in Orange Park, the most worthy teachers and the patrons are
awaiting trial for this crime! and are only saved from jail by the
bail which has been procured for them. This is as far as the State of
Florida has descended in its shame at present.
This enactment, which we have been careful not to call a law, was
pronounced by the National Council to be "not only repugnant to
Christian principles, but also opposed to the civil rights guaranteed
by our Constitution," and the Association was called to persistently
resist it with all legal measures.
Senator Hoar of Massachusetts writes of it: "I am amazed that even in
Florida such things can be done. I think that this cannot stand a
moment before the Courts of the United States."
Arrests of Christian teachers because they instruct a few white
children under the same roof with colored children will not only call
the attention of the Nation to the gross darkness which dwells in the
minds of those who could make such an enactment, but it will bring
about a public opinion which will hasten the progress of the State
from its present low condition faster than almost any other agency.
Meanwhile Florida remains in shame.
* * * * *
The Hamilton Club has added the name of a colored man to the list of
its members. It is the first of the leading men's social organizations
in Chicago to abolish the color line. This special honor was conferred
upon Adelbert H. Roberts. The name passed the test of posting and the
directors were unanimous in his favor.--_Chicago Times-Herald._
* * * * *
HORSE NEEDED.--A faithful minister in our mountain field has great
need of a horse. He reaches half a dozen preaching-stations among
these Highlanders, often going on foot. Fifty dollars would purchase
him a good horse, and if any friend will respond to this appeal it
will increase the efficiency of an earnest missionary very greatly. If
a larger amount than this is received it will be expended in the work
among these mountain people.
* * * * *
REV. H. E. PARTRIDGE, of Pomona, Tenn., will be glad to write full
particulars concerning an opening for a Christian merchant in a store
on the Cumberland Plateau.
* * * * *
JUBILEE FIELD DAYS IN THE INTERIOR.
SECRETARY CHARLES J. RYDER.
A reduction in the secretarial force of the American Missionary
Association, in order to cut down current expenses and decrease the
debt, has resulted in a serious loss in the effectiveness of the
collecting field. The office at Cleveland, together with a most
efficient and acceptable district secretary, was discontinued for
economy's sake. The expenses, however, had to be cut down in some way,
and so the burden was placed upon one of the secretaries in the New
York office. With multiform duties already upon the hands of each one
in the administration of the mission field, and almost constant Sunday
service among the contributing churches, it seemed almost impossible
to take up this new burden of work, which in some societies involves
the constant labor of a large number of secretaries. To accomplish an
undertaking which seemed almost impossible the pastors were conferred
with, and cordially and generously promised all the assistance within
their power for the American Missionary Association in its depleted
condition. Right royally did these good brethren redeem their pledge.
A series of Jubilee Field Days was planned and carried out with great
success and interest, largely through the co-operation of these
faithful brethren in the ministry of the churches in the interior.
Just a word concerning the plan adopted. A campaign of five weeks was
planned. Jubilee Field Day Rallies were to be held twice every weekday
except Saturday, and as many times on the Sabbath as possible. Ohio,
Michigan, and Indiana were the States to be reached.
The purpose of the campaign was to instruct and stimulate the churches
and congregations reached. It was also hoped that the collections
would pay all the expenses of this effort to scatter missionary
information and enthusiasm, and that the regular collections of the
churches would be largely increased.
The speakers consisted of the pastors of the several churches and
missionaries from the fields, and the writer of this article. Just a
word in reference to these friends who presented the work to the
churches. The value of the address of the pastor in each case was very
great. Standing on the vantage ground that an honored and beloved
pastor occupies in any church and community, his indorsement and
earnest and discriminating commendation carried greatest weight. I
desire thus publicly to recognize the service of those generous
brethren in the ministry to the American Missionary Association. That
service was large.
The colored work was represented by Rev. George V. Clark, pastor of
the Congregational Church at Memphis, Tenn. Born a slave, rescued by
an American Missionary Association missionary from the degrading
influences of a saloon into which he drifted as a lad when freedom
came and no other opening was before him, his testimony and earnest
appeal stirred the deepest convictions of his hearers. The quaint old
slave melodies, which Mr. Clark sometimes heard as a boy in slave
times, and often since by those who are freemen now, he rendered with
peculiar effect. The weird and quaint pathos of these songs coming
originally from the crushed and bleeding hearts of slaves, held the
large audiences in hushed and sympathetic attention. Is there anything
in the world like these slave songs sung by those who have known the
bitterness of slavery?
