Chapter II: Part 2

At eleven o’clock the exercises commenced with the chorus, “Hail, Festal Day,” well rendered by the University choir, after which prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Baird, of Ohio. Mr. H. S. Merry, one of the two graduates, then delivered his oration, “Beyond the Alps our Italy.” The young man acquitted himself with honor. The manuscript of Mr. Miller, the other graduate—now absent as Missionary to Africa—not having arrived as expected, extracts from letters recently received by various members of the University were read instead. These letters breathed forth a spirit of zeal and devotion, and a courage unabated, even in the presence of the obstacles and difficulties with which he must daily combat, thus showing that his was not a mere romantic sentiment, but a deep, controlling principle.

After a well-rendered instrumental solo, Mr. John H. Burrus, candidate for the Master of Arts degree, read a carefully prepared thesis on “American Citizenship.”

Rev. A. J. Baird, D. D., of Nashville, then delivered the Commencement Address, which was full of wholesome, practical advice, interspersed with happy illustration. He dwelt largely upon the great tendency of young men to rest upon their laurels won in college, and to expect afterward to float with folded arms into a haven of prosperity and success. He maintained that substantial success is achieved only by unmitigated toil. After the address, the degree of A. B. was conferred upon Messrs. H. S. Merry and A. P. Miller, and the degree of M. A. upon Mr. Jno. H. Burrus and Mrs. Virginia Walker Broughton. After a few pertinent remarks by Prof. A. K. Spence, Dean of the Faculty, a shield, bearing in golden letters upon a blue field the parting words of one of our missionaries, which have been unanimously adopted as the motto of our institution—“Her sons and her daughters are ever on the altar”—was suspended upon the wall of the chapel amid sounds of hearty applause. The benediction was then pronounced by Rev. L. N. Merry.

In one hour, professors, students of boarding department and invited guests assembled in the dining hall to partake of a carefully prepared collation. After all had partaken heartily, remarks were interchanged by invited guests, professors and students. Among the many pleasant features of the occasion was the presence of two old friends of the Institution from Great Britain—Rev. George Crow, of Belfast, Ireland, and Rev. William Bathgate, of Kilmarnock, Scotland, who gave many words of cheer and congratulation. Thus pleasantly closed the most prosperous and eventful year in the history of the institution, with a clear gain of thirty-five per cent. in attendance over last year. On the day after commencement, the 24th, the Union Jack floated from the tower of Jubilee Hall, in honor of the birthday of Queen Victoria, and significant of the close relation the institution sustains to its friends in Great Britain.

* * * * *

KENTUCKY.

Then and Now.

_Berea College._

The builder working day after day placing stone upon stone, polishing here and there, might well get discouraged if he stopped to look at each day’s work. Progress in all great things is slow, and nowhere slower than in building character.

Twelve years ago, two little black children made their first appearance in our Berea School. The scholars, all of whom at that time were white, scattered before those two little bits of color, as if scared by the plague. The school that in the morning numbered fifty, by noon scarcely counted a dozen. Then commenced the long and weary work of rowing against the stream of prejudice. With a whole State against us, with even our country, so far as it knew us, looking on in doubt, with colored people, who held the most absurd notions of freedom and learning, flocking to us, we found ourselves under a heavy burden.

Our students were fresh from town and country, plantations and the army; some with misty thoughts that education was a good thing, and that about all they had to do was to open the pores and let it soak through. When the restraints of the school-room came, and the study that brought slow results, the courage of this class flagged, and they were easily wooed back to their first love, where the liberty of the corn-field and the swing of the axe was much more to their fancy.

There were some, however, of sterner stuff, who, counting the cost, came through poverty and self-denial, and are remembered as among our best students and graduates. One man, the father of fifteen children, came to Berea years ago, and has somewhat educated almost all his children. Some have taught, and others are preparing to do so. How, in their poverty, they have managed to keep four or five in school at once, we can hardly imagine. We, who are mothers, and know how the little shoes wear out, and the clothes always need a button or patch, stand almost in awe of a mother who not only prepares her children’s daily bread, but helps to earn it. If their little ones have had less than others more favored, they do not seem to mind it. Their laugh is just as merry, and their appetite, perhaps, better for the work that helped to earn the meal. On last Thanksgiving-day, the father spoke of his trials and hindrances, but counted them all as nothing for the joy that the children had gained the privileges he had so longed for, but had been denied.

Only this winter a noble girl, well on in her course of study, whose influence over her companions was always good, the help and stay of the principal, was, inexplicably to us, called to leave her work below and go to the mansion prepared for her. Another sweet, dark-eyed girl, frail in health, but strong in spirit, for two years has not only paid her own way, but has had something left to send to a tired and over-taxed mother. Last year, directly after Commencement, she engaged a school where for months she taught very successfully. At the close of her school, mounted on horseback, she rode to Berea to make final preparations for a new term, telling gleefully how she had secured this and that comfort for the year, and that now she could give herself wholly to study. Imagine her surprise and distress to find, on her return to her boarding place, that all her possessions were burned to ashes, her clothing all gone; and this with only a little money due her. But, though stunned and almost broken-hearted, her courage never failed. Using her means with the greatest economy, willing to deny herself, she is here with us, though how she manages to get along, only she and her Lord fully know.

