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.”