OUR CHURCH WORK BROADSIDE.
LINCOLN MISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
REV. S. P. SMITH.
I am glad to say that the religious state of the Lincoln Memorial Church at present is good. It was organized the 10th of last January with eleven members. In April the Lord poured out a special blessing upon us, the result of which was eight converts. The church has doubled its membership since its organization. In this revival there was a little girl converted about nine years old, and an aged mother about seventy-five. We have had only one admitted to the church by letter; ten on confession of faith. There is quite a large temperance work here carried on by Mrs. Babcock. This temperance society is known as the Lincoln Mission Band of Hope.
Our Sunday-school is very large in the winter, but it thins out in the summer. The largest attendance during any time through the winter was 530.
The Lincoln Mission building in which our church worships has been greatly improved. The large hall has been re-plastered and painted inside and out.
We have sent two from the Lincoln Mission to Howard University. This church also sent $4.06 to the American Missionary Association.
HAMPTON, VA.
REV. H. B. FRISSELL.
There have been admitted to church membership in Bethesda Chapel during the year 31 persons—28 on profession of their faith and three by letter. Of these, 15 were Indians, one white, and the remainder colored students. With the growth of the school the congregation at the chapel has so increased as to make it necessary to add another wing to the building. Two prayer meetings have been kept up by the colored students, one on the Sabbath and one on a week day evening, the attendance and interest being well sustained. The Indians have their own prayer meetings, where they take part in their own tongue. They manifest a most earnest desire to know the Bible, and spend much time in reading and studying it.
Most of the students of the school have been enrolled as members of the temperance society during the past year. Considerable work has been done in the country about. One of the students organized a temperance society in the village of Hampton, and several interesting meetings have been held. The subject of local option is likely to come up in the fall, and the society hopes to make itself felt on the right side.
There has been an average attendance of 300 in Sunday-school. Forty students have been engaged in the Sunday-schools in the vicinity, three as superintendents and the remainder as teachers. One of the schools where the students have become interested has increased in numbers from 40 to over 200.
Thirty Bible students go out from the school on Sunday afternoons to read to the old people. They are everywhere received with a hearty welcome by those who have been deprived of the privileges which their children enjoy.
The Missionary Society of the school has raised $229. As the last winter was of unusual severity, the most of this amount was spent in the relief of the misery at our very doors. During the winter the students went out every week to mend the huts of the poor, to carry them bedding, clothes and food.
A Christian association has been formed in the school, so that those who come here from denominations that do not allow their joining our church may feel that they have duties here as Christian workers. So far as possible, the thought of their individual responsibility for the souls of those around them is impressed upon them.
WILMINGTON, N.C.
REV. D. D. DODGE.
We record a steady interest and growth in grace; one added by profession, one by letter, one adult and six children baptized; Sunday-school in good condition; large classes and good attention. The improvement of property has been great, as already described in the Missionary.
One of the most encouraging facts is this, which has come to our knowledge in several different ways, that when any one wishes to get a trustworthy servant, the fact of membership in our church is considered a most excellent recommendation. Experience has taught employers its value.
BEAUFORT, N.C.
REV. MICHAEL JERKINS.
Our church is steadily increasing in numbers, and we are more encouraged than ever. Four were added to our number last month. The cause of temperance is prospering. We have a prohibitory law, and no licenses are granted in the county and parish. The Sunday-school work is hopeful, the number in attendance averaging about 120.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH., CHARLESTON, S.C.
REV. TEMPLE CUTLER.
The most encouraging feature of our work is the Sunday-school. We have 120 in attendance, with an average of 82. Some difficulty is found in procuring teachers. We manage, however, to keep up a good degree of interest among the children. We have a Band of Hope that numbers 120, mostly children, growing up to take part in the future conflict over alcohol in this state.
During the winter we had a series of meetings that seemed to quicken some of the old backsliders, who, we trust, will prove of great help to the church, and a few conversions which resulted in the bracing up of our spiritual energies considerably.
The people have raised about $500 for various purposes, about $200 of which went to repair the church, $100 to pay the debt, and the rest for current expenses.
ORANGEBURG, S.C.
REV. T. T. BENSON.