These are but few cases out of the hundreds that might be mentioned, showing heroism of a very quiet sort; but in God’s own time, when faithfulness in little things is appreciated, many of these poor people will wonderingly receive the crown of the blessed, astonished to find that their plain, hard lives had aught of glory in them.

Missionaries to heathen lands are glad to give their lives to plant Christ’s banner on foreign soil, and we, looking back through these years, take courage, thinking of the souls which have been helped here, and are going out, carrying the good seed, and planting it in all the waste places about us.

Berea opens her arms to the poor about her, with a welcome for all. Those who come here rarely go away without benefit, and many outward signs of improvement. The old people gaze with delight on their children. Weary mothers who have toiled over the wash tubs, fathers who have worked alone in the field while their children studied, are more than rewarded for their toil. Through these hard times, when expenses are great and money comes in slowly, we have had to learn anew the lesson of waiting on the Lord; but we know in whom we trust, and that for the sake of His poor He will supply all our needs.

L. R.

* * * * *

GEORGIA.

Religious Life in Atlanta University.

MRS. T. N. CHASE, ATLANTA.

The other day, when one of our young men handed me a letter to read from a dear old lady “up North,” in which was the sentence, “I’m so disappointed when the MISSIONARY comes, not to read of a revival in your school,” I felt like saying to her: “Dear, praying mother, if you could be here one week, you would go home rejoicing, even though there were no revival.” As the years go by, there is less inclination here to come in flocks to the Lord’s side, or to be led into the kingdom by impulse or excitement. Our students act more and more upon the spirit of the motto that hangs in each of our buildings—“Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” They look upon religion less as a Sunday garment, and more as a robe of righteousness, that transforms our selfish natures into earnest, self-denying lives of obedience.

Let me give a week’s religious duties. Sunday, two of our young men preach in an adjoining town. Quite a number go out to neighboring Sunday-schools, and return about eleven o’clock, when our preaching service begins. Our pastor, a graduate of Yale College and Theological Seminary, came South at the close of the war, to build the first Congregational church in Atlanta. For years he did foundation-work there that placed it in the front rank of A. M. A. churches. The past four years he has been our college pastor. With such a knowledge of the needs of this people as his experience gives, you may have an idea of the kind of sermons we enjoy. Simple truth, such as young people, with such a history and such a future, need, is presented so forcibly, that often the meal, which immediately follows, is almost a silent one, owing to the serious thoughtfulness produced.

In the afternoon, all meet for Sunday-school, which is superintended by the President, who is also a graduate of Yale. As his rich tones come to us in the hymns and Bible readings, both in Sunday-school and at morning devotions through the week, we are thankful for the rare gift—a good reader. In a large school-building, of course each class can have a separate room, and so secure a delightful hour of quiet, uninterrupted Sunday-school work.

In the evening, all assemble in a general prayer-meeting. I do not think it would be possible to give an adequate idea of this meeting, or of similar ones in other A. M. A. schools. It is simply an inspiration to one who realizes what a part these pioneers have in shaping the destiny of their people. In all the meetings I have attended here during these years, I do not recall ever hearing the remark, “Improve the time, brethren,” or any other expression of like import.

Monday, most of the school devote the time of one recitation—three-fourths of an hour—to Bible reading and study in classes. After school there is held a female prayer-meeting of a half hour, led by a lady teacher.

Wednesday evening is the regular church prayer-meeting, led by the pastor, attendance upon which is voluntary. The last half hour of school, Friday afternoon, is devoted to a prayer-meeting, led by the President, and attended by the entire school. This is the only meeting at which the day scholars are required to be present, and so is the most important of all the week. At its close almost every member of the school deposits in the box an envelope containing his regular weekly contribution toward paying the debt of the A. M. A.

A very profitable meeting is announced on Sunday in this way: “On Friday evening bring your Bibles, and tell us what it says about the evils of the tongue;” or, at another time: “Select passages referring to the Sabbath, the Holy Spirit, Repentance,” etc. Most of the family gladly come, each reading one of his selected passages, and discussing it. Familiarity with the Bible and Concordance is a very apparent benefit of this exercise. It is also remarkable how they improve in clearness of expression, and in confining their thoughts to one point. Best of all is the broad view they get of Bible truth, by looking at it from all sides. No disputed points—as Baptism or Perseverance of the Saints—are discussed in this Bible exercise, or in Sunday-school, or any other religious meeting. No Baptist or Methodist need fear being proselyted in Atlanta University.

Saturday evening is the teachers’ prayer-meeting of a half hour. The best test of the religious interest is the number of voluntary students’ meetings. Sunday evening, just before the general meeting of an hour, the young men always gather for another hour in a meeting of their own. The burden of this meeting is praying for the Spirit’s blessing on the sermon and Sunday-school, and pleading for His presence in the general meeting that follows.

