Chapter II: Part 2

The building on Esplanade street, built in 1870, was entirely destroyed by fire February 16th, 1877. Since that disastrous event, our sessions have been held in Central Church, which is also the property of the American Missionary Association. A new site, more convenient and attractive, was purchased in January last. It is located on Canal street, the most beautiful avenue in New Orleans. It comprises a half square of land, 150 feet front by 310 feet in depth. The new building, for whose design great credit is due to Prof. Thomas N. Chase, while not adhering strictly to any style of architecture, may be classed as _Italian_, as it approaches more nearly to that order. The dimensions of the building are 72 feet by 51½ feet. The five large recitation rooms are 30 feet by 50½ feet. The halls are 10 feet in width. The building is conveniently arranged, and all the requirements of the school, we think, have been anticipated in its design. The funds at the disposal of the Association did not admit of ornamentation; but the building, when completed, will be substantial, convenient, and comely. It will be ready for dedication and occupation at the opening of the fall term, October 1st. Grateful as we are for this new structure, we are not satisfied; neither should the friends of the freedmen in the North be satisfied. Straight University, in order to fill the measure of its usefulness, and cultivate the territory open to its occupation, must furnish accommodations for students from abroad—from towns outside of New Orleans, and from adjoining States. It must have _dormitories_. Two buildings, one on either side of the main building, are urgently needed, and at the earliest possible day. Then, when our group of buildings are completed, we can invite and welcome the best talent of the race, at whatever distance from New Orleans it may be found. Then our beloved University will become, among the educational institutions of the South-west—and especially of the Gulf States—the magnet, attracting to itself the best in intellect, in heart, and in promise of future good.

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VIRGINIA.

Additions to the Church—An Indian’s Creed—A Good Beginning.

REV. RICHARD TOLMAN, HAMPTON.

Four students united with the church by profession the first Sabbath in May. It is several years since any Communion season has passed without some additions to the church.

The fifteen Indians who have lately joined the school have taken hold of study and of manual labor with commendable zeal, and give promise of becoming good teachers and guides of their race. One of them now shows evidence of Christian character. Their promptness and decision, as to the duties required of them, were put to the test in reference to the use of tobacco, to which they were so strongly attached that, as one of them said:—“There are three things I love: I love God; I love Jesus; I love smoke.” When asked if they would comply with the rules of the school, prohibiting the use of tobacco, after considering the matter awhile in silence, one of them gave an expressive sign that he would cut loose from tobacco; and then all the others gave the same significant pledge—a pledge which, their teacher assures us, they will never break.

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SOUTH CAROLINA.

History of “Avery” Graduates.

PROF. A. W. FARNHAM, CHARLESTON, S. C.

Avery Normal Institute was organized in Charleston, S. C., October, 1865. The first formal graduation occurred in June, 1872, at which time eleven young people received diplomas from the Institute. A class has been graduated each succeeding year, numbering as follows: In 1873, fourteen; 1874, six; 1875, fifteen; 1876, nineteen (including one post-graduate); 1877, twenty-two—giving a total of eighty-six. Of this number, death has taken five.

Our school aims to fit its graduates to be competent teachers. Forty-six have been engaged in the public schools of the State—schools first in rank, in scholarship, and discipline. Forty-one of the forty-six are teaching to-day; seventeen hold State certificates.

One young man of the class of 1872 is an ordained minister. He was also graduated at South Carolina University in 1877. Another from that class, and one from the succeeding class, are studying with the ministry in view—one at Madison University, New York, the other at Atlanta University, Georgia. Three others from later classes are in higher institutions, preparing themselves to preach the Gospel.

Our graduates bid fair to represent all the professions. One is in Howard University, studying medicine, and one in the leading Normal school of our county, preparing for teaching. The total number in higher institutions is seven, while four more have already received the degree of A. B. Five others were in South Carolina University when it closed its doors. These young men were ready to enter the Junior year of the College course when their studies were so abruptly ended. With one exception, they are teaching.

Thirty-eight of our graduates are members of Evangelical churches; twenty at present are engaged in Sunday-school work.

“By their fruits ye shall know them.” But is this all that Avery has done? No! Her influence has pervaded the homes of hundreds, and the lives of thousands. Her light has shone in every quarter of the State; and other lands are destined to share in her gifts, for the good ship Azor is carrying three of her pupils to “Africa’s sunny fountains.”

The questions are often asked: “What per cent. of your school is brown?” “Don’t the browns receive instruction more readily than the blacks?” The query, in the minds of so many, has led to an actual count of the graduates with regard to color, which gives: _Black_, 19; _brown_, 55; _fair_, 12. But, “the Lord is the maker of them all;” nor is He “a respecter of persons.” We sow “beside all waters.” “What shall the harvest be?”

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GEORGIA.

Pilgrim Church and Sunday-School—Band of Hope—Twichell School.

REV. JOHN H. H. SENGSTACKE, WOODVILLE.

This small settlement of colored people is situated three miles west of Savannah, Ga. It was bought by a Northern agent, and divided into half-acre lots, which are now selling, on the instalment plan, for seventy-five dollars each. The houses are very small and uncomfortable; but since the American Missionary Association has erected a new meeting-house and parsonage, the people have commenced to put up better dwellings, and a strong love for home comforts is gradually taking hold upon the masses. The inhabitants of Woodville obtain a living by selling in the city market, or laboring in gardens and on rice plantations. In this settlement there are two groceries, and three on its border, where strong drink is sold, even on the Lord’s day.

