The Church-Building Society has at different times extended generous help, as a result of which the mission finally secured a beautiful chapel, with rooms and apartments above and below. Mr. Harper did much excellent service throughout his stay, until 1897, when, his wife's health giving way, he was compelled to leave the field.
ON THE ROAD.
I succeeded him at once, and the work went forward, apparently without abatement. I organized the work at the two government schools carefully, and instituted evangelistic work in both. This phase of the work was so successful that on the following Easter, 37 Indian young people gave their hearts to God and were baptized, and on Children's Day, in June following, 29 others came in the same way. A fervent religious interest prevailed in both of the government schools, so that, at Christmas time, 35 others came into the Church on an intelligent confession of faith. This most blessed work could not be kept within the narrow bounds of the schoolroom. It spread to the camp and field. The parents came to me to learn, and I had many requests to go to them and tell them about Jesus, till in at least two places, 18 and 20 miles distant from the Agency, the camp Indians have asked to have a church organized and a house built. On Easter Sunday, 1898, the climax was reached, so far as numbers were concerned, when 67 young people, from ten to twenty-six years of age, from both tribes, gave themselves to Christ, and presented themselves for baptism. The interest is still general though somewhat abated in intensity. Several times in the last few months have smaller numbers united with the Church.
IN CAMP.
A few weeks ago I returned to my work from the East, where dear friends showed me every courtesy and sympathy possible, and while at the Mohonk Conference of Indian Workers I met many whose hearts and purses were open to pray for and help the helpless and abused red man. During my visit East I found a general interest and sympathy from churches and individuals, and money was put into my hands sufficient to add two or three warm rooms to our parsonage, which we have vacated and turned over to the sick and distressed Indians for a hospital. With the rooms we have just added—work is now going on—this parsonage hospital has one kitchen, one general work-room, two rooms sufficient for four beds, a room for reading and study, a laundry or general purpose room, and a bathroom; this latter, however, we cannot finish at present for lack of money to provide water facilities. Chairs and tables will be put in, and bead and embroidery work, done in both silk and worsted, will be persistently encouraged, so far as funds will allow.
There is attached to the mission a free medical dispensary, to which a great many come. It is, however, only intended to be supplemental to the general medical work under the direction of the stationed Government physician, who is not only a thoroughly trained and competent physician, but a careful and painstaking one as well. A great many questions mingled with doubt are frequently asked us, by those who look upon the Indian more as a curiosity than a human being, or as a painted entity watching for an opportunity to wreak vengeance on the white man. "Do you really think these young people and camp Indians understand what they are doing," etc., etc.
IN WINTER QUARTERS.