There are many other students’ meetings, among both the young men and women, whose interest, and existence even, depend upon circumstances. Nearly every summer term these meetings multiply. As the pupils realize they are soon to leave this peaceful home, and for three months take on the responsibilities and trials of teachers, they seem impelled to a new consecration. Many, each year, go out to teach for the first time, and all feel it is a solemn undertaking. Another occasion for extra meetings is to plead for those so soon to leave us, and not yet in the fold.

This is a hasty view of what may be seen of our religious work. Eternity alone will reveal the number and effect of the private personal appeals, or of the pleading notes written to the timid ones. So, dear friends, do not think, because no revival is announced, that souls are not often coming into the kingdom, and that Christians are not receiving a most careful culture.

I have often thought that the prayers of Northern friends, more than anything else, have been the occasion of such a deep Christian spirit in the A. M. A. schools. Think of that old lady watching the MISSIONARY to see if her prayers for us were answered! I once knew a man, who was not rich, or even a professing Christian, who, for some years, gave $300 each year for the support of a teacher, who, as he said, “would teach a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” to the freedmen. Many of our best friends are in such haste for us to do simply church work, that they can hardly wait in patience for us to build on an intelligent, educational basis. If God has so burdened hearts for the spiritual welfare of the freedmen, may it not indicate that, in His plan, He may have a glorious part for them, in bringing the nations to His feet?

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A Photograph with Lights and Shades.

MR. JOHN MCINTOSH, TEACHER, ATHENS.

The lights and shades are the things which make the photograph appear natural; and so, in attempting to give a true, and thus natural, picture of my field of labor, I must give the lights and shades. But, in order that my picture may leave a favorable impression upon the mind, I will first give the shades, and then, the lights. I came to this place October 6th, 1877. On the first day only two pupils met me, and the increase, during this and the following months of the same year, was so very small that I began to be discouraged. I called several educational meetings, and, to my surprise, there was no response. I became still more discouraged. Failing to get as large a day-school as I desired, I offered my services at night, for one dollar per month each to those who could not come in the day. A few accepted the offer, and when these few became weary in well-doing and fainted by the way, I offered to teach at night, free of charge, any young man who was not able to pay his tuition. Only one accepted this offer. I then offered to teach vocal music, free of charge, to any who would meet me every Saturday. The first Saturday, none came; the second, eight came, far behind time; and this has been the greatest number that has ever accepted the offer. In my day-school the variety of books was large; the number of misused books was great. I had for several months to labor very hard to reduce chaos to form and order.

But why did I not have a full school all the while? The assigned reasons were various. Many did not know whether I was Baptist, Methodist, or something else; and so sectarianism kept some away; some parents said their children were just out of school, and their minds needed rest—these, and many excuses less plausible, were rendered for non-attendance. After my school was pretty well established and my scholars were somewhat classified, one other fact became apparent, and this was, and is, indeed, a sad fact, viz.: in the acquisition of knowledge, the teacher is considered one distinct party, the parent another, and the child another. Sad fact that, in the pleasant and most beneficial work, teacher, parent, and scholar are not one. When Christmas-day came, most of my patrons said: “It is Christmas, and there should be no school for one week;” and, indeed, I had but little. A short time ago a circus drifted down this way. “Of course,” said many of my patrons, “the children must go to the circus, and omit going to school until the circus is over with”; and they went.

But all shade, says the photographer, makes no picture; and so I will show the lights, and thus complete my picture. Many of my pupils, who were once, apparently, ignorant of what punctuality was, have learned to be punctual. Those who once thought it best to be disorderly, disrespectful, disobedient, careless, idle, and the like, now think it their duty to act differently; and so a much better state of things exists than formerly. Some months ago, when I would ask a reason for working an example in a certain way, the answer invariably was, “because”; and if I asked “because what?” the reply would be lengthened, thus: “because that gets the answer.” But now my pupils can not only work their examples, but tell why.

Strange to say, my third class (by name) is my best class in arithmetic, and the best scholar in this class is the smallest, and probably the youngest—not thirteen, perhaps. This same class is very good in geography, and, indeed, as a class, good in all their studies. My class in composition, for three months, have been endeavoring to understand the theory of composition, and now they are writing, or learning to write, essays according to the theory which they have learned. A few in the class compose very well already. In nearly all of my classes, strange to say, the dark pupils are the ones that stand at the head. In composition, good morals, geography, reading, grammar, writing, the leading scholars are dark—dark in color, but bright in intellect. I think it must be acknowledged that color has no influence over mind. I have several grown men, who have left their farms in the country that they may attend school and receive instruction, which they may impart to others. They are getting along fairly. When I asked my scholars what I should write concerning them, they said, with one accord, “The truth, and nothing but the truth;” and I think I have done just as they said. Clouds still hang over me, but they are not so dark as they were some months ago.

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ALABAMA.

Dedication of Emerson Institute.

MR. B. F. KOONS, PRINCIPAL, MOBILE.

Since the burning of Emerson Institute in 1876, our school has passed through some very dark clouds of discouragement. All of last year, and the first four months of this, it occupied an old store, very poorly fitted for school purposes.