The only house of worship in this place is the Pilgrim Congregational Church. This church was organized in 1871 as the Woodville Church, and re-organized in 1875 as the Pilgrim Church. A new site was chosen, and the present meeting-house was erected in the same year. This church has been a great blessing to the people. A deep religious feeling has prevailed in our midst, and many have become savingly acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. Mr. Markham is deeply interested in this little church, and a great assistant to the young pastor in charge. A revival is still in progress; twenty persons have been recently added to the church, and seven are waiting to be received at the next Communion.

The Sabbath-school is prospering. We have no well qualified teachers as yet, but Twichell School is preparing instructors for this work. We need lesson papers and other papers. Who will help us in this direction? Our Band of Hope consists of both adults and children. This society is working hard to save men from a drunkard’s grave, and hell. It has much opposition to overcome. The rum-sellers and whisky-drinking church-people are its worst enemies.

TWICHELL SCHOOL.—This school is held in the church, and is taught by the pastor. Through the benevolence of the A. M. A. and the Congregational Church Sabbath-school at Grand Rapids, Mich., we have been able to instruct hundreds of children, and it is pleasing to know that our labor has not been in vain, for many of the little ones are rejoicing in Christ the Lord. Mrs. S. N. M., of Dubuque, Iowa, “the Merry Workers,” at Grand Rapids, Mich., and other Northern friends, deserve our sincere thanks for the deep interest they have taken in this work. Every effort put forth in the name of Jesus to elevate this ignorant people deserves the heartiest encouragement.

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School Children Farming—Their Parents Buying Farms.

SEABORN SNELSON, MCINTOSH.

Our school is very small, as it always is at this season of the year, the children having to assist their parents in farming. For that reason, during the summer months of the previous years, we have had to teach about two hours at night, for the benefit of those who could not come in the daytime. We have not yet commenced night-school this year, though it is desired by many.

There are many children in our neighborhood who belong to our school, but we find it very difficult to get all, or the most of them, to attend school regularly. We have a pretty good average attendance, but do not at all times have the same scholars, which causes much discord and delay.

The children seem to be anxious to learn, but it is done in the midst of hardships which are uncommon to children in many other places. The older people are not as much interested in the education of their children as they should be, by a great deal.

Only two schools for the colored children are kept up during the year in this county, namely, Second Midway and Old Midway. There are other places I know of in this county, where much might be done in the way of instructing the people in the right way, and they would be very glad to receive it; but the aid is wanting.

About two-thirds of the colored people in this county are trying to buy land, and really some have succeeded in so doing; but it is done by about four years’ _hard_ labor and strict economy. There is very little money in this county, and it will be so until the colored people pay for and take possession of these lands. After a couple of years they will be able to do much for themselves in many ways.

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A Growing School—A Literary Society.

COSMO P. JORDAN, MARIETTA.

The Mission School at Marietta was opened Oct. 15th, 1877, with four pupils only. The 2d day of January, 1878, there were fourteen. The end of January found a roll of thirty-seven, which has steadily increased to seventy-two. It may be seen that the growth of this school was not very rapid, from the fact that it was opposed by many of the colored people in the city. But the more water they threw on this little spark, the brighter and faster it burned, till it has become a centre of attraction. Friends of this work are fast multiplying, and the future seems bright.

My school is composed of some very bright and promising young men and women, seven of whom go out every summer to teach. The studies are spelling, reading, writing, geography, composition, grammar, and arithmetic.

To this work is attached a literary society, known as the Junto, the exercises of which consist of reading, speaking, discussions, and singing. It was likewise opposed, but is now as largely attended as any church in the city.

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MISSISSIPPI.

An Old School—Temperance Work—The Gourd Family.

MISS ANNA HARWOOD, GRENADA.

Our school, in age, ranks among the older ones, having been established in the Spring of 1866, and we have been its teachers continuously up to the present time. First, we were missionary teachers; after a time the Freedmen’s Bureau lent us its aid, until the organization of free schools by the State; thereafter, we taught the public school until last year.

During all these years of varying fortunes our school has steadily progressed, until there has grown up around us a generation of young people, not great, nor wise, nor learned, only as they are compared with those who have gone before them; but, standing out from the blackness of darkness of twelve years ago, they furnish a bright and hopeful outlook.

We organized a Temperance society early in our work here, and it has never died out. We, several years ago, gave the control into the hands of the young people, being only members, for service, when needed. They have changed names, and banners, and badges more than once—just now it is blue ribbon—but the object has always been the same. Our Sunday-school has always claimed our best efforts, and we are glad to know that more than two-thirds of our older scholars are professing Christians. But the work done is but a drop compared with that which is not done. We have lived to see very many hopes and dreams fade out, and to learn that manhood and womanhood are not plants of the gourd family—Jonah’s kind, at least. The knowledge of what we have not done, and cannot do, is sometimes very hard to bear; and, perhaps, we have thus learned to do what we can the more gladly, feeling sure that we, ourselves, grow thereby. And maybe this is a part of the work, for we, too, are our Father’s children.

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THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY.

Its Catholicity—Closing Exercises.

The year of the Theological Department of Howard University has just closed. This department is under the joint care and support of the Presbytery of Washington, and of the American Missionary Association. The former sustains Rev. L. Westcott, as Professor of Revealed Theology and Biblical History, and Rev. A. W. Pitzer, D. D., as Professor of Biblical Studies and Moral Science; the latter supplies the instruction given by the President, Rev. Wm. W. Patton, D. D., in Natural Theology, the Evidences of Revealed Religion, and Hebrew, and by Rev. John G. Butler, D. D., in Pastoral Theology, Church History, and Homiletics. The theological students this year have numbered thirty-two. These are in all stages of preparation for their expected work. Several are already ministers, and are preaching, every Sunday, as pastors of colored churches in Washington; but, having had no early advantages, they are making up deficiencies as best they can.