We have been highly blessed by the Lord this year in our church work, both temporal and spiritual. In April we enjoyed a revival season, during which seven persons were converted to Christ, five of whom have united with our church. Our Sabbath-school numbers 45, and is doing well. New hymn books have been purchased, the church has been repaired, painted and plastered, and a chandelier secured. Three members of our church are absent teaching. One young man is engaged in missionary work.
FIRST CONG. CHURCH, ATLANTA, GA.
REV. C. W. HAWLEY.
Last February and March were months of revival and ingathering. The work commenced in the Storrs School, and the teachers there and in the Sunday-school had precious answers to prayer and precious rewards of labor. Never was it more plain that church and school are strongly wedded and mutually helpful. Almost daily meetings were held for several weeks, all quiet, orderly, solemn; short sermons, many prayers and much individual testimony for the Lord. Rev. Henry E. Brown and wife and Brother J. E. Lathrop, of Macon, rendered good help to the pastor.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ATLANTA, GA.
March 13th was a memorable Sabbath, 28 uniting by profession and two by letter. In April, seven joined by profession, and in May, four more by profession and three by letter, making an addition of 44 in the three months.
A new temperance society has been organized; new members, almost without exception, take total abstinence pledge, and but few old members are known to have the drinking habit.
The Sunday-school is prospering; over 50 in the infant class; sometimes over 300 are present in all.
With the aid of the American Missionary Association and Northern friends we have a fine new bell. Church property is valuable and in good order. We have paid up our church debt, and have now a fine church costing $5,000, with a seating capacity for 500, and a basement under the whole for Sunday-school rooms. During the year ending January 1, 1881, the church raised for debt and current expenses about $800.
Many of our young people are in Storrs School or Atlanta University. One has just graduated from the theological department in Howard University; six or more, now or formerly members of our church, are at work in the Gospel ministry, and two score or more are, or have been, engaged in teaching among their people.
ATLANTA UNIVERSITY CHURCH.
REV. C. W. FRANCIS.
The church of Christ in Atlanta University is made up entirely of teachers and pupils in that school, and so has a somewhat different sphere from many of our sister churches. It now numbers 88 members, having received larger accessions during the past year than in any other year of its history, 22 having joined, all save two upon profession of faith.
A very gracious revival prevailed for the last five months of the school year, during which time more than 50 persons were converted, several more of whom will unite with this church after longer experience, and the rest with churches at their homes. It was a delightful and precious work, affecting nearly every member of the school, quickening the religious life of former members, and gathering in a harvest week by week up to the close of the year.
The temperance work is made a special care, as the need for it is so great, and all who go away to teach during their summer vacation, as all do save six or eight of the younger members, have furnished them a package of selected temperance literature, and are instructed in methods for its use, after careful instruction upon the general subject, so that all are engaged in mission work of that character in the schools which they teach and the families which they visit.
About $75 was raised during the year at the monthly missionary meetings, which was given to promote the temperance work.
About 75 members of the church are now engaged in teaching their summer schools, most of them taking the lead in Sunday-schools, and so exercising a genuine missionary influence over a great number of people.
SAVANNAH, GA.
REV. B. D. CONKLING.
There has been a good deal of sickness among our people and the missionaries. We have had additions to the church at each communion. The Sunday-school work is prospering finely, the pennies outnumbering the attendance every Sunday but two from January 1st to June 1st. The average attendance at the Sunday-school for January was 112, which gradually increased until, in May, the average was 162⅘. The average collections of the Sunday-school for May were $2.12⅘ for each Sunday.
From January 1st to May 31st the congregation raised for church and missionary purposes $83.71; and the Sunday-school, during the same time, $36.73. This does not include some $25 raised to provide an excursion for the Sunday-school and its friends. Several members during the year, who are either ministers or ministers’ wives, took letters of dismission; others still are in some of the institutions of the American Missionary Association for higher learning. More or less missionary work is being done constantly by resident members of this church.
While it is not a large church, it has had, and does have, a large influence for good throughout the whole city; especially has it been the means of revolutionizing in the way of improvement the Sunday-school work here and here-abouts.
WOODVILLE, GA.