In December last, the A. M. A. purchased property known as Holly’s Garden, located near the centre of the city. There are nearly three and three-quarter acres of ground, covered by over one hundred beautiful live oak, cedar, and various other trees, and near the centre of the lot is located quite a comfortable and commodious frame dwelling. Into this we moved the school in January, and have since occupied three rooms, some sixteen by eighteen feet square. In these, we have accommodated about one hundred pupils.

Readers of the MISSIONARY will recall the account in the March number of the breaking ground for a new school building upon this lot December 26th. Since that time the proposed structure has steadily grown, and on the 30th of April we were able to pronounce it completed. It is a well constructed two-story brick building, 34×64, with wings at the centre of each side 10×21. The lower story is divided into two school rooms, 28×31½ feet, and between these is what may be called a hallway, divided into four hat and cloak rooms. From this floor there are two stairways, occupying the wings, and leading to the second story. At the head of each of these is a commodious hat and cloak room, through which the pupils pass as they enter the chapel, or large school-room, of the second floor. This room is 31½×48; at one end, on each side of the teacher’s desk, are doors leading into two recitation rooms, each 15×15½. The building is surmounted by a very neat belfry, which awaits the new bell daily expected from New York, via the ocean. The original plan was to place above the whole a weather-vane in the shape of a large gold quill, but just as it arrived here from New York the railroad depot was burned, and with it our quill. We sincerely hope that the burning of this is not an indication of the fate of our building.

THE DEDICATION.

At last the 1st of May arrived, the day set apart for the dedication of our new building; and to the teachers and pupils, and all friends of the school, it was a glad day indeed. Just in proportion as the former days of the school were dark, so this was bright and joyous. It seemed that the sun never shone more clearly, that the sky was never brighter, and that all nature rejoiced with us. At an early hour the people began to gather, and at eleven o’clock, the doors of the new building were thrown open, and the chapel was soon filled by an eager, expectant multitude. A few moments later the school, about one hundred in number, filed in, and took seats in front and to the right of the platform. Upon this were seated Rev. Drs. Burgett and Walden, pastors of the First and Third Presbyterian Churches of Mobile; Rev. W. S. Alexander, of Straight University, New Orleans, and Rev. Wm. H. Ash, pastor of the Congregational Church of Mobile: and to the left were several ladies of Mobile, invited guests; the Rev. Mr. Owens, pastor of one of the Baptist Churches; Dr. Murrell, a leading physician of the city; Mr. Wheeler, the oldest merchant of Mobile; D. S. Richardson, Principal of Mobile Military Academy, and others.

The exercises were opened by a chant—the 121st Psalm—sung by the school; appropriate passages of Scripture were read by Rev. Mr. Walden, and prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Ash. The little folks then sang “Marching On!” after which a short oration was delivered by one of the boys of the school, and an essay read by one of the girls. One spoke of the past, and the other, of the present and future of our school. After this, the principal gave a short history of the school, and in a few words explained the object for which it was established, and the aims of the American Missionary Association in the South.

We told them that we are here for no political ends, but that our whole aim is to cultivate the minds and hearts of our pupils, to lift them up to higher planes of true manhood and womanhood, and to fit them for usefulness to themselves, to their people, to their employers, to all with whom they come in contact, to the world, and especially to God. That our aim is to send forth cultivated and Christian hearts, endowed with the nobler aims and aspirations in life, and fitted for efficient work in the vineyard of our Master. If mistakes had been made in the past by workers under the Association, it was not in accordance with the will of its officers, their expressed wish being that we ignore politics. That ours is a mission work, and finally, that if the people of the South and we have not fully understood each other in the past, we hope that in the future we may know each other better. As for us, we earnestly and sincerely ask the sympathy and co-operation of the Christian people of the South; we need it.

The school then sang one of the Jubilee Songs, “We shall walk through the valley and shadow of death,” after which Mr. Alexander offered the dedicatory prayer. The original plan was to have one regular address, and possibly a few words from others present, but the plan was changed, and it was concluded to have an informal talk from the invited guests, the colored ministers present, and others, and as the programme was carried out it became more and more evident that the latter was a fortunate choice.

Dr. Burgett, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Mobile, was first called upon. He said: “I fully endorse all the efforts of the A. M. A., and congratulate it, and all present to-day, because of its high and praiseworthy efforts, its success in the past, the immediate present, and the bright prospects of the future. I have visited the school in former years, and never heard better recitations anywhere, nor saw greater advancement.” His speech was full of good thoughts, as his talks always are; and just before he closed, he turned to the teachers, and said: “I cannot understand the composition of a man who will oppose your efforts here. As a representative of the Christian people of Mobile, I speak authoritatively when I say you deserve their sympathy and hearty co-operation, and you have it. Deep down in the heart of every Christian here, there is a kindly feeling for you and your work.”

The next person called upon was Rev. E. D. Taylor, one of the oldest colored ministers of the M. E. Church in this place. He said “I have cautiously watched the movements of these teachers, and their school work, and I am convinced that they are here for lifting up of my race, and as I go down the steps of life, I look back upon this school, and these teachers, with a great deal of pleasure, knowing that they are leading my people out from a bondage worse than slavery. I thank God that we have these friends to help us.”