The theological students come from seven different denominations, while their instructors represent four. This is an unusual illustration of Christian union, and shows how much can be done, on a simple evangelical basis, for meeting the pressing wants of the colored population of our land. The work needs to be conducted on a broad, generous basis. We can thus introduce a powerful leaven of truth and righteousness where it is especially needed. The plan of instruction has been, to meet the special wants of each individual according to his age, his forwardness or backwardness of study, the time that he could remain, etc. Such as have enjoyed a classical education, are encouraged to take the regular three years’ course pursued in all theological seminaries. Others are taught what is found to be most needed to fit them for their work, in the form of English studies. Six have studied the Hebrew this year, and they passed a creditable examination in the grammar, and in translation, averaging quite as well as ordinary white students in theological institutions. These students also attend the Bible-class conducted by the president on the morning of the Lord’s day, and his preaching service in the afternoon, in the latter of which he has lately, in a series of discourses, pointed out the weakness and absurdity of modern skepticism, as an antidote to the influence of the infidel lecturer, popularly called “Bob” Ingersoll, who has taken up his abode in Washington.

Although the theological students have numbered thirty-two this year, it so happens that but one has completed his course; and as a distinguished clergyman who, it was hoped, would deliver the address at the anniversary, failed us at too late a moment to substitute any one else, the closing exercises took the form of a debate by eight of the young men, on this question: “Has a church a right to make total abstinence from intoxicating drinks a condition of membership?” This point was debated with much earnestness and shrewdness, and arguments, _pro_ and _con_, were drawn ingeniously from reason and Scripture in a way which testified favorably to the abilities of the speakers. One of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States takes a deep interest in this department of the University, and lately expressed himself emphatically in favor of encouraging and endowing it, as an important means of elevating the colored ministry and churches of all denominations. Its friends anticipate for it a future bright with usefulness.

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THE INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONVENTION.

MRS. T. N. CHASE, ATLANTA.

As gems are valued by their rarity, so you can imagine how such a gathering as the Sunday-school Convention seemed to us in Georgia.

We were favored, not more by hearing the appointed speakers in the great Convention, than by the personal presence and good words of many of its delegates in our own school-room. Gen. Fisk, who has given not only his name, but his heart and hand to our Fisk University, took Atlanta and the Convention by storm with his happy address of welcome. It seems to me our young men can never lose the inspiration of hope and courage that must have come to them from him, whose youthful struggles had even exceeded many of their own. Then we heard Dr. H. M. Parsons. All who ever listened to him will understand how, at the close of his words, we felt that, next to the Rock Christ Jesus, there was not beneath the sun so firm a foundation as our blessed Bible. Another day, Dr. McVicar, a college president from Montreal, warned us of the Jesuits, with an earnestness such as, perhaps, only a good Scotch Presbyterian could feel. Then we had “Hope Ledyard,” the charming correspondent, whose young life seems too exquisitely moulded to have always escaped the loving Father’s crucible.

Best of all, we had good words from many not heard in the Convention, and, perhaps, unknown to fame. There was Judge Harman, of Oswego. How his clear eye took in the large possibilities of our work, and how his great heart went out toward us! As he warned us of the perils of a life without Jesus, and the depths of despair into which life’s trials could plunge a soul unsupported by the Everlasting Arms, his peaceful face and silvery hair assuring us he knew whereof he affirmed, some of us had rare glimpses into the blessed beyond. The words of Rev. A. P. Foster, Dr. Tully, and several that I was prevented from hearing, so lifted both teachers and pupils above the plane of plodding school life, that we almost trembled to look down. The fact that many such men, of kindred mind and heart, filled the silent pews of the Convention, seemed to me the secret of its power. We had heard as good papers from other platforms, but the sight of such a body, all delighting in the Master’s command, “Feed My lambs,” was enough to send us to our homes feeling, as one of our girls expressed it, “I know I shall be a better woman for having attended the Convention.”

In response to an invitation for the delegates to visit our school, Governor Colquitt, who presided, remarked to the Convention: “The University is a good place to visit, and is doing a good work”; and added that he had a servant who had attended our school some years, and the instruction received there had not pushed him above his position—he was the same humble, faithful boy about his work. Every summer he came to him for a recommendation to teach, which he cheerfully gave him, and the boy always returned in the fall the same good, modest young man.

Dr. McVicar also took a public occasion to express his appreciation of our work. After the close of his sermon, at the Central Presbyterian Church here, while recounting to the audience the many things of interest he had enjoyed in their city, he remarked that he had recently visited most of the universities of Europe, and added that nothing in Atlanta, or the great universities abroad, had interested him so heartily as their Atlanta University.

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ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN CONFERENCE.

REV. W. S. ALEXANDER.

New Iberia was the place selected for our Annual Meeting this year, April 3-5, and one more attractive, or more important to the general interests of our work, could not have been chosen. This church was organized in 1866, and has a membership of 117, of which thirty have been received on profession of faith the past year. The population of the city is about 3,000, of whom nearly, if not quite, fifty per cent. are colored.

The South-western Conference is composed of fourteen Congregational churches, of which twelve were represented at our Annual Meeting.

The reports from the churches showed very clearly that the past year had been one of marked activity and spiritual prosperity. Several churches, as the Central, in New Orleans, and St. Mark’s, in Terrebonne, have been blessed with revivals of great power. Other churches have been cutting off dead branches, and putting themselves in condition for better service. In tabulating the reports, I find that the present membership of the churches of our Conference is 806. There have been added on profession during the year (ending April 1st, 1878,) _one hundred and thirteen_, and four by letter. Forty-seven adults and _eighty babies_ have been baptized.