From far-away Dakota Miss Dora K. Dodge brought the message to these
several gatherings, of the discouragement and want, the hopefulness
and progress, of the Christian work among the Indians. Her mission,
seventy-five miles out on the prairie, with only Christian
Indians--John Bluecloud and his wife--for associates, is of unique
interest and importance. No one could have told the story of this
wonderful movement among the red people of the prairie with more
simple and earnest eloquence than did Miss Dodge.
Rev. W. G. Olinger, a native mountaineer, presented the work "Among
the American Highlanders." Born in the humble cabin of the
mountaineer, stirred from his earliest boyhood with the great desire
for education and improvement, he struggled up through great
discouragements, until to-day he can stand on any platform with
interest to those who hear and with honor to himself. His manly
presence is the illustration of the wonderful possibilities of these
mountaineers; and his story is their agonizing cry for the light and
opportunities which only an intelligent gospel and educational
privileges such as the American Missionary Association is bringing,
can satisfy.
The secretary, who had charge of the campaign, presented "The Claims
of the American Missionary Association on this Jubilee Year."
The immediate results of this series of Jubilee Field Days were most
encouraging. Nearly twenty thousand people gathered in the various
audiences. Lincoln Memorial Day, celebrated at Oberlin, was most
delightfully spent. Every service during the day, including
Sunday-school, Mission Circle, Endeavor Society, as well as church
services, was an American Missionary Association rally.
On the Sabbath large churches and towns were reached. During the week
important centers were selected, and many surrounding churches sent
pastors and delegates to the Jubilee Field Day services.
From a financial standpoint the result was also encouraging. More than
three times as much was gathered as the campaign cost, and pastors and
church members everywhere testified that the meetings were resultful
in spiritual uplift and blessing, as well as in stimulating interest
and greatly increased gifts.
The general feeling seemed to be that this was American Missionary
Association year, and that during this Jubilee season the specials
should float into this treasury and the regular contributions should
be greatly increased. While _en route_ the joyful message came to us
that the Board and the Home Missionary Society were both out of debt.
When announced from various pulpits by American Missionary Association
speakers, this glorious fact met with cordial applause. All the more
did it seem incumbent upon the churches to take hold of the American
Missionary Association, still burdened with its debt, and lift it out
of the slough of financial despond. This, however, is only the
reflection of the feeling among the churches throughout the land. The
determination to lift the debt of the American Missionary Association,
and to make it possible to continue at least its depleted work, is
universal. Special collections, regular contributions, and hundreds of
individuals taking the fifty-dollar shares in the Jubilee fund, will
accomplish this most desirable result.
* * * * *
The South.
THE OPENING CHURCH MISSIONS.
BY SECRETARY F. P. WOODBURY.
The Eureka Church-Arbor, shown below, sheltered the opening service of
the new plantation missions in Southern Georgia. The people came under
the shadows of the piney woods from every quarter. The first mission
church was organized under this rude booth. There the meetings
continued until the cold and rainy months of winter. Now, by the help
of a grant from the Church Building Society, a small church building
will speedily become the home of a beneficent church and school work.
[Illustration: THE EUREKA CHURCH-ARBOR.]
This church of the forest took its start from the earnest convictions
of its pastor, Rev. J. B. Fletcher. After long study of the New
Testament, with the help of few other books than his tattered Greek
lexicon, he resigned his ecclesiastical connection because he had
found, as he thought, the free church polity on Bible principles. His
discovery was substantially the Congregational system. He called his
first church "Eureka." It now has nine other churches associated in
the same work. A mission preacher, a devoted man residing near, a man
who is highly respected by all the people, has immediate charge of
the Eureka work and holds the Sunday-school and other services.
[Illustration: A PASTOR'S HOME.]
