FLORENCE, ALA.
REV. WM. H. ASH.
We have built a beautiful parsonage this year which is said to be the prettiest house in town. Our field of labor is one where the minister plans his work, and then pulls off his coat and sees that it is done. Since I took charge here, two years ago, a suitable house of worship has been erected. Meanwhile, I have acted as pastor and taught a school. Six were added to the church by profession, and a temperance society has been organized. It is the only temperance society in connection with any of the colored churches in town. When I came here I found an old house, that had been used for a bar-room and gambling shop, fitted up for a house of worship. This has been abandoned, the lot upon which it stood well fenced, and a meeting house built.
We sent one pupil to Fisk University last year, and raised $160 for building and repairs.
TOUGALOO, MISS.
REV. G. S. POPE.
There has been no special revival this year. Steady progress, however, has been made, resulting in frequent conversions. Eleven have been added to the church on profession of faith, and four by letter.
It is a rare thing for any of our students to hold themselves outside of the temperance work. They not only become temperance men and women here, but temperance workers when they leave. From 1,000 to 1,500 signers of the pledge are secured by them each summer vacation. They sometimes commence Sunday-school work previous to the opening of their day schools, and during vacation it is estimated that they instruct about 4,000 Sunday-school scholars. Fifty-eight of our church members have been engaged in teaching during the year.