As I have already spoken of the precious revival in Central Church, in which more than fifty were converted, and the church itself greatly quickened and refreshed, I will not recite the facts again. The church of Brother Clay (one of the veterans and pioneers of Congregationalism in Louisiana), in Terrebonne, has passed through joyful and glorious experiences. The church has been thronged for days and weeks. Mr. Clay said: “I did not know where all the people came from. The church and church-yard were filled with a dense mass of people. It seemed as though they sprung out of the ground.” Night after night the earnest truths of the Gospel were preached, and night after night “mourners” crowded the anxious seats, crying for mercy. The people came from long distances, five and seven miles. God put honor upon His word, and many have been converted, and still the good work goes on. Pastor Clay’s heart is filled with joy and thankfulness.

QUESTIONS DISCUSSED.

Among the topics considered at the Conference were the following:

_Revivals_: The best method of promoting and conducting them. _Education_: The demand of the hour; how shall we meet it? _Faith_: Its nature; how can we secure greater faith? Its joys and its triumphs. What more can we do to reach the people with the Gospel?

These questions were discussed with vigor and interest. Of course, no speeches had been prepared in advance, and I was surprised at the real excellence of the addresses. Mistakes in grammar were sometimes made, and there were not many classical allusions, but the speeches had the true ring, and good will come of them.

PUBLIC SERVICES.

The opening sermon was given by the Moderator, Mr. Alexander, from Matthew 1, 23: “They shall call his name Emmanuel; which being interpreted is, God with us.” It was a great pleasure to speak to such an audience. The church was densely packed, the entry was filled; people took positions under the windows on the outside, and fully one hundred, having sought admission in vain, went reluctantly away. Mr. Hall, of New Orleans, preached the second evening; after which, the Moderator made an address on “Christian Unity,” in the hope of removing or modifying some of the asperities and jealousies existing among the colored churches. The address was received with strong expressions of sympathy. One good old “auntie” said the next day: “Don’t you say anything against that minister. He is trying to build up both sides. He don’t wish to break down anybody.”

ORDINATION.

On Friday evening Mr. Homer Jones, a member of the church at New Iberia, but a resident at Lake Piegneur, having passed a faithful examination before the Conference regarding his Christian experience, his religious belief, and his ability to preach, was ordained as an Evangelist.

Bro. Jones is a warm-hearted Christian, and will make an able and successful minister. He has served the churches faithfully for two years or more without compensation. He owns a small farm of eighteen acres on the shore of the beautiful Lake Piegneur. His worthy wife was for a short time a student in Straight University. He expresses his willingness to leave his beautiful home, and go anywhere, even to Africa, where God may call him.

FAREWELL MEETING.

Friday morning was devoted to a “farewell prayer-meeting.” It was a most tender and impressive scene. As one after another spoke, “the fire burned”; every eye was wet with manly tears, and when the entire Conference rose and joined hands, and they sang or chanted an old refrain, peculiar to themselves, beginning “Good-by, and shake hands,” and we entered into covenant with God and with each other to go forth to another year of labor and self-denial, those dear brethren, in the excess of religious emotion, laughed and cried together. Thus was our meeting of 1878 brought to a close. The good pastor at New Iberia said: “Such a light was never kindled here before.” The Conference adjourned to meet in New Iberia next year, at the call of the Moderator.

Dear brethren of the North, pray for us, and remember that we are trying to hold this distant outpost of the Church, and to extend, in this beautiful and fruitful land, the cherished faith and polity of our fathers.

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THE SINGERS TO THE MISSIONARIES, GREETING.

We give the following extracts from a letter, written by the
Jubilee Singers, from Erfurt, Germany, to the new missionaries to
Africa. From the fact that they are all Fisk University students,
the greetings of the gleaners in Europe to the sowers in Africa
is full of pathetic interest:

ERFURT, GERMANY.

To ALBERT P. MILLER, ADA ROBERTS MILLER, ANDREW E. JACKSON, and ELLA HILDRIDGE JACKSON, Missionaries for Africa:

_Dear Brothers and Sisters_: The Jubilee Singers send greeting. Could we give you our greeting in person, it would be more satisfactory, as we can but feebly convey to you, in writing, how our hearts have gone out to you in love and sympathy, and up to God in thankfulness, since the glad tidings reached us of your having consecrated your lives and talents to mission work among our brethren in Africa. We have prayed and labored long for this day, and now, thank God, our prayers are being answered.

We realize in how large a degree our success has been attributable to the faithful prayers of you and your fellow-students, sent up daily in our behalf from Fisk University; and let us assure you that while you are doing battle for the Master, by helping to lift the dark pall of barbarism and superstition which enshrouds our kinsmen, you, in like manner, will be sustained by the prayers of your fellow students, and warm, earnest Christian hearts, not only in our own native land, but in Great Britain, Holland and Germany. They will follow your footsteps, faithfully and prayerfully, watching for the fruits which ye shall reap, in due season, if ye faint not, and rejoicing with you in the extension of Christ’s kingdom.

You are our first band of missionaries at the outpost of the American Missionary Association in the land of our forefathers. May the light of God so shine in your hearts that its reflected rays shall be a balm to those who may come to you, to be healed and taught of God. May He give you strength to thrust in the “sharpened sickle” when the fields are ripe for the harvest, and the laborers so few.

With the love and best wishes of the Jubilee Singers.

