The American Missionary. Volume 50, No. 08, August, 1896

A white man with whom I was talking at the station said, "Those lady teachers are doing a great work for this whole region."

So the leaven works.

ALLEN NORMAL SCHOOL, THOMASVILLE, GA

By Miss Amelia Merriam

The fact that with the graduation of the class of '96 our school would complete its first decade, added interest to the occasion.

One member of the class has been in the school from its organization. In the class history she gave quite a vivid description of those trying days when the building at Quitman, Ga., where the school was first gathered, was burned to the ground, as the result of hostile feeling on the part of the citizens of the place. Certainly there has been progress toward a just appreciation of the work of the American Missionary Association in the communities where its work has been done, as seen in the kindly feeling toward the school manifested in various ways by the people of Thomasville.

Of the six graduates, five are young women; three of these begin their work of teaching in country schools immediately. One, the valedictorian of the class, has already written something in regard to her surroundings. At the place, which is the best in the neighborhood, where she was to board—if the word may be used in connection with such a state of things—she writes that there is almost nothing in the way of necessities for decent living. There is not a lamp in the house; not even a tallow candle, the room in which the family eat and sleep being lighted only by building a fire upon the hearth. Of such an article as a towel they apparently do not know the use; and the one basin in which she washed her hands serves for various other domestic purposes. Almost the only household appliances are two ovens, as they are called—two flat-bottomed, shallow iron kettles, with iron covers, and legs a few inches long. Under these kettles, out of doors, the fire is made, and coals put upon the flat covers. In this way the hoe-cake is baked in one, while the bacon is fried in the other. These two viands, with an occasional mess of greens or potatoes, constitute the bill of fare month in and month out. No wonder the poor girl lost her appetite. She was supplied from the Home with what she needed to make herself comfortable in the one very small room which she is fortunate enough to have to herself.

It is from country places like these that we wish to bring scholars into the school. The truth is that the young people in these communities are too ignorant to have any desire for anything different from what they now have. Here is an almost limitless home missionary field, to be worked by the graduates of our schools. These teachers are good object-lessons, showing what an education, including a knowledge of homemaking, as well as what is learned from books, can do for boys and girls like themselves.

We rejoice in the fact that when the school closed, all of the girls in the Hall were professedly disciples of Christ, and will, we believe, go back to their homes to be better daughters and more helpful members of the communities so much in need of the influences which we trust they will exert.

Five of our scholars connected themselves with our church at the last communion service.

SALUDA SEMINARY, N.C

By Rev. E.W. Hollies

The closing exercises at Saluda Seminary took place on Friday evening, May 1. Visitors overflowed the schoolrooms before the appointed hour. After the introductory march had been rendered by one of the music pupils on the beautiful Estey piano which adorned the platform, there was not a standing place left for seeing nor hearing. The young people kept everybody interested and pleased for three hours, by readings, recitations, instrumental music, and songs. "The Delsarte Children," a drill by eight little girls, whose motions were accompanied with strains of music, was prettily and accurately presented, and was much appreciated.

A cantata, "THE VOICES OF NATURE," was presented by the Juniors, and was an interesting and pleasing feature of the evening, and showed that careful instruction had been given by the teacher of music. Two well prepared essays were read by their authors; one for, and the other against, "Woman Suffrage."

The "SALUDA HERALD," a paper of thirty-two pages, published by the pupils of the school, was read by four of its editors. This paper contained many good things in the form of prose, poems, puns, and puzzles. It abounded in wit and good humor. Its production was a credit to the young people and added much to the enjoyment of the visitors; and it was also unmistakable evidence that the young people attending this school are taught to think and to write their thoughts with grammatical accuracy, and also to give intelligent vocal expression to the same. Saluda is highly favored in having this excellent school within its borders.

BURRELL SCHOOL, SELMA, ALA

By Prof. A.T. Burnell

The year 1895-6 will be long remembered by all connected with Burrell School, Selma, Ala., for the widespread religious interest gathering in nearly half of those attending in March; for the continued increase of enrolment, especially in the grammar and normal grades; and the closing of this year will be remembered as a great and successful financial endeavor, which netted for the school fifty dollars—"one jubilee share." It is to be said that Selma is a generous town, when entertainments come as at this season for the colored schools here. Burrell presented one for the primaries, in which an entire grade appeared upon the stage, some children impersonating trees planted by other children and growing as by magic, while still others played "hide and seek" about the trees or built nests therein.

