VOL. XXXII. No. 12.
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
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“To the Poor the Gospel is Preached.”
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DECEMBER, 1878.
_CONTENTS_:
EDITORIAL.
ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF
THE A. M. A. 353
ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION 356
ADDRESS OF REV. SYLVANUS HEYWOOD 371
ADDRESS ON CHINESE MISSIONS IN AMERICA: Rev. E. S.
Atwood 373
ADDRESS UPON THE AFRICAN MISSION: REV. G. D. Pike 377
THE ANNUAL MEETING 379
PARAGRAPHS 381
ITEMS FROM SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES 382
THE FREEDMEN.
ATLANTA, GA.--Students’ Reports of Summer Work:
Mrs. T. N. Chase 383
TENNESSEE.--Woman’s Work among Women: Miss Hattie
Milton 385
NORTH CAROLINA.--Students Want to “Batch”: Rev.
Alfred Connett 387
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA.--The Story of Ambrose Headen 388
A GRATEFUL WARD 389
AFRICA.
THE MENDI MISSION: Rev. A. E. Jackson 389
THE INDIANS.
SISSETON AGENCY: E. H. C. Hooper, Agent 392
RECEIPTS 394
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NEW YORK:
Published by the American Missionary Association,
ROOMS, 56 READE STREET.
* * * * *
Price, 50 Cents a Year, in advance.
* * * * *
A. Anderson, Printer, 23 to 27 Vandewater St.
_American Missionary Association_,
56 READE STREET, N. Y.
* * * * *
PRESIDENT.
HON. E. S. TOBEY, Boston.
VICE PRESIDENTS.
Hon. F. D. PARISH, Ohio.
Rev. JONATHAN BLANCHARD, Ill.
Hon. E. D. HOLTON, Wis.
Hon. WILLIAM CLAFLIN, Mass.
Rev. STEPHEN THURSTON, D. D., Me.
Rev. SAMUEL HARRIS, D. D., Ct.
Rev. SILAS MCKEEN, D. D., Vt.
WM. C. CHAPIN, Esq., R. I.
Rev. W. T. EUSTIS, Mass.
Hon. A. C. BARSTOW, R. I.
Rev. THATCHER THAYER, D. D., R. I.
Rev. RAY PALMER, D. D., N. Y.
Rev. J. M. STURTEVANT, D. D., Ill.
Rev. W. W. PATTON, D. D., D. C.
Hon. SEYMOUR STRAIGHT, La.
Rev. D. M. GRAHAM, D. D., Mich.
HORACE HALLOCK, Esq., Mich.
Rev. CYRUS W. WALLACE, D. D., N. H.
Rev. EDWARD HAWES, Ct.
DOUGLAS PUTNAM, Esq., Ohio.
Hon. THADDEUS FAIRBANKS, Vt.
SAMUEL D. PORTER, Esq., N. Y.
Rev. M. M. G. DANA, D. D., Ct.
Rev. H. W. BEECHER, N. Y.
Gen. O. O. HOWARD, Oregon.
Rev. EDWARD L. CLARK, N. Y.
Rev. G. F. MAGOUN, D. D., Iowa
Col. C. G. HAMMOND, Ill.
EDWARD SPAULDING, M. D., N. H.
DAVID RIPLEY, Esq., N. J.
Rev. WM. M. BARBOUR, D. D., Ct.
Rev. W. L. GAGE, Ct.
A. S. HATCH, Esq., N. Y.
Rev. J. H. FAIRCHILD, D. D., Ohio.
Rev. H. A. STIMSON, Minn.
Rev. J. W. STRONG, D. D., Minn.
Rev. GEORGE THACHER, LL. D., Iowa.
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.
Rev. H. M. PARSONS, N. Y.
PETER SMITH, Esq., Mass.
Dea. JOHN WHITING, Mass.
Rev. WM. PATTON, D. D., Ct.
Hon. J. B. GRINNELL, Iowa.
Rev. WM. T. CARR, Ct.
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.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
REV. M. E. STRIEBY, _56 Reade Street, N. Y._
DISTRICT SECRETARIES.
REV. C. L. WOODWORTH, _Boston_.
REV. G. D. PIKE, _New York_.
REV. JAS. POWELL, _Chicago, Ill._
EDGAR KETCHUM, ESQ., _Treasurer, N. Y._
H. W. HUBBARD, ESQ., _Assistant Treasurer, N. Y._
REV. M. E. STRIEBY, _Recording Secretary_.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
ALONZO S. BALL,
A. S. BARNES,
EDWARD BEECHER,
GEO. M. BOYNTON,
WM. B. BROWN,
CLINTON B. FISK,
A. P. FOSTER,
E. A. GRAVES,
S. B. HALLIDAY,
SAM’L HOLMES,
S. S. JOCELYN,
ANDREW LESTER,
CHAS. L. MEAD,
JOHN H. WASHBURN,
G. B. WILLCOX.
COMMUNICATIONS
relating to the business of the Association may be addressed to
either of the Secretaries as above.
DONATIONS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
may be sent to H. W. Hubbard, 56 Reade Street, New York, or, when
more convenient, to either of the branch offices, 21 Congregational
House, Boston, Mass., 112 West Washington Street, Chicago, Ill. Drafts
or checks sent to Mr. Hubbard should be made payable to his order as
_Assistant Treasurer_.
A payment of thirty dollars at one time constitutes a Life Member.
Correspondents are specially requested to place at the head of each
letter the name of their Post Office, and the County and State in
which it is located.
* * * * *
THE
AMERICAN MISSIONARY.
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VOL. XXXII. DECEMBER, 1878. No. 12.
