This finishes another winter's work among the dear colored people, which has been one of the happiest and most successful I have known for many years.
THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA.
The Connecticut Normal and Industrial School, Thomasville. Ga., closed its winter term, for a few days' vacation, on March 26th, with appropriate exercises. The Thomasville Daily Times says, "The growth and management of the school is very gratifying to our people, and everyone wishes it continued success and prosperity." The Thomasville Enterprise speaks of "the results of the seven sweet-faced patient lady teachers," and adds, "If yesterday's exhibition was a fair sample of what the pupils can do, the American Missionary Association, and the corps of teachers it has employed, have not labored in vain; that a great deal of hard, honest work has been done, was fully exemplified."
Again we are reminded that Thomasville is not Quitman, and also of the fact that Southern people are generally quite generous in their appreciation of the work and the methods of our Association.
MRS. LYDIA HERRICK BENNETT.
On Saturday, March 16, the great household at Fisk University was suddenly saddened by the announcement of the death of Mrs. Bennett, who, after an illness of four weeks, was called to her rest.
In 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett gave up their work in a pleasant Northern parish, and came to Fisk University, where they have labored together for almost twenty-two years. During these years, Mrs. Bennett has been not only an efficient helper to her husband and a wise and tender mother to her children, but has contributed much to the work of the school. Her strong mind and fine intellectual tastes especially fitted her for life in an institution of learning. During the last few years, she gave much time and labor to the preparation of a botanical collection for the Scientific Department of the University.
Mrs. Bennett was also the warm personal friend of the young people. Since her death, many tender expressions from present and former students bear witness to appreciation of her quiet, earnest, Christian character, as manifested both in her own life, and in her ministry to others. Why such a life, apparently so indispensable to her husband and children, and so helpful to a large body of young people, should be thus suddenly terminated we cannot understand. We can only accept the dispensation of Him "Who doeth all things well."