REV. J. H. H. SENGSTACKE.
This church was organized in the year 1871. In the year 1875 Mr. J. H. H. Sengstacke, teacher of the public school at Woodville, was elected pastor. At that time the membership consisted of 12 persons. They worshiped in an old building about one-third of a mile from the present edifice. The church was at first known as the Woodville Congregational church; but at the beginning of Mr. Sengstacke’s ministry the name was changed to Pilgrim church. The American Missionary Association built a new house of worship, and Mr. S. was set apart for the Gospel ministry. The church has been growing rapidly ever since, the congregation at present averaging 200. The Sabbath-school is flourishing. In the year 1877, Sengstacke Band of Hope was organized. Rev. J. M. Smith’s people, of Grand Rapids, Mich., have done much towards building up this work. In 1877 the church purchased a bell and an organ.
In 1878 the American Missionary Association built a neat little parsonage.
In 1879 the church was ceiled and painted inside.
In 1880 the people, with aid from the American Missionary Association, raised the meeting house on a brick basement, also the church was repainted and new seats were added.
In 1881 a new fence was put around the lot, and the meeting house was improved on the outside, trees were set out, and a lot was purchased at the Five Mile for mission work. Pilgrim church has had revivals every year.
MARIETTA, GA.
REV. EDGAR J. PENNEY.
On my arrival a year ago, only seven persons (four men and three women) responded as members of the church. Since my ordination last December, 13 have been admitted, six by letter and seven by profession. This encourages us in great measure to labor on. The Sunday-school has shown a steady increase for some months and is making real progress. We are better able than ever to hold those who came at first out of mere curiosity. The following quotation respecting temperance forms a part of the constitution of the church: “Any member convicted of using intoxicating liquor other than as a medicine shall be liable to discipline.” Three of our members spent the past six months in Atlanta University.
CYPRESS SLASH, LIBERTY CO., GA.
REV. ANDREW J. HEADEN.
We have a church of 60 members, and our work is growing in favor both with white and colored; five have recently been added by profession. Our Sunday-school is increasing in numbers and interest. One young man has gone to the Hampton Institute to fit himself for a teacher. Our church property has been improved, and a parsonage erected at a cost of about $230, in connection with which there are ten acres of land. The field here is a promising one, and considering that the church has been organized only two years and a half, the progress of the work seems to us very encouraging.
BELMONT AND LOUISVILLE, GA.
REV. WILSON CALLEN.
The work of ingathering in these churches has been slow and steady. Some who had been negligent have returned and manifested an interest in the church. At Belmont 11 new members have been added during the past four years.
There is a good attendance at Louisville, although but two have united with the church during my ministry. There is great need of temperance work among the people. The Sabbath-schools are in tolerable good condition. We have very little church property, and we are not able to keep what we have in good repair.
TALLADEGA COLLEGE CHURCH, ALA.
PRES. H. S. DE FOREST, D.D.
Preaching, Sunday-school, church and neighborhood prayer meetings, with class of Bible readers, monthly concert, and meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Society, have been kept up in usual order and with a good degree of interest during the year. For three weeks, meetings were held each evening. Several, chiefly students boarding in the college family, found Christ, and the church was revived.
The preaching was first and mainly to Christians rather than to the impenitent. Besides the mission churches which have grown out of the College church, the students and teachers have sustained five Sunday-schools in needy districts. The College church has rare facilities for distributing illustrated Sunday-school and temperance papers. The parish missionary has faithfully pursued her work, discovering and relieving much of want, and speaking to the neglected.
A temperance society has been organized, embracing in its membership those not connected with the College church, with a pledge of abstinence from the use of tobacco in all its forms, as well as from the use and sale of intoxicating liquors.
MOBILE, ALA.
REV. O. D. CRAWFORD.
A revival followed the State Conference in March; 15 persons between the ages of 13 and 18 manifested a deep interest, and received so much light on the supreme question, as carried them beyond the reach of the ordinary instruction of the colored churches and revival seasons. The church was much blessed.
We received to fellowship one young man, a pupil in the Institute, of rare promise. Several temperance sermons were preached, and 30 names secured to the pledge.