* * * * *
_American Missionary Association._
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ABSTRACT OF THE THIRTY-SECOND REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
A. M. A.
The Report opens with an expression of thanks to God for the general
prosperity of its work, obituary notices of the Rev. Silas McKeen, D.
D., of Bradford, Vt., a Vice-President, and Mrs. Benjamin James, of the
Mendi Mission, and a brief review of the marked progress of the last
thirty-two years in the line of its aim and effort.
The Freedmen.
The educational work of the Association has been vigorously sustained,
with increasing numbers, and at the cost of great self-denial on the
part of both teachers and pupils. New buildings have been erected
for the Emerson Institute at Mobile, Ala., for the Lewis High School
and Norwich Chapel at Macon, Ga., for the Straight University at New
Orleans, La., and for the Beach Institute at Savannah, Ga., under
the supervision of Prof. T. N. Chase, of Atlanta. They are simple
but commodious, and admirably adapted for their uses, better located
than formerly, and cost no more than the insurance received for the
buildings which they replace. The institutions of the Association are
excellently located.
The early educational work was, of necessity, altogether primary. As
the States assumed the support of common schools, the Association gave
itself more and more to Normal teaching, and has always found a demand
for more teachers than its schools could furnish. A few more each year
are advancing into the collegiate and professional courses. Its one Law
and three Theological classes have been well sustained, and it has also
co-operated with the Presbytery of Washington in the support of the
Theological Department of Howard University. The practical and moral
importance of the Industrial Departments is also referred to. During
the year small amounts have been added to the salaries of a number
of common-school teachers, graduates from its institutions, enabling
them to extend the time of their school-year from three or six to nine
months.
The need of this work is emphasized by the fact that there are still
3,500,000 over ten years of age in the South who cannot read, over
1,135,000 of whom are legal voters. The need of permanent endowments
and of student aid are also dwelt upon. A depiction of the influence of
these institutions in the homes, the common schools, the churches, and
upon the sentiment of the people of the South, and especially of the
positiveness of their religious influence, concludes this part of the
Report.
The report of church work adds five new churches organized during the
year to its list. Judged by the measure of accessions to membership by
profession of faith, these sixty-four churches have not been dead nor
fruitless. Fifteen of them report from eleven to fifty such additions
each, making an average of over twenty-four, and amounting to 368 in
all. Indications of growth are also found in increased efforts for
self-support and for systematic giving. The Sunday-schools of the
churches not only are well sustained, but the teachers go out into
churches of other orders, and into mission work, thus reaching many
thousands of youth and children.
The cause of temperance has been advancing in these churches. The six
local conferences have, by their annual meetings, shown progress and
done good. The difficulties of a rapid extension of church work in the
South are referred to, and the hope expressed, of surmounting such of
them as may be overcome under the field-superintendence of Rev. Dr.
Roy, who will very soon be in his headquarters at Atlanta.
In summing up the work among the Freedmen, encouragement is drawn
from the fact that some of the best pastors and teachers now in
the field were taken from the streets by the missionary teachers
of the Association, and have developed under its care to be its
fellow-helpers; also, that results appear to be more permanent and
substantial.
Africa.
Four missionaries were sent, Feb. 8, to the reinforcement of the five
who sailed the September before. The outlook was discouraging in both
its material and spiritual aspects. But they went to work practically
and hopefully, and have labored with good success. Twenty-two new
members have been received into the church at Good Hope. Preaching
services and Sunday and day-schools have also been opened at Avery and
Debia.
The missionaries desire increased facilities for taking the children
into their homes under their constant care, a work which they have
begun already. The industrial work at Avery has been revived. These
missionary families, numbering fifteen souls in all, have endured the
trying climate, and that through its sickly season, as well as could
have been hoped. All of them have been sick; one of their number has
died; none of them are in impaired health, so far as can be learned.
The report speaks of the intention to strengthen this mission as it may
seem to demand, of the need of means with which to do it, and of the
missionary interest awakened in the South, and especially at Hampton
and Fisk.
The Indians.
The necessity of changing agents has made much unexpected work, and
the difficulties of supplying their places are referred to. The
work of Rev. Mr. Eells at S’Kokomish is spoken of. The Indians show
increasing interest in education, but the unsettled condition of their
affairs prevents the best success. The recommendations made by the
representatives of the various religious denominations to the Board of
Commissioners are recited. The possibility of a transfer of the Indians
to the War Department is alluded to, and deprecated as a long step in
retreat.
The Chinese in America.
The outcries against the Chinaman, and the abuse he receives on every
hand, are alluded to as having had already an influence in diminishing
the number of those coming to our shores.
The Association has sustained eleven schools during the year, with
1,492 pupils. The Chinese Congregational Association and the Bethany
Home have been kept up, with increasing usefulness. Seventy-five have
been hopefully converted during the year. The indebtedness of the
Association to Rev. Wm. C. Pond, its superintendent in that work,
is heartily acknowledged. The desire of the Chinese converts for the
conversion of their own people in their native land is referred to as a
convincing proof that they have entered into the spirit of the Master.
The new Chinese embassy to this country is spoken of as full of promise
in regard to all the questions affecting that race.
Finances.
The receipts of the year have been $195,601.65; the expenses have been
$188,079.46, leaving a balance of $7,522.19. The current receipts are
not equal by $13,063.23 to those of the preceding year, the falling off
being mainly in legacies; and the $17,904.92 in cash (and $6,950 in
pledges) for the debt may have somewhat lessened the regular gifts.
