WHAT OUR GRADUATES DO—AN INTERESTING EXAMPLE.
PRES. OSCAR ATWOOD, NEW ORLEANS.
The case of Rev. James A. Herod, of Abbeville, La., is very interesting. He came from Arkansas to New Orleans to enter Straight University. He had been told that he could obtain an education there at very moderate cost by working for the institution. When he arrived he inquired for "the boss," being ignorant of the proper appellation of the head of the school. He was admitted as a student and remained long enough to complete the normal course and also the English course in theology.
As a student Mr. Herod was not brilliant, but he was faithful. He had excellent common sense and great moral power. His influence over his fellow-students was strong and helpful. He won the admiration and respect of all. We all predicted success for him as he went out from the University to take up his life-work.
Mr. Herod became pastor of the Congregational Church at Abbeville. It was then at a very low ebb. He was also made Principal of the public school of the city. He has labored untiringly and with rare devotion and his success has been very marked.
The writer had the privilege of visiting Mr. Herod in his field. He found him pastor of a flourishing church with a comfortable church edifice and occupying a very nice parsonage. He met the Mayor of the city, the Superintendent of Schools and several of the representative white citizens, with whom he had conversations relating to Mr. Herod's work. These men bore willing testimony to its importance and value. They affirmed that he had built up his church and had done very much to elevate the colored people, that he had won the love and esteem of his race and also the confidence and respect of the best white people. Mr. Herod practises thrift; has a bank account and teaches the people economy and business honor.
The white people treat him with courtesy and show their appreciation of his work in many ways. There is now a very kindly feeling between the two races, largely owing to the efforts of this devoted man. There is very much to encourage in this case. There are other graduates who are doing a similar work.