The church building was moved through the street to its more eligible location on the Institute grounds, and improved by a large front door and steps and cornice.
Out of their deep poverty the people raised about one dollar at each monthly concert of prayer for missions. Two lady members are engaged in teaching in public schools acceptably.
MARION, ALA.
REV. A. W. CURTIS.
Marion is an old town, quite an educational centre, but in all other respects left high and dry on a side switch. Hence our church and work is a good deal like that of New England—a good place to emigrate from. There is not business enough to give work at home, and the young people have to go away; we are trying to make it a good home and training-school, and look for the results elsewhere. This summer nearly all our men are abroad for work—many at Tougaloo, working on the new building—some renting land in the district around. Most of the young women as they marry find homes abroad for the same reason.
The children and young people who were converted last spring hold out well, and form the principal part of our number at prayer meeting. We see occasionally also those who united with other churches. Ten united on confession at our first communion, four at the second. So far as I can learn, all our church are strictly temperance folks. Our Sunday-school is small. We have had three Sunday-schools kept up in the country by members of our church who had day schools in those districts.
Most of our members have homes which they are making more valuable by improvement, while property in town has greatly depreciated. Our church have undertaken to raise $100 and to build a school-house this summer. It may be a question whether they will succeed in the latter as soon as they have planned.
Ten of the young people of our church have been at Talladega during the past year, two at Fisk, and one in Tougaloo. Four of our members have been teaching school with good success and one is preaching.
A young man who graduated with honor at the Normal here last week was converted with us. He wishes to go to Africa, but will probably go under Methodist auspices, according to his friends’ wish. I have found a large field and a very needy one.
MONTGOMERY, ALA.
REV. O. W. FAY.
With our church, the past year has been one of more than ordinary encouragement and blessing. Spiritual growth is manifest. Special meetings were held during the week of prayer and three weeks following; result, several hopeful conversions; 12 have united with the church, six by letter and six by profession. A healthful sentiment in favor of temperance prevails throughout the church and congregation, cherished by special services and efforts through the year. Not one person to my knowledge is addicted to the use of drink. Sunday-school is vigorous with enthusiasm, numbering 175 pupils. Decided improvement both in attendance and contributions have been made during the year. Though this has been financially a hard year for our people, nevertheless in loyalty to church obligation they have done better than ever before in their history. Nine of our members have been in attendance at Talladega College and Fisk University during the year; three of these are studying for the ministry. As a whole, the church work at this point has a bright side, and we feel like thanking God and taking courage.
SELMA, ALA.
REV. C. B. CURTIS.
Our church observed the week of prayer with a good degree of interest, which was followed by a series of meetings continuing through the month of January. Five were added to the church by profession and four by letter. An effort was made in behalf of temperance by all the churches, in the beginning of the year, to send a petition to the Legislature for the suppression of intemperance, but failed as to results. Christmas, a temperance Sunday-school concert was held. The Sunday-school has been steadily increasing, as shown by the following figures, which give the average attendance for six months: January 82, February 77¾, March 83¼, April 84¾, May 112, June 101¾.
A mission school at the house of the pastor has been in operation for the year, with an average attendance of 18 weekly.
An effort has been made to raise a special donation for the A. M. A., that the Association may receive the $50 pledged as a duplicate from a friend in Massachusetts. The “Mission Workers” of the church and Sunday-school have made by sales, and given for various purposes, $30.45. Six of our pupils are at school at Talladega, two at Tougaloo. Ten members are engaged in teaching or missionary work.
Interest in the cause of missions has been furthered by a “missionary tea party,” held at the home of the pastor. Items of intelligence from the broad field interested all.
SHELBY IRON WORKS, ALA.
REV. J. R. SIMS.
I can only give you a brief report of my work, as I have been here but a short time.
We have not had any revival, only in the church there seems to be a renewed spirit among her members.
We deem the Sunday-school work of vital importance, and endeavor to increase its interest from time to time; average attendance, 90; teachers five. Our building is now being newly painted, and we hope to finish plastering by the 1st of October. Five pupils from the church have been sent to some institution of learning. Number engaged in missionary work, five.
The work, as a whole, seems to be hopeful. We ask your prayers that we may be strengthened.
