ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Memphis, Tenn.—Thus far, during the epidemic of this year, none of the scholars of the Le Moyne Institute and none of the members of the Second Congregational Church (colored) have suffered.
Atlanta, Ga.—The Storrs School was opened on the first of September, with 250 scholars, under the continued principalship of Miss Amy Williams, who is assisted by Misses Abby Clark, Julia Goodwin, Amelia Ferris and F. J. Morris. Miss M. E. Stevenson has been transferred from the position of a teacher to that of lady missionary for the city, representing the ladies of the two churches of Oberlin.
Brunswick, Ga.—Mr. Morse writes: “My school has been free the entire year. We have averaged over ninety for the year of ten months. I think many have been made wiser and better. Some have connected themselves with the churches there. We are having a season of great Christian interest in the Congregational Church of this city, under Brother Clarke’s care. Two of our Sunday-school scholars, and now supernumerary teachers, have given their hearts to the Saviour. Our hope is the schools; take them away and I would not give anything for Congregationalism among the colored people. I had no idea of touching this matter when I began to write.”
Macon, Ga.—Rev. S. E. Lathrop, who has been at Atlanta for three months, running down to supply his church meantime, in a private letter, describes a day of work as follows:
“Brother Young wrote me from Byron to come down there and baptize some candidates for him. In the morning I went out from Macon (seventeen miles by rail), rode three miles from the church to the creek in a lumber wagon with fourteen other colored folks, getting caught in a shower on the way. Arrived at a grist-mill, in which I changed clothes (preparing for immersion), with the flour-dust half an inch deep everywhere. Waded into the creek and immersed four candidates, three men and one woman, all of whom behaved excellently well, without any shouting or gymnastics; the seal of sprinkling being set upon us by another sudden shower just as we came out of the water. Rode back to the church, preached, administered communion, received the four persons to membership, and baptized an infant. Had just time for a good dinner of ‘chicken fixins,’ and took the train back to Macon, arriving at six p. m. of a close, sultry day. Walked one and a half miles and back through the sweltering heat, to see a sick girl who wants to join our church. Got back just in time for evening service, and preached. Came back here yesterday, and have felt ‘bunged up’ ever since.”
No. 1 Miller’s Station, Ga.—“On the 27th of August, one of the members of this church died; or, perhaps, I should express it better if I said he fell asleep—for it seemed more like sleep than death. The brother had not been a member of the church for one year yet; but all who saw him before his death felt sure that he was a saved man. He was over 76 years of age, and was one of those who had left off drinking since I came here. He was so determined on leaving it off that he would not take the communion with us the last time he was present at our services. He said he was afraid it would lead him to rum drinking again. In his case was shown the power of the Gospel. He had lived in sin for 75 years; yet, by the grace of God, and the power of His word, he was set free from the power of Satan. During his short Christian life he was kept from the sin of strong drink, and when he died he went to live with Jesus. A few hours before his death he said to me: ‘All I want now is to see my dear Jesus; I have given up all for His sake; do, blessed Jesus, come and take me when you are ready.’”
“The First Commencement on the Ogeechee” is the way in which Pastor McLean, of Ga., announces the closing exercises of his parish school. Never before had those rice swamps caught the echoes of the children’s eloquence. In the twenty-eight orations and two dialogues there was not a failure. And when the fathers and mothers had a chance to express their gratitude, it was a burst of “God bless you, brother.” Best of all, of the ninety-five who have been connected with the school during the year, twenty-five have become the disciples of the Great Master since the school was opened.
Talladega, Ala.—The Catalogue of the College for the last year reports 214 students in all the departments. This number includes the dozen theological students who have been under the training of Prof. G. W. Andrews. Their names are Andrew J. Headen, P. W. Young and W. S. Williams, who were graduated this year; and also these, who are to study one year more, though they have all been licensed, J. B. Grant, Byron Gunner, John W. Strong, John R. Sims, Yancy B. Sims, J. W. Roberts, H. W. Conley and Spencer Snell.
Lawsonville, Ala.—While the people of this place are engaged in building a church, they are enjoying a season of revival under their Talladega minister, Rev. J. W. Strong.
Mt. Spring, Ala.—Rev. Alfred Jones, of Childersburg, having preached a week at the out-station, Mt. Spring, was permitted to rejoice in the conversion of fourteen persons. A half dozen have also united with his church at home upon profession.
The Cove, Ala.—Rev. J. B. Grant has been assisted at this place by his fellow theologues, Y. B. Sim, T. T. Benson, J. R. Sims, and by Rev. P. J. McEntosh, in a series of meetings which have resulted in great good.
New Orleans, La.—Rev. D. L. Mitchel, who is in charge of the Presbyterian Book Depository in this city, is supplying the Central Church (Rev. W. S. Alexander’s) during the summer vacation. He writes thus under a recent date: “The congregation is quite regular in attendance, about seventy, and the attention is excellent. The prayer meetings are also well attended, and the spiritual condition steadily improving. I think this one of the most important fields in the South, and one of the most hopeful. May the blessing of our heavenly Father abide with your corps of Christian workers and give them abundant success in their self-denying labors.”