On the second programme, intermingled with the usual dialogues and "speeches" so loudly demanded by all pupils, there were the essays of three who had completed the tenth grade, and some excellent music, with shadow pictures, etc.

But the chief interest centered in the drama, that brought a crowded house on Wednesday evening, and was repeated the next week.

Public examinations were held for three days, beginning Friday the 22d, when a good number of friends visited the different rooms, noted the work of the pupils, and shared with the teachers the quizzing of the pupils, who seemed to enjoy their part. Not the least interesting because thoroughly practical was the display of garments, stitching and mending in the sewing-room; and, in the blacksmith and the carpenter shops, articles manufactured by the boys. The school ground gives evidence of workmen—attending to fences, repairs on buildings, a shop, and two pump-shelters erected.

The catalogue just issued lists 287 students, a gain of twenty-four per cent. in two years; gives a history of Burrell from its start in 1869, and among former students names all the lady teachers of the city school, besides five on other faculties in Selma.

BLOWING ROCK, N.C

By Mrs. Ellen R. Dorsett

Skyland Institute at Blowing Rock, N.C., has during the year continually had in mind the saying, "Children should be seen and not heard," and so has not lifted up her voice to report her work. But the child is now six years old, is growing in beauty and strength, and needs some attention.

The year has been one of good things. Our pupils have been of a better class than in previous years, and better adapted to go out and teach. Our attendance has been more regular, our tuition has been paid as a rule, and, although epidemics have prevailed all about us, we have lived under the banner of the ninety-first Psalm and "no evil has befallen us."

Our closing exercises consisted of reports from our different organizations by a representative from each; class histories, and an industrial exhibit on Tuesday afternoon, June 2. The following morning Rev. J.L. Murphy gave us an address on the topic, "Wanted—A Man." It was able, interesting, and inspiring. Mr. Murphy has for several years been president of a girls' college in Hickory, N.C., and we were fortunate in securing his services.

We have more applications for places in our home and school next year than we have places, and just as soon as that debt is paid, the North will hear a lusty cry from this child for room, more room.

ENFIELD, N.C

By Rev. T.S. Inborden

The Joseph K. Brick Agricultural, Industrial and Normal School, located at Enfield, N.C., celebrated its first anniversary May 29. It was a noteworthy occasion for many who had not before visited the old plantation under the new regime.

The exercises began at eight o'clock p.m., but as early as three o'clock the people began to gather. They came on foot, in ox carts, wagons and on bicycles. They were plain farmers, young teachers, politicians and merchants. All were enthusiastic in their interest in the school. The exercises were full of interest and the outlook for another year never seemed brighter. Another year, God willing, we will show a great advance.

LINCOLN SCHOOL, MERIDIAN, MISS

By Mrs. H.I. Miller

Our school closed its doors on the night of the 26th of May. All went away saying "It was the best commencement Lincoln has ever had." I heartily endorse the opinion. There were seven graduates—six young men and one young woman. There were six orations, and all were so good that a higher institution might well be proud of them. At our Social meeting on the morning of the 26th, we had pleasant talks and addresses, after which the industrial work, papers on nursing and examination papers were exhibited. There were dresses, aprons, undergarments, sets of button-holes, quilts, skirts, cushions, specimens of darning and patching, and various fancy articles, some of them exceedingly well done. We also had delicate work from the kindergarten and primary rooms; paper folding and card sewing, showing great neatness of little fingers.

Among other papers of interest were those from the general history class. Each pupil selected some country or character for review, and so our work extended from old China and Egypt to modern Africa. One young man writing on the last named country was induced to give the article to the State through the newspapers and it has been published.

Some of our young people are teaching, and others are at other work. There are very few summer schools here now, and those opened are only for primary grades.

The Lincoln school is reaping honors at Tougaloo University. Two scholarships this year were won by two of our ex-graduates, and this gives Lincoln the honor of five such prizes won in that institution.

