bless ’em week in and week out; bless those who is afflicted and
isn’t feeling well; help ’em to get out of the state which they is
in; prop ’em up in strength and also in grace, and prepare ’em for
the work they is calkerlated for. Teach us Thy way, and make us
more wiser in reading Thy word. Help us to grow more steadfaster,
more loviner, more sincerer, and more wiser.”
* * * * *
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Brewer Normal School—The Year’s Work.
J.D. BACKENSTOSE, GREENWOOD.
This institution has just closed the best year of its history, and
looks out upon the year to come more hopefully than ever before.
The examinations on Tuesday and Wednesday were close, and eminently
satisfactory to all present, and there was a good attendance.
The great day, July 4th, dawned. The morning was a little cloudy,
the air was cool and delightful. A great crowd of people assembled
at eleven o’clock in the morning, to hear orations from four of our
former students: W. W. Frazier, R. J. Holloway, B. H. Wimms and L.
C. Waller, who are now engaged in teaching. The young men acquitted
themselves nobly, and all who were present speak highly of them.
The dinner given by the patrons and friends of the institution
equalled anything of the kind ever given in this place. The table
was loaded with everything that heart could wish for and that
loving hands could provide. An exhibition, consisting of speeches,
recitations and dialogues, interspersed with singing, took place in
the evening. The house was filled to its utmost capacity, and it
was with difficulty that the speakers could make their way to the
stage. All present seemed delighted with the exercises.
Prizes were awarded to Miss Louise Griffin and Miss Maria Logan for
being the best speakers.
Several of the white citizens of the place, including Rev. Mr.
Smart, of the M. E. Church south, and Prof. Hodges, of the Male
Academy of this place, were present at the exhibition, and
expressed themselves as pleased with what they saw and heard. All
the colored pastors of the place, with the exception of the African
Methodist, were present during most of the exercises, and seemed
delighted with the proficiency exhibited.
During the year the students’ rooms have been neatly furnished,
and are now quite comfortable. The students have made gratifying
progress in their studies, and we feel that a year’s advancement
has been made. Twenty-six of our students are now engaged in
teaching, and over eleven hundred pupils are under their care.
We have met with hindrances. We have been accused of prejudicing
our students against their church, and of punishing them if they
did not attend our Sunday-school; but, despite all this, our
school has been unusually full, and our Sunday-school large and
interesting. The students have all gone to their homes, or to some
work, to make preparation for their return next fall.
* * * * *
GEORGIA.
Atlanta University—Examinations and Commencement.
REPORT AND COMMENTS BY A GEORGIA EDITOR.
[_From the Macon Telegraph and Messenger._]
For several days the Board of Visitors, appointed by the Governor
to the State University, have been diligently attending the
recitations of the several classes of this colored seat of
learning, and are greatly pleased with what they have seen.
The pupils are perfectly orderly, well behaved and respectful
in their demeanor, and not a few are good scholars, and give
satisfactory evidences of progress.
A large preponderance are of mixed blood, and several would pass
for white anywhere. There is no perceptible difference, in the
aptness to learn, between the mulatto and his coal-black associate.
Perhaps the latter sticks closest to the text-book, and is less
disposed to investigate. But this may be owing to his superior
tractability and habits of obedience. Some of the best students,
male and female, are full-blooded Africans.
They read Greek and Latin, demonstrated problems in mathematics,
discoursed upon international law and the Constitution, recited
history, geography and grammar, and, in short, pursued successfully
the curriculum of our highest schools.
To the questions propounded by the Board, too, they usually gave
sensible and intelligent replies, showing powers of thought and
self-reliance not commonly attributed to our colored people.
Indeed, while it would be wrong to say that the recitations were
_perfect_, yet it can truly be affirmed that they were highly
creditable, and compared well with the examinations of our white
institutions. Again we repeat, the decorum and behavior of the
entire body of students indicated a most marked improvement, as
compared with former years, and was unexceptionable.
