Selma, Ala.—The school is larger at this time than it has ever been during the same months since my connection with it. The enrolment for the present month is 339. We have this year quite a number of young men in attendance, from our own and adjoining counties. A course of lectures, intended mainly for the parents of the scholars, has been determined upon, and two lectures have been delivered by the pastors of the Methodist and Baptist churches respectively. Others are purposed for each month of the school year.
On Friday evening, 31st inst., there was a re-union of the Church. The first hour was spent in preparatory exercises, for the coming Communion service, after which greetings by letter were read by the pastor and others, from those who had been connected with the church as pastors, and absent sisters and brothers, all showing a deep interest in the welfare and growth of the church. Then followed remarks from those present, who had come from other States and from Talladega College, giving us a description of their work in the day and Sunday-schools, showing how much they appreciate the advantages they have received and enjoyed, and are anxious to help raise others to the same standard in spiritual and intellectual advancement.
Montgomery, Ala.—This is a week of prayer and we are observing it. While the weather has thus far been very unfavorable, afternoon meetings have been excellent; though not large as to number, the spirit of them has been very encouraging. We are laboring and praying for a “quickening.” I think quite a number are seriously thoughtful. We expected to receive two last Sabbath on profession, but the terrible cold and snows of the week prevented us from having our church preparatory service on Wednesday evening. There has been a very decided advance in intelligent appreciation of the Gospel and in spirituality, within the past year, although no real increase in numbers.
Memphis, Tenn.—The religious interest in the school has brought great blessing and refreshing. On Thursday and Friday ten students were led to give clear, whole-hearted testimony to an entire change of heart and life. The school is moved through and through. Scarcely a pupil of any age but is anxiously inquiring, as are many of their friends outside. Some wonderful scenes and experiences are given us and the entire work goes on most quietly, and, we trust, thoroughly. We pray for the whole school.
NEW APPOINTMENTS.
1880-1881.
The following list presents the names and post-office addresses of those who are under appointment in the Churches, Institutions and Schools aided by the American Missionary Association, among the Freedmen in the South, the Chinese on the Pacific Coast, the Indians, and the Negroes in Western Africa. The Theological Department of Howard University is supported jointly by the Presbytery of Washington and the American Missionary Association. The Berea College and Hampton Institute are under the care of their own Boards of Trustees; but being either founded or fostered in the past by this Association, and representing the general work in which it is engaged, their teachers are included in this list.