We shall greatly rejoice when the pulpits and places of great responsibility are filled with intelligent leaders. We cannot but feel amused, yet distressed, at the mis-read Scriptures. One brother in his morning lesson from the pulpit said: "Brothers, we should be of the same mind—one body and mind, for it says here, 'the twins shall be one flesh.'" A young man came to us, and asked help in writing his sermons. He had no Bible; I urged his purchasing one, as he could read. One day he came and said his text was the 14th of John. I inquired the passage. "Oh," he said, "I takes the whole chapter, and so I don' have to say much." It surely was the best way for his audience.

Our class motto was "The Future needs us," and I trust all the class will fully realize how much they are needed.

ITEM

There is an old colored man in Wilkes county who has never had his membership changed from the white people's church at Independence. He belonged to it when a slave and has held on to it. He attends services regularly and does not intrude upon the congregation, but sits quietly on the steps and listens to the sermon.—Atlanta Constitution.

A LESSON IN HOME BUILDING

By a TeacherAndersonville, Ga

A woman came in this evening to sell strawberries which were neatly covered with a bit of white cloth. She looked around our sitting-room and shook her turbaned head, saying, "I sure would be afraid to live in this house." "Why," I asked, curious to know what fearful thing she saw in her glance. "Oh, it's so big, and has so many rooms." Our cozy home, so snug, with not an inch of unused room, that we call our "Bird's Nest!" Alas for the people that do not feel at home save in a one-roomed cabin, and do not feel the necessity of work unless they are hungry. I long so, sometimes, for something that will make this people hungry and thirsty for better things, that will make them dissatisfied with the things that content them now. The longing is sure to come, if we can have patience to wait.

A woman a short distance away lives in a house whose roof lets in the water in streams during a heavy rain. She called on us in the spring so hoarse that she could hardly speak. A few questions brought out the trouble, and revealed the fact that she owned a pile of lumber near by. I asked her why they did not repair it. She thought it too old, and the reason she gave for not building a new one was that she was waiting for her "old man" to begin. I found that her daughter was teaching school in the country, and had $25 already due her that she could use for the work. I told her to have one room put up at once, and build others as she had money. She thought a little, then said, "Tell me all about it, and I'll do just as you say." Now the room is nearly finished (not ceiled or plastered, for such extras are almost unknown), and a prouder woman would be hard to find. All are not so willing to be taught, but I rejoice over every improvement.

AMONG THE INDIANS

CLOSING EXERCISES AT SANTEE NORMAL SCHOOLBy Miss Edith Leonard

The last busy days of the school year are over. We have gathered the first fruits of our work; we hope there will be a greater harvest in years to come.

At the communion service, on June 7, three of our pupils were received into the church. The next Thursday came the evening of declamations, recitations, and music, for which the pupils had been preparing. During the last four weeks it was a common thing to find a boy declaiming to an imaginary audience in the schoolroom, or to find a girl reciting in some secluded spot in the yard, or on the hills in the pasture. In most schools that is nothing worthy of remark, but to us it shows that the young people are beginning to feel that their success depends on their own efforts.

When the evening came we had an enjoyable entertainment. The house was decorated with the tall, graceful stems of the Solomon's Seal, and the platform had a rug and potted plants upon it, and our two beautiful flags draped behind it.

Among the recitations, "Betty, the Bound Girl," and "The Peril of a Passenger Train," were well rendered. Lowell's "A Day in June" was given with a pleasant voice and manner that fitted the poem. There was an organ solo, an organ duet, and a sprightly little song by a quartet, "All Among the Barley." Among the best things were part of an address by Channing on "Distinction of Mind and Material Forms," and one by Mitchell on "The First View of the Heavens." The thoughts were noble and nobly expressed, and the young men delivered them with thoughtfulness and appreciation, which made us glad, especially as these addresses were their own choice.

Immediately after these exercises we all adjourned to the dining room to see what the girls had done in their little missionary society. Here was a table gay with pretty articles they had made. Among them were a nice comfortable, some embroidered doilies, chair pillows, handkerchief cases, and other things. Most of them were quickly sold. There was also ice-cream and cake for sale. The girls took about seventeen dollars by their fair, and the proceeds are to go to the A.M.A.