CHILDERSBURG, ALA.
REV. ALFRED JONES.
Revival work has been very encouraging. Most of the youth have been led to embrace religion in consequence of our meetings. Thirty have joined our church, 22 of whom came through since I have been here. Our church is a temperance church; everybody looks upon us as a temperance people. We have the best Sabbath-school in Childersburg. We have plastered our meeting house and added a church farm worth $250, and a bell worth $45. Four of our church members are studying at different institutions.
FLORENCE, ALA.
REV. WM. H. ASH.
We have built a beautiful parsonage this year which is said to be the prettiest house in town. Our field of labor is one where the minister plans his work, and then pulls off his coat and sees that it is done. Since I took charge here, two years ago, a suitable house of worship has been erected. Meanwhile, I have acted as pastor and taught a school. Six were added to the church by profession, and a temperance society has been organized. It is the only temperance society in connection with any of the colored churches in town. When I came here I found an old house, that had been used for a bar-room and gambling shop, fitted up for a house of worship. This has been abandoned, the lot upon which it stood well fenced, and a meeting house built.
We sent one pupil to Fisk University last year, and raised $160 for building and repairs.
TOUGALOO, MISS.
REV. G. S. POPE.
There has been no special revival this year. Steady progress, however, has been made, resulting in frequent conversions. Eleven have been added to the church on profession of faith, and four by letter.
It is a rare thing for any of our students to hold themselves outside of the temperance work. They not only become temperance men and women here, but temperance workers when they leave. From 1,000 to 1,500 signers of the pledge are secured by them each summer vacation. They sometimes commence Sunday-school work previous to the opening of their day schools, and during vacation it is estimated that they instruct about 4,000 Sunday-school scholars. Fifty-eight of our church members have been engaged in teaching during the year.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES OF LOUISIANA—GENERAL SURVEY.
REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, D.D.
Of the 18 churches in the South-western Association, the first organization bears date June 14th, 1868; so that if we are not the infant association, we are certainly among the youngest members of the Congregational household.
There have been seven annual meetings of our Association, two occurring in 1870 and 1871, and then regularly from 1876 to 1881 inclusive. There has been growth in several directions.
1st, morally. The standard in moral instruction and practice is higher, by a marked difference, than at the beginning of our church life. The church is not a harbor for unholy and impure persons, where the outward profession atones for the faults of the private life; but the scene of watchfulness and charitable judgment, where the weak are helped, the penitent encouraged, and the persistent wrong-doer is discountenanced and disfellowshiped.
2d. In intelligence. The ministers and church members have a clearer understanding of the proprieties of church order and discipline.
The public services of the Lord’s day have grown quiet and devotional, a deeper tone of reverence pervades the preaching, and mere emotion has been succeeded by intelligent conviction and a reasonable faith.
3d. There is a more direct aim for the best spiritual results. The conversion of the heart and the saving of the lost is more and more the end and the aim of preaching. Between this and the crude emotional spasmodic methods of the past, there is an almost inconceivable difference.
Central Church, New Orleans (Rev. W. S. Alexander, D.D., Pastor).—This church was in 1870 the University church, and has always been intimately associated with Straight University. The president of the University has been the acting pastor since January 1st, 1876. Most of the teachers in the University are earnest workers in the Sabbath-school.
From a membership of 35 in 1876, almost all of whom were old people, the membership has been increased to 210. Hardly a year has passed without witnessing in this church scenes of revival interest. Every winter has had its harvest months.
During the past winter, a revival of great power occurred in the church, resulting in 50 conversions. Mr. James Wharton, of Barrow-in-Furness, England, was an honored agent of the Lord in this blessed work.
The annual expenses of the church, averaging $650, are always paid promptly, and this year, in addition, the church has remitted $100 to the treasury of the American Missionary Association.
Spain St. Church, New Orleans (Rev. Henry A. Ruffin, Pastor).—Mr. Ruffin was a student in the theological department of Straight University for four or five years, and was in charge of the church at the same time, as he is to-day.
The church has been disturbed during the year by a few bad men, ambitious to rule, and so obstructing the progress of the Lord’s work and restricting the influence and usefulness of the pastor; but by patience and wise counsels the difficulty seems to be tided over, and the church started on a new career of prosperity.