The debt, two years ago, was $93,000; one year ago it was $63,000;
what has been received and saved for it together this year amounts
to $25,427.11, which has reduced it to $37,389.79, and pledges are
held for $6,950, which, when redeemed, will further diminish it to
$30,439.79.
The Committee recognize the hand of the Lord, and the hearts of His
people in this good showing. The Report makes special mention of the
gifts from the field for this object, and yet the remaining debt is
deeply deplored as preventing the enlargement of the work. The careful
and wise use of the funds in its hands encourages the Association to
ask for the removal of this its last hindrance.
Sundries.
References to the co-operation of the Freedmen’s Missions Aid Society
in England, the return of the Jubilee Singers, the changes successfully
made in the form and editing of the AMERICAN MISSIONARY, and the
generous aid of the American Bible Society, conclude the Report.
* * * * *
THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
_Statistics of its Work and Workers--General Summary._
Workers.
_Missionaries_--at the South, 69; among the Indians, 1; in the Foreign
field, 9; total, 79.
_Teachers_--at the South, 150; among the Chinese, 17; among the
Indians, 10; Native helpers in the Foreign field, 6; total, 183.
_Matrons_, 9; in Business Department, 9. Total number of Workers, 280.
Churches.
_Churches_--at the South, 64; among the Indians, 1; in the Foreign
field, 1; total, 66.
_Church Members_--at the South, 4,189; among the Indians, 19; in the
Foreign field, 44; total, 4,252. Total number Sabbath-school Scholars,
7,517.
Schools.
_Schools_--at the South, 37; among the Chinese, 11; among the Indians,
6; in the Foreign field, 3; total, 57.
_Pupils_--at the South, 7,229; among the Chinese, 1,492; among the
Indians, 245; in the Foreign field, 177; total, 9,143.
Details of School Work at the South.
_Chartered Institutions_, 8.--Hampton N. and A. Institute, Hampton,
Va.: Number of pupils, 332; boarding accommodations, for 180. Berea
College, Berea, Ky.: Number of pupils, 273; boarding accommodations for
180. Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn.: Number of pupils, 338; boarding
accommodations for 150. Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga.: Number
of pupils, 244; boarding accommodations for 150. Talladega College,
Talladega, Ala.: Number of pupils, 272; boarding accommodations for
100. Tougaloo University, Tougaloo, Miss.: Number of pupils, 193;
boarding accommodations for 90. Straight University, New Orleans, La.:
Number of pupils, 287; no boarding accommodations. Normal Institute,
Austin, Texas: Number of pupils, 146.
_Other Institutions_, 11.--Normal School, Wilmington, N. C.: Number of
pupils, 126; Washington School, Raleigh, N. C., 435; Avery Institute,
Charleston, S. C., 294; Brewer Normal School, Greenwood, S. C., 58;
Storrs School, Atlanta, Ga., 701; Lewis High School, Macon, Ga., 93;
Trinity School, Athens, Ala., 158; Emerson Institute, Mobile, Ala.,
117; Swayne School, Montgomery, Ala., 436; Burrell School, Selma, Ala.,
421; Le Moyne School, Memphis, Tenn., 184; Common Schools, 18;--total,
37.
Pupils Classified.
Theological, 88; Law, 17; Collegiate, 106; Collegiate Preparatory, 160;
Normal, 1,459; Grammar, 1,016; Intermediate, 2,048; Primary,
2,398 7,292
Studying in two grades, 63
—————
7,229
Scholars in the South, taught by our former pupils, estimated at
100,000.
* * * * *
THIRTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
The American Missionary Association held its Thirty-second Anniversary
in the Broadway Congregational Church, Taunton, Mass., commencing
October 29, 1878.
President Edward S. Tobey called the Association to order at three
P. M. Rev. Edward H. Merrill, D. D., of Ripon, Wis., conducted the
devotional service, reading selections from the Scriptures, and leading
in prayer. Rev. Leverett S. Woodworth, of Campello, Mass., was elected
Secretary, and Rev. Samuel Harrison, of Pittsfield, Assistant Secretary.
The President appointed the following Nominating Committee: Rev. Lyman
S. Rowland, Rev. George M. Boynton, Rev. Thomas K. Fessenden and J. E.
Porter, Esq.
Rev. George M. Boynton presented the Annual Report of the Executive
Committee. On motion, the report was accepted, and its various portions
referred to appropriate committees.
The report of the Treasurer was presented by Henry W. Hubbard, Esq.,
Assistant Treasurer, and was referred to the Committee on Finance.
The Committee on Nominations reported the following list of committees:
1. _Committee of Arrangements._--Rev. Mortimer Blake, D. D., Rev.
Morton Dexter, Rev. E. S. Atwood, Chas. H. Atwood, Esq., Dea. E. H.
Reed, H. B. Palmer, Esq., Rev. T. T. Richmond.
2. _Committee on Business._--Rev. S. M. Newman, Rev. C. L. Woodworth,
Eleazer Porter, Esq.
3. _Committee, on Nominations._--Rev. Lyman S. Rowland, Rev. George M.
Boynton, Rev. Thos. K. Fessenden, Dea. Edwin Talcott.
4. _Committee on Finance._--Hon. E. H. Sawyer, A. S. Barnes, Esq., A.
L. Williston, Esq., Geo. H. Corliss, Esq., S. D. Smith, Esq., Hon.
Rufus Frost, Abiel Abbott, Esq.
5. _Committee on Moral and Religious Education_ (especially among
colored women of the South).--Rev. H. P. DeForrest, Rev. C. D. Barrows,
Rev. Albert H. Heath, Rev. Henry Hopkins, Rev. I. C. Thatcher, Rev. E.
