THE GRAND RIVER MISSION
Miss Collins’ introduction to work in her new field has been no tame affair, as far as the physical elements could make it. The winter has been unusually cold and stormy. But the people have welcomed her cordially, and she has been especially helpful to the sick. Her administration of simple remedies has been blessed of the Lord to work a number of cures, which, to the Indians, have seemed miraculous and have given her a reputation as a healer, so that they bring their sick to her from all directions. One morning she found at her door a young woman sick with pneumonia, who had been brought there on a hand sled by her mother and sister through a fearful snow storm. Miss Collins expostulated with them for so exposing the sick one. The mother answered: “We heard that unless you see their body with your own eyes, and lay your hands upon them, you cannot heal them.” This report, no doubt, arose from her feeling the pulse of the sick.
A child, whose sister had died with convulsions and St. Vitus’ dance, and who was also thought to be dying in the same way, was brought to her. The spasms were relieved at once, and in a few days the root of the difficulty was discovered and she was cured.
Elias Gilbert, the new teacher who takes the place of Edwin Phelps during his absence at Hampton, works in finely. He is very enthusiastic over the progress the people have made under his predecessor and the hearty interest they take in the school and in church services. On the Sabbath there is a very interesting woman’s meeting, numbering about thirty, mostly mothers.
Adams Wakanna is the new worker at Oak Lake, another point in this field. This is newer ground, and the people are yet in careless ignorance of the way of life. But our native helper is full of zeal, for this very reason. He is working well.
Edwin Phelps, who has worked so long and so well in this field, is now at Hampton, Va., taking Bible studies and serving as Indian Chaplain there. Many of the pupils at Hampton are from his own field at Standing Rock Agency. So he has a special interest in them and a personal hold upon them. He cannot fail to do them good.
This Grand River field should at once have a thorough equipment of buildings and missionary force. Four thousand dollars were given two years ago by Mr. E. B. Monroe to build this Mission. But everything waits for the fit man for a missionary.