Morris Brown Chapel, New Orleans (Rev. Isaac H. Hall, Pastor).—Mr. Hall was a delegate of the S.W. Association to the National Council at St. Louis. He was a student for several years at Straight University. The church has had a constant though not rapid growth. Its membership of 110 represents a good deal of hard work in prayer. A few converts are gathered in every year. The church has a small debt of about $250, which it is struggling bravely to discharge. Whenever a dollar can be transferred from the fund for ordinary expenses to sinking fund it is done, and the church will celebrate its jubilee when the last dollar of indebtedness is paid.
Algiers and Gretna.—There are two churches across the river from New Orleans, one in Algiers and the other in Gretna. Rev. James Craig is pastor at Algiers, and Rev. Putney W. Ward at Gretna. With better schools in these two places, there would be better churches. The mass of the people need enlightening, and until it is done the church will dash against the breakers. Ignorance is never in accord with quiet, progressive and spiritual church life. These churches have now reached a crisis in their history which means either fatal disaster or a new and better lease of life. May God guide and bring order out of confusion. In the parish of St. Mary we have an interesting and hopeful group of churches.
Terrebonne (Rev. Daniel Clay, Pastor).—The house of worship is new, tasteful and admirably fitted for its purposes. Neatly painted, with good bell, the church-yard surrounded by a whitewashed fence, and in the rear the pretty cottages of the pastor and his son, nothing more could be desired. It is really beautiful. And how happy Bro. Clay is—how proud of his church and immense congregation! He feels that God has been good to him, and after many fierce storms, has conducted him to a peaceful and happy old age.
This church was built and paid for by the voluntary offerings of the people. I think they have never solicited a dollar of outside aid. They have built just as fast as they could pay for the work. No shadow of debt has ever dimmed their joy.
The Association met with this church in April. Great congregations flocked to the meetings, and immediately upon the adjournment of the Association, a revival of peculiar grace and tenderness was enjoyed, and some precious souls “given their liberty.”
Terrebonne Station (Rev. Benjamin Field, licensed Preacher, acting Pastor). Lafourche Crossing (Rec. Wm. Reid, Pastor).—These two churches are under the general supervision of Bro. Clay, and look to him for counsel as to a father. There is a peculiar bond binding these little churches of like faith together. When the Lord’s work is revived in one, the others hasten to share in the blessing, and when trouble is developed in one, the others are quick to sympathize and help. The Lafourche church are proposing to buy a new lot and build a pretty chapel. They have very great faith in their prospective growth.
New Iberia.—St. Paul’s church is one of the strongest and most stable in the Association. The September gale leveled their old building. It was a blessing in disguise, for a new and substantial church has risen in its place. How much the stimulus of necessity will accomplish!
Rev. W. R. Polk, a protege of Dr. Cuyler, is the pastor. The services are orderly and intelligent. Situated in the midst of one of the most fruitful sections of the state, and almost every colored man owning his homestead, and some of them in the realization of the freedman’s ambition, “forty acres and a mule,” there is a look of prosperity about church and people that is refreshing. They are now self-supporting. They are also rejoicing over several additions to the church on profession of faith.
We must now group together a few churches, small as yet, but giving promise of great usefulness. They are situated in important centres with respect to colored population, and the absence of churches except at great distances.
Lockport and Harangville—Under the missionary supervision of Brother Ward, of Gretna. He pays them a monthly or semi-monthly visit, and they do the best they can in the interval. When they get stronger they will require and can pay for the regular services of a resident minister.
Peteance and Little Pecan—Under the pastoral care of Rev. Wm. Butler. Mr. Butler teaches a day school at Peteance, five miles from New Iberia. Both these churches have houses of worship, and are full of faith in the increase of future years. God grant their faith may be rewarded.
Churches at Bayou Du Large (Rev. Humphrey Williams, Pastor), and at Grand Bayou (S. Williams, Pastor), are new churches, organized within the year, attracted by the simplicity, liberty and spirituality of the Congregational mode of government. They have cordially united hands with us.
