ITEMS FROM CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.
Hampton, Va.—The Trustees of the Normal Institute have decided to uniform the male students. A plain sack-coat, pantaloons and cap of bluish-gray cloth have been selected. The suit will cost about ten dollars.
—Seventy young men and twenty-two young women remain at Hampton Institute this summer—a larger number than in any previous year—finding employment on the school-farm, in the shops, knitting-room, laundry, and at housework. The young people are under watchful care and supervision; the family life of the school is kept up, and regular Bible-class instruction on Sundays.
Byron, Ga.—Two united with the church during the month of August; two infants baptised. Still, many are asking what must they do to be saved.
Talladega, Ala.—A professor writes: “Never before were our young ministers, as a body, so much in earnest as now, or more successful than this summer in their Christian work. They evince more tact in overcoming difficulties, and show more power in removing obstacles than I have ever seen in them before. The last two years have told powerfully on their mental and Christian development.”
—Rev. Mr. Hill writes; “At the church prayer-meeting in the chapel, September 3d, three girls, pupils in the college, rose and expressed a hope in Christ. Two of them are in the family at Foster Hall, for whom we have felt anxious, and have been praying all summer. They seem now very decided and very happy. I have been much impressed with the deep spiritual tone of the teachers here, and their entire consecration to the work.”
—The Talladega College Industrial Department will hold a State Industrial Fair at the grounds of the College, in Talladega, Ala., in November, 1878. This fair is intended as an exhibition of what the colored people are able to do, as farmers, carpenters, printers, manufacturers, musicians, housewives, etc. Any one who has produced, or made, or who owns anything he considers especially fine, is invited to exhibit. Three hundred dollars or more are promised, and it is hoped the sum may be increased to one thousand dollars, to be given as prizes.
Childersburg, Ala.—Rev. Mr. Jones was ordained here in June. Between twenty and thirty have recently come out on the Lord’s side.
Alabama Furnace, Ala.—A protracted meeting is now in progress, with decided indications of good results; and also at the “Cove,” there have been several marked conversions.
New Orleans, La.—A gentleman of high standing, in New Orleans, writes to Mr. Alexander, the pastor of the Central Congregational Church, who is now in the North: “Notwithstanding the intense heat, and the excitement that prevails because of the yellow-fever here, the congregation at Central Church have not abated their interest, and, both on Thursday evenings and on Sundays, they manifest by their presence that they will ‘not forsake the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is.’ The good Lord is present to bless at every service, and the faithful people are, as far as I know, conscientiously discharging every known duty. They display a zeal that is truly commendable, and must certainly meet your approbation and esteem.”