GEORGIA.
Anniversary of Midway Church.
REV. FLOYD SNELSON, M’INTOSH, LIBERTY CO.
Last Sabbath was a day of great interest to us as a church. It was our regular communion season, and in addition to that, we observed our anniversary for the first time, though it is six years since we organized. The other branch of the old Midway church that formed itself into a Presbyterian body, came over with its pastor, Rev. J. T. H. Waite, to share the enjoyment of the occasion with us. We find, in reviewing our history, that, including those who formed the original church, 337 persons have connected themselves with it; ten have been dismissed, fifteen have been excommunicated, and twenty-eight have gone to their eternal home; leaving 284 to continue the Christian warfare. It is true that a great many of our members occupy the two extremes in life, and are very old or very young, and consequently bring no pecuniary strength to the church. Still there is a benefit derived from both which is of infinitely greater value than mere money, though we poor mortals are in many instances unable to see it. Especially is this the case when our eyes are both bent on self. However, the young will certainly prove, in due time, a help to the church also in the way of material support. Our church edifice is still unfinished, and as there are no means of heating it it is an uncomfortable place for service during the winter. Notwithstanding the failure of crops from the drought this year, my people have resolved to do everything they can toward completing it. Will some friend come to our aid? “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.”
Atlanta University—An Encouraging Precedent.
The Atlanta University, at Atlanta, Ga., was one of the earliest educational institutions in this country to adopt as a text-book Dr. Richardson’s “Temperance Lesson Book,” published by the National Temperance Society. Among the recent commencement exercises of the University was a thorough examination in this admirable text-book concerning alcohol. A New England correspondent, who was present and listened to the examination, was much gratified with it. In thus leading the way in giving to its students thorough scientific instruction concerning alcohol, the Atlanta University merits the warmest commendation from all friends of temperance. It furnishes a most valuable precedent which we hope may ere long be followed by all our colleges and universities, as well as academies and public schools.
Our correspondent writes:
“I spent most of the time in the temperance examination. They use Dr. Richardson’s text-book, and the students showed that they had been thoroughly drilled in it. Isn’t it a very admirable thing for this book to be used in that place? There are nearly three hundred students, and they all study it at some time; and with scarcely an exception these students go out into the by-ways and hedges of this and other States to teach the colored children. They teach through the vacations to earn money for the next term. Think what a leaven this is to work among the poor, ignorant creatures. They estimate that the University students reach ten thousand children during the year. I attended the graduating exercises and thoroughly enjoyed them. The essays and orations were excellent. The speaking was really eloquent. One blind-folded would never have guessed that he was listening to black students, all of whose parents were slaves only seventeen years ago. Mayor Calhoun and one of the ex-Governors were present.”
The National Temperance Society has just received the sum of seventy dollars from this Institution, money collected by its students for temperance work, and we have forwarded a large case of books, tracts and pamphlets for distribution throughout the South during the summer vacation.—From National Temperance Advocate.