Abberville—Needs a house of worship, and until it is built we cannot begin to write its history. A church without a shelter is a church in the wilderness indeed; and in this part of the world is no church, but a scattered flock seeking a fold.
Lake Peigneur (Rev. C. E. Smith, Pastor).—This church enjoys stated preaching. When the pastor is absent, some layman who has the “gift” of exhorting calls the people together. The homes of the people are often far apart. It is a rich prairie section, and all or nearly all come on horse-back. There is very little abject poverty. The labor of the men and women is sought, and commands a living price. The land itself can be purchased from $10 to $15 per acre, and so our friends are driving down the stakes into their own soil. Once the negro had a right only in “God’s acre,” and not that till he was dead. Now he holds the title-deed to his own property, sealed with the great seal of Louisiana. God be praised! How restful to the tired laborer is a bed in his own cottage! How much better Christian he can be, with his own home, with all the amenities and domestic comforts of the family circle, and with the inducements thus supplied to be good and to do good!
UNION CHURCH, NASHVILLE, TENN.
REV. H. S. BENNETT.
This is a University church, and the work done by it is so intimately connected with that done by the University that they cannot be separated. Its membership is now 171 and is composed largely of students. During vacation its meetings stop. It was organized in 1868, and since that time no year has passed in the history of the University without from 12 to 70 conversions. During the past school year two powerful seasons of refreshing resulted in the conversion of 68 students. The additions to the church have been mostly on profession of faith, and have averaged more than 20 annually. In connection with the institution, of which the church is a part, are a Sunday-school, a college, Y.M.C.A., and a missionary society for the evangelization of Africa. Many class prayer meetings are also held.
From the University between 100 and 150 students, most of whom are members of the church, go out to teach school during vacation. These teachers organize Sunday-schools and temperance societies. Five of the students have already gone as missionaries to Africa; others are preparing to go, having consecrated themselves to the work of African missions. Many of the students, members of the church, are now engaged in the work of preaching the Gospel in the churches of the South; others are preparing to preach. The work was never so promising as now.
MEMPHIS, TENN.
REV. B. A. IMES.
I can only speak of special interest awakened last fall and early winter, carried on mainly among the young people of the American Missionary Association school (Le Moyne Normal). Many of these pupils were also our Sunday-school scholars. Of perhaps 40 converted, six united with our church. Since November 1, 1880, seven have united with this church on profession and nine by letter.
The Sunday-school is well attended, averaging from 100 to 140 during the latter part of winter and spring, and now in vacation about 75; general interest good.
Since January 1st, money raised for missionary purposes $20.
About 12 pupils of Le Moyne School are from our church, some of them members, others from families in part or entirely connected with it. One young man is teaching during the summer; will be in school next year.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.
REV. JOS. E. SMITH.
The year has not passed without giving us tokens of God’s special favor. The hopeful conversion of four persons, who are standing firm in the faith and doing good service in the church, and the renewed quickening of the whole church, are some of the happy results of the Holy Spirit’s special presence. The Sunday-school is full of interest; average attendance about 90 scholars, with eight earnest teachers who were once our scholars. The Sunday-school has a library of about 70 volumes of good books, which are quite generally read by the school.
Twenty-one persons have left us at different times to engage in study either in Atlanta or Fisk University, nine of whom are teaching and doing good work otherwise, while one is over in the southern part of France preaching the Gospel. The church has paid $26.10 toward missionary purposes.
BEREA, KY.
REV. JOHN G. FEE.
The church here is the one church of the place, undenominational, unsectarian. All who here profess faith in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour from sin, and are baptized in His name as His true followers, are recognized as in the body, and their fellowship is cherished whilst they maintain Christian character.
The present membership is 171; number added during the past year, 13; average attendance at the Sabbath-school, 192. Four other Sabbath-schools are under the supervision of members of the church; in these there is a total average attendance of 208.
During the past year we erected here a neat plain building as a church house and college chapel. It will seat some 500 people.
We have here, conducted and managed chiefly by members of the church, the most vigorous temperance association in the state, including over 1,600 pledges. Our relations to the churches and people around us are eminently friendly and pleasant. There is to us an open door that no man can shut. To God be the glory.