Rev. Mr. Bryant, a former pupil of Atlanta University, spoke of the many thousands of children taught in the South, as the direct result of the work of the A. M. A. through its teachers and pupils. Some of the white brethren expressed much surprise at the figures he presented, and were astonished at the magnitude of the work, both direct and indirect, of the Association.

Rev. Mr. Walden said: “Deep down in my heart there is a little niche held sacred to the memory of that good old mother who cared for me when a child, and for that little colored boy who was my playmate in childhood. I have lost sight of them, but their memory is still sacred, and I hope to meet them in eternity. There is much in common between the white and colored people of the South. We cannot afford to be anything but friends, for we must be saved by the same blood, we must walk through the same ‘valley and shadow of death,’ and if saved, we must spend eternity in the same kingdom.” And then, turning to the teachers, he said: “May God bless you in your noble work—Christian work. Yours is a Christ-like calling, and I say that you not only deserve the hearty sympathy, co-operation, and support of the Christian people of the South, but you have it. I repeat it, _you have it_.” At this point all sang, “Hold the Fort.”

Dr. Murrell said: “I endorse every word of Drs. Burgett and Walden, but I feel just a little jealous, as I would like to stand in the place of those who have contributed to erect this building; and if I had the means, I would have just such a building in every county in Alabama. I heartily feel with you, and ask God to bless you.” After the exercises closed, he showed us his good will by offering his professional skill to the teachers free of charge.

Mr. Wheeler was not in the habit of making speeches, but he heartily sympathized with us in our work, and wished us a great deal of success.

Rev. Mr. Owens said: “My heart is full of joy to-day at being able to be here. I can only endorse all that has been said.” And, after the exercises were over, he showed his sincerity by asking me to meet his people in their church, and talk to them of our work.

Many good words were spoken by Rev. Mr. Ash, and Rev. Mr. Evans, of State Street M. E. Church. Rev. Mr. Wilson, of Little Zion Church, was called upon, and said: “Since listening to Dr. Burgett, and others, whose words were like drops of gold, I must decline. I am like the uncultivated pear-tree which Dr. Burgett spoke of. Education knows education, therefore I must keep silent lest I betray myself.”

Mr. Alexander, as the closing speaker, made some very happy remarks. He told the colored people that by trying to get on too fast, and to begin at the top instead of the bottom, and by seeking to fill positions which they could not, they had set themselves back twenty-five years. He advised them to claim the right to nothing till they had earned that right; to work patiently, and _wait_ for results.

A spirit of earnestness and sincerity pervaded all the exercises, and, as the old colored man said, the words that fell from the lips of Dr. Burgett, and others, were truly _drops of gold_, utterances from the depths of sincere hearts, and all went away feeling that it had been good to be present, and that during those three hours a new era had dawned upon the work of the A. M. A. in this city.

* * * * *

The Church and the Literary Club.

REV. WILLIAM H. ASH, MOBILE.

I found my church in rather a discouraging condition, when I came in November last; since that time, I have been greatly encouraged to see the work prospering in my hands.

My congregation has increased to three times the number which I found when I came to Mobile, and principally of people who have never visited our church before. But the great difficulty is that I am not able to hold a permanent congregation of the better class, or to reach the young people, because of the want of a church with better facilities for the needed work. The Sabbath-school has increased from about a dozen to forty scholars. This is remarkable, because one half of the time I have had no one to assist me in the work of teaching. Four have united with the church, one of whom is a young lady, who promises to be of great service to the church.

The prayer-meetings have been kept up well, considering that my members are hard laboring people, and there is a growth in spirituality and purity of life, such as is consistent with the Bible. It is a custom in the fairs here to have a table devoted to the punch-bowl, and different kinds of wines, to raise money for the church or minister’s salary; but my church is a model so far as temperance is concerned, feeling that it cannot encourage a demon that destroys the happiness of so many homes, both North and South.

Another fact, to show the influence of our church, is the organization of a literary club among the young people, which has proven a success. About three months ago, I sent out notices to the ministers, and some of the better class of colored people, to meet at my church for this purpose; an organization was completed, and since that we have met from church to church.

Last night the club gave its first special entertainment. It was certainly a credit to the members who took part, and compared well with similar entertainments which I have seen in New England. The following notice is from the Mobile _News_:

“THE ARISTOTLE LITERARY CLUB.—This club, whose members are
among the most cultivated of Mobile’s colored citizens, gave
its first entertainment, last night, at St. Emmanuel Church, at
eight o’clock. The exercises consisted of literary and musical
recitations, debates, etc. The programme was a choice one, and
the large audience in attendance enjoyed the occasion very much.
The ‘Aristotles’ are the true representatives—or rather, the best
representatives—of the colored population in our city, and we bid
them God-speed in their earnest efforts to elevate themselves
above the low standard that generally prevails among our colored
people.”

* * * * *

Montgomery—Swayne School—A Year’s Work—Closing Exercises.

MISS MARTHA J. ADAMS, PRINCIPAL.

