Part 3

We abbreviate from the admirable letter of an editor of the Baltimore _American_ his account of the commencement exercises:

“At 1:30 P. M. a procession, headed by the Normal School brass band, was formed on the lawn. President Hayes and the trustees of the school took the lead, while the invited guests and visitors followed after, in rather irregular order. Seats were reserved on one side of the hall for the pupils of the school. The platform was occupied by distinguished visitors, with President Hayes as the central figure. The audience was composed of the most intelligent and highly cultivated people of Hampton and the surrounding country, reinforced by the _élite_ of Norfolk, who came in two excursion steamers. Nearly all the educated people of this section of Virginia are friendly to the Hampton Normal School, and take much pride in its success.

“Four essays were read by members of the graduating class, and four speeches were made. The subjects discussed were of a practical nature, and were treated with vigor and originality.

“I can barely mention the speeches that were made in Virginia Hall after the graduates received their diplomas. Rev. Dr. Strieby, of New York City, President of the Board of Trustees, briefly reviewed the work of the year, and commended the spirit of liberality shown by the Virginia Legislature in providing for the support of the Institution. After he had concluded, Attorney-General Devens was introduced by General Armstrong, and made an impromptu speech of remarkable directness and force.

“In speaking of the historic associations of the place, he alluded to the fact that, fourteen years ago, he had been brought here immediately after the great battle of Cold Harbor, and had remained three months. At that time there were sixty officers and more than four thousand soldiers in the hospitals erected upon these same grounds. The natural surroundings were then the same as now; the river ran lazily along; the roadstead, which glitters to-day under the Virginia sun like a sea of molten silver, was filled with ships. They were not ships of a broad, peaceful, prosperous commerce, such as are now resting upon its bosom, but ships filled with supplies for the great army that was lying up the river. The army has gone; the bugles of war have sounded their last notes; the sick and wounded soldiers that were camped on these grounds have struck their tents. Three or four hundred of them remain in yonder cemetery, where stands the monument erected by Miss Dorothea Dix to commemorate their heroism. But I regard this Institution as a more fitting monument to the army that fought for law, and order, and civilization, to the patriotism of the men that rushed to the defense of a constitutionally elected President when his authority was defied and his office menaced.”

The President, also, made a telling little speech, expressing his deep interest in the education of the freedmen, and his approbation of the things which he had seen and heard.

Thus ended another memorable day for Hampton.

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FISK UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT.

A. R. MERRY, STUDENT.

The commencement exercises of Fisk University began on Sunday, May 19th, at eleven o’clock A. M. Addresses were made before the Society for the Evangelization of Africa, by Professors Spence and Chase.

As the readers of the MISSIONARY doubtless know, from this Society already have gone forth four young consecrated souls to bear the light of the Gospel and civilization to the perishing ones on the west coast of Africa; and in the future we are sure that many more will verify the prophetic saying of one of those already gone: “Her sons and her daughters are ever on the altar.”

At three P. M. the baccalaureate sermon was preached by the Rev. H. S. Bennett, from the text, Matt. xxii. 21: “Render, therefore, unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.”

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, commencing at 9.30 o’clock, examinations were held in all the departments of the University, and were, on the whole, unusually satisfactory.

On Monday evening the Common-school Normal Exhibition took place, at which time those who have completed that course were granted certificates of ability to teach in the common-schools. The exercises of the evening consisted of essays and original declamations.

On Tuesday evening the Union Literary Society held its ninth anniversary. The exercises were unusually interesting, especially the debate, “Should the colored people of the United States migrate to Africa,” which was well sustained on both sides, by Mr. J. C. McAdams, of Tennessee, in the affirmative, and Mr. R. H. Harbert, of Texas, in the negative.

On Wednesday evening the Senior Preparatory and Higher Normal Exhibition took place. Six young men were admitted to college, and three young ladies secured the Higher Normal diploma.

On Thursday, College Commencement day, the interest of the week culminated. At an early hour the chapel of the University began to be filled, until all available space was occupied. The audience room was tastefully and elaborately decorated. At the back of the platform, extending its entire length, was the national flag, gracefully folded and festooned. Above, on one side, was the portrait of the hero, Livingstone; on the other, that of the statesman and philanthropist, Wilberforce; from the centre, the generous, open countenance of General Clinton B. Fisk smiled benignly down; above all, in evergreen, were the words, “CLASS OF ’78.”