(Signed)

GEORGIA M. GORDON,
F. J. LOUDIN,
B. W. THOMAS.

_Committee_.

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AFRICA.

* * * * *

Arrival of the New Missionaries.

REV. FLOYD SNELSON.

I received the letters, telling of the new missionaries on the way to our mission, with great joy. I left home late last Thursday afternoon for this place to meet them. We came on very well until Friday night about ten o’clock, at which time we were caught in quite a storm, and had to anchor. As I had not been here since our first arrival, there were many things to look after.

Just as I was finishing up last night, the steamer came in, bringing them. I got out to them about 8.30 P.M., and spent nearly an hour with them. I am very favorably impressed with the first view of my new co-workers, and hope now to be able to carry on the work to greater success and with more ease.

Next morning they came ashore, and expressed themselves as favorably surprised at the appearance of the place and people. On the 26th, we hope to leave early for Good Hope.

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE,
_March 25th, 1878_.

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First Impressions of Africa—A Sunday Service—A School Celebration.

REV. ALBERT MILLER.

On reaching Freetown, and walking about the place and conversing with the natives, we were very favorably disappointed. Some are very intelligent and kind-hearted. We attended a Sunday-School in the afternoon, and were much pleased to hear the children read and sing. They reminded me of a small country school in the South. A little boy played on the organ. We visited several of the natives, and I was everywhere surprised at seeing so much intelligence displayed. Brother Snelson had made all necessary preparations for our coming. The mission house had been fitted up nicely, so that we soon felt as if we were in an American village. We remained in Freetown two days, and Brother Snelson lost no time in showing us the many things of interest in this African city. We visited the market, and saw many things in the line of fruits to interest us. All were well pleased, but still longed to reach our adopted home.

Leaving Freetown on the 25th of March, we arrived here on the 28th, early in the morning. The men rowed all night. Mrs. Snelson, Mr. White and the children of the mission met us at the wharf. We could not have been more kindly received by any persons. We have been here several days now, and find the work promising and encouraging. Brother Snelson and his helpers are hard at work, and things, I suppose, are much more hopeful than they have been for years.

The church was filled last Sabbath to its utmost capacity with hearers. Brother S., I think is the right man in the right place. The only charge I am able to bring against him is overwork. He has the confidence of the people, which is so necessary to success. Services were conducted by Brother Jackson and myself.

I find the people kind and obliging. They are very happy to have us, of their own race, come and teach and labor among them. Some seem ready to shout. We are well pleased with our new home, and are in a good state of health. The heat is very intense. All things seem to indicate a better day for the sable sons of Ham. Africa is not what rumor represents it to be—at least, what I have seen of it.

APRIL 3, 1878.—To-day has been one of great interest, both to parents and children. The day-school, under the general management of Brother White, turned out. An examination took place in the forenoon, after which the schools (day and Sabbath), with two banners waving o’er head, came marching to a place near the mission-house, where a dinner had been prepared for them. Brother Snelson led the schools, and the children, full of joy, followed him. He led them through the principal streets of this our city, the sides of the streets being filled with lookers-on. All this seemed new to them, and I dare say it is new to this part of Africa. We had music, but very different from such as our American friends are accustomed to. An old tin box served as kettle-drum. This, with other instruments, made music sufficient for the children to march and keep pretty good time. Returning to the tables, the little ones ate dinner, using spoons, which is something very new to them. Each one seemed to be happy. The patrons were called upon to contribute for the giving of this dinner. Many responded, sending chickens, rice, etc. Of course, the whole affair was devolved upon Brother Snelson. He received contributions from traders and officials, many of whom are here on the coast. These, you will remember, are white, the friendship and kind favor of whom Brother S. has gained. They did not attend the exercises of the day, but came out at night, and listened to speeches from members of the school. The pupils spoke and sang well, and reminded me very much of my past experience in the South—so Southern-like.

All were highly pleased with the exercises of the evening. The American flag was on one side of the house, that of England on the other—thus bringing all in attendance between them. These two flags during the day were unfurled to the gentle breeze with which we were favored. Many of the leading men of Bonthe were here, and, with those from other places, took tea with us. I gain more interest daily for this my field of labor. I shall not wait to become acclimated, but shall proceed to labor at once.

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Advantages of Colored Missionaries.

EXTRACT OF LETTER FROM A. E. WHITE.

You would like to know what I think about colored missionaries doing good here. My firm belief is, that they can do more than any other missionaries under the sun. These people have always been used to colored people. Most of the white men whom they have seen were traders, seeking their own good. They robbed the people of their produce and children, and destroyed their confidence. A white missionary has to be more careful than a colored one. The natives look upon a white person as unnatural, and think he is above them in every way, and that God made him so. They also think it is of no use for them to try to do the things they see the white man do. But, on the other hand, when they see a colored man do anything, they think if he can do it they can do it themselves. They are a great people to imitate. For a proof of what I have said, look at the Shengay Mission. It is conducted altogether by colored missionaries, and stands ahead of others on the coast. Do not think I say this because I am a colored man. I say it because I know it is true.

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THE INDIANS.

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School Wants and Farm Work.

W. W. WHEELER, KESHENA, WIS.

The school opened very encouragingly this term, and before the close of the second week we had fifty-four different boarding scholars, and were compelled to refuse admission to others, on account of our limited accommodations. Soon the scarlet-fever broke out, and before the close of the term twenty-three boarding scholars, and many of our day scholars, had been sent home on account of sickness.