W. Allen, Rev. Geo. A. Tewksbury.
6. _Committee on Normal and Higher Education in the South._--Rev. Wm.
W. Adams, D. D., Rev. J. W. Wellman, D. D., Rev. Frederick Alvord,
Rev. E. H. Merrill, D. D., Rev. H. J. Patrick, Rev. R. K. Harlow, Rev.
Calvin Cutler.
7. _Committee on Church Extension in the South._--Rev. Edward Strong,
D. D., Rev. Wm. L. Gaylord, Rev. A. H. Plumb, Rev. A. E. Winship, Rev.
D. O. Mears, Rev. O. T. Lanphear, D. D., Rev. M. Burnham.
8. _Committee on Chinese Missions in America._--Rev. E. S. Atwood, Rev.
E. H. Byington, Rev. G. R. W. Scott, Rev. J. D. Kingsbury, Rev. Charles
B. Sumner, Rev. Henry M. Grout, D. D., Rev. J. M. Bell.
9. _Committee on Indian Missions in America._--Hon. A. C. Barstow, Rev.
Geo. F. Wright, Rev. Cyrus Richardson, Col. Franklin Fairbanks, B. C.
Hardwick, Esq., Rev. A. P. Marvin, Rev. Franklin P. Chapin.
10. _Committee on African Missions._--Rev. Reuen Thomas, D. D., Rev.
Geo. A. Oviatt, Rev. G. R. Leavitt, Rev. Franklin Ayer, Rev. W. S.
Hubbell, Dea. Edward Kendall, Rev. John C. Labaree, Rev. G. D. Pike.
11. _Committee on Religious Services and Prayer-Meeting._--Rev. Horace
Winslow, Rev. R. B. Howard.
I. Paper by Rev. M. E. Strieby, D. D. Subject--“The Work of Half a
Generation among the Freedmen.” Committee--Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, D. D.,
Rev. Geo. E. Street, Rev. James H. Lyon, Rev. E. P. Blodgett, Rev. Geo.
E. Freeman, Rev. Henry A. Blake.
II. By Rev. Stacy Fowler. Subject--“The Element of Present Time
all-important in what we do to save this Country.” Committee--Rev.
Jacob Ide, Jr., Rev. W. W. Woodworth, Rev. Chester W. Hawley, Rev.
Davis Foster, Rev. Henry E. Barnes.
III. By Rev. Geo. Leon Walker, D. D. Subject--“The Denominational
Polity of the American Missionary Association.” Committee--Rev. Samuel
P. Leeds, D. D., Rev. Ephraim Flint, D. D., Rev. Henry W. Jones, Rev.
J. B. Clark, Rev. John V. Hilton.
IV. By Rev. Ebenezer Cutler, D. D. Subject--“A Revival of Righteousness
in the Prosecution of Christian Work among the Despised Races of
America.” Committee--Rev. B. F. Hamilton, Rev. Wm. V. W. Davis, Rev. H.
D. Walker, Rev. Henry R. Craig, Rev. Wm. T. Briggs.
V. By Rev. C. L. Woodworth. Subject--“America’s Opportunity the World’s
Salvation.” Committee--Rev. J. M. Green, Rev. Samuel Bell, Rev. G.
F. Stanton, Rev. Chas. P. Nason, Rev. Franklin S. Hatch, Rev. J. K.
Aldrich.
Rev. Stephen M. Newman reported the order of exercises for the ensuing
sessions. Secretary Strieby urged upon the Association the need of
prayer in the meetings. The President called upon the Rev. E. B.
Hooker to lead in prayer. After singing, the Benediction was pronounced
by Rev. E. H. Merrill, D. D. The Association then adjourned until 7.30
P. M.
Evening Session.
At 7.30 P. M. the President called the Association to order. Scriptures
were read and prayer offered by Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, D. D. Rev. Samuel
E. Herrick, D. D. delivered a sermon from I Peter, ii. 9. Secretary
Strieby offered the closing prayer. The Association then adjourned
until nine A. M. of Wednesday.
Wednesday, October 30.
At 8.15 a prayer-meeting was conducted by Rev. Horace Winslow. At nine,
the Association was called to order by Pres. Edward S. Tobey. Prayer
was offered by Rev. John O. Means.
Rev. Stacy Fowler, of Cambridge, read a paper on “The Element of
Present Time all-important in what we do to save this Country.”
Rev. George Leon Walker, D. D., read a paper on “The Denominational
Polity of the American Missionary Association.”
District-Secretary Chas. L. Woodworth read a paper on “America’s
Opportunity the World’s Salvation.”
After singing, the Association adjourned until two P. M.
Afternoon Session.
At two P. M. the Association was called to order by President Edward S.
Tobey. The session was opened with singing “How firm a foundation ye
saints of the Lord,” and with prayer by Rev. Stephen H. Hayes.
Rev. Ebenezer Cutler, D. D., of Worcester, read a paper upon “The
Revival of Righteousness in the Prosecution of Christian Work among the
Despised Races of America,” which was referred to a committee.
Hon. Amos C. Barstow, of Providence, R. I., read the report of the
committee on the Indians as follows:
The Committee to whom was referred so much of the Annual Report as
relates to the work of the Association among the Indians, are glad
to be able to approve the action of the Executive Committee for the
past year, both with respect to its missions and its agencies. They
beg also to indorse and emphasize the sentiment--twice repeated in
the Report--that “the unsettled condition of the Indians, growing out
of their frequent and enforced removal, sometimes for long distances,
and at short notice, continues to rob the efforts put forth in their
behalf of much of their rightful success.”
