President Cravath.
The death of President Erastus M. Cravath removes from the counsel and service of the American Missionary Association one of its most prominent and successful missionaries. Few men have so largely affected the life of the nation through educational lines as has President Cravath. After some years of service in the office of the Association he became President of Fisk University, and has brought that institution to the foremost rank in the intellectual and moral development of the Negroes of this country. An extended obituary notice is given on other pages of this magazine. Here, the writer, having had close personal association with President Cravath for many years, desires to bear his testimony with earnest and loving emphasis to the large and strong character of the man, and his single and unwavering purpose to accomplish the largest and best service possible for those to whom he gave his ministry in unstinted measure. No one can fill his place, for it was not only large but unique. He was a leader who came to the front in the most trying period in the history of the Negroes, and he led them with soundest judgment as well as heroic fortitude. These people have lost not only a friend, but a steady and strong guide.
Chinese Gifts.
The work of the American Missionary Association among the Chinese in America is illustrated in the financial statement of the American Board. Rev. Jee Gam, who has charge of the work among his fellow Chinamen in San Francisco, has just sent a check of one hundred dollars to the American Board for the North China Christian Relief Fund. This money was all contributed by members of the Chinese churches on the Pacific Slope. Other contributions are promised. No one can doubt that a large element in the evangelization of China must be the Chinese of America.
Congregational Associations Among the Highlands.
The Cumberland Valley Association of Congregational Churches met in Jellico, Tenn., September 14th. The churches of the association were generally represented. Churches of other denominations at Jellico welcomed the meeting of the association and cordially entertained the delegates. The increase in the population of Jellico and the surrounding districts has greatly emphasized the importance of our work in that region.
The Cumberland Plateau Association of Congregational Churches and Sunday schools met with the church at Grand View, Tenn., September 26-27th. The meeting was one of unusual interest. The work on the Plateau, as represented in the reports from the churches, was on the whole encouraging.