Part 3

I have been quite silent since my return from Africa and resumed my work here; not altogether because there was nothing of interest to write, but because I thought it more important to keep the sword in hand until the victory was gained than to stop in the heat of the battle to report progress. Notwithstanding the unpleasant situation of a church worshiping in a house unfinished and unprovided with heaters in the month of January, we determined to observe the week of prayer. Some religious interest was manifested among the young people, which was encouraged in every way possible, and one after another gave himself to the Lord, until March 23d on our communion season, when nineteen, hopefully converted, united with the church. Rev. R. F. Markham, who is now in charge of the work of the A. M. A. in and around Savannah, came out by invitation on the 21st and remained until Monday the 24th; delivered the preparatory lecture on Saturday, preached Sunday morning, assisted in the other duties pertaining to the communion, and in the afternoon delivered a very interesting lecture on the work of the A. M. A. This was listened to with great interest by about 700 people in the house and about 300 outside who could not possibly get in. I would like much to give you a short account of the candidates’ confessions, but it would make my letter too long. Their ages range from 10 to 60 years.

I have had the work of building a new school-house, nicely furnished and very conveniently arranged, and have also been working up a church in a new field. The new building was built with means furnished by the A. M. A., and with such help as the people here could give, at a cost of $1,100. It is called the Dorchester Academy, from its Puritan history. First, the Pilgrim Fathers planted Dorchester in Massachusetts; then Dorchester, South Carolina; then Dorchester, Liberty, Georgia; and lastly, Dorchester Academy at Snelsonville, four miles on the Sunberry Road, from No. 3 A. & G. R. R. This was dedicated April 13 by Dr. J. E. Roy, Field Superintendent of the A. M. A. The address was rich and full of instruction. He dwelt principally upon the blessings of the family institution of home; the duties of the three divisions of the family in the relation which each sustains to the other. $50 was pledged toward the debt of $100 which was due on the new building. Judge E. Fulton (white) promised $5 of the $50, and made a very encouraging speech to the people.

On Monday night Dr. Roy delivered at our church a lecture on “Our Country,” illustrated by his large map. This was a grand treat to all. The whites present expressed themselves as being highly pleased.

Tuesday morning, the 15th, it began to rain, but ceased about 7 o’clock. Very soon ten buggies and one-horse wagons, well loaded with ministers, delegates and spectators, were seen on their way to a council of churches which was called to meet 14 miles N. W. of us to consider the expediency of organizing a church at Cypress Slash. The roads are quite level all the way, pretty much through a pine forest. All were highly pleased with the trip. Three churches were represented in the council—the Midway, Ogeechee and Savannah churches. Dr. Roy represented the A. M. A.; Rev. J. R. McLean was chosen scribe, and Rev. F. Snelson moderator. In reply to inquiries it was said that the community generally would look upon the movement with favor. They wished as soon as possible to have an intelligent minister sent to them, such as the A. M. A. would recommend, and they pledged to do all they could to support him. Fifteen persons were then baptized, 20 were received by confession, 28 from other churches—48 in all. A sermon was preached by Dr. Roy, from Rev. xxii 17: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” Scripture read by Mr. J. McIntosh. The ordinance of baptism administered and the prayer offered by Rev. F. Snelson. Rev. J. R. McLean gave a short address and the right hand of fellowship. Rev. R. F. Markham gave the address to the church, and Dr. Roy extended a cordial welcome to the fellowship of all the Congregational churches in America. Five deacons were then ordained, Mr. Markham offering the ordaining prayer of consecration. Several whites were present; one white lady, who assisted largely in providing dinner for our company. I must acknowledge this to be the first place in the South where I have _ever_ seen a white man ask for prayer among the colored people and at their meeting. This was done by a man of about 60 years, while I was trying to gather the nucleus which formed this church. Another important Congregational seed is planted; pray that its growth may be a success.

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SOUTH CAROLINA.