Like the dove sent out from the Ark, the Indian has found no rest
for the sole of his foot. Of the 275,000 Indians in what is now our
country, fifty years ago 130,000 were east of the Mississippi River,
where now but 25,000 remain.
At first we were content to crowd them beyond the Mississippi, but our
example at the East has proved contagious among the settlers of the
new States west of the Mississippi, and now all these States, by their
influence over the General Government, are emptying their Indians into
the Territories. The Pawnees and Poncas, and the great bands of Sioux
Indians, under those famous chiefs Red Cloud and Spotted Tail--in all
15,000--have been pushed out of Nebraska within two years. The great
States of Iowa and Kansas have but 1,000 each remaining in their
borders, and Missouri has none. At the present moment, Colorado is
making an effort to push the 3,200 Ute Indians, who have always lived
upon her soil, either beyond her borders or up into the mountains,
7,000 feet above the sea level, and far above the possibility of
self-support.
The Stockbridge Indians, whose original home was amid the beautiful
valleys of old Berkshire, in Massachusetts, and who, while there--130
years ago--enjoyed the stated ministry of David Brainard, and
afterwards of Jonathan Edwards, were moved west as far as the State
of New York, ninety years ago. Since then they have been moved five
times, and now a remnant of the tribe occupy a little reservation in
Northern Wisconsin. Why should they have been exposed to such perils
as haunt a people, thus violently and repeatedly torn up by the roots,
and compelled to make new homes far distant from the graves of their
sires? Or, rather, civilized and Christianized as they are and were,
why should they not long ago have come to individual homestead rights
of portions of their land in fee, _with citizenship_, as do multitudes
of foreigners, of far less education? Instead of girding the Indians
about with bands of love, and holding them to their ancient homes,
where they could be easily reached by Gospel influences, the nation
has taken it for granted that the “wilderness and solitary place” was
the only fit home for them; and therefore, in the expressive language
of Red Cloud, has “kept them on wheels.” We have been crowding them
before the ever-increasing column of our Western emigration, and even
now, the hand of the nation does not spare, neither does its heart
relent. The Santee and other bands of Indians, fully civilized, are
now petitioners for the right to take up homesteads that shall cover
the present allotments, already cultivated and improved by them. Their
petition is indorsed by the Indian Bureau and Interior Department,
and though urged upon Congress last winter by all the added influence
of the Board of Indian Commissioners, nothing was done. Congress has
always shown more willingness to _feed_ the Indians than to _locate_
them. To secure progress in civilization, we must locate them--give
them permanent homes, with all the motives for industry which they
will inspire. To herd and feed them from the public crib permanently,
like cattle, is to degrade and pauperize them, rather than to civilize
and bring them to self-support.
There is a feeling quite too common in the community, that Indians,
after all, are only _outlaws_, _Ishmaelites_, _savages_, “having no
rights which white men are bound to respect,” and no elements of
character which encourage efforts for their improvement.
A popular encyclopædia affirms that, “as a race, the animal
propensities in the Indian strongly preponderate over the
intellectual, and render their civilization, even with the help of
education and Christianity, an event _hardly to be hoped for_.”
Neither the experience of Christian philanthropists, nor the facts of
history, will justify this sweeping assertion.
We do not claim that they have taken on them the nature of angels.
We only claim that they are MEN, and that our Divine Master made no
mistake in giving His Gospel to enlighten them, His blood to redeem
them, or His command to us to publish that Gospel to them. If Eliot
and Brainard and Edwards found encouragement for Christian efforts in
their behalf, why may not the Christians of this generation labor for
them with hope? Are we wiser or better than they? Or are the Indians
worse and their condition more hopeless, than in the days of our
fathers?
It is safe to affirm, in spite of all the obstacles in their path,
that, under the efforts put forth in their behalf, many of the Indian
tribes are making commendable progress in civilization, and large
numbers of them are bringing forth in their lives the peaceable fruits
of righteousness.
We, therefore, recommend not only that the Association continue its
work for the evangelization of the Indians, but that it enlarge and
extend it, as fast as God in His providence may open the way.
A. C. BARSTOW,
COL. FRANKLIN FAIRBANKS,
REV. A. P. MARVIN,
REV. GEO. F. WRIGHT.
On motion, it was voted that the report be accepted, and taken up for
discussion on Thursday forenoon.
The report of the committee on the paper of Rev. George L. Walker, D.
D. was read by Rev. Samuel P. Leeds, D. D., who opened the discussion
of the report, followed by Rev. Samuel Harrison, of Pittsfield, and
Rev. Addison P. Foster, of Jersey City. Secretary Strieby was invited
to speak upon the pending question. Rev. George Juchau and Rev. David
O. Mears continued the discussion.
On motion of Secretary Strieby, it was voted “That the papers read
before this body, together with the reports of the committees thereon,
be accepted and referred to the Executive Committee for publication at
its discretion.”
Rev. Benj. F. Hamilton, D. D., gave the report of the committee on the
paper presented by Rev. Ebenezer Cutler, D. D. The report was discussed
by Rev. Benj. F. Hamilton, Rev. Albert H. Plumb, Rev. Jesse Jones, Rev.
G. B. Willcox, D. D., and Rev. George F. Wright.
Rev. Jeremiah K. Aldrich, of Nashua, reported in behalf of the
committee upon the paper presented by Dist. Sec. Chas. L. Woodworth.
The report was discussed by Secretary Strieby, and Rev. Geo. F.