The abodes of many of the plantation preachers are as simple and
humble as those of their people. We give an illustration of one of
these homes. Usually there is a division into two or perhaps three
rooms. Sometimes a small lean-to is built at the side or end, for use
as kitchen. The chimney, erected on the outside, is often constructed
of clay bound with sticks. It starts in a broad fireplace of stone,
which warms the whole building. Some of these cabins have small glass
windows; others of them have only openings for windows, with wooden
shutters. In such dwellings there reside vast numbers of the
plantation preachers, and some of our own mission preachers, at the
early stages of mission work in the back country.
[Illustration: MARIETTA CHURCH AND PARSONAGE.]
The picture given herewith of the church, parsonage, and school, in
Marietta, Georgia, illustrates very many of the American Missionary
Association church missions in the South. A neat church, a plain but
comfortable house, with its adjoining school-room, are the type of the
improving influences in both religious and educational service, which
we seek to carry among these shadowed and suffering millions.
In both the Carolinas, as well as in Georgia, there is an awakening in
the hearts of the colored people, both in the towns and in the
country, for a better church life. This is inciting movements from the
centralized forms of church government, with their arbitrary methods
and hard taxation, into independency. Often the poverty of the people
prevents their attaining anything beyond present and scanty shelter
for their new free churches. The accompanying photograph is an
illustration of such a chapel among the plantations of South Carolina.
[Illustration: A SOUTH CAROLINA CHURCH.]
In very many parts of the plantation South, the very idea of a church
free from outside control and allied to education and morality, is
utterly unknown. Neither education nor morality form any constituent
element of the common church life. Their introduction is looked upon
with suspicion by the masses, and is met by hostility in every
possible form of persecution by many of the old-time preachers and
their personal adherents.
[Illustration: SCHOOL IN ANDERSONVILLE, GA].
Nothing more contributes to the introduction of better forms of
church life than do those mission schools which awaken the desire for
something better in religion than the senseless and corrupt "old-time"
ways. Such a school as that in Andersonville, Ga., is the initiative
of a church mission. School education is of little advantage unless it
is linked with moral training; and there is no moral training
comparable with that of a pure and true Christian church. Our mission
school teachers call for and need the re-enforcement of gospel
preaching on the Lord's day, and the faithful work of a pastor during
the week. A great deal of hard work in the school would be frittered
away and lost without the distinctive church work which must
supplement, and confirm it. To send the pupils back into the Egyptian
darkness of most plantation and country churches is, for vast numbers,
to throw away all that has been done for them. That they feel this is
shown by the frequent and earnest appeals which come from them to have
virtuous and educated ministers sent for the starting of better
churches among their homes.
[Illustration: SCHOOL AT KING'S MOUNTAIN]
While this is the narrow and local influence of our smaller schools,
it is also the broader and deeper influence of our larger schools,
like that at All Healing, N. C. (King's Mountain P. O.) Here the
religious life is intensified. A number of devoted teachers supplement
each other's work. A unique Congregational church has been formed, its
pastor being the principal of the school, who adds this work to all
his other services. The influence of the constant religious work done
in this church-school and school-church is felt a hundred miles
around. Young men and young women go out with higher ideals, and they
awaken a demand in their home neighborhoods for both religion and
education of a higher character. It is not too much to say that such
work as that of Miss Cathcart and her fellow teachers at King's
Mountain tends toward a general advance of the communities from which
her pupils come.
[Illustration: HAGAN COUNC'L.]
In Georgia, after the Eureka church movement was noised about, Mr.
Fletcher received and now receives calls from every side, chiefly from
the plantation people. At Piney Grove, a preaching station was begun
in an old dwelling house, and a little church of twelve members is the
result. At Shady Grove, ten miles away, a small church building is
going up for the brotherhood there. The ground was given and the work
of building is carried on by a respectable colored farmer of the
neighborhood, who with many of his neighbors welcomes a church
fellowship which stands for education and pure religion. At Alford, in
the adjoining county, there is now a membership of thirty-two, for
whose use a comfortable church building is furnished by the white
people. This, with Nellwood as an out-station, will probably soon
receive an excellent pastor, trained in our Congregational ways and
principles. A beginning has been made at Portal, twelve miles beyond.
In the next county westward, the church work began at Swainsboro with
twenty-nine members, at Kemp with seventeen members, near Garfield
with thirteen members, and at Pilgrim with twenty-three members.