Plymouth Church—Home and Sunday-School Work—Avery Institute—Social Recognition.

REV. TEMPLE CUTLER, CHARLESTON.

We came here from Chattanooga about the first of March. We have not had time to do much more than to look about us and take the lay of the land. There seems to be no reason why we may not build up, in this city, a strong church upon the true foundation of the Apostles. The church here (Plymouth) is largely an offshoot from the old Circular, Independent, or Congregational church, one of the oldest in this city. In an old plan of the city, giving the location of the principal buildings in 1704, the White Meeting House occupies a conspicuous position, and probably gave its name to the street on which it stood, which is now the principal street. This church was established by Presbyterians, Congregationalists and French Protestant refugees. It afterwards passed into the hands of Congregationalists, and then suffered, as many of our Congregational churches did, by a division, a part forming themselves into a Unitarian congregation. Not far from 120 members from this old Independent church have joined Plymouth church since its organization. We do not have to contend, therefore, with the prejudice against a new form of government and worship, as we do in some parts of the South. Besides this, there are Presbyterian churches among the colored people here whose mode of worship is so like ours that the people have been educated into sympathy with our government and worship. Notwithstanding all this, from one cause and another, Plymouth church has had a stormy life, and is now struggling for existence. What will be the outcome of our effort it is not best to predict; only this: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” I remember a Christian worker once made the remark, that “If we have God on our side, we are in the majority, let who will be on the other.” This is the encouragement we have. If we can succeed in getting the membership decidedly and firmly on the Lord’s side, the end is secured. But the obstacles and hindrances are not few. What we need, and what alone can save us, is a baptism of power from on high. Some of our good friends at the North are in mortal fear of the doctrine of a higher Christian life. If they will come down here, we will show them some of the phases of the lower Christian life, until they will be willing to accept anything that will tend to make Christians holy and love one another. I don’t propose to say much about the church at present, only this: that we need greatly a revival of pure religion.

Miss Wells, our missionary, is getting into the homes of the people, and we already see the good results of her work. She has organized a Sunday-school in the out-skirts of the city, at which she has secured many more promises than attendants. Still she is working on, and will eventually succeed in her enterprise. The readiness of the colored people to promise is wonderful, but the fulfilment is exceedingly doubtful. If you question their fulfilling their pledge, they reply, “Oh, yes, Missus, we coming shuah; you may look for we.” Sure enough we do look, but seldom find. Our home Sunday-school is increasing in efficiency and numbers, and we hope before long to report a prosperous condition.

Avery Institute is one of the finest schools in the South; I don’t know as there is a superior to it anywhere. A gentleman in the city was speaking of the receptivity of the colored children in comparison with the whites, to the disparagement of the former, when another gentleman, prominent in democratic politics, said there was no disparagement on that side. “You just go over to that Avery school, and hear the examinations, and listen to their literary exercises; why, it is glorious, perfectly wonderful—_magnificent!_” This is not undeserved praise. Every visitor expresses himself highly pleased with the appearance of the school. Prof. Farnham deserves the praise which he receives for the high character of his school. After the anniversary exercises, just before Easter, the students and graduates of the school presented Avery with a beautiful flag of blue bunting with a palmetto in white worked in the centre, and Avery Institute in large letters above and below. It is the first time the flag of the State was ever presented to a school supported by Northern philanthropists for the benefit of the colored people.