The teachers are inferior to none in the State for thoroughness,
patience and skill in imparting knowledge. They possess the
confidence of the pupils, and, under the wise administration of
President Ware, everything moves like clockwork, and no serious
outbreak has ever occurred.
The discipline is mild, but resolute and excellent. We could
detect, after seven years’ operation, not a stain upon the spotless
floors, and no pencil defacement or knife-marks upon walls or
furniture, while, on the contrary, everything was in print
throughout the building.
There are now in attendance upon the Atlanta University 244
students in its various classes and departments, as follows:
Regular College Students—Seniors 4, Juniors 10, Sophomores 3,
Freshmen 7; total 24. In the Scientific School there are 6
students; in the Preparatory Department, 37. In the High Normal
School, 72. In the Normal School proper, 104, and one post-graduate
student. These sum up 244 pupils, as above stated.
Thirty-seven Alumni have gone forth from the University, _thirty_
of whom are engaged in teaching, _four_ are ministers or pastors of
churches, two are mothers of young families, and one has deceased.
It is a noteworthy fact, also, that every graduate is a professor
of religion.
The resources of the University are derived from the annual
appropriation of $8,000 made by the State, the donations of the
American Missionary Association, amounting in the past year to
$1,615.28, and one permanent scholarship of $300. Board per month,
including tuition, room, fuel, lights and washing, is only twelve
dollars, hardly sufficient to cover bare expenses, and certainly
not affording one cent of revenue.
The students are required to sign a pledge to abstain from the use
of liquor and tobacco; they enjoy the advantages of an excellent
miscellaneous library, which contains some illustrated volumes and
standard works very rare, and of great value. It was for the most
part the gift of the late R. R. Graves, Esq., of New York, and
contains 5,000 volumes.
On Tuesday, His Excellency, General A. H. Colquitt, was pleased
to spend the morning in attendance upon the examinations of the
University, and expressed himself highly gratified with the
progress made by the pupils. At the close of the day’s exercises,
President Ware invited him to address the assembled school. The
Governor responded, in one of his emphatic, eloquent, sensible and
touching talks, which was listened to with breathless attention,
and repeatedly elicited unbounded applause. His advice to the
pupils was paternal and faithful, while as a Christian he did not
fail to point out to them the value and supreme necessity of the
salvation of their immortal souls. It was an address that reflected
more credit upon our worthy and popular chief magistrate than the
grandest oration pronounced before the most august assemblage in
the land. After he had concluded, several members of the Board of
Visitors were invited to make remarks. Among those who responded
were Judge W. D. Harden and Rev. T. G. Pond.
The exercises of the University of Atlanta closed June 27th with
the usual commencement programme, and the delivery of diplomas and
certificates to fifteen graduates.
The Lloyd Street Church was probably as closely jammed and
artistically packed as ever were the contents of a sardine box.
There were no vacant spaces, no possible squeezing in of another
auditor, no interstice, window or aisle opening that did not have
two occupants where one only could be comfortably accommodated. As
a rule, too, the colored assemblage was well dressed and orderly,
barring the occasional plaintive wails and impassioned screams of
sundry pickaninnies who their mothers would insist should have a
place in the picture.
The writer, unavoidably detained by other duties, did not arrive
upon the scene until the exercises were considerably advanced.
Then came the tug of war to reach his associates on the stage. He
charged two or three times, but was ignominiously repulsed and
hurled back, like chaff before the wind. But the _bonhommie_ of
those simple people was excellent, and tumbled and panting for
breath, your correspondent at length reached the rostrum, and
obtained a comfortable seat hard by.
It is sufficient to say that those it was our privilege to hear
acquitted themselves with credit, and their enunciation and
training as elocutionists evinced much care and skill on the part
of the teachers of belles lettres in the University.
Some of the graduates, both male and female, are intelligent
looking young people, and really exhibited powers of original
thought in their essays and speeches that would have done no
discredit to any institution in the country. Their manner and
demeanor, too, was uniformly courteous and unexceptionable, and we
confess to a very deep interest in their future welfare and career.