Stanton, of Weymouth. The report was accepted, and the following
resolution, appended thereto, was adopted:
_Resolved_, That, as God raised up His ancient people, and made them
the repository of the truth, to prepare the way for the advent of the
Saviour, when the fullness of time should come, so He has raised up
this nation to carry forward that truth to its final consummation,
and that it becometh us to put forth every possible effort for
accomplishing this work, in humble reliance upon the direct agency
of the Holy Spirit, believing that God will bless well-directed,
earnest Christian effort, energize and apply the truth by the personal
presence and power of a living Christ; and that we regard the American
Missionary Association as one of the most direct and efficient
agencies for securing this end, and would press its claim upon our
churches for an increase in benevolent contributions, that its work
may be enlarged and prosecuted with increased vigor.
At 5.15 the Association adjourned to meet at 7.30 P. M. Benediction by
Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, D. D.
Evening Session.
7.30.--President Edward S. Tobey in the chair. Rev. Thomas T. Richmond
offered prayer. The evening session was occupied by those who were
formerly in the employ of the Association.
Addresses were made by Rev. Charles M. Southgate, of Dedham., Rev.
Sylvanus Heywood, of N. H., Rev. Martin L. Williston, of N. Y., and
Rev. Walter S. Alexander, of New Orleans, President of Straight
University.
During the evening the choir sang several Jubilee Songs.
Adjourned at 9.30 P. M. to meet Thursday morning at nine A. M.
Thursday Morning Session.
Rev. D. O. Mears conducted a prayer-meeting at 8.15 A. M. President
Tobey called the Association to order at 9.15 A. M. Prayer was offered
by Rev. William Mellen.
Rev. Davis Foster read the report of the committee on the paper
presented by Rev. Stacy Fowler.
Rev. Daniel T. Fiske, D. D., read the report of the committee on the
paper presented by Secretary Strieby.
Hon. Edmund D. Sawyer gave the report of the committee on Finance as
follows:
The Committee appointed to consider and examine the Financial
statement of the American Missionary Association, covering the
receipts and expenditures for the year ending September 30th, 1878,
respectfully submit the following Report:
The receipts from all sources have been $195,601.65, or about thirteen
thousand dollars less than for the preceding year. The expenses,
including amounts paid for church and educational work, publications,
cost of collecting funds and cost of administration, have been
$167,728.23. There is due the Tillotson Normal and Collegiate
Institute $2,446.31, and there has been paid towards cancelling
the debt $25,427.11. Of the amount paid upon the debt, the sum of
$17,904.92 was contributed directly for the purpose, and $7,522.19
has been saved from the income of the year. Your Committee are happy
to testify, that the administration of the affairs of the Association
appears to have been conducted with wisdom, ability and faithfulness.
While the work for the year has not been curtailed, the receipts have
been less. Yet from them quite a sum has been saved towards cancelling
the indebtedness. It is greatly to be regretted, that the receipts
during the year have not been sufficient to pay in full the debt, as
there still remains unpaid, and unprovided for, the sum of $30,439.79.
Certainly it would seem that our churches could easily contribute this
sum, which, if done, would give your Executive Committee new courage
to plan for the extension of work now so well established and wisely
conducted.
Your Committee would suggest that an effort be made to extend
the paying circulation of the monthly publication, the “AMERICAN
MISSIONARY,” which is now so attractive and desirable, communicating
as it does, information relating to the operations and needs of the
Association, and the progress made in the different fields of its
occupation. The administrative expenses seem to us small, compared
with the magnitude and importance of the work accomplished, giving
evidence that this department is conducted with great economy, and
most conscientious fidelity.
When we consider the nature and extent of the work committed to the
care of this organization, and that the appeal comes to us as a
Christian duty, to help educate and Christianize these millions of our
own citizens, now living in a condition of ignorance and degradation,
we are forced to the conclusion, that our churches do not realize
sufficiently, either their obligation or privilege, to meet the call
with liberal and glad contributions.
The annual receipts of this Association, engaged in Christian work
second in importance of no other, ought to be greatly increased. May
we not ask the Pastors of our churches, to bring to the attention
of their congregations, the necessities of those for whom this
Association is laboring; and we urge individual Christians to such
faithful labor and consecration as will extend a knowledge of the
needs and deepen the interest felt in this great and good work, so
that contributions may be largely increased.
From an examination of the various statements submitted, showing in
detail the operations of the Association, and the condition of the
property interests it has in charge, your Committee are prepared to
commend it most heartily to the continued confidence and sympathy of
our churches, and to recommend that every effort be made to secure
enlarged receipts, so that the debt shall speedily be paid and the
increased work that so needs to be done can be undertaken.
E. H. SAWYER.
A. L. WILLISTON.
The report was discussed by Secretary Strieby, District-Secretaries
Woodworth, Pike, and Powell, Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. George F. Stanton,
Rev. Addison P. Foster, Rev. Cyrus W. Wallace, D. D., Hon. Edward S.
Tobey, Rev. Rowland B. Howard, Rev. Albert H. Plumb.
Rev. John S. Ewell led in prayer.
On motion, it was voted “that a committee of three be appointed to
present to the churches the expression of the Association concerning
its debt.” The Rev. George A. Oviatt, Rev. George F. Stanton and Rev.
William L. Gaylord were appointed such committee.
Rev. Heman P. DeForrest read the report of the committee on “Moral and
Religious Education,” as follows:
The Committee, to whom was assigned the topic of “Moral and Religious
Education, especially among the colored women of the South,” offer
their Report with a deep conviction of the central and commanding
importance of the work thus indicated. The two faculties which, in the
Freedman, need chief attention, are his intellect and his conscience.