I would say in regard to social recognition, that the principal objection to us workers here is, that we are Northerners. I do not think any class regards it such a terrible disgrace to do something for the elevation of the negroes. Charleston is far in advance of other cities of the South in this respect. It is the only city that I have seen where a real Christian conception, or rather _perception_, of duty seems to be felt. The city has built some of its finest school buildings for the colored children; in one of which there are 25 white teachers, all Southern born. In another school, under the care of Rev. Mr. Adams, a colored man, as principal, there are three or four white ladies from some of the most respected families in the South. Several of the colored churches are ministered to by white men. In _antebellum_ days, Dr. Jeredeaux (Presbyterian) had a church of colored people, where the whites had to take the gallery, while the blacks held the pews below. The building was one of the largest in the city and used to be thronged. Since he left, his congregation has become a good deal scattered. He had a singular power over his people. He thought as much of his “niggers” as he did of his white congregation, if not more. He would not let any man preach to his colored church. He was pastor of a white church at the same time, and many of his white congregation would go to hear him at Zion church, but they had to take the gallery. I do not mean to say, by any means, that every thing is pleasant and sweet between the two races, but there are things to commend. The things to be condemned, we hope, will soon pass away, and we shall not have to think of some things which we leave unsaid. It is certainly pleasant to labor in a community where you are not constantly reminded that you are despised by Christian people, and some of them from the North, too, because you are doing what your conscience and every sentiment of our holy religion commends. If anything will stir up all the depths of righteous indignation, and sorely tempt one to go a little over the bounds of the term righteous, it is to be brought in contact with that phase of Christianity which prevails almost universally in the South; and the fact that letters are not filled with burning words of scathing criticism of this spirit, is a standing proof that our workers exercise the largest spirit of charity. And they are right. We are not here to seek the applause of men, and I presume it is altogether better for us and the people among whom we labor, that the white people do not welcome us to this field. I can easily see the snare that popular favor would be to us. I have long since come to the conclusion that God knows best how to have His work accomplished. If some misconstrue our motives in coming into this work, it is no more than the men in Christ’s day did in regard to his motive. It is sufficient if the servant be as his Lord. Oh, for grace, _grace_, _grace_, to do our Master’s will.

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ALABAMA.

The State Conference of Congregational Churches.

MRS. G. W. ANDREWS, TALLADEGA.

The fourth annual meeting of the Conference opened with a sermon by Rev. Dr. Bascom, for the last winter pastor of the church. He spoke from the words, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” impressing us with the valuable estate of the Christian.

Saturday was held our first morning prayer meeting, when “Blest be the tie that binds” was the sentiment of every heart. Thanksgivings for revivals of God’s grace in the churches and in individual hearts arose like holy incense. At other meetings of this kind, numerous and interesting accounts were given of special visitations of the Spirit; at Anniston, the Cove, and Childersburg; at Talladega, Selma, Marion and Montgomery; the last two not resulting in any extensive work of grace. We felt how sweet that there are no desert places in God’s love.

The first paper noticed on the programme was “Our Mission Work,” by Rev. G. W. Andrews, Talladega—an inspiration from his experience of nearly nine years in the service, instructive and profitable. After the rest and refreshment at the “Home” of two hours’ “nooning,” we listened to the discussion of the question, “How shall we interest the church of Christ, North and South, in our work?” Some of the replies: By doing it with all our might, thus showing that it interests us; by showing that it is a specific work, placed in the hands of the Christian church by the marked Providence of God; by combining the efforts of women, North and South, for special missionary work; by not only arousing men, but raising money to carry it on to successful completion.

Right here came in most appropriately the presentation of “The duty of economy and industry,” so as to increase our giving, by Rev. D. L. Hickok, Mobile. Full of fresh and vigorous thought, the most prominent was that of _saving_ to spend.

At the announcement, “Examination of candidates for the ministry,” nine young men came forward. The young men were not only questioned by their leader, Rev. Mr. Andrews, but by many others on the general range of questions in systematic theology, followed by personal Christian experience in their calls to the ministry, until all present were convinced of their thorough preparation for their work. The evening was given to an address by the Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D.: “How are the Freedmen getting on?”—a graphic picture of their condition then (at the surrender) and now.