It is just as well that our people should at once fully grasp and
comprehend the problem of the negro’s future. He is a citizen
both of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Georgia, and
possessed of equal rights and privileges with the most favored of
the Anglo Saxon race. No law can be enacted which does not include
and apply to him, and the freedman is now an essential and integral
portion of the community. Hence, it should ever be the mission and
duty of the superior race to treat him kindly, and to spare no
pains to elevate this new element to its proper place in the body
politic. They, equally with ourselves, help to make the law-givers
and rulers of the country, and how can they act intelligently in
the premises unless educated and duly qualified for the responsible
trust, which, doubtless, was prematurely and unadvisedly _thrust_
upon them by the gift of the ballot.
We must deal with circumstances as we find them, and not look
backward, but forward and upwards. The negro race is a fixture in
the South and will never die out, either by emigration to Liberia
or from natural causes. It is susceptible of great improvement, and
can be made largely conducive to the welfare and prosperity of the
country.
The exercises over, President Ware, after a short, but singularly
appropriate address, delivered the diplomas and certificates of
scholarship to the fifteen graduates, remarking, that as they were
printed in English they would not be in the predicament of some
bachelors of arts who could not translate their own Latin diplomas.
Thus ended the examinations and commencement of the Atlanta
University.
We cannot, in all candor, pass on without again commending this
institution to the good will and sympathy of the white people of
Georgia. It is conducted upon proper and conservative principles.
Its president and corps of instructors are honest, faithful and
capable. Its pupils well behaved and exemplary. Its influence, we
fully believe, will be for good to the African race, and it is to
be hoped that the State will ever continue to bestow her patronage
upon a foundation which is doing more than any other to elevate
and bless the African race, which is destined to form an important
element in the future politics and government of the country.
* * * * *
Lewis High School at Macon. Examinations and Entertainments.
MISS ANNETTE LYNCH.
It has been my happy privilege to visit this institution, after an
absence of two years, and note the progress made by the pupils,
as shown in the recent examinations and closing exercises of the
school-year of 1878.
As a former teacher in the school, I was better able to judge
of that progress than a stranger; and truly, looking back to
those who were promising pupils then, but in lower classes,
and seeing so many of them now in the highest class, and doing
credit to themselves and teachers, is not only gratifying, but
an encouragement to all who have taken an interest in the work
here through all its vicissitudes. The school is now under the
very able management of Rev. M. O. Harrington and wife, with Miss
L. A. Abbott as assistant, and has ninety-three pupils enrolled.
It is answering well the purpose of its establishment, viz.: To
provide for colored pupils at Macon and surrounding places a higher
education than the common-school, without the expense of going
elsewhere.
The examinations on the 13th and 14th were listened to by a
large number of the more intelligent of the colored patrons and
friends of the school. Members of the press were also present, and
showed themselves highly pleased. The pupils went through their
examinations in all their various studies in a manner which showed
they were perfectly familiar with all they had gone over in their
text-books. All showed thoroughness and promptness, from the lowest
to the highest class. Problems in algebra were demonstrated, axioms
given, translations from Latin and English sentences analyzed and
parsed, in a manner that did credit to teachers and scholars.
On the night of the 14th, a literary entertainment was given by
the pupils, which included vocal and instrumental music, with
essays, declamations, etc. Two allegories, “The Pilgrim’s Choice,”
and “Light Hearts’ Pilgrimage,” deserve special notice, for not
only the beautiful manner in which they were rendered, but for the
life-lessons they taught, and the mental power developed by those
who had so successfully learned their long and difficult parts.
The essays, “Missed Lessons,” and “Little by Little,” and “No
Excellence without Labor,” showed marked ability in the pupils,
and a strong desire to aim high and persevere in their efforts to
obtain greater advancement. The quartette singing was listened to
with almost breathless attention; and, indeed, one could not help
thinking that here was a band that, with proper training, might
in time rival the famous Jubilee Singers. I am sure little Miss
Kitchen, the youngest of the singers, would even now create a
sensation in any audience; her fearlessly clear, high tones give
promise of a “star” singer, could she have proper training.
