However, our last meeting took a rather interesting turn. It had been of the average sort only, when towards the close one of the ladies spoke of a call among the Freedmen for dolls and clothing, (not clothing for dolls). The pastor suggested that we gather together, from the families, various contributions, such as partly-worn garments, toys, books, religious papers, etc., and make a New Year's donation to the people to whom such things would be a god-send and good as new.
The suggestion was favored, and the animated countenances and talk that followed betokened an after-meeting of unusual interest, and certainly the most practical if not the best part of our conference. Something to do, then and there, had been suggested; tongues were somehow set loose; each one seemed to have a new-born interest, each held common stock in the enterprise. Dr. Roy was consulted by the pastor as to a proper and responsible party. Meanwhile the goods began to come in, often sent by the boys or girls, who thus began to do missionary service, The pastor's wife and daughter did the packing. Picture cards were pasted in cloth folios for the little ones; old hats were trimmed; coats and vests went in, shawls, Bibles, toys, etc., till a barrel, a large sugar barrel, take notice, was crammed.
After awhile there came the address of a colored graduate of Tougaloo University, living at or near Chattanooga, whose name was marked on one end of the barrel, and the freight sent forward. After some delay, the letter of acknowledgment came, saying, "The barrel came safe. The things are just what so many of the people need, and they will go to those most in need. Accept our thanks."
This letter will be read at our next concert, which should be a thanksgiving occasion for the opportunity of doing something for the destitute, and for the discovery of a way to make a monthly concert interesting.
NOTES FROM NEW ENGLAND.
BY DISTRICT SECRETARY C.J. RYDER.
Here comes a gift of five dollars from an aged friend ninety-one years old! He has contributed to the A.M.A. every year for a generation. Who will step into the place of these grand veterans when they are called from the ranks? Such examples ought to thrill younger men and untie their purse strings.
At a recent visit to Wellesley College, the great company of students listened patiently more than an hour to the story of the "American Highlanders; where they are, who they are, and what the A.M.A. is doing for them."