Word comes to us that Mr. Fletcher, who is covering three counties in
his work, has lost his faithful horse. This quite disables him from
service. His fields lie at distances which make walking impossible,
being from ten to fifty miles apart. The same day with this loss a
member of the family, a young man, was brought home suffering from a
broken leg. Are there not means which can reach us in the form of a
special gift for the emergency of this faithful pioneer worker?
Anything received beyond the immediate stress of need, will be placed
to the support of his work.
The Hagan Council, called for the orderly recognition of these poor
struggling pioneer churches, met in an old half-ruined school-house,
as shown in the picture given herewith. It was a humble place, and
they were humble bodies of poor people who thus asked recognition from
the Congregational churches of the land. But it is not for us to
despise the poor. Has not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in
faith, and heirs of the kingdom? That little group in front of that
poor old school-house may become historic as the precursor of a great
movement of blessing to millions among the poorest of the poor in our
nation.
* * * * *
GRACIOUS REVIVAL IN SELMA, ALA.
BY REV. A. T. BURNELL.
You will be interested to hear of the gracious revival we have had the
past three weeks under the lead of the English Evangelist, Rev. James
Wharton. Over 400 have professed Christ, and of these 140 were
enrolled in Burrell School. To the very end of the meetings,
"mourners" came forward, once in the church as many as fifty; but this
was exceeded in immediate results at two schools where as many as
fifty accepted Christ, after the briefest address. Following the
Oberlin plan, I offered prayer with each class one day; the next, I
suspended my recitations for a continuous prayer-meeting, permitting
pupils to elect this instead of a class or study-period (certain
grades, certain hours). At another time, instead of chapel the
grade-teachers retained the Christians while the rest were addressed
in the chapel,--the majority falling to their knees for prayer to rise
in peace. Of course we have had regular prayer-meetings, with
volunteer room gatherings at noon and like groups in the yards at
intermission. When, on account of the late meetings each night, it
seemed best to close at noon, most of the school gathered for a
meeting in the chapel; and, with several after meetings, large numbers
spent that half-holiday in the building, praying for and laboring with
classmates. A member of Grade Eleven, for whom special effort had
been made, came out at this time.
Some of the converts have made detailed confession of sins (stealing,
_e.g._); some who have been neglectful of school privileges have
returned to get the religious impetus; and at least two that had been
dismissed for meanness have experienced a change of heart. We shall
look for permanent results, and work to that end with hope; yet this
people are so emotional and so stolid! so ready to move along a
certain line in a body, but indifferent to duty when it leads along an
uninteresting path of individual effort. Indeed, the home life of many
is unfavorable to genuine Christianity; some being persecuted, even,
because they have not seen a vision, till they are made to believe
they "have got nothing."
Mr. Wharton preaches the pure and simple gospel plainly and vividly;
is attractive in person and of commanding presence. At his departure
there were many expressions of regard and grateful remembrance, and he
will always have a warm place in the affections of Selma people, who
have been impressed in so short a time by the life and words of this
man of God.
* * * * *
COTTON VALLEY, ALA.
BY A TEACHER.
I have been asked to tell something of the work and school in Cotton
Valley. Hence I send a little description of it as it appears to a new
teacher, just having entered the missionary field.
There are many features about the work here that make it a most
interesting one. First, it is situated in a dense black belt, where
the people are anxious to improve, and are appreciative of all that is
done for them. Next, Cotton Valley is quiet and retired, being forty
miles from Montgomery, nine from Union Springs, and thirteen from
Tuskegee; so that, while we are enabled to teach without interruptions
that break into school life in cities, we are yet not so far removed
as to be incommoded when business necessitates our going to a city.