My first school year’s work among the colored people at the South, has just closed. What a history it has! How rich in new experiences!—experiences which I should deeply regret to have stricken from my life.

How vividly do I recall that sunny morning, the first day of October, 1877, as I stood upon the steps of “Swayne School” building, with five lady teachers at my side, while before us, in almost military lines, were drawn up some three hundred colored children and youth. These were our pupils. What a work lay before us! We have been repeatedly told, since our arrival, that the general feeling was, “No woman can control this school.” We, too, knew, in the depths of our hearts, that without Divine aid, we should utterly fail. But God has been true to His promises, and has given us a quiet, happy and successful year in our work, and one full of kindly, appreciative testimony from those among whom we have labored.

Our school, with only a few days’ notice, closed half a month earlier than we had expected. This, of course, interfered greatly with preparations for the closing exercises. Besides, two or three Sunday-school May festivals and picnics had been previously arranged to take place the same week, and so many of the pupils were absent; but we did the best we could, under the circumstances, each teacher having in her own room reviews and examinations of her classes, which have borne abundant testimony to the earnest, faithful and kindly work they have done.

On Thursday night we had an exhibition in the Congregational Church. It was a lovely moonlight night. The church was crowded to its utmost capacity; many, indeed, were unable to gain admittance, so great was the throng. The exercises, consisting of declamations, essays, recitations, and songs, were listened to with great interest and apparent delight.

One young woman read an essay upon P. P. Bliss, whose visit here is lovingly remembered, closing with reciting the last hymn he set to music:

“I know not what awaits me;
God kindly vails mine eyes.”

The Secretary of the City Board of Education, now acting Superintendent, and another member of the Board, were present the entire evening, and expressed gratification at what they had seen and heard. As they passed out of the church, they were heard to remark to each other: “That was _good_.” “Yes, it _was_ good.”

I will close in the words which one of the colored boys printed in large letters in colored crayons upon the Sunday-school blackboard, “GOD BLESS SWAYNE SCHOOL.”

* * * * *

A Surprise Party in a Southern Church.

REV. CHARLES NOBLE, MONTGOMERY.

That our people can do a pleasant thing, and do it gracefully, they proved the evening before our departure. The Sunday previous, we had had a business-meeting of the church, and at its close one of the brethren requested me to leave them, as they had some business on hand in which my absence would assist them more than my presence. Of course, we inferred from this that “something was up”; but were unable to discover what it was. Nothing happening, however, until the close of the Wednesday night prayer-meeting, we had all come to the conclusion that whatever was intended had probably proved impracticable. We were sitting together at the Home, talking over the experiences of the year, when the notes of a guitar struck our ears, and a few voices began singing the “Sweet Bye-and-Bye” very softly and sweetly. I supposed that some of the people had come down to give us a little serenade, and stepped to the door to return thanks for the pleasure the song had afforded. When I opened the door, instead of the half-dozen singers I expected, a perfect throng of merry faces met me. The yard was crowded, and they seemed to reach out indefinitely down the road. I had barely sufficient presence of mind to ask them in, and then met the wave of increasing congratulations with very much the sort of feeling with which one meets a good big wave at the sea-shore. It was exhilarating, but bewildering. An enormous freezer of ice-cream, and strawberries, raspberries, and cakes _ad infinitum_, were brought in, and our rooms were soon crowded with about one hundred and fifty as happy-looking people as I ever saw. Young and old, grave and gay, Christians and worldlings, Methodists and Baptists, as well as Congregationalists—it was a thoroughly representative gathering. Our own people were out in force, and there were prominent members of all the other colored churches. For about two hours they amused themselves and us with conversation, singing, and playing. There was not a rude word or a boorish action. It was a gathering that would have done credit, in its behavior, to any community. They made the pastor and his wife, with the teachers, gather together and partake of the delicacies so generously provided, and then attacked them (the delicacies, not the teachers) on their own account, with right good will. For two hours they made the house echo with merry laughter and with singing—patriotic, sentimental, and religious—and then, after a siege of hand-shaking, which made me realize somewhat the trials our popular Presidents have to undergo, and with many pleasant words of kindly appreciation, they took their leave.

* * * * *

Another Female Missionary Needed.

The work at Montgomery stands greatly in need of more visiting than the pastor can accomplish. While the church and congregation are small, the field includes the whole colored population of the city and suburbs—not far from 10,000 souls—and no form of labor seems so likely to be fruitful as the work of a good woman in the homes of the people. One of our good teachers has kept up a Bible-reading in one of the poorer neighborhoods, and has thus reached a number whose ignorant prejudice renders them inaccessible to the Congregational minister. She has been able, also, to reach the hearts and homes of many others, and has shown herself to have the power to win their affection and sympathy, and lead them to higher thoughts and purposes. The attempt to combine this labor with her school duties, and the vexatious responsibilities of the matron of the Home, had its natural result in broken health and depressed spirits. Is there some church or society, or generous individual, who, in addition to regular contributions, would be willing to provide for the maintenance of a “Woman Missionary” in this field, that this faithful worker may be able to use her talents more efficiently, or, if she cannot return, that some other good woman may take her place? “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples: The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.”