At eleven o’clock the exercises commenced with the chorus, “Hail, Festal Day,” well rendered by the University choir, after which prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Baird, of Ohio. Mr. H. S. Merry, one of the two graduates, then delivered his oration, “Beyond the Alps our Italy.” The young man acquitted himself with honor. The manuscript of Mr. Miller, the other graduate—now absent as Missionary to Africa—not having arrived as expected, extracts from letters recently received by various members of the University were read instead. These letters breathed forth a spirit of zeal and devotion, and a courage unabated, even in the presence of the obstacles and difficulties with which he must daily combat, thus showing that his was not a mere romantic sentiment, but a deep, controlling principle.

After a well-rendered instrumental solo, Mr. John H. Burrus, candidate for the Master of Arts degree, read a carefully prepared thesis on “American Citizenship.”

Rev. A. J. Baird, D. D., of Nashville, then delivered the Commencement Address, which was full of wholesome, practical advice, interspersed with happy illustration. He dwelt largely upon the great tendency of young men to rest upon their laurels won in college, and to expect afterward to float with folded arms into a haven of prosperity and success. He maintained that substantial success is achieved only by unmitigated toil. After the address, the degree of A. B. was conferred upon Messrs. H. S. Merry and A. P. Miller, and the degree of M. A. upon Mr. Jno. H. Burrus and Mrs. Virginia Walker Broughton. After a few pertinent remarks by Prof. A. K. Spence, Dean of the Faculty, a shield, bearing in golden letters upon a blue field the parting words of one of our missionaries, which have been unanimously adopted as the motto of our institution—“Her sons and her daughters are ever on the altar”—was suspended upon the wall of the chapel amid sounds of hearty applause. The benediction was then pronounced by Rev. L. N. Merry.

In one hour, professors, students of boarding department and invited guests assembled in the dining hall to partake of a carefully prepared collation. After all had partaken heartily, remarks were interchanged by invited guests, professors and students. Among the many pleasant features of the occasion was the presence of two old friends of the Institution from Great Britain—Rev. George Crow, of Belfast, Ireland, and Rev. William Bathgate, of Kilmarnock, Scotland, who gave many words of cheer and congratulation. Thus pleasantly closed the most prosperous and eventful year in the history of the institution, with a clear gain of thirty-five per cent. in attendance over last year. On the day after commencement, the 24th, the Union Jack floated from the tower of Jubilee Hall, in honor of the birthday of Queen Victoria, and significant of the close relation the institution sustains to its friends in Great Britain.

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KENTUCKY.

Then and Now.

_Berea College._

The builder working day after day placing stone upon stone, polishing here and there, might well get discouraged if he stopped to look at each day’s work. Progress in all great things is slow, and nowhere slower than in building character.

Twelve years ago, two little black children made their first appearance in our Berea School. The scholars, all of whom at that time were white, scattered before those two little bits of color, as if scared by the plague. The school that in the morning numbered fifty, by noon scarcely counted a dozen. Then commenced the long and weary work of rowing against the stream of prejudice. With a whole State against us, with even our country, so far as it knew us, looking on in doubt, with colored people, who held the most absurd notions of freedom and learning, flocking to us, we found ourselves under a heavy burden.

Our students were fresh from town and country, plantations and the army; some with misty thoughts that education was a good thing, and that about all they had to do was to open the pores and let it soak through. When the restraints of the school-room came, and the study that brought slow results, the courage of this class flagged, and they were easily wooed back to their first love, where the liberty of the corn-field and the swing of the axe was much more to their fancy.

There were some, however, of sterner stuff, who, counting the cost, came through poverty and self-denial, and are remembered as among our best students and graduates. One man, the father of fifteen children, came to Berea years ago, and has somewhat educated almost all his children. Some have taught, and others are preparing to do so. How, in their poverty, they have managed to keep four or five in school at once, we can hardly imagine. We, who are mothers, and know how the little shoes wear out, and the clothes always need a button or patch, stand almost in awe of a mother who not only prepares her children’s daily bread, but helps to earn it. If their little ones have had less than others more favored, they do not seem to mind it. Their laugh is just as merry, and their appetite, perhaps, better for the work that helped to earn the meal. On last Thanksgiving-day, the father spoke of his trials and hindrances, but counted them all as nothing for the joy that the children had gained the privileges he had so longed for, but had been denied.

Only this winter a noble girl, well on in her course of study, whose influence over her companions was always good, the help and stay of the principal, was, inexplicably to us, called to leave her work below and go to the mansion prepared for her. Another sweet, dark-eyed girl, frail in health, but strong in spirit, for two years has not only paid her own way, but has had something left to send to a tired and over-taxed mother. Last year, directly after Commencement, she engaged a school where for months she taught very successfully. At the close of her school, mounted on horseback, she rode to Berea to make final preparations for a new term, telling gleefully how she had secured this and that comfort for the year, and that now she could give herself wholly to study. Imagine her surprise and distress to find, on her return to her boarding place, that all her possessions were burned to ashes, her clothing all gone; and this with only a little money due her. But, though stunned and almost broken-hearted, her courage never failed. Using her means with the greatest economy, willing to deny herself, she is here with us, though how she manages to get along, only she and her Lord fully know.