Doubtless Miss Lilla V. Davis, the pioneer, founder, and principal of
our school is well known to most of the friends and helpers of the
American Missionary Association, but, for the sake of those who are
not so well informed, and because hers is a story worthy of being told
anew, I will say a word of her whom all Cotton Valley delights to
honor. She, ten years ago, left her home in Boston, Mass., and coming
down here under the most adverse circumstances, and in the midst of
the lowest humanity, established this school. Her teaching in those
days was not so much from books, but she went into the homes of the
people and made them feel that she was one of them. She talked and
read to them, taught them the rules of decency and virtue, and that
cleanliness is next to godliness. Thus, step by step has she been
leading them on until now, instead of a valley of ignorance, it is "as
a city set on a hill, whose light cannot be hid," for instead of a
one-room-log-cabin we have a nice, comfortable school building,
planned and furnished in modern style. I mean by this, that what we
have is up-to-date and not that we have all we need, for our largest
room, the one we call and use as our chapel, needs settees,
blackboards, maps, and lights; and last but not least, we need a
piano, as at present our only musical instrument is a baby organ,
which is now so nearly worn out that many of the reeds instead of
responding to the touch of the solicitous performer sit in silence,
considering themselves too aged to jump up and down, and take part in
such active service.
Our school this year is larger than ever, and our students, I think,
would compare well with those of more favored schools in cities. The
present enrollment is nearly two hundred, and when the weather is
good, and all are in, we find the work rather heavy, as there are only
three teachers, and we all believe in thorough work.
We have a large and interesting Sunday School to which the parents as
well as the children come; also a Christian Endeavor Society, and a
Circle of King's Daughters.
Perhaps it would be interesting to say, that the relation of the white
people of the settlement to the school is most friendly. They respect
Miss Davis to the highest degree, and are willing and glad to show any
favors to her or her teachers.
Thus far, I have shown you only the favorable side of the picture, but
I would beg my readers to remember that it has also a painful side.
Those we are teaching are the children of ancestors who have lived for
centuries in darkness and ignorance, with only eleven years of light;
and there is still a great work to be done here. We find it necessary
to instruct them, not only in books, but along the lines of all the
virtues which go to make a man a man, and a woman a woman.
* * * * *
IMPARTIAL TESTIMONY.
BY REV. VINCENT MOSES, NEWBURY, MASS.
My wife and I recently spent about four weeks in New Orleans, La.
While we were there, Straight University was constantly under our
observation; and, without suggestion from any one, it comes to mind
that testimony to the efficiency of American Missionary Association
work in Straight would be welcome to you.
We not only attended more than once the general morning devotional
exercises in the "Daniel Hand Preparatory School" and the "Central
Building," but were also present during a recitation to nearly every
teacher in the Preparatory, Grammar, Normal, College Preparatory,
College and Theological Departments. The departments of music,
woodworking, sewing and printing, and also the Boarding Department
came under our observation.
The impression made upon us throughout was most favorable. The claims
of the catalogue are fully sustained in every particular. We have been
familiar with work in all these grades in the schools of several
Northern States; but we have never seen more thorough work, never a
school on the whole more satisfactory in deportment and scholarship.
We cannot compare this with other American Missionary Association
institutions. This is the only one we have visited. So we are glad to
let this represent them all, and confess to a surprise in finding that
we had never known better schools.
* * * * *
WHAT OUR GRADUATES ARE DOING.
FROM GRADUATES OF STRAIGHT UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS.
I.
"I am principal of the public schools of Vicksburg, Miss. I
have been teaching fourteen years, having had charge of my
present work nine years. I have under my present charge eight
hundred pupils, all the school can accommodate. Several hundred
have been turned away."
II.
"Am editor of the _Southwestern Christian Advocate_, and
practicing physician and minister. Have taught school in
Alabama and Louisiana."
III.
"My present occupation is clerk in the War Department,
Washington, D. C. I have taught three years in New Orleans. I
graduated as doctor of medicine, April 13, from the medical
department of Howard University."
IV.
"I am principal of the Harper Industrial Institute, Baton
Rouge, La. Have taught almost continuously since graduating in
1879. For the American Missionary Association I entertain a
feeling of the greatest possible gratitude. What little I am I
owe to the training of dear old Straight."
V.
"I have been until last spring principal of the colored schools
of Manhattan, Kansas, since 1885."
VI.
"The very name of the dear old institution is sweet to me, and
while those who guarded the old mother in the memorable past
have somewhat vanished, the purposes for which she was
instituted are being vigorously pushed and great good
accomplished. Many of her sons and daughters can be found
throughout this Southland engaged in the various pursuits of
life, doing a grand work for Christ and humanity. All honor to
the American Missionary Association for this excellent school,
and incessant praises to Him who guides and directs her
efforts."