The boarding scholars seem, generally, to be happy and contented with us, and eager to return at the opening of each new term; and their progress in their studies, and general deportment, is much greater than with the day scholars. The general interest, also, of the tribe in the subject of education is greatly quickened. The boarding-school, with suitable accommodations, might be made a great blessing to the tribe. We feel sure we could readily obtain 100 scholars if we had the accommodations.

The tribe has asked the Department to appropriate, from their funds in the United States Treasury, $6,000 for the erection of a suitable building.

We see the dreadful results, in other tribes around us, of allowing the youth to grow up, without education, in contact with the whites, learning their vices and not their virtues, and it makes us long to see something done to save this people from the blight which has fallen upon so many other tribes before them.

I have spent nearly three weeks going over the Reservation since school closed, visiting from farm to farm, encouraging the Indians to make larger improvements; and I have been very greatly gratified to notice so many already clearing up new lands. I have only found three or four families who will not clear up some new ground this spring. Some will clear as much as three or four acres. Many are chopping and logging heavy timber without any team to help them.

I think there will be 300 acres of new land cleared this spring. I expect to distribute (only to those who clear at least one acre) 1,000 bushels of potatoes, besides corn, oats, wheat, and vegetable seeds, for many of them have not yet learned to provide beforehand. There are, however, quite a number who not only have enough for their own seed, but some to sell.

Could the boarding-school be kept up regularly for a few years, we should have great hopes for the future of this tribe, but there seems to be a strange lack of interest in this matter on the part of the authorities at Washington. We are now anxiously waiting for instructions to re-open this school. Meanwhile, the day-school is in operation, with an attendance of twenty-two scholars.

* * * * *

An Indian Wants a Cow.

Dr G L Mahon

Dr Sir i thought i would write a few lines to you to asking you
that you dint not answered me when i was asking you while you was
here about the Cow i want you to give me one if you Can i thing
i would use the Cow very much if you would give me one i could
get Some Butter from her and i could make good living on Butter
with Potatoes if you Send me one Send who have a young Calf in
her thats the one i like to have her and you will let me know it
By G Wheeler and another thing about Potatoes Zack Brown told me
he hasent got enough Potatoes Seeds for in a spring and ive got
Plenty potatoes in Net Lake and if you want any i could Sell it
to you Some that is for Zack Brown wants it Now i send my Best
Regards to you

from ADAWWAN-NE QUA BENANS
VERMILLION LAKE.

* * * * *

THE CHINESE.

* * * * *

“CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.”

Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association.

PRESIDENT: Rev. J. K. McLean. D. D. VICE-PRESIDENTS: Rev. A. L.
Stone, D. D., Thomas C. Wedderspoon, Esq., Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon.
F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S.
H. Willey, D. D., Edward P. Flint, Esq., Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D.,
Jacob S. Taber, Esq.

DIRECTORS: Rev. George Moor, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. W. E.
Ijams, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, E. P. Sanford,
Esq., H. W. Severance, Esq.

SECRETARY: Rev. W. C. Pond. TREASURER: E. Palache, Esq.

* * * * *

Fung Affoo’s Bible Class—Visalia and Petaluma.

REV. W. C. POND, SAN FRANCISCO.

Remembering that the Sabbath worship at our Central Mission had never been described, though often alluded to in the MISSIONARY, I requested Bro. Fung Affoo to give an account of it, and received the following communication:

“As we have not much time to teach them the Scripture on any
other evening, we set apart Sunday and Wednesday evenings to
teach them to read the Bible instead of their other lessons. On
Sunday we have the “Bible-class,” commencing at half-past eleven
A. M., and continuing for one hour and a half. We sing about half
an hour either in Chinese or in English, then offer a prayer, and
then read a chapter from the Bible. Each verse they read after
me, then I translate it into Chinese; when through interpreting,
on each verse or paragraph I make some remarks which I have
studied out during the week days. After we get through the
chapter, I speak about ten minutes on a subject selected from
that chapter beforehand, then one of our brethren offers prayer;
we then unite in singing the Doxology, and close with the
Lord’s Prayer. Our exercises on Wednesday evening are similar
to those we have on Sundays. It gives me much encouragement in
the work seeing that they like to read the Bible more than ever
before. Formerly only about one-half of the school attended the
Bible-class on Wednesday evenings, but now they number nearly
as many on that evening as on any other evening of the week. It
seems as though their hatred of Christianity becomes less. Of
course, many come to read the Bible only for the sake of learning
the English, but in time we hope, when they know the truth of
God, they will change their mind and heart, as some of them have
already done, who are now on Christ’s side, battling for the
Lord.”

“FUNG AFFOO.”

The attendance at this Sabbath noon service averages about fifty-five. Of course, my pastoral duties render it impossible for me ever to be present. I do not think, however, that my presence would add anything to the worship or the work. I assist the helpers in their preparation, but I believe that in dealing with their countrymen they are more skilful than I could be, even if I could speak Chinese. It needs an experience in heathenism, to enable one to reach the heathen in the most efficient way. God chooses saved _sinners_ to be messengers of salvation to those still lost. I think that the programme of this service, as Bro. Fung Affoo gives it, illustrates this fact. It is not one of my planning—not the one I should have chosen; but as I carefully consider it, I ask, “What _could be_ better fitted for those for whom the service is arranged?”

Rev. T. M. Oviatt, whose missionary labors among the Chinese at San Leandro were attended with so rich a blessing, is now acting pastor of the Presbyterian church at Visalia. He has carried there his zeal for this good work; has already rented a small room, and opened a school. We shall aid him as far as we are able. Would that we had a hundred men like-minded with him touching this work!

