Evidences of Progress Among Colored People

by G. F. Richings

Thyne Institute is located at Chase City, Va., on the Richmond and Danville Railroad. The location is one of the most beautiful in South Side Virginia.

The buildings are four in number, and are fitted up in modern style. Every appliance necessary for successful school-work has been provided.

The aim of the officers of the Institute is to educate the students along lines tending to fit them for life's work in the home, in society, as teachers in the public schools, and as religious instructors. The moral, mental, and industrial are united.

Rev. J. M. Moore, A.M., Ph.D., is Principal, with an able body of teachers. The course taught there is Normal, and they have a fine Industrial Home for girls, where they are taught all kinds of housework. The school is under the control of the United Presbyterian Church.

HENDERSON NORMAL INSTITUTE.

The Henderson Normal Institute, located at Henderson, N. C., is a school established and conducted to afford the colored people an opportunity of obtaining a good education. It is a part of the missionary work of the United Presbyterian Church, which has always taken a deep interest in the welfare of the colored race. Having opposed slavery as a principle, it was natural that as soon as slavery was abolished, this church should show its interest in the future of the freedmen by doing what it could for their moral and intellectual development. The members of the church in the North have given freely of their means to support the work and to afford the colored people an opportunity of rising and enjoying the blessings and advantages which God has opened to all in this free land. The United Presbyterian Church gives each year nearly $50,000 in money, besides many contributions in other forms, to carry on the work it has undertaken for the colored people.

Rev. C. L. McCracken, A.M., is Principal, and is assisted by able teachers.

The course of study embraces the ordinary English branches from the primary to the high school and normal grade.

For four years a sewing department has been maintained in connection with the school. The purpose of this department is to teach all the girls in the school to do plain sewing, and to cut and make their own garments. A competent teacher gives her whole time to this department, and from 120 to 150 girls, in six classes, receive instruction nearly one hour each day. During the year many hundred garments are made, and these are sold to the pupils for less than the cost of the materials.