VII.
"I am instructor of ancient languages in Wiley University,
Tex.; have been since 1887. I am a member of the Louisiana
Conference."
VIII.
The following extract is of special importance as showing the breadth
and completeness of the system of instruction of Straight University
and the economy upon which it is based:
"I am always glad to do whatever lies in my power that will in
any way be beneficial to Straight University, my _alma mater_.
I am, as you know, a normal graduate of 1891. Though I had
never before taken the first thought of learning anything about
wood-working, I thought I would go into the shop the first day
anyway; and I shall always be heartily thankful that I did so.
From that day to the end of my course, without interruption to
my studies, I worked in the carpenter shop, and acquired such a
knowledge of carpentry that I am now able to support myself by
following that trade. Still more, from the knowledge I gained
of making pieces of furniture, such as center-tables,
washstands, etc., I think I could be useful in the cabinet
trade."
IX.
The following gives some idea of what the department in theology is
doing:
"Having a desire to do something for Christ and humanity, I
began the study of theology and other studies at Straight, that
I might be thoroughly equipped, 'a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed.' I was compelled to give up for two years, and it
seemed to me that there was no use of my trying further, when
just then through the dark cloud the sun shone again, and I
hope now, if life lasts, to keep on till I finish the course.
All that I am, or ever expect to be, is due to Straight
University. May God bless her and the many friends who have
made it possible for us to attend."
* * * * *
ALL HEALING, NORTH CAROLINA.
During the summer about forty of our pupils taught in the public
schools; some had eighty or ninety scholars. In this way our school
really influences many whom we cannot reach. It is so good to see the
interest our young teachers take in their work and how, when they find
a bright boy or girl, they always try the first thing to induce that
one to come to school. Then, too, we see a growing desire among the
scholars to come into school early in the fall, and we rejoice in a
family of fifty-seven six weeks earlier than we had the same last
year.
The richest blessing of the year has begun to fall upon us, the
presence of the Holy Spirit leading souls to Christ. During this month
five have felt that God had forgiven their sins. Is not that enough to
compensate us for anything we may give up to engage in the work?
* * * * *
PLEASANT HILL, TENNESSEE.
A boy we could not receive, although we would have been glad to have
done so, said he had worked all summer for his share of a crop which
was about 100 bushels of corn. He would have about twenty bushels of
the corn left after he had bought himself a few clothes, which he must
have if he came to school, and he thought he ought to help his mother
a little. It was his only chance to get what he so much desired. He
realized that twenty bushels of corn, worth only about $5.00, was very
little for him to do for himself. He would try to prove himself worthy
of any help we could give him.
Still another boy writes: "It is not much I can do for myself, for I
have not been able to find anything to do to get any money, although I
have tried hard. But a friend has just given me a chance to assist him
in his school for a couple of months. I don't know how much he will
pay me, but you shall have _every cent_ I _do_ get. I do want to come
into school, I need the education so much; I want to make a true man."
* * * * *
The Indians.
There has been an interesting revival at Ponca Church, Nebraska, under
the direction of Rev. James Garvie, our Indian pastor.
The friends who attended the annual meeting of the Association at
Lowell will remember Mr. Garvie very pleasantly, as he was one of the
speakers on that occasion. He is as successful in the great work which
comes to him, as the pastor of one of our churches on the prairie, as
he was in telling the story of the work among his people to Eastern
congregations.
Even the building of a barn at the prairie mission may be turned to
the spiritual advantage of the Indian people, as is proved by the
experience of Miss Mary P. Lord at Flying By's Village, N. D. The
following extract, from a recent letter of hers, tells the story most
interestingly. Frank and Daisy are her horses, who are really
four-footed missionaries. Miss Lord writes: "On Sunday the ponies took
me twelve miles to conduct service at Oak Creek Sub-Agency, where my
people were gathered for the Monday morning issue of rations. Service
over at noon, a drink of water and a feed of grain, and then two hours
and a half later we were twenty miles away to attend afternoon service
at Little-Eagle's village, where I played the organ for the English
singing of the boarding-school children there. Yesterday they brought
me to Fort Yates, thirty miles."
* * * * *
HUT AND HEAVEN.