Miss Anthony is obliged to relinquish the care of the school at Petaluma, and is succeeded by Miss Waterbury, whose Christian spirit is not unknown at No. 56 Reade St., New York. This school is quite small, but its members surpass those of every other school in liberality, and I cannot consent to abandon them. Christ, too, is becoming known to them. With increasing interest they study God’s word. And they _sing_, somewhat at random, it must be confessed, in the matter of time and of tune, but with an eagerness and a gusto that betoken a beginning both of the spirit and the understanding in their song. Miss Anthony writes: “Wah Yene is a good Christian as far as he understands. He told me, one evening, that he prayed ‘every morning, every dinnertime, and every night. Some people,’ he added, ‘not much good; likee go to church; make Mr. Hutchins [the pastor of the Congregational church] think they good. Some people very good, and pray to God. I likee be good—not much bad.’”

* * * * *

THE CHILDREN’S PAGE.

* * * * *

A TEACHER’S STORY.

The following letter is from a young girl who has not gone through the Middle Class at Hampton, but is showing much energy and tact, and doing good work as teacher in one of the rough places of the far South:

FLORIDA.

I will first say, I am a colored girl; my native home is in St.
Augustine. I was raised by kind Northern friends. I am teaching
school on the St. John’s River, about thirty or forty miles from
St. Augustine. In giving my descriptions, I will first describe
my school-house. It is made entirely of logs, with the exception
of the door and windows, which were given by Miss M. The skies
may be seen in any part of the room. The cracks in the floor are
large enough to put your hands through. When it rains, it leaks
in like water dropping from the trees. There is no fire-place,
nor was there any way for keeping warm until, the past week, a
young man got me a little stove. But the house is so open this
does but little towards heating it up. We have had some cold
days, and the only way I had to keep my scholars warm was, to
build two large fires and have the poor little children set
around them (out of doors). I rubbed their little cold hands and
bare feet, and oh! how it made my heart ache to see the tears
stand in their eyes, when I asked them why they didn’t put on
shoes and warmer clothes, and the reply would be, “I have on all
the clothes I got, and I ain’t got no shoes.” Sometimes, when I
have on all I can to keep warm, most of my girls have only two
garments on, the boys nothing but pants and shirt. Some of my
pupils have to come between two and three miles, and then cross a
creek. I have a sewing-school for my girls once a week. I read to
them, and teach them things to sing while they are sewing. They
are to keep what they make. I have been teaching three-and-a-half
months. The age of my scholars is from three-and-a-half to
twenty-four years. I have enrolled thirty scholars, most of them
very good, all anxious to learn. The people are very, very poor,
and have real hard times in getting clothing, and keeping from
starving. They live in log huts, some of which leak, and are in
a dreadful condition. I don’t know how to describe some of them.
There are a few white settlers here; some of them, when the folks
work for them, won’t pay. This makes it real hard, as the work
they get from them is mostly their entire support.

* * * * *

RECEIPTS

FOR APRIL, 1878.

* * * * *

MAINE, $27.24.

Andover. S. W. Pearson 5.00
Bluehill. Mrs. S. D. and Mrs. P. C. 50c. ea. 1.00
Litchfield Corners. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Winthrop. Cong. Ch. $10.21; Mrs. S. B. $1 11.24

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $417.29.

Bristol. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.75
Deerfield. ESTATE of Stephen Brown, by Joseph T.
Brown, Ex. 100.00
Exeter. “Friends in Second Cong. Ch.,” _for a
Teacher_ 78.00
Fitzwilliam. H. H. W. and M. W. W. 1.20
Franklin. Cong. Ch. and Soc., to const. REV. AUSTIN
H. BURR, L. M. 35.00
Hampstead. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 25.00
Hudson. Mrs. B. F. Chase, bbl. of potatoes.
Kingston. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $5; Jacob Chapman $5 10.00
Laconia. Cong. Sab. Sch. 6.75
Lyme. Cong. Ch. and Soc. (ad’l) 3.00
Manchester. C. B. Southworth $50; Rev. C. W. Wallace
$25 75.00
Mount Vernon. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 19.00
Nashua. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 34.78
Stoddard. Rev. H. H. C. 1.00
Temple. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 8.81
Wilton. “Mistletoe Band,” _for Student Aid,
Wilmington, N. C._ 17.00

VERMONT, $1,166.04.

Berlin. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.25
Bennington. Mrs. M. B. K. 0.50
Bradford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 35.35
Brattleborough. Cong. Ch. and Soc. (ad’l) 0.50
Burlington. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 165.36
Clarendon. Cong. Ch. and Soc. (of wh. $3 from
“Mrs. G. M. H.”) $17.40; Cong. Sab. Sch. $8.02 25.42
Danby. Rev. L. D. M. 0.50
Dorset. Cong. Sab. Sch. 25.00
East Barnard. Levi Belknap 2.00
Montpelier. Bethany Ch., to const. REV. JOHN H.
HINCKS, L. M. 32.00
North Walden. S. W. O. 0.50
Peacham. ESTATE of Ezra C. Chamberlin, by Wm. R.
Shedd, Ex. ($60 of which to const. MISS JANE E.
CHAMBERLIN and MISS JENNIE C. WATTS, L.M’s) 500.00
South Londonderry. “A Friend” 5.00
Springfield. “Springfield Mission Circle,” _for
Student Aid, Atlanta U._ 150.00
Springfield. Mrs. F. P. 1.00
Swanton. Harry Smith 5.00
West Brattleborough. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 14.46
West Fairlee Centre. Cong. Sab. Sch. 14.10
West Rutland. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $16.10;
Mrs. L. W. $1 17.10
Westminster West. ESTATE of Almira Goodhue, by
Homer Goodhue, Ex. 150.00
Westminster West. Cong. Sab. Sch. 11.00

MASSACHUSETTS, $3,959.55.