The next day was the last. We planned to have an exhibition of school and industrial work during the forenoon, and parade of cadets in the afternoon. And, in order to give the pupils a little uplift of enthusiasm in a good cause, we arranged to have a Christian Endeavor rally of societies from five neighboring towns, and also to invite the members of two Sunday-schools that are bravely "lifting the gospel banner," each in a scattered community near by, where there is no church.

The people began to arrive about half-past ten. One party came in a large farm wagon made gay with flags.

We hastened to take them about. In the blacksmith shop, two young men who had been in school only a year, were making some steel nut-crackers. A table covered with hooks, bolts, chains, towels, ice-picks, etc., represented the work done during the year. In the printing office, the boys were turning the press, and printing our Indian paper. The carpenter-shop exhibit contained some neat boxes, tables, and cabinets, and here some small boys were at work making joints. In the cooking school, the girls were making biscuits, coffee, and corn-bread, while the table was covered with nice loaves of bread, cake, rolls, and cookies, made the day before. Here, also, the girls' sewing was displayed. There was a neat set of doll's clothing, a doll's mattress, pillows, sheets, and pillow-cases, a number of boys' shirts ready for use in the school, beside other clothing for the girls.

The primary schoolroom contained clay animals, weaving and sewing done by the kindergarten class, and some neat language and number work by the older pupils. The other schoolrooms also had illustrated language work, examination papers, maps on paper and in sand, and a collection of botanical specimens.

About seventy-five visitors came from neighboring towns. They enjoyed looking at the school work, and they enjoyed their lunch under the trees, and the marching and drilling of the boys with their wooden guns.

But the best thing in the day was the meeting in the afternoon. Our Christian Endeavor guests, with the school and some of the agency people and neighboring Indians, filled the chapel full. Several of the societies had pretty banners, and it was inspiring to see them come marching in. The meeting was just a warm-hearted Christian Endeavor meeting. Each society responded by a verse of Scripture recited in concert, or a song, or by the words of some member chosen to represent them. There was also time for volunteer prayers and testimonies, and a number of songs. We were all glad to be there—glad to belong to a great army of Christian workers—and we believe our boys and girls will not forget it, but that the thoughts of that hour will help to make them strong.

After these guests went home, there yet remained the principal's reception in the evening, where the school gathered with our Agency and Indian friends, to talk a little while and say goodbye. There was one delightful little surprise when Dr. Riggs called up thirteen of the Indian girls and gave to each, as a reward for faithful, successful work in bread-making, a copy of a cook-book to take home with her. The pupils enjoyed all these last days, but especially the Christian Endeavor rally, and we shall remember this year's close as our Christian Endeavor commencement.

CHINESE

The following letter was written by a young man who was converted in our Chinese school in Salt Lake City. It is a notification to his teacher of his arrival in China. It is interesting as a suggestion of the far-reaching influences of our Chinese work:

HONG KONG, China, April 5, 1896.

DEAR FRIEND MRS. M.E. JONES:

I have arrived here on Sunday 5th of this month, and was very fine trip. This ship is very swistest [sic], because it is large and strong.

I throught [sic] I am going to study on my journey, but I have not study any at all. Because I was seasick most every day when I started from San Francisco to Hong Kong.

I have always remember your kindness and never forget. I hope you are all well and God would bless you.

I will write to you sometimes when I get home.

I have been see Mr. Gee Gam and asked for Rev. Mr. Pond, and he said Mr. Pond did not come and so I did not see him before I got on ship. Goodbye,

Yours friend,HARRY FORNEY.

Excuse for my writing.

Jubilee Year Fund, Additional Shares

Mrs. J.B. BITTINGER and Miss LUCY BITTINGER, Sewickley, Pa.

E.W. PEIRCE and H.F. GOFFE, in memory of E.W. GOFFE, Millbury, Mass.

EAST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Ware, Mass.

FROM A FRIEND, Santa Barbara, Cal.

Miss MARY P. LORD, Wellesley, Mass.

A FRIEND, New Haven, Vt.

MERRILL E. GATES, LL.D., Amherst, Mass.

Mrs. MARY C. GATES, Amherst, Mass.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Auburndale, Mass., ad'l.

LADIES OF FIRST CHURCH, Woburn, Mass., two shares.

Misses M.E. and F.G. THAYER, Boston, Mass., two shares.

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY, Barre, Mass.