Of these, the moral faculty must take precedence in importance. By the
effect of slavery, and its accompanying influences, acting through
many generations, a blight amounting, in some directions, well-nigh to
extinguishment, has fallen upon his moral sense. His education, under
the old system, did not develop this faculty, for it was only the hard
education of rough contact with life and with men, which, indeed,
sharpened his intellect sometimes, but buried conscience yet deeper
under the weight of false teaching and falser custom. His religion
did not help him here, for it has been a sensuous and emotional
experience, not deemed inconsistent with the grossest violations of
moral law. It is the work of Associations like this to solemnize,
in his behalf, the marriage, subject to no subsequent divorce, of
religion and morality. And it is, we believe, a happy quality of the
genius of Congregationalism, that it will not pour oil upon the flame
of emotional piety, but will chiefly emphasize the spiritual truths
and moral laws which forever underlie all true religion.
But now the question arises, whether, in all our planning and thinking
for the Freedman, too little has not been said and thought by our
churches in regard to the Freedwoman.
She, like her brother, has been debased by slavery; debased, moreover,
in the very citadel of her sacred womanhood, until the very instinct
on which the sanctity of the home must rest, if it exist at all, has
become almost extirpated.
There can be no elevation of the Freedman that does not rest upon
the moral restoration of the Freedwoman. The position of woman is
everywhere the measure of moral attainment, and here, where she has
become the sport and lawful prey of two races, she more than ever
holds the key of the situation.
The feeling, gaining strength through all the experience of our
missionaries and teachers and superintendents, that an effort needs
to be made for her benefit distinctly, now demands expression in the
councils of this body.
Your Committee has no new light upon this subject; it has no specific
to offer for the evil which makes so great a demand upon our sympathy.
We can only appeal to this body, and to the churches, whether now,
in the spectacle of two and a half millions of Freedwomen, of whom
only a mere fraction are yet under the influence of schools and pure
churches, lifting up their cry, not “from Greenland’s icy mountains,
nor India’s coral strand,” nor whence “Afric’s sunny fountains roll
down their golden sand,” but from the sunny half of these United
States of America, we have not a call of God, which the dullest ear
cannot fail to hear. And we, brethren and sisters, are charged with
the duty of responding to this cry, with no uncertain sound.
The Committee feel the responsibility which rests upon them in
undertaking to propose new measures, and hesitate to offer too radical
suggestions. Yet, they cannot be deaf to the appeal of this kind
of work, or content themselves with vague and general exhortations.
We hail as a good omen, and as an indication of Providence as to the
course to be taken, the fact that already, through the influence of
one Christian lady of the Northwest, a lady missionary, specially
instructed to labor among the homes of the Freedmen, by personal
contact, for the moral and religious education of the colored woman,
is now actually at work. Our recommendation is that, following out
this beginning, Christian women of mature experience and wise tact be
appointed, to such an extent as funds will permit, who shall labor
for the elevation of the Freedwomen, by those methods of personal
influence which are, of all, most efficient. We believe that in no
other way can we strike so nearly at the root of the ignorance and
immorality which, in behalf of the Freedmen, we contend against.
But, obviously, it would not be right to take the funds appropriated
for education or church extension for this purpose, and thereby
curtail a work which needs, on the contrary, to be at once extended.
Whence shall the support of these lady workers come, then?
We feel constrained, in reply, to appeal to that large and earnest
body to whom we are not wont to appeal in vain--the Christian women of
our Northern churches. Suppose that in each church an appeal should be
made to the ladies, already doing much in missionary work, and sending
generous supplies of clothing and other necessaries to the Freedmen,
to assume the responsibility of supporting, either themselves or in
conjunction with neighboring churches, these female workers among the
Freedwomen. Could they, would they resist the appeal of this sister of
theirs, upon whom iron despotism has set its mark of deep degradation,
through no fault of hers, and who now lifts up appealing eyes,
pleading to be restored to the sisterhood of the pure and the holy,
to whom manhood owes all that is noblest and highest in its proudest
development? We know them better than to imagine any such refusal. We
believe the Christian women of the North, when once this channel is
opened, will see in it their choice opportunity, and respond in a way
that shall set forward our work by a great advance.
And we further offer the suggestion, following again a thought which
has been born, and has already, to a degree, taken form, in the field
of labor, that in the principal centres of the Southern field, local
organizations of women may be constituted, which shall have special
charge of this work, and through which the funds raised may be applied
to their purpose.
By this three-fold chain of operations--the appointment of Christian
women of mature character to special labor among the Freedwomen,
the organization of local boards of women at the several centres of
operation, and support by the Christian ladies of the North--it seems
to the Committee that this important and too long neglected work
may be simply and effectually accomplished. And, as rapidly as the
developments will allow, we believe the work in the field should be
passed into the hands of the elevated and Christianized Freedwoman
herself, who, not only by visitation, but by the example of her own
holy womanhood, and her own Christian home, shall disseminate the
forces of light through all the darkness of the land where she lives.
REV. H. P. DEFORREST.
Rev. G. S. Pope, of Tougaloo, Miss., spoke upon the topic.
The report of the committee on the “Normal Work of the Association” was
presented by Rev. W. W. Adams, D. D., as follows:
Your Committee congratulate the Association on the work of the year,
as represented in the Report. It is but seventeen years since the
first school for Freedmen was opened, and but twelve years since the
first Normal school was started. Last year 7,229 pupils were under
instruction in the schools of this Association, of whom 1,459 were in
Normal schools. The increase in the number of pupils of all grades
last year, over the number of the year before, was 1,789; in Normal
schools the increase was 126; in college and professional schools, 50.