* * * * *

A Blessed Work.

REV. GEORGE E. HILL, PASTOR, MARION.

We had an interesting day last Sunday. Seven were admitted on profession and six children were baptized—a new thing here. The audience was the largest we have had, quite filling the church, and the floral decoration of the pulpit and its surroundings added to the effect.

Our Sabbath-school is flourishing. Mrs. H. and my daughter both have classes. A few Sabbaths since, I drew a map of Palestine on the blackboard, and proposed to the scholars to “go and do likewise.” They have brought in twenty-five maps; some of them would do credit to any school at the North. There is a good promise for the future of the church in the children, many of whom already give evidence of a change of heart.

At a recent “praise-meeting,” we had testimony from twenty-five different persons, who mentioned special causes for gratitude. The people all seem eager to be helped, and to improve every opportunity. We enjoy our work more and more. It is a blessed, blessed work!

* * * * *

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 O. Wedderspoon, Esq., Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon.
F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S.
H. Wiley, 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.

* * * * *

Last month I gave an account from the pen of our missionary helper, Fung Affoo, of the Sabbath services at our Mission House in San Francisco. Jee Gam, at my request, has prepared the following statement respecting the method pursued at Oakland, where his labors are specially centred. I am sure that it will be read with interest, the very simplicity with which details are given rendering more vivid and distinct the picture.

“OAKLAND, CAL.

“REV. W. C. POND:

“_Dear Friend_—As I am requested to give you a little outline
about our manner of conducting the Christian work in Oakland,
I will try to do so. On Sunday morning, those brethren who
can get out in time from their occupations generally attend
church, but this number is comparatively small, owing to the
way in which they are situated. Our Chinese Sunday-school is
held immediately after the morning service in the church, and
continues till fifteen minutes of two P.M. The average number of
scholars during the last few months was about fifty-five. Mr.
E. P. Sanford is our superintendent, and I am the assistant.
The school is generally opened by singing two hymns in Chinese
and two in English, followed by a prayer. After the latter,
each teacher proceeds to take charge of his own class; and when
the lesson ends, passages of Scripture are recited by most of
the Bible-reading pupils. Then the notices are given for all
the exercises of the following week. The Lord’s Prayer is then
recited in concert, and the school is dismissed.

“From 6.30 to 7.15 P.M., we assemble at our Christian Association
Room (a small house of five rooms) for prayer-meeting. This
meeting is conducted by the president of the Association. The
exercises consist of singing, praying, and speaking from two of
the members who are appointed by the president at the previous
meeting. After these speakers get through, eight to ten minutes
are allowed to all who wish to speak or pray. The meeting is
closed with the Doxology and prayer. From this meeting we go back
to the chapel where we held our Sunday-school. There we open our
regular Sunday evening service. The average attendance is about
twenty-five. The first part of this service is singing from 7.25
to fifteen minutes of eight. The singing is conducted by Mr.
Sanford, assisted by Miss L. Gill and Miss Sanford. To these
persons we are greatly indebted for their kindness in teaching
us, especially Mr. Sanford, whose labors for us are unspeakably
great. After the singing and prayer, Mr. Sanford takes the Bible.
He then reads, and explains to them in English; I take the same
lesson and explain to them in Chinese, after which the meeting
is closed with a prayer in Chinese. On Wednesday evening our
prayer-meeting is conducted entirely by myself. Its average
attendance is about the same as that of Sunday evening. Thursday
evening I have the whole Bible-class, consisting of from ten to
eighteen pupils. Beside this Bible reading we also have another
very interesting Bible exercise in the Association Room every
evening throughout the whole week, with the exception of Saturday
and Sunday evenings. This exercise commences immediately after
the brethren get back from school and continues until ten P.M.
We begin by reading and explaining the Scripture alternately.
If one fails to explain his verse correctly, the one who sits
next to him follows it up, and if he fails also, the third,
fourth, and so on to the last one in the class. If he fails to
succeed, I then explain the verse to them again. When this lesson
is through, I read and explain to them the new lesson for the
following evening. Then this exercise is closed with a prayer in
English by one of the brethren successively.

“Yours respectfully, JEE GAM.”

* * * * *

THE CHILDREN’S PAGE.

* * * * *

“KING DAVID’S DANCE” AND THE “HOLY MARCH.”

The signification of the above terms may not be familiar to all our readers, and hence a description of them may prove of interest. They are religious exercises, and constitute a part of the regular Sabbath worship of the colored Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, Ala. The members of this church are very emotional, and exceedingly demonstrative in their religion. The order of services each Sabbath are as follows: A Union Sabbath-school is held from nine to half-past ten A.M., after which one of the leading brethren conducts a prayer-meeting for about an hour.

Then preaching begins. The young minister preaches a sermon first, and he is followed by the old minister, who preaches another sermon from the same text. Mourners are then called for, the doors are opened to receive members, and other necessary business transacted, after which the benediction is pronounced.

It is then about three P.M. Instead of going home, the members all remain, move the benches aside, and prepare for “King David’s Dance” and the “Holy March.” The first consists in forming a circle—or “ringing up,” as they term it—joining hands, and jumping up and down, keeping time to the tune of some lively “spiritual song.” This performance is carried on for some time, and then they march the “Holy March.”