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Dorchester, Mass.

FACULTY AND STUDENTS OF MT. HOLYOKE COLLEGE, So. Hadley, Mass.

W.H. RICHARDSON, W. Springfield, Mass.

Two S.S. CLASSES and Mr. C.S. TOLMAN, of Rollstone Congregational Church, Fitchburg, Mass.

CHURCH MEMBER, Plainville, Conn.

Mr. and Mrs. M.W. SKINNER, in memory of Rev. AUSTIN WILLEY, Northfield, Minn.

Mrs. DWIGHT R. TYLER, of First Congregational Church, Griswold, Conn.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Middletown, Conn.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Janesville, Wis.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Bozrah, Conn.

FIRST CHURCH WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION, Akron, O.

Mrs. HULDAH I. GAGE, Providence, R.I.

J.L.A., Crow Agency, Mont.

A FRIEND, Newton Highlands, Mass.

OLD SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Hallowell, Me.

Mrs. P.A. CASE, Kenduskeag, Me.

IN MEMORIAM OF Z.W., St. Johnsbury, Vt.

The LADIES' BENEFICENT SOCIETY and the Y.L. AUXILIARY OF CENTRAL CHURCH, Fall River, Mass.

Mrs. ANSON PHELPS STOKES, Lenox, Mass.

Mrs. GEO. WESTINGHOUSE, Lenox, Mass.

GEO. HIGGINSON, Lenox, Mass.

WM. H. STRONG, Detroit, Mich.

BARAK MAXWELL, Wells, Me.

UNION SERVICE, New Britain, Conn.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL S.S., Germantown, Pa.

CLASS OF YOUNG GIRLS, S.S., Franklin Street. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Manchester, N.H.

B.B. BROWN, Prospect, Conn.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, South Norwalk, Conn., three shares.

Rev. W.H. THRALL, in memory of Mrs. W.H. THRALL, Huron, S. Dak.

Miss M.H. MILLIARD, Manchester, Conn.

Mrs. ANN V. BAILEY, Beverly, Mass.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Beloit, Wis., ad'l.

Mrs. M.C. TOWN, Elgin, Ill.

Miss CLARA I. SAGE, Guilford, Conn., two shares.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, Colorado Springs, Col.

ABBOTT ACADEMY, Andover, Mass.

Mrs. E.B. RIPLEY, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

CENT. UNION OF FIRST CHURCH, Concord, N.H.

FRIEND IN FIRST CHURCH, Concord, N.H.

Mrs. MARY K. GANNETT, Tamworth, N.H., two shares.

WOMAN'S CONGREGATIONAL HOME MISSIONARY UNION AUXILIARY, Kensington, Conn.

Subscriptions for Jubilee Shares may be sent to H.W. Hubbard, Treasurer, Bible House, New York, or to either of the Branch Offices, 21 Congregational House, Boston, or 153 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill.

WOMAN'S STATE ORGANIZATIONS

MAINE

WOMAN'S AID TO A.M.A

State Committee—Mrs. Ida Vose Woodbury, Woodfords;

Mrs. A.T. Burbank, Yarmouth;

Mrs. Helen Quimby, Bangor.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

FEMALE CENT INSTITUTION AND HOME MISS. UNION

President—Mrs. Cyrus Sargeant, Plymouth.

Secretary—Mrs. N.W. Nims, 16 Rumford St., Concord.

Treasurer—Miss Annie A. McFarland. Concord.

VERMONT

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Mrs. W.J. Van Patten, 386 Pearl St., Burlington.

Secretary—Mrs. M.K. Paine, Windsor.

Treasurer—Mrs. Wm. P. Fairbanks, St. Johnsbury.

MASS. AND R.I

1 WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION

President—Mrs. C.L. Goodell, 9 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, Mass.

Secretary—Miss Louise A. Kellogg, 32 Congregational House, Boston.

Treasurer—Miss Annie C. Bridgman, 32 Congregational House, Boston.

CONNECTICUT

WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY UNION

President—Miss Ellen R. Camp, 9 Camp St., New Britain.

Secretary—Mrs. C.T. Millard, 36 Lewis St., Hartford.

Treasurer—Mrs. W.W. Jacobs, 19 Spring St., Hartford.