The eagerness of the colored people to obtain at least a rudimentary
education has ever been a most encouraging sign. The young man who
last year walked fifty miles with his trunk upon his back that he
might enter school, recalls the zeal of the late Dr. Goodell, of
Constantinople, who, in his youth, also walked sixty miles, with a
trunk strapped upon his back, that he might enter the Phillips Academy
at Andover. The demand for teachers from the Normal schools--quite
beyond the ability to supply them--is one of the surest indications
that the schools are meeting an urgent need. But the tendency of
some pupils to consider themselves qualified to become teachers,
after obtaining the merest rudiments of knowledge, is earnestly to be
deprecated and discouraged. It needs to be dealt with as an easily
besetting sin. The replacing of the burned buildings by new ones, at
a cost within the amounts of insurance recovered, the better location
of some of them, the increasing, and increasingly expressed sympathy
of the better classes of Southern whites with the educational work of
the Association, are also occasions of congratulation. The devotion
of a portion of the time of pupils to manual labor is to be commended
on grounds of economy, of industrial training, of the best and most
diversified moral culture.
We very earnestly commend to the friends of the Association the appeal
of its officers for permanent endowments of the higher institutions.
The elevation of the colored race must be in large measure the work
of colored men and women. But they must first be trained for their
work in institutions established among them. Without endowment there
is no assurance of permanence in the institutions we have already
given them; without endowment they are not established; the labor
of the past is not secured from total loss in the future. It needs
to be distinctly emphasized, also, that the permanent establishment
of educational institutions of a high order is the great work
of this Association among the colored men, and the foundation
for all uplifting work beside. The continuous training of our
schools--intellectual, industrial, social and moral training, all
in one--is needed for the development of higher ideals and nobler
types of character, and, we are happy to add, has already resulted in
such development in not a few of the pupils. This training is needed
as a counterpoise to the operation, otherwise mischievous because
unbalanced, of some prominent forces of the African temperament;
needed to hold the imagination within the limits of reason and
righteousness, to curb emotional excess, to save life from becoming
the sport of changeful impulses. Experience has proved that the
training given changes the type of piety greatly for the better. It
is not less fervent, but it is less exclusively and wildly emotional.
It becomes more rational, more consistent; it has more of principle
and character in it; it is more truly a service of righteousness, more
reputable, more effective for good. In order that church membership
may be helpful rather than harmful to righteousness, and that church
life among the Africans may be genuinely Christian, there is urgent
need of a worthier Christian education of the African ministry. It
is peculiarly our work to give that education. The general education
provided for through our Normal schools is indispensable, that the
colored people may deserve and command the respect of their white
fellow-citizens at the South; that they may clearly understand their
rights as citizens; may know how to secure them and make wise use of
them.
It has been truly said that the work of uplifting the colored race
is, from beginning to end, a long, slow process of education. In that
process the Normal schools and higher institutions of the American
Missionary Association have a place second in importance to no other.
We have begun a good work; the question now is, whether we shall do it
or leave it undone through lack of establishing the institutions we
have founded.
REV. WM. W. ADAMS, D. D.
REV. J. W. WELLMAN, D. D.
REV. E. H. MERRILL, D. D.
Remarks were made upon the report by Rev. Edward H. Merrill, D. D.
After singing, the Association adjourned to meet at two P. M.
Afternoon Session.
At two P. M., the Lord’s Supper was celebrated; Rev. Joshua W. Wellman,
D. D., and Rev. Cyrus W. Wallace, D. D., officiating.
The Association was called to order at 2.45 P. M., President E. S.
Tobey in the chair.
The committee on the debt of the Association, to which Secretary
Strieby was added, presented the following statement and suggestions:
The American Missionary Association at its meeting in Taunton, Mass.,
adopted the following statement and suggestions respecting its debt:
The debt of this Association has been, and still is, a great hindrance
to its progress, preventing that advance which is so much needed
along the whole line of endeavors. The Association welcomes, with
hearty thanks to God, the report of its treasurer, announcing the
still further reduction of the debt, bringing the amount down, if
all pledges are paid, to $25,000. An effort having been made at this
meeting to secure pledges of $25 each, encouraging responses were
made, amounting to over $3,000.
In view of these facts it was resolved that an effort be made for
the total extinction of the debt, and the following suggestions are
offered as to the methods in which our friends may aid us:
1. Individuals and households, who are interested in our work, may
send pledges of one or more shares (of $25 each), as their ability
and benevolence may suggest, the more wealthy being asked to remember
that if the debt is paid, some of the contributions must be large and
liberal.
2. Pastors may invite their congregations to make such pledges.
3. Pastors may (as some have volunteered at this meeting to do) bring
the subject before the local conferences, and awaken an interest in
securing such pledges.
4. The Day of Thanksgiving is near at hand, and a glad offering for
this purpose may be an acceptable gift to the God of all mercies, as
well as helpful to the Association.
5. The holiday season, not far distant, may be made the occasion of
like offerings. The Association intrusts to its Executive officers the
duty of selecting and carrying out the best methods for laying these
suggestions before the friends of the despised races of America.
The report was accepted and adopted.
Rev. Edward Strong, D. D., read the report of the Committee on Church
Extension, as follows:
The Committee to whom was referred the portion of the Annual Report
which relates to Church Extension at the South, submit the following:
We notice that the church work, like the educational, is growing on
our hands. Five new churches--especially if each prove a metropolitan
or mother church--is a gain for which to give thanks and from which
to take courage. Sixty-five churches in all, though most of them
are connected with our educational institutions, or near them, is
certainly not a bad showing for thirteen years of labor.