Teachers and scholars deserve great credit for their efforts, and
their merit is appreciated to that degree that they have been
called upon to repeat the entertainment on the 17th.
* * * * *
A Bright Day in Athens.
MR. JOHN MCINTOSH.
May 24th, the closing exercises of my school came off. Between the
hours of nine and four o’clock, over two hundred persons gathered
into the Knox’s Institute, to witness the closing exercises and
a spelling-match between my school and another from a different
section of the city. Prof. A. Brumby, of the Georgia University,
and the Mayor of Athens, were present. These distinguished visitors
remained some hours, and, on leaving, spoke very encouragingly to
my pupils and patrons. They said that they noticed many indications
of progress and thoroughness.
Prof. Brumby said he was perfectly astonished, and so were his
pupils who came with him. He said good work was being done at the
Knox’s Institute, and he hoped that this work would continue.
The Mayor said many good things, among which were these words:
“You are not only being taught lessons in books, but also lessons
of virtue and morality.” He bade us go on. My school beat in
the spelling-match, and this encouraged my pupils greatly. The
Athenians are awake. I shall return the latter part of June to
labor for three months under the free-school system.
* * * * *
The Religious Work in Georgia.
REV. F. MARKHAM, SAVANNAH.
The religious work of the A. M. A. in Savannah and the vicinity
has never been in as prosperous a condition since I have been
here as at the present. The increase in the congregations and the
membership has been greater than any previous year.
At Savannah, twenty-four have united with the church; fourteen
children have been baptized. The Sabbath-school has more than
doubled in numbers. Over two hundred scholars are enrolled; the
average attendance is about one hundred and sixty.
Ogeechee Church, which is ten miles from Savannah, has received
nineteen members. Brother McLean has the confidence and support
of his people. He is doing a good work in the Sabbath-school.
His wife is a good worker, and a great help, especially in the
Sabbath-school. There are about fifty scholars in the school. They
also teach a day-school and a night-school.
Plymouth Church, at Woodville, three miles west of Savannah, Rev.
J. H. H. Sengstacke, pastor, has had an interesting work of grace
in the Sabbath-school. Twenty-eight united with the church, mostly
from the Sabbath-school, which has about seventy-five scholars. The
day-school numbers now about fifty; in the winter it had a hundred;
now the children have to work.
East Savannah is two-and-a-half miles from the city—a little
village of colored people. A few whites are there, who live by
selling liquor to the colored people. There are nearly three
hundred children in that vicinity. The A. M. A., by the assistance
of a Boston friend, built a little church there. J. H. Stephens,
a student in my theological class, started a Sabbath-school, and
preaches to the people. The children are very wild, though some
have bright intellects, and can make useful men and women; but they
are as uncultivated as the children in the centre of Africa. It
is very hard to keep the attention of such children, and secure a
regular attendance at school. Mrs. Markham and Hattie B. Markham
and Mr. Floyd have been going out regularly every Sabbath to work
in the East Savannah Sabbath-school. Sometimes they have had eighty
or ninety scholars, then only forty or fifty; the average has been
about sixty.
I can see a decided improvement in the conduct of the scholars.
They come in and go out orderly, pay better attention, and begin to
understand what a Sabbath-school is for; when they leave for home,
they do not make such hideous noises, but go along the street more
quietly. They have to be taught everything. There are thousands
upon thousands of children in Georgia in the same condition. We
hope soon to be able to organize a church at East Savannah, of
twelve or fifteen members.
Belmont is four miles south-west from Savannah. The church here is
supplied by Wilson Callen, a very faithful man of God. The church
suffered here by a bad man, who preached for them, but was last
year expelled from church. He claims to be a preacher still, and is
doing what he can to draw the people away. The work is gradually
improving, both in the church and Sabbath-school.