These are but few cases out of the hundreds that might be mentioned, showing heroism of a very quiet sort; but in God’s own time, when faithfulness in little things is appreciated, many of these poor people will wonderingly receive the crown of the blessed, astonished to find that their plain, hard lives had aught of glory in them.

Missionaries to heathen lands are glad to give their lives to plant Christ’s banner on foreign soil, and we, looking back through these years, take courage, thinking of the souls which have been helped here, and are going out, carrying the good seed, and planting it in all the waste places about us.

Berea opens her arms to the poor about her, with a welcome for all. Those who come here rarely go away without benefit, and many outward signs of improvement. The old people gaze with delight on their children. Weary mothers who have toiled over the wash tubs, fathers who have worked alone in the field while their children studied, are more than rewarded for their toil. Through these hard times, when expenses are great and money comes in slowly, we have had to learn anew the lesson of waiting on the Lord; but we know in whom we trust, and that for the sake of His poor He will supply all our needs.

L. R.

* * * * *

GEORGIA.

Religious Life in Atlanta University.

MRS. T. N. CHASE, ATLANTA.

The other day, when one of our young men handed me a letter to read from a dear old lady “up North,” in which was the sentence, “I’m so disappointed when the MISSIONARY comes, not to read of a revival in your school,” I felt like saying to her: “Dear, praying mother, if you could be here one week, you would go home rejoicing, even though there were no revival.” As the years go by, there is less inclination here to come in flocks to the Lord’s side, or to be led into the kingdom by impulse or excitement. Our students act more and more upon the spirit of the motto that hangs in each of our buildings—“Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” They look upon religion less as a Sunday garment, and more as a robe of righteousness, that transforms our selfish natures into earnest, self-denying lives of obedience.

Let me give a week’s religious duties. Sunday, two of our young men preach in an adjoining town. Quite a number go out to neighboring Sunday-schools, and return about eleven o’clock, when our preaching service begins. Our pastor, a graduate of Yale College and Theological Seminary, came South at the close of the war, to build the first Congregational church in Atlanta. For years he did foundation-work there that placed it in the front rank of A. M. A. churches. The past four years he has been our college pastor. With such a knowledge of the needs of this people as his experience gives, you may have an idea of the kind of sermons we enjoy. Simple truth, such as young people, with such a history and such a future, need, is presented so forcibly, that often the meal, which immediately follows, is almost a silent one, owing to the serious thoughtfulness produced.

In the afternoon, all meet for Sunday-school, which is superintended by the President, who is also a graduate of Yale. As his rich tones come to us in the hymns and Bible readings, both in Sunday-school and at morning devotions through the week, we are thankful for the rare gift—a good reader. In a large school-building, of course each class can have a separate room, and so secure a delightful hour of quiet, uninterrupted Sunday-school work.

In the evening, all assemble in a general prayer-meeting. I do not think it would be possible to give an adequate idea of this meeting, or of similar ones in other A. M. A. schools. It is simply an inspiration to one who realizes what a part these pioneers have in shaping the destiny of their people. In all the meetings I have attended here during these years, I do not recall ever hearing the remark, “Improve the time, brethren,” or any other expression of like import.

Monday, most of the school devote the time of one recitation—three-fourths of an hour—to Bible reading and study in classes. After school there is held a female prayer-meeting of a half hour, led by a lady teacher.

Wednesday evening is the regular church prayer-meeting, led by the pastor, attendance upon which is voluntary. The last half hour of school, Friday afternoon, is devoted to a prayer-meeting, led by the President, and attended by the entire school. This is the only meeting at which the day scholars are required to be present, and so is the most important of all the week. At its close almost every member of the school deposits in the box an envelope containing his regular weekly contribution toward paying the debt of the A. M. A.

A very profitable meeting is announced on Sunday in this way: “On Friday evening bring your Bibles, and tell us what it says about the evils of the tongue;” or, at another time: “Select passages referring to the Sabbath, the Holy Spirit, Repentance,” etc. Most of the family gladly come, each reading one of his selected passages, and discussing it. Familiarity with the Bible and Concordance is a very apparent benefit of this exercise. It is also remarkable how they improve in clearness of expression, and in confining their thoughts to one point. Best of all is the broad view they get of Bible truth, by looking at it from all sides. No disputed points—as Baptism or Perseverance of the Saints—are discussed in this Bible exercise, or in Sunday-school, or any other religious meeting. No Baptist or Methodist need fear being proselyted in Atlanta University.