Agawam. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 21.71
Andover. Mrs. J. B. Clough $10; C. H. G., 25c. 10.25
Ashby. Cong. Sab. Sch., _for Student Aid,
Atlanta U._ 10.00
Ashfield. B. H. 0.54
Ayer. Mrs. C. A. Spaulding, _for Theo. Student,
Talladega C._ 70.00
Bolton. “A Friend,” _for Student Aid, Atlanta U._ 20.00
Boston. Walnut Ave. Cong. Sab. Sch. $132.16; Rev.
Chas. Nichols $25 157.16
Braintree. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 14.00
Brocton. Joseph Hewett $5; Mrs. Baalis Sanford,
box of C. 5.00
Brookline. Harvard Ch. and Soc. 69.21
Buckland. Cong. Ch. 9.55
Byfield. Mrs. Jerusha B. Root $30, to const.
MARTIN NELSON ROOT, M.D., L.M.; Cong. Ch. and
Soc. $5.75 35.75
Cambridge. No. Ave. Cong. Ch. 74.91
Charlton. Cong. Sab. Sch. 14.66
Chelsea. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 48.22
Concord. Trin. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $20; Thomas P.
Carlton $2 22.00
Dedham. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 87.02
Dorchester. Thomas D. Quincy 2.50
Dunstable. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 7.16
East Charlemont. Cong. Ch. (of which $1.75
from “Carpenter Bees,” _for Colored Girls_) 21.00
East Longmeadow. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 1.00
East Medway. Mrs. M. N. M. $1; E. B. D. $1 2.00
Fall River. Central Cong. Ch. and Soc. 126.89
Feeding Hills. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 6.17
Framingham. Plymouth Cong. Sab. Sch. $14.40;
Mrs. E. H. $1 15.40
Groton. Union Cong. Ch. and Soc. 36.02
Greenfield. Second Cong. Ch. 3.56
Hadley. Mrs. E. Porter $5; Mrs. Eliza
Huntington $2 7.00
Holden. Cong. Sab. Sch. $15; Cong. Miss. Ass’n $6,
_for Wilmington, N. C._ 21.00
Holliston. Cong. Sab. Sch. 10.00
Holyoke. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc. 14.97
Hopkinton. First Cong. Sab. Sch. $121.87;
Mrs. P. J. Claflin $100. 228.87
Hyde Park. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 41.88
Lexington. Hancock Cong. Ch. and Soc. 13.47
Lowell. Mrs. S. L. P. 0.50
Malden. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 58.72
Manchester. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 50.00
Marshfield. Rev. E. Alden, 2 packages of books.
Medway. ESTATE of Clarissa A. Pond, by A.
Pond, Ex. 135.00
Medway. Mrs. A. D. Sanford, box of C.
Melrose. E. N. C. 0.50
Methuen. ESTATE of Joseph F. Ingalls, by
Samuel G. Sargent and Will. C. Sleeper, Ex’s. 959.09
Middleborough. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.00
Middlefield. Cong. Ch. and Soc., to const.
OLIVER CHURCH and REV. CHAS. M. PEIRCE, L.M’s 60.71
Middleton. ESTATE of Mrs. Catharine Merriam
Wilkins, by Francis P. Merriam, Ex. 100.00
Monson. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 17.60
New Bedford. Miss H. M. L. 1.00
Newburyport. Mrs. J. B. 0.50
North Adams. Cong. Ch. 27.68
Northampton. First Cong. Ch. 47.06
Newton. Eliot Cong. Ch. and Soc. $150.64;
Mrs. C. F. R. $1 151.64
Newtonville. Mrs. J. W. Hayes 25.00
North Brookfield. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 50.00
Oxford. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. $21.39;
L. W. 50c 21.89
Pittsfield. James R. Jones 15.00
Princeton. H. N. M. 5.00
Quincy. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 37.00
Salem. Geo. Driver 5.00
Shelburne. Cong. Ch. 9.61
South Amherst. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 10.00
Southfield. W. H. E. 0.50
South Framingham. South Cong. Ch. and Soc. 88.00
South Hadley. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 14.00
South Hadley Falls. First Cong. Ch. $42;
Cong. Ch. and Soc. $41 83.00
South Plymouth. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 11.13
South Weymouth. Union Cong. Ch. 30.00
Spencer. Ladies’ Benev. Soc. 20.00
Springfield. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. $38.55;
Hope Cong. Ch. $21.55; South Cong. Ch. $12.96 73.06
Sudbury. U.E. Ch. and Soc. 25.50
Sutton. R. L. 1.00
Templeton. J. L. $1; L. M. 50c. 1.50
Tolland. Mrs. N. E. S. 0.50
Waltham. Trin. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 36.50
Warwick. Trin. Ch. and Sab. Sch. 12.00
Webster. First Cong. Ch. 25.00
Westborough. Cong. Ch. and Soc., M. C. Coll.
$26.93; Cong. Sab. Sch. $56.02; Mrs. W. F.
Morse $5 87.95
West Brookfield. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 26.75
Westhampton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 15.50
West Springfield. Park St. Ch. 15.00
Williamsburgh. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 14.14
Williamstown. First Cong. Ch. 15.39
Wilmington. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 41.80
Winchester. P.S. $1; “Two Children” 86c. 1.86
Worcester. Salem St. Ch. M. C. Coll. 19.10
—— “A Friend” 250.00
—— “A Friend” 20.00

RHODE ISLAND, 27c.