This is done by forming in single file, each one placing his hand on the other one’s shoulder, and marching around and around, going through a number of bodily contortions, better seen than described. They march and dance alternately until about sundown, when, completely exhausted, they go home.

During these exercises they shout and scream vehemently. The above is a true statement of the manner in which the colored people here, of the Baptist connection, worship. The so-called “King David’s Dance” would remind one more of the war-dance of some savage tribe. Several other churches in the neighboring settlements carry on these performances.—_The Southern Sentinel._

* * * * *

NEGRO RELIGION.

Negro religion is as varied as the character and grade of its professors: some as dignified as African princes, others as wild as children playing at church. And yet, who shall say that either extreme is the more acceptable to Him who looks through outward demonstrations at the hearts of worshippers? One of their own utterances perhaps best expresses the idea:

“We has our own ways ob doin’ things; white folks don’t allus understand us, but de Lord seems to get along with us putty well, an’ dat’s all we need care fur.”

White folks do not understand, and certainly cannot but be amused at seeing an old black woman, whose gray wool is bound up in a brilliant turban, moving in slow, undulating waves of a mystic dance up and down the church aisles, and round its altar, as she chants forth her testimony to “de leadin’s of de Lord all dese eighty years”; but they can quite appreciate the reverence which sends every one to his knees at the words, “Let us pray,” and sometimes wish that the custom might prove possible of transplantation. Quaint and racy words sometimes come from these colored preachers. “Ta’n’t no use dodgin’,” said one the other day; “yer may poke yer head dis way and stick yer feet dat way, but yer can’t go round yer grave; yer may shut yer eyes and make b’lieve yer don’t see it, but ye’s got to tumble inter it, after all. Dere it is, right in yer path. Is yer all ready?”

“I can’t read much,” said a preacher; “I can’t say all dem long, hard names. I couldn’t read a word when the good Lord Jesus found me, in the South Caroliny cane-brake; but I taught myself to spell out de name ob Jesus, and now I can read all ’bout how He carries sinners to heaven; dat’s ’nough.”

We were present at a communion service in which there was nothing calculated to draw a smile. Tears of apparently genuine earnestness stood in many eyes, and suppressed sobs mingled with the rich, quaint hymns in many parts of the room. The preacher was a young man, who drew a moving picture of the crucifixion, which, in its pathos, simplicity, and correct diction, would have done honor to any white preacher in the land. But one point, that of the substitution of _w_ for _r_, marked the speaker as one of that subject race, which, in thus slowly rising from barbarism, while it loses much that is amusing to the merely curious observer, is steadily gaining in what pertains to the dignity of manhood, and the well-being of immortal souls.—_Illustrated Christian Weekly._

* * * * *

RECEIPTS

FOR MAY, 1878.

* * * * *

MAINE, $111.42.

Augusta. John Dorr 15.00
Bangor. First Cong. Ch. 31.42
Brewer. First Cong. Ch. $6.40, and Sab. Sch.
$2.50; Dea. J. Holyoke $5.10 14.00
Hallowell. Miss Mary Flagg $10; Hon. H. K.
Baker $2, _for Printing Press, Talladega
C._; “A Friend” $1, _for Student, Tougaloo,
Miss._ 13.00
Houlton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 2.00
Oak Hill. —— 30.00
Wells. “A Friend” 5.00
Wild. Rev. D. D. T. 1.00

NEW HAMPSHIRE, $254.02.

Concord. R. P. S. 1.00
Exeter. Second Cong. Ch. and Soc., _for a
Teacher, Wilmington, N. C._ 70.00
Greenland. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.85
Hanover. Cong. Ch. Dartmouth Col. 50.00
Henniker. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 17.00
Hooksett. Union Soc. 3.87
Littleton. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 37.00
Marlborough. “Ladies’ Freedmen’s Aid Soc.” 16.00
New Boston. Ladies, bbl. of C. and $2, _for
freight, for Wilmington N. C._ 2.00
New Ipswich. “Hillside Gleaners,” _for
Memorial Inst., Wilmington, N. C._ 16.00
West Concord. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 20.30

VERMONT, $259.62.

Brookfield. First Cong. Ch. and Soc. 15.00
Brownington and Barton Landing. Cong. Ch. and
Soc. 13.25
Clarendon. Mrs. N. J. Smith 5.00
East Arlington. Rev. Chas. Redfield 10.00
Jericho Centre. Miss J. Graves 2.00
New Haven. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 39.37
North Springfield. Chas. Haywood 5.00
Peru. Cong. Ch. 10.00
Rochester. Cong. Soc. 15.00
St. Albans. Mrs. J. Gregory Smith 10.00
Thetford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 19.00
Wallingford. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 69.00
Wells River. Cong. Ch. and Soc. $30; C. W.
Eastman $10 40.00
Westminster West. Mrs. A. S. G. 1.00
Woodstock. Cong. Ch. and Soc. 6.00

MASSACHUSETTS, $4,078.34.