Saturday evening is the teachers’ prayer-meeting of a half hour. The best test of the religious interest is the number of voluntary students’ meetings. Sunday evening, just before the general meeting of an hour, the young men always gather for another hour in a meeting of their own. The burden of this meeting is praying for the Spirit’s blessing on the sermon and Sunday-school, and pleading for His presence in the general meeting that follows.

There are many other students’ meetings, among both the young men and women, whose interest, and existence even, depend upon circumstances. Nearly every summer term these meetings multiply. As the pupils realize they are soon to leave this peaceful home, and for three months take on the responsibilities and trials of teachers, they seem impelled to a new consecration. Many, each year, go out to teach for the first time, and all feel it is a solemn undertaking. Another occasion for extra meetings is to plead for those so soon to leave us, and not yet in the fold.

This is a hasty view of what may be seen of our religious work. Eternity alone will reveal the number and effect of the private personal appeals, or of the pleading notes written to the timid ones. So, dear friends, do not think, because no revival is announced, that souls are not often coming into the kingdom, and that Christians are not receiving a most careful culture.

I have often thought that the prayers of Northern friends, more than anything else, have been the occasion of such a deep Christian spirit in the A. M. A. schools. Think of that old lady watching the MISSIONARY to see if her prayers for us were answered! I once knew a man, who was not rich, or even a professing Christian, who, for some years, gave $300 each year for the support of a teacher, who, as he said, “would teach a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” to the freedmen. Many of our best friends are in such haste for us to do simply church work, that they can hardly wait in patience for us to build on an intelligent, educational basis. If God has so burdened hearts for the spiritual welfare of the freedmen, may it not indicate that, in His plan, He may have a glorious part for them, in bringing the nations to His feet?

* * * * *

A Photograph with Lights and Shades.

MR. JOHN MCINTOSH, TEACHER, ATHENS.

The lights and shades are the things which make the photograph appear natural; and so, in attempting to give a true, and thus natural, picture of my field of labor, I must give the lights and shades. But, in order that my picture may leave a favorable impression upon the mind, I will first give the shades, and then, the lights. I came to this place October 6th, 1877. On the first day only two pupils met me, and the increase, during this and the following months of the same year, was so very small that I began to be discouraged. I called several educational meetings, and, to my surprise, there was no response. I became still more discouraged. Failing to get as large a day-school as I desired, I offered my services at night, for one dollar per month each to those who could not come in the day. A few accepted the offer, and when these few became weary in well-doing and fainted by the way, I offered to teach at night, free of charge, any young man who was not able to pay his tuition. Only one accepted this offer. I then offered to teach vocal music, free of charge, to any who would meet me every Saturday. The first Saturday, none came; the second, eight came, far behind time; and this has been the greatest number that has ever accepted the offer. In my day-school the variety of books was large; the number of misused books was great. I had for several months to labor very hard to reduce chaos to form and order.

But why did I not have a full school all the while? The assigned reasons were various. Many did not know whether I was Baptist, Methodist, or something else; and so sectarianism kept some away; some parents said their children were just out of school, and their minds needed rest—these, and many excuses less plausible, were rendered for non-attendance. After my school was pretty well established and my scholars were somewhat classified, one other fact became apparent, and this was, and is, indeed, a sad fact, viz.: in the acquisition of knowledge, the teacher is considered one distinct party, the parent another, and the child another. Sad fact that, in the pleasant and most beneficial work, teacher, parent, and scholar are not one. When Christmas-day came, most of my patrons said: “It is Christmas, and there should be no school for one week;” and, indeed, I had but little. A short time ago a circus drifted down this way. “Of course,” said many of my patrons, “the children must go to the circus, and omit going to school until the circus is over with”; and they went.

But all shade, says the photographer, makes no picture; and so I will show the lights, and thus complete my picture. Many of my pupils, who were once, apparently, ignorant of what punctuality was, have learned to be punctual. Those who once thought it best to be disorderly, disrespectful, disobedient, careless, idle, and the like, now think it their duty to act differently; and so a much better state of things exists than formerly. Some months ago, when I would ask a reason for working an example in a certain way, the answer invariably was, “because”; and if I asked “because what?” the reply would be lengthened, thus: “because that gets the answer.” But now my pupils can not only work their examples, but tell why.