Four new members have been received on profession; two heads of families and two young people. One has been received by letter. One of those uniting on profession—a man—had long been the subject of prayer by a wife, mother, sister, son and other friends, but at last the stubborn heart has yielded, and he is free.
The “Ministerial Association,” formed last year, and consisting of the ministers from the various colored churches, has been holding its meetings this year. The association meets at the study or residence of each pastor, in turn. The time of the meeting is occupied in discussing doctrines, presenting plans of sermons, and deciding upon practical subjects to present to their various congregations.
The Sabbath-school still continues in interest, and is growing in strength. I well remember that, a few years ago, when the Northern teachers who were laboring in the Sabbath-school went home for their vacation, we with difficulty secured a few to take their places; but now, superintendent, organist and teachers could be secured from resident members of the school.
The church is now in charge of Brother A. J. Headen, a student from the Theological Department of Talladega College.
I will add that the interest in Burrell School is not diminishing. The school was never so far advanced in studies before, and for the coming year the prospect is good for having quite a number of advanced pupils. We seem to be keeping a hold upon our older pupils. I have a class of them in one study this summer. Some are becoming very proficient in vocal music, singing by note.
Anniversary of Trinity School—A Grateful People.
REV. HORACE J. TAYLOR, ATHENS.
The thirteenth anniversary of the commencement of Trinity School occurred on the 28th of last May. On the Sabbath previous the anniversary sermon was preached by the pastor. The scholars had prepared themselves for the exercises of Tuesday evening. At the appointed hour the church was full of a bright-faced throng of old and young. A class of little girls, dressed in white, stood on each side of the broad central aisle; and as Miss Wells (who begun the school May 28th, 1865) advanced, they spread flowers in her way. She was conducted to her seat, which was covered with flowers. The exercises consisted of speeches, compositions, and music. One old man—Uncle Dennis Collier—said he was very grateful to Miss Wells for what she had done for him. He was blind, and couldn’t learn to read, but his “wife was the grandmother of sixty-six children,” and he doubtless felt that he had through them received a full share of the benefits of the school. She had done him favors, he said, “and if you want to know what kind of favors, here’s one of ’em,” as he vigorously shook his coat. Then the offerings of flowers were brought forward, and it seemed as if Miss Wells would be buried in the mass of roses, lilies, magnolias, etc.
These anniversaries do the people good, and enable them to look back and compare their condition in May, 1865, with their present condition, and to learn more forcibly what it is that is lifting them up.