BY REV. C. L. HALL, FT. BERTHOLD, N. D.
Three years ago in our visit to the Indian homes, we found
Netkuschiripas (Little Eagle) on his bed unable to get out of the
house. Mary, his wife, washed for white people, hoed corn, and
tenderly cared for him. He told me he believed in Jesus and would join
us as soon as he could come out. It did not seem that he ever would
get better then, but his faith put new life into his body, and two
years and a half ago he was baptized in church, and got about to do a
little work now and then. This fall his working days came to an end.
He could only lie on his bed or sit in the sun at the door. Mary had
to haul the firewood and nurse him, as well as work out. For a while
they stayed at a neighbor's house, but an old Indian woman insisted
that he should wear his beads and other heathen adornments. He refused
to do so, saying that now he was a different person. As this annoyance
was kept up he and Mary left and stayed by themselves in a dug-out on
the south side of a bank on the edge of a willow bottom. His bed was a
few boards with a straw mattress and a few quilts. The room was
lighted by a single sash--the rude shelter of two of God's children.
When he felt himself sinking, he said: I do not know what God's will
for me is, but whatever it is I am ready. I have no fears. The day
before he died he said: I have one heart. I trust only in Jesus; I
have said this to you often. We laid him away just after the morning
meeting last Sunday. This is not extraordinary; we are glad so many
are like John and Mary. Twice the gates have opened this winter for
us, and now part of our church gather above and part here. Five more
are to confess their faith at the next communion. Pray for these
little ones.
* * * * *
The Chinese.
THE LOS ANGELES MISSION.
BY. REV. WM. C. POND, D.D.
An interesting letter from Mrs. Rice, wife of Rev. O. V. Rice, who has
charge of our mission at this prosperous and ambitious metropolis of
Southern California, prompts me to give my space this month to a
review of our work there. It had already begun when, twenty-two years
ago, I became superintendent. I tried to visit it in the spring of
1874, but a severe storm on our usually placid Pacific delayed our
steamer so long that I could spend only a few hours there. This was
sufficient, however, to show me that we had a good teacher and some
very promising pupils, but an indifference to contend with on the part
of American Christians which was both surprising and painful.
A few months after this I heard that Rev. Ira M. Condit, a missionary
recently returned from China, able to talk the Chinese language
fluently, and a very estimable brother, had gone to Los Angeles to
establish a Presbyterian mission. I did not hear of it by letter from
him nor from any one connected with the Presbyterian work in this
State. Denominational comity just then had not reached in the minds of
our Presbyterian brethren sufficient dignity to call even for a bow in
recognition. But I waived this matter, and believing that, with his
manifest advantages, he could do better work than we, and that there
was not room enough in the field, as it then was, for two missions, I
turned over to him our whole school--pupils, teacher, and whatever
conveniences or good-will we had gathered--and retired from the
locality. It was about two months only when I heard of six or eight
conversions in the Presbyterian Chinese mission of Los Angeles, but
they were the very ones of whom our teacher had spoken hopefully to me
on my visit to the city.
An interval of several years occurred. The great boom came, and Los
Angeles sprang to the front among the inland cities of the State and
boasted that before long San Francisco would be one of its suburbs.
The Chinese population increased to about 6,000. Among these were many
of our own brethren and several who were members of my own church.
They pleaded for a Congregational mission, and showed that because the
two Presbyterian missions were at one end of the Chinese quarter, and
there was nothing of the sort at the other end, nearly a mile distant,
there was a large field for us where we would come into no
competition, and where all that we might do would be a distinct
addition to the work done for Christ among their countrymen. We
yielded to their persuasions and found their prediction amply
verified. Our school became at once the largest and our work the most
active and fruitful in the city. In the four months ending with
August 31, 1888, 133 pupils were enrolled, and the average membership
month by month was 69. Street-preaching, hand-to-hand evangelistic
work, and the skillful, faithful labor of our teacher, Mrs. Sheldon,
and our enthusiastic helper, Loo Quong, were used of God for the
conversion of many souls.