A little time being left, “How to win souls,” by Rev. O. W. Fay, of Illinois, lately arrived, was impressively treated. First, make it your business; then, in successfully prosecuting this business, come into personal contact with him you would win. Sabbath morning we were disappointed by the absence of Prof. J. C. Silsby, of Selma, who was to have conducted the Sabbath-school quarterly review. After a short review of the quarter’s lessons, brief addresses were made, and the time profitably spent. The sermon Sabbath morning, by Mr. J. D. Smith, of Shelby, from the text, “Can ye not watch with me one hour?” was a touching picture of the heavy-laden disciple and a Saviour’s yearning for sympathy. At 3 P. M. a children’s meeting, addressed chiefly by Prof. E. P. Lord, of Talladega, was said to be very interesting and instructive. The writer was unable to be present. Monday morning a business meeting closed the session of Conference proper and opened

THE THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE.

The first paper, “The History and necessity of a new Revision of the Bible,” by Rev. C. B. Curtis, was a most thorough treatise upon the subject, for which he expressed himself partly indebted to the _Sunday-School World_. We admired the caution with which he handled the sacred subject, lest some poor wayfaring man should hear to his hurt. At the end we were left to anticipate with joy the new, complete and pure revision, which, after all, will not contain _one single change_ vital to Christian faith.

The second paper, “The Relation of Theological Education to the Church of Christ,” was by Mr. J. D. Smith, of Shelby, showing that a pure religion is conserved by an educated ministry; and without it, the tendency is to superstition and heathenism. Following this, a study of the 110th Psalm, conducted by Mr. Y. B. Sims, of the theological class, brought us all under his tutelage and sharp questioning for half an hour. I noticed some of the Doctors of Divinity scratching their heads previous to answering, while “the smile went round.” At night we listened to a sermon on the “First Commandment,” by Rev. D. L. Hickok. Power, pathos and eloquence were combined in it. Plans of sermons by Revs. P. J. McEntosh, Horace Taylor, Alfred Jones, and Revs. Andrews and Bascom, closed the Institute.

THE SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTION,

the third section of the Conference, opened on Tuesday with an address by Rev. D. L. Hickok, of Mobile, on “The Field and the Workers.” Other topics of this interesting day were: “The Best Methods of Conducting Teachers’ Meetings,” Rev. G. W. Andrews; “Necessity of Pointed Teaching,” Rev. P. J. McEntosh; “How to Cultivate the Spirit of Giving in Sunday-schools, and How to Dispose of Moneys Collected,” Mr. J. D. Smith; “S. S. Music—How to keep up with the mass of New Music,” Rev. C. B. Curtis. Reports of Sabbath-schools. At night the S. S. Convention closed with a multitude of speeches on as many topics.

THE WOMAN’S MISSIONARY MEETING

was held in the afternoon. We could not have foregone the good we gained by that excellent meeting. I have regretted that I did not reserve my time for an exclusive report of it, as it was one of so much interest; I will only note its general features, however, as full minutes will be published in connection with the minutes of the Conference. After the usual devotional exercises and reports, we listened to an address by Rev. Dr. Roy, which was so thoroughly appreciated, that a unanimous vote of thanks was given at its close. Then came the following papers: “The Opportunities afforded to the Women of the Colored Race for Education and Moral Improvement,” Miss M. J. Adams, Montgomery; “Present Encouragements to further prosecute Special Missionary Work for our Colored Women and Girls,” Mrs. H. W. Andrews, Talladega; “The Industrial School, a Means of Success in Training our Young Women for Future Usefulness,” S. Ida Allen, Talladega.

