THE NASHVILLE CONFERENCE.
A Conference of officers and workers of the American Missionary Association was held at Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 26 and 27. There were present ex-Gov. Washburn, of Massachusetts, the recently elected President of the Association; Rev. W. H. Ward, D.D., and C. L. Mead, Esq., of New York, members of the Executive Committee; Sec. Strieby, and Dr. Roy, Field Secretary. The teaching force was represented by Pres. Cravath and Prof. Spence, of Nashville, Tenn.; Pres. Ware and Prof. Farnham, of Atlanta, Ga.; Pres. DeForest and Prof. Andrews, of Talladega, Ala.; Pres. Pope and Prof. Hatch, of Tougaloo, Miss.; Pres. Alexander and Prof. Jewett, of New Orleans, La.; Prof. Wright, of Savannah, Ga.; Prof. Gordon, of Charleston, S.C.; Prof. Steele, of Memphis, Tenn.; Prof. Hodge, of Macon, Ga.; and Rev. O. D. Crawford, of Mobile, Ala. Gen. Armstrong, of Hampton, Va., and Pres. Fairchild, of Berea, Ky., though not directly connected with the Association, were present by invitation and added largely to the interest of the gathering.
The meeting was convened to consider the whole educational work of the Association in the South—with a view to its unity and efficiency. Many of the teachers present had been long in the service and brought to the discussion the benefits of large experience and wide observation in regard to the educational aptitudes and progress of the colored people.
Among the results were
1. That while the mass of this race must be educated for the common walks of life, yet a competent number must be trained as leaders in their progress; and as essential thereto, they need many a Moses and many an Aaron, and these must be of their own race. For these the best facilities ought to be furnished, and such facilities should be near at hand. Statistics were presented showing that at the West as well as at the South the students in the colleges were from the immediate vicinity. Many a young man gets a thorough education when the college is near who never would get it if the college were distant. This is especially true of the colored student, who can find work or teaching and cheap board near home, which he could not find at a distance, to say nothing of the expense of travel. In view of the facts, the Conference recommended to the Association to strengthen the college departments in Atlanta and Fisk, and introduce college studies in Talladega and Straight as fast as the means and the fit student material would justify.
2. It was shown that more and better theological instruction is needed for the Freedmen. No race can rise without an intelligent ministry. The young colored people of the present generation have had some education themselves and demand better educated ministers, and the half million of children now in school will contemn religion or become infidels if left to the teachings of ignorant pulpits. The Association was asked by the Conference to establish, in addition to the Theological Department in Howard University, a Theological Seminary further South, as soon as practicable, and to sustain in efficiency the Theological Departments at Talladega and Straight.
3. The review of the Industrial Departments was interesting and satisfactory. The farm at Tougaloo produces largely the supply for boarding-house table, and furnishes something for export—especially strawberries. At Talladega the land is neither extensive nor very fertile, yet yields fairly. Both farms furnish labor for the boys, and the boarding departments there, as also in Atlanta, Fisk and elsewhere, give employment to the girls. These Industrial Departments do not pay pecuniarily, but they do pay in healthy mental and moral stamina, and in a preparation for practical life. In view, however, of the difficulty in management and marketing, no additional farm industries were recommended.
4. Much time was given and much interest manifested in discussing the grading and unifying of the normal and preparatory schools, and their relations to the higher institutions. Our most effective work is felt to be here, for in these schools we meet the wants of the masses directly, and lay the foundations for what we do in the schools more advanced. The results of the Conference in this regard, will, we are persuaded, secure greater unity and efficiency in object-lesson teaching, normal training and practical business education, as well as in giving more thorough preparation to those who may enter the colleges.
Among the important results of the meeting are the better acquaintance acquired by the teachers of each other and of the work; and by the officers of the Association of the great and diversified interests intrusted to its care.
A significant and encouraging fact in the progress of the meeting was the voluntary and very welcome presence of Dr. J. Berrien Lindsley, Secretary of the State Board of Education, and Mr. Doak, State Superintendent of Education. These gentlemen expressed, in the strongest terms, their high appreciation of the work the A. M. A. is doing in the South, and from their position and opportunities few men have better knowledge on the subject than they.
The day is not far distant when the South and North will see eye to eye, and will work hand to hand in the great endeavor to elevate the colored race, and the A. M. A. may well rejoice in the part she is taking in bringing about this harmony, and in the great achievement to be attained.
We would again remind our readers that our Annual Report is ready for distribution, and we shall be glad to send it to any who wish a copy, and will so signify to us by postal card or letter.
The Work At Home, a monthly record of the Woman’s Home Missionary Association, is gotten up in an attractive manner; price, 25 cents per annum, subscriptions to be sent to Miss Laura W. Bliss, 20 Congregational House, Boston, Mass. We bid the publication God-speed.
We are happy to announce that through the liberality of Mr. Edward Smith, of Enfield, Mass., we have purchased thirteen acres of land in Little Rock, Ark., for a new institution of learning. A charter for a college and plans for the first school building will be secured without unreasonable delay. The character of the school will be similar to that of our other chartered institutions.