TENNESSEE.
A Debt Extinguisher—The Happiest Girl in the Land.
REV. TEMPLE CUTLER, CHATTANOOGA.
On my return from the campaign in New England, I found the church in a much better condition than I feared it might be. Except in the falling off in the weekly offering, I could see no change. They had been ministered to regularly on Sunday evenings, during my absence, by Rev. J. C. Irwin, the pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church.
I was glad to find that a good degree of enthusiasm had been awakened among them to assist in paying the debt of the A. M. A. The Church had held a fair during my absence, at which they realized about $20, which they had forwarded to you. The Band of Hope had sent about the same amount. Then the band decided to celebrate the anniversary of their freedom on the first of January—Emancipation-Day—with a festival, the proceeds of which should be appropriated to the debt. All the colored people, without regard to church connection, were invited to be present and contribute to this object. It was quite a success. The exercises consisted of speaking, essays and songs, and were very creditable to the performers. The singing was from the Hampton Cabin Songs, some of which were new to this section. Among the speeches was one on the emancipation of the blacks, another on the work of the A. M. A. in the South, which were well delivered. One essay was on a contrast between the slave and the freeman. Dr. Lawrence and wife, who were here on a lecturing tour on temperance, were present. The doctor made a short address, full of wit and good counsel. The evening closed with a social entertainment. The proceeds, I think, were about $30, which you have probably received ere this.
The hearty interest manifested by all the colored people in the payment of your debt is encouraging. If the wealthier people would do as much in proportion as these poor people do, your debt would not long be a burden. The Sabbath-school has caught the fever, and, last Sunday, the proposition was made to send you all the money in the treasury (about $15); but, on further consideration, it was thought best to wait until we see how we shall pay for our lesson papers. You will probably get the $15, however. I hear from other Churches that a similar effort is being made among them.
In addition to this, I am happy to say that the Week of Prayer was observed, the meetings well attended, and the spirit of the meetings excellent. Prayers were made for husbands and children that are already answered, in a conviction on the part of those prayed for that they must give attention to the things they hear.
One of our most promising girls, who went to Tougaloo, Miss., a few weeks ago, writes me that she has found the Saviour, and is so happy. Let me mention another fact that has interested us here in our home exceedingly. One of our girls has been very anxious to get an education. Just before I went North, she asked me to see if I could not find somebody who would help her. One friend gave me $5, and that was all. Her heart was very sad when I told her that I did not succeed in getting enough, but I encouraged her with the assurance that if it was the Lord’s will that she should go, He would open the way yet. In a few days I received a letter from an old friend, whom I had not heard from for years, but who had accidentally seen my name as connected with this work, in which was a post-office order for $20. I put this with my $5, and told Jennie she had better start; we would take this as an earnest of the whole amount ($60) needed to finish the year. We are curious to know the result of this venture. One thing we know, and that is, where to find the happiest girl in the land.