The Exhibition Day filled the church with an audience of 400. We noticed in the dialogues an apparent enjoyment, evincing the imitative faculty and love for diversion. In these they seemed to feel at home. The exercises were listened to with unbroken attention throughout. The last feature of the occasion was the presentation of a Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine, costing $65 (through the Macon agent, Judge M. R. Freeman), awarded by the company to the girl who produced the best work; five machines having been furnished during the winter for practice. Mrs. D. W. Job, daughter of the late Rev. Nehemiah Adams, D.D., of Boston, in the name of Mrs. Lathrop and Mrs. Hodge whom she called the “Woman in Proverbs,” and “Dorcas”—told the story of the sewing school and awarded the machine.
For three years Mrs. Lathrop, the worthy “minister’s wife,” has met nearly every week with girls to teach them to sew. They have made about 500 garments, and one of their patch-work quilts has been given to the oldest scholar, aged 93! Ten competed for the prize. Mrs. Prof. Hodge, matron of the Teachers’ Home, has assisted this winter in this benevolent and important work.
Prof. Hodge, with some earnest words of fitting counsel, presented certificates of graduation to the senior class of three boys and four girls.
After a beautiful chorus, all were invited to adjourn to the dedication of a gem of a building, which we will call “The Emerald,” in chaste tints of green and olive, set in the rear of the grounds on the brow of the hill. This might be appropriately termed “The Lathrop Library,” for the pastor in the last two years has collected the books and the money which now constitute a public library for the colored people and their friends.
The building cost $350, and contains about 3,600 volumes, and is furnished with book-cases, chairs, table and a cabinet. What publishers or friends will now supply magazines and papers, imparting religious instruction and profitable information? The lower story, it is hoped, will be converted into a workshop, where trades may be taught. Money will be needed for this.
The evening was devoted to a concert, conducted by Miss Woodworth. We recognized one of the best and most difficult Harvard songs, nor could the Glee Club sing it with better expression.
In social, educational, moral and religious growth, this year’s work of the A. M. A. in Macon cannot be estimated. God bless the North! God bless the South! God bless the colored people of Macon, and cause His face to shine upon them all.
Boston, Mass.
D. W. J.