The church at Union Chapel, Jackson County, has just entered into a new church house; has the aid of two resident elders, and a monthly visit from Bro. Bunting, associate pastor at Berea. The churches in Bracken and Lewis Counties are without a pastor; they sustain a regular prayer meeting and Sunday-school.
The church at Camp Nelson, Jessamine County, is without a regular pastor. The members keep up frequent meetings and a promising Sunday-school. We expect the presence and aid of Rev. J. T. Browne as a pastor to some of these churches. Many useful fields could be occupied if we had support for pastors.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK.
REV. B. F. FOSTER.
Our work here, as you know, is in its very infancy; organized 27th of February, 1881, with 40 communicants. Since then we have received by recommendation or letter 32 more. Our Sunday-school is in excellent condition, averages 80 scholars, besides teachers, &c. Our greatest need is competent Christian teachers. We have purchased a lot in a very desirable part of the city (corner lot) at $400. Have paid $140 toward it. Have laid the foundation on it for a church. We are now negotiating for lumber, &c., with which to erect the superstructure. Hope to go into it November 1st, and also to lay the corner-stone very soon. Have raised since organized $468 for church purposes. Hope to send one pupil to Fisk next fall. Probably we may send two. Mrs. Foster (the pastor’s wife) expects to begin missionary work here next fall. We pride ourselves on being among a benevolent, generous class of Christians. All are hopeful of success. Some certainly will be Congregationalists. Will some Christian philanthropist help us?
GOLIAD, TEXAS.
REV. B. C. CHURCH.
After years of toil and waiting we are made to rejoice in a revival of religion; not the old, with its fanaticism and immoralities. It is no easy task to educate an unlettered people to reject the past and adopt a new and higher form of Christian life; to change a prayerless and violent home into one of song and praise. This is our work.
After a meeting of fifteen days we received five persons into the church on profession of faith, all from the Sunday-school, two of whom are teachers. After a few days’ rest we opened a meeting with the church in Helena, that continued eleven days. As a result we received seven members. These, too, were connected with the Sunday-school. In both meetings the interest continued till the close.
Rev. M. Thompson, my associate in work with these two churches, is a brother greatly beloved by all who know him. If he had a few more books, and our churches had one communion service between them, many hearts would rejoice and many thanks would be given to the donors.
PARIS, TEXAS.
REV. J. W. ROBERTS.
We have had no special revival since last summer. Four, however, have been added to the church during the year, two by letter and two by profession. Without any formal organization, I am happy to say that my people are abstainers from intoxicating liquors. There is a temperance society in the city, but I do not espouse its cause, because it is a secret society. Our Sabbath-school is crowded every Lord’s day. We are endeavoring to introduce the catechism, and thus far have been quite successful. Our great need is a house of worship. We can scarcely hold services in the old barn we now occupy on account of leakage when it rains and snows. We have recently purchased a very desirable church lot not far from the centre of the city, on which we expect to erect a new church.
Two of my male members are carrying on missionary work in the country with encouraging success. We sustain a neighborhood prayer meeting, which is doing much good. A bright future is before us.
FLATONIA, TEXAS.
REV. T. E. HILLSON.
I have only been in charge of this mission one year. On my arrival I found everything to discourage me. Both white and black people were prejudiced against the work of the Association, but the future, perhaps, will tell better. I have the pleasure of preaching to a congregation most of the time which cannot be comfortably seated in the church building. We have a membership of twenty, which is quite small, but the material for a Congregational church has not matured in Texas yet. When young men and women possessing the power of the Holy Spirit shall have taught among these people, then Congregational churches will commence to spring up over Texas. Over 45 of our young men and women have joined the temperance union. I have also a benevolent literary society organized, which is making good progress.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS.
REV. J. W. STRONG.
Our church has been revived and all its services are well attended. The whole church is a temperance society. We are becoming more and more in favor with other churches both white and colored. The hope of our church is in the boys and girls at school. Already two ministers have gone forth from us, one of whom is doing good work for four Baptist churches which he has in charge. The other one also is a great power for good. Our church has been more anxious for the souls of men than for their names upon its list. The attendance at the Sabbath-school is good, made up in part of a large Bible class of elderly people.