Louisville, two miles south-west of Savannah, has a church of about
twenty-five, and a Sabbath-school of about the same number. Brother
Callen supplies this work also, and is growing in the confidence of
the people, and his school and congregation are increasing. We hope
for a revival here.
Midway Church, in Liberty Co., is about thirty miles from
Savannah; Rev. J. E. Smith, a graduate of Atlanta University, is
pastor. This church is in a healthy and prosperous state. Since
Rev. Floyd Snelson left here, to go to Africa, there have been
added nine members. I hear many encouraging things about Brother
Smith’s work there. There are now about two hundred and forty
members. Here is a fine opportunity to do good. The most of the
people are securing permanent homes. The colored people need to be
taught to act and think for themselves, and feel responsibility.
There is great need of more help here. The day-school ought to have
additional help. There is a necessity for a woman of cultivation.
All mission work is like a child—it must grow or die. I hope the
people at the North are not willing we shall die.
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
Two Ordinations at Talladega—How Churches Begin and Grow.
REV. GEO. E. HILL, MARION.
I have just had the pleasure of attending two ordinations of
colored men, the first of the kind I ever witnessed. These young
men were recent graduates of Talladega College, and, having only
last week attended the examinations in the Theological Department
of this institution, in charge of Prof. Andrews, I was prepared for
at least a respectable appearance on their part.
But the event exceeded expectation. In the first instance the
examination of the candidate continued through two hours and was
very searching and thorough, the council consisting in part of
three college professors.
The young brother maintained his self-possession, and appeared
almost as much at home in theology as if he had been a professor
himself. Indeed, I may say of both these brethren, in all my
remembrance of ordinations at the North, I have seldom seen a
candidate for the sacred office appear better on the whole.
It is truly inspiring to behold the work which such a college as
this is doing for the colored race, not only in providing good
schools and teachers, but in raising up an intelligent ministry,
and in planting the right kind of Christian churches.
Here, for example, at A., where we were the other day, there is the
old established Episcopal Church, for white folks, and, perhaps,
a colored church or two, where “faith” is more insisted on than
“works.” A new order now comes in, which is at first looked upon
with distrust as an innovation. A church is organized with eight
or ten members. Preaching is statedly kept up by students from
the college. The congregation steadily increases; and, in three
years, partly through the exertions of the members, and partly
by the kindly aid of the “Iron Company,” a neat little chapel is
built, with a miniature parsonage alongside. A pastor is called,
and an ordination takes place, conducted with as much solemnity and
decorum as if it were in the suburbs of New York or Boston. The
people outside look on. Strangers are attracted in. Distrust gives
place to respect. The influence is contagious. Shiftlessness and
immorality have been exchanged for industry and thrift. Society is
reconstructed. “The tree is known by its fruits.”
May the good work go on, and such trees and such fruit be
multiplied a thousand fold!
I was grieved to learn that, in the case of one of these young
pastors, with a wife and child, all the pay he expects to receive
is fifteen dollars a month from the A. M. A.
* * * * *
Closing Days of Emerson Institute—Algebra—“Lower ’Strumties” and
the Ledger.
MISS S. J. IRWIN, MOBILE.
The school at Mobile closed satisfactorily. Public examinations
were held on the last two days. The interest manifested by the
attendance of the people was highly gratifying, and as some of
the examinations were beyond the understanding of the majority of
the audience, it was noticeable that they should have remained
during the day at the expense of their dinners, and a number of
the working men at the expense of a day’s income, in order to show
their appreciation of what was being done for their children.
There were examinations in all studies pursued during the year; and
the commendable degree of faithfulness and zeal which has been the
marked characteristic of the scholars, was evinced at the close.
The advanced grammar-class ended its lesson with the correction,
on the black-board, of a letter by a colored candidate for office,
recently published; the class gave rules for its criticisms and
explanations.
An algebra-class was reported by a Southern lady of high
intelligence, who had taught that branch for a number of years,
as the best she ever heard, doing credit to any class or grade of
scholars.