TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY.
The year thus far at Tougaloo University has been one of great success. The enrollment, three hundred and thirty-five, has already surpassed that of any previous full year, and many more have signified their intention of attending next term, when a special Teacher's Training Course is to be held. The necessity under which many labor, of teaching school in order to pay their own school bills, makes attendance somewhat irregular. The grade of the school is being steadily advanced, and under efficient teachers and Principal, the pupils are making solid advancement. The upward grading process will prevent the graduation of any pupils from the normal department this year, but that is of slight moment compared with the substantial gain of more thorough scholarship.
The industrial work of the school has this year been more thoroughly systematized and made more efficient than before. There has been special improvement in the girls' industrial work. Even the younger pupils enter into the sewing and cooking classes with zest. The boys' industries include blacksmithing, carpentry, tinning, wagon making, painting, steam sawing, turning, scroll sawing, and farm-work in its various branches, the care of stock, etc. It would be difficult to estimate the value that this combined school and industrial work is destined to have on the Negroes of this State of Mississippi. Not in legislative enactments, but in the gradual process of education along this line, will the main problems connected with the Negro race be solved.
The Biblical department of the school, recently established, designed to train preachers, has as yet but one class, of three members. These are making good progress, and they take turns in preaching at Clinton, at the Mt. Hermon School, fourteen miles away. The training in this department under the President, is especially directed towards knowledge of the Bible and of human nature, earnest and practical preaching, and the development in the preacher of sterling character. If preachers can be sent forth who are well grounded in these things, much may be expected of them. Says Dr. Haygood, "The hope of the black race lies mainly in the pulpit."
The most interesting feature of the work of this year has been the very deep religious interest which began soon after the Week of Prayer and which has not passed away. Special services were conducted for several weeks by President Woodworth, and the feeling was strong and earnest. It has been a quiet work, but it is believed that it is deep. Between fifty and sixty expressed a determination to live the Christian life. One of the most helpful features in the Christian work of the school is the Covenant for Christian Service, a pledge somewhat similar to the Christian Endeavor pledge, though there is no organization. Over one hundred have signed this covenant within the past year. The school is growing rapidly; its outlook is most hopeful. It is already cramped for room. Every recitation room has been full, and many crowded, this term. One class had to overflow into the chapel. Between thirty and forty girls who wished to come were obliged to stay at home because the Ladies' Boarding Hall has been crowded to its utmost capacity. A new one is very greatly needed.
WORK AT HAMPTON.
REV. H.B. FRISSELL.
You will be glad to know of the missionary work that the students are doing in the community. Our graduates have started a Young Men's Christian Association in the town of Hampton, hired rooms, chosen one of their number secretary, paid a large part of the expense out of their own pockets, have fitted up the rooms prettily and made an attractive, pleasant place for the young men of the town. They have social, literary, musical and religious gatherings there. A boys' club has been started in connection with the Association. The colored pastors have became interested in the work, and take turns in conducting the Sabbath afternoon prayer meeting in the rooms.