Heretofore the churches of this State have been unassociated. Feeling the need of such fellowship, they have now secured it. In the North Carolina Conference, which was organized at Raleigh on May 2d, holding over a Sabbath, the five churches at Wilmington, Dudley, Beaufort, Raleigh and McLeansville, with their ministers, were thus united. The pastor of the church, Rev. G. S. Smith, a graduate of Atlanta, was made the moderator of the Conference, and Rev. David Peebles secretary. It was a rich and glowing meeting. The several parts and methods of a regular Conference came together as naturally as though this were an experienced ecclesiastical body. The entertaining church was greatly comforted, and some special services were to follow, Rev. David Peebles remaining to assist. The next meeting is to be at Dudley, beginning on the first Friday of May, 1880.
By letters missive from the church at Beaufort, an Ecclesiastical Council was convened at Raleigh, during the session of the Conference, to examine and ordain Mr. Michael Jerkins. The Council being well satisfied with the examination, proceeded on Sabbath evening to the appropriate public services. Sermon and prayer of ordination by Supt. Roy; right hand of fellowship by Rev. David Peebles; charge by Rev. Geo. B. Smith. Rev. Dr. H. M. Tupper, President of Shaw University (Baptist), participated in the services.
The Washington School of Raleigh, these many years under the formative influence of Miss E. P. Hayes, now assisted by the pastor’s wife and Miss Hettie Minton, has here, as with our schools everywhere else, been the great feeder of the church. It has prepared not a few school-teachers and started some young men on the way to the ministry. The Sabbath-school held in the Washington school-house, also under the superintendence of Miss Hayes, has been complimented by one of the white pastors as the best Sunday-school in the city. Its teachers are all from among the former pupils of the school, except the pastor and his wife, who have large classes of adults. It ordinarily numbers from two to three hundred. It is gratifying indeed to hear the young people, who from these schools have come on to be teachers and preachers, publicly express their profound appreciation of these godly women who have led them along the path of education and of character. It is characteristic of these students in general that they delight to put honor upon their lady teachers. They are not too proud to own that they came up under the tutelage of women.
On the home stretch I visited, inspected and addressed the church and school at McLeansville, N. C., under the care of Rev. Alfred Connet and his daughter, and also the Brewer Normal School at Greenwood, S. C., under Principal Backenstose. Since going to his field last summer, Pastor Connet has shared with his people in a gracious revival and in the building of a parsonage. The structure serving for church and school use is comely and convenient.
This tour through the old North State has greatly increased my appreciation of its material resources, its people of both colors, its recuperative process, and its public institutions.
TENNESSEE.
Students’ Day at Le Moyne.
PROF. A. J. STEELE, MEMPHIS.
April 23d was Students’ day at Le Moyne. This interesting day was a complete success in every respect. The school was under such excellent discipline that there was no hesitancy in surrendering it entirely to the students for a day’s experience. The faculty were chosen by the school with a great deal of judgment, and on Wednesday morning they took their places upon the platform.