The Conference with its triple object closed, we were ready to enjoy the best wine, which, after the example in Cana, had been reserved till the last. The interesting

EXAMINATION AND ORDINATION SERVICES

of Mr. J. D. Smith, Shelby, took place on Wednesday; examination conducted by Rev. O. W. Fay, the new pastor at Montgomery. Searching questions were put, and grew more and more so as the candidate showed abundant ability to answer. An examination of two hours was well sustained. The leading examiner said he had never listened to a better examination, and had attended all the important ones about Chicago. One reply I must give you, showing the firm convictions of Mr. Smith on the subject of emotional religion: Ques.—Do you think it necessary, when under conviction, that a man should be thrown on to the floor and go through various contortions of body before he can become a Christian? Ans.—No, sir; I do not think when God knocks at the door of a man’s heart, that he “knocks down the man.” This reply evidently met with hearty approval. The ordination exercises were conducted in the evening; sermon by Rev. Wm. H. Ash, Florence, an earnest setting forth of ministerial duties. The impressive ordaining prayer by Rev. Dr. Bascom, and charge to pastor and right hand of fellowship by Revs. Taylor and Andrews. The doxology, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” closed what to us had seemed like a “feast of weeks.”

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SOUTH-WESTERN CONFERENCE.

Annual Meeting at New Iberia, La.

REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, NEW ORLEANS.

Our Annual Conference met at New Iberia, April 2–6, and on account of the deep interest and spiritual results directly attending it, marks an important era in the history of the Congregational churches of Louisiana. The very delightful meeting of the Conference in 1878, at the same place, prepared us for the recurrence of like scenes this year. But the Lord had greater and better things in store for us, and the Conference of 1879 stands alone in the marvellous tenderness and earnestness which characterized all its sessions, and in the precious baptism of the Holy Spirit, resulting in the conversion of _fifty souls_, and in the quickening and reviving of all the churches represented.

Of the 16 churches connected with the Conference, 14 were represented. Two large churches, one at Gretna, (Rev. W. P. Ward, pastor,) numbering 250 members, and the one at Algiers, (Rev. James Craig, pastor,) numbering 121 members, which left the Conference seven years ago, and have since been independent, were very cordially re-admitted. The brethren on the ground understand the great importance of this step. The re-admission of these large churches will be an element of strength in many directions. Their temporary withdrawal was the result of a misunderstanding which should never have occurred.

Two new churches were received—the church at _Harangville_, in Lafourche parish, with a membership of 30, and the church at _Little Pecan_, in Iberia parish, eight miles from the city of New Iberia. Rev. P. P. Proctor will take charge of this church.

The year has been one of growth. Revivals were reported in several of the churches, especially in the Central Church of New Orleans and in Terrebonne.

The membership of the churches numbers 1,303. During the year ending April 1st, 1879, there have been admitted to the churches 213, of whom 190 were received on profession of their faith. Number in Sabbath-school, 670. Adult baptisms, 146; infant baptisms, 122.

Our Northern friends will be startled to know that 119 have been excommunicated during the year. But after all it is a hopeful sign. It is a process of purification painful, but necessary. The church cannot afford to shelter unworthy people. I wrote to one of the pastors who had sent his report to me, and asked him if it was true that 37 had been excommunicated from his church the past year. “Yes, sir,” he wrote me, “it is all right; they were not walking in Christ.”

DISCUSSIONS.

The subjects considered were practical and the addresses were earnest and to the point. The topics of “Church Extension,” “Education,” “Temperance,” and the “Moral Character of Ministers and Church Members,” came prominently before the Conference. The sentiments expressed, in which there was entire agreement among the brethren, were pure in tone, and placed our churches upon the broad platform of moral purity and intelligence. I shall be pardoned if I particularize. Social and domestic relations among the colored people in the dark days of slavery, in a great many instances, do not bear inspection. The necessities of those days call for a charitable judgment, but do not justify a continuance of the evil. There is but one sentiment in the Congregational churches of Louisiana on this subject: _legal marriage is insisted on in all cases_. No exception is allowed on any plea. Said one of our pastors while this discussion was pending, “Individuals living unlawfully can remain members of my church only so long as it takes to call a church meeting to turn them out.” The pastors agreed that they could afford to preside over small churches, but not over impure churches. I desire to emphasize this fact, that our friends may know that we are building upon a good foundation, and that our work, whatever the rate of its progress, is in accord with the Gospel of Christ.