But as in other specially delightful places for homes, persons
multiplied who desired to enter into this missionary work. Instead of
three, there came to be six or eight missions there. Competition
ensued. Our school, though comparing well with any, was reduced in
size and influence, and as we began to be straitened for funds and
there were many points where no one was caring for Chinese souls, our
aid was withdrawn and I supposed the work would cease. Not so. Our
Chinese brethren clung to each other and to their own mission work.
They rented quarters neither spacious nor comfortable, but cheap, and
contrived, with the aid of one true-hearted Christian woman, to keep
up their school, maintain their Association, add four members to it as
converts to the Christian life, and present seven of their number to
the First Congregational Church for baptism. We felt that a mission
with such "grit and grace" deserved to live. _Long may it live!_
Three persons converted at this mission have been brought into our
work as missionary helpers. Many have testified for Christ in their
own land.
At present it is in excellent working order and our Christian Chinese
are enthusiastic, generous, and at peace among themselves. Let me copy
a few sentences from a letter from one of them who was temporarily at
work at Pasadena. "I am very sorry for I left our school. Pray God for
me that I may be back to it again. You will be kind and teach our
people; that is such good work for you. God will want thus such person
[_i.e._, God wants persons who do as you do.--W. C. P.] You very much
interest our people. May God reward it to you! Before I went to the
mission school I never thought to be a Christian; now I did do it. I
am very thankful God has direct me out from the superstition to find
pathway about the truth, God and Heavenly Father. Now I am feel such
good comfort in my mind, but I do not satisfy [I am not satisfied] to
know the salvation alone, but needed you pray for my countrymen that
they all find life in Jesus Christ."
And now for an extract, briefer than I desired to make, from Mrs.
Rice's letter: "Last night we gave a farewell reception to our
brother, Yon Mon, who is about to leave for China. The brethren seized
this opportunity to present to a lady from Norristown, Pa., who has
kindly helped our work, a very nice letter of thanks with their names
signed to it. A gentleman who came to the city with her, and who is
about to open a fine store here, attended her to the mission house,
out of courtesy but very reluctantly, for he was bitterly opposed to
Chinese and to any and all efforts made for them. The brethren took
him for a friend and when introduced shook hands. He said it 'was as
much as his life was worth' to extend his hand in response to theirs.
But the same sense of courtesy constrained him to come with his friend
a second evening, and at its close he asked if he might be permitted
to say a word 'just to the boys.' Whereupon he expressed his pleasure
at all he had seen since coming into the school, and advised the boys
to keep right on doing right. They would meet bitter enemies among the
Americans, but not to mind them but go right forward. Then he
announced that if by February 5 we would have thirty regular pupils,
he would make the school 'a handsome present.' I wish some of the
other opponents of our work could in like manner be _compelled_ to see
our schools. Seeing would be believing, would it not?"
The latest contribution of our Los Angeles Mission to our general work
is Jue See, who has come to take Yip Bow's place (Yip Bow also having
come from the same mission) as helper in Oakland and at the West
School in this city, while Yip Bow goes to Sacramento. I am greatly
pleased with him. He will, when trained for the work (and we train for
work mainly _by working_), make one of the best of our Chinese
helpers.
I add just one word of good news. Our teachers are _all_ paid in full
for last year's work. Their faith has not been put to shame. Two of
our Chinese helpers still lack something, and two other creditors will
probably have to make large donations in order to square their
accounts, but I _know_ that _one_ of them will not complain, and the
other will be doing only what she promised, and while I fear it may be
a hardship, it is no greater hardship than almost every landlord or
landlady, in these days of pressure, has been forced to undergo. So I
feel like singing the Doxology!
* * * * *
WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS
MAINE.
WOMANS'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. N. W. Nims, 16 Rumford St., Concord.
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]WOMANS'S HOME MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION
President--Mrs. C. L. Goodell, 9 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, Mass.
Secretary--Mrs. Louise A. Kellogg, 32 Congregational House, Boston.
Treasurer--Miss Annie C. Bridgman, 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.
NEW YORK.
WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION.
President--Mrs. Wm. Kincaid, 483 Green Ave., Brooklyn.
Secretary--Mrs. Wm. Spalding, 511 Orange St., Syracuse.
Treasurer--Mrs. J. J. Pearsall, 230 Macon St., Brooklyn.
NEW JERSEY.
WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION OF THE N. J. ASSOCIATION.