Though the colored membership of the Congregational Church is almost negligible as compared with that of the Baptist and Methodist Churches, the American Missionary Association was probably the first to undertake educational work in behalf of the Negroes. In 1861 Rev. L. I. Lockwood, commissioned by the Association, wrote from Fortress Monroe:
“I ask especial interest in your prayers that I may be endowed with wisdom for these peculiar and momentous responsibilities. Parents and children are delighted with the idea of learning to read.”
The history of the American Missionary Association is a story of the patient and persevering efforts of hundreds of faithful men and women who have given themselves and their means for a people struggling upward from slavery.
The administration of the affairs of the association has always been in the care of strong men of broad education. Some of them were statesmen in power and vision. Dr. Beard, the honorary secretary, and secretaries Ryder and Douglass, are worthy successors of these able men.
The most far reaching work of the association was, perhaps, the founding of Fisk University, Atlanta University and Talladega College. The names of these institutions are inseparably connected with the higher education of the Negro. Fisk and Atlanta are now independent institutions; but the spirit of their founders still lives in them and the policies of the American Missionary Association are still maintained.
The names of the American Missionary Association schools and the States in which they are located are given below:
Alabama: Burrel Normal School; Cotton Valley School; Emerson Institute; Lincoln Normal School; Talladega College; Trinity College.
Florida: Fessenden Academy.
Georgia: Albany Normal School; Allen Normal School; Ballard Normal School; Beach Institute; Dorchester Academy; Knox Institute.
Kentucky: Chandler Normal School.