We deem it of the greatest importance that the girls be taught how to do all kinds of housework and sewing, neatly and thoroughly. So our house and laundry work is nearly all done by the girls, their work being changed every month, as for example: a girl who was last month in the laundry is in the sewing-room this month, the next is sweeping and dusting, the next washing dishes, etc. Our sewing department has only been in existence a part of the year, and we can hardly tell how it will pay financially. The girls have made some bedding and done other sewing that was needed; have made and sold some shirts. If materials are donated for sewing, I know we can accomplish very much. One of the girls said the other day: “Well, I have learned to make button-holes this month, any way.” Another thought she could go to work and make a shirt all alone. They are all willing and anxious to learn, and to work to help pay their board.
A great deal yet remains to be done for the girls of Mississippi. They need our help. We must throw about them such influences as will restrain them from the terrible evils around them, and lift them into a better life.
VIRGINIA.
The Church and School at Franklin—Beginnings and Results.
MISS M. A. ANDRUS, CARRSVILLE, VA.
Ten years ago, the 10th of last month, I was sent by the American Missionary Association to Franklin, Va. The building I occupied they called their church. It was a slab building, without any windows, so that the light had to be admitted by an open door. The school was large, having, I think, some sixty scholars, and was the first school ever taught there for the freedmen. After teaching two sessions, I was providentially called to another place.
In the building spoken of, I also taught my first Sunday-school in the South. Soon a revival of religion followed, and a number were added to the church, many of whom are members still, though some have gone to their reward. One of these converts, after living three years a happy Christian life, said, to those around his dying couch: “As a little child rests in the arms of its mother, so I am resting in the arms of Jesus,” then sweetly fell asleep.
Some three weeks ago, God in his providence brought me again to Franklin. Instead of the old slab building, there was a new church, well lighted, lathed, plastered, comfortably seated (they sat on boards when I went there), and nicely warmed with two large stoves; and a minister, to whom they pay $400 a year.
I had the privilege of being in the Sabbath-school. After the lessons were over, the superintendent said, “The founder and first teacher of the school is with us this morning, and we should all be glad if she would address the school.” I arose and spoke to them some words of encouragement, then took my leave. I there saw some who were once my little ignorant scholars, now teachers in the Sabbath-school. The superintendent himself was under my instruction, and the preacher also. I commenced while there a Woman’s Prayer-meeting, which is still continued, and in which, last winter, began a revival, the largest they have ever had.