Part 3

SAVANNAH, GA.—The pastor of the church at this place writes: “The standard of piety among the colored people about us is so low that it is difficult to create a moral conscience in our own people, and this fact shows the great need there is for our churches.” There has been an unusual work of grace among his people, and the “meetings have been quiet and orderly, as with a New England congregation.” A number have been brought into the church whose experience has been most satisfactory; none of them have had dreams or visions, but all tell of simple faith in the Saviour, and express the purpose of a new life of intelligent obedience to Him. “We are beginning to rise above the superstitious notions which once prevailed.”

ATLANTA, GA.—June 20th, Rev. M. E. Strieby, D.D., preached the dedication sermon of the First Congregational Church. The dedicatory service had been delayed until all debt should be cleared off the house—a beautiful structure in brick, with slate roof and tower, having cost more than $5,000. This done, and a $300 Troy bell secured, all was ready. In the afternoon, a thanksgiving service was held, consisting of music, the responsive reading of appropriate Psalms, and addresses by the pastor, Pres. Ware, Prof. Francis, Supt. Roy, and Mayor Calhoun. The latter, referring to the early days of trial, said that he had always been glad that this people had friends, wherever they came from, who were willing and able to help them.

—Rev. T. E. Hillson, of New Orleans, has been located at Flatonia and Luling in Texas, to have charge of the two churches in those places, which are far out upon the “sunset” route to San Antonio. Miss M. E. Green is in charge of the school in Flatonia.

—Rev. Mr. Roberts, a recent graduate of the Talladega Theological Department, has been appointed to take the pastoral charge of the church at Paris, Texas. Mr. White, another student of Talladega, will probably take the school at Paris.

—Rev. L. C. Anderson, of Fisk, is teaching and preaching near Austin, Texas.

—Rev. B. A. Jones, a recent student in the Theological Department at Oberlin, will take the pastorate of our church at Memphis, Tenn., in September. Mr. Williams, whose health is not equal to the permanent charge, will continue as a supply until that time.

—Rev. G. W. Moore, of the Fisk University, is supplying at Florence, Ala., for the vacation; while Rev. S. N. Brown, another student, supplies the Howard Chapel in Nashville.

—Rev. J. W. Strong, of Talladega, takes the place of Pastor O. W. Crawford at Mobile during the vacation.

—Mr. Geo. Clark, of the Divinity School in Howard University, is supplying Pastor Lathrop’s pulpit at Macon, Ga.

—Rev. J. W. McLean, of Ogeechee, is filling Rev. R. F. Markham’s place in Savannah, Ga., during vacation.

—Rev. H. W. Conley is supplying at Marion, Ala., during the absence of the pastor, Rev. Geo. E. Hill.

* * * * *

AFRICAN NOTES.

—Col. C. E. Gordon, who was for a time Governor-General of Soudan for the Khedive of Egypt, made strenuous and successful efforts to suppress the slave-trade in those parts of Equatorial Africa which came within its influence. He was forced, as our readers know, to resign his position, and in a pamphlet, published by the British Anti-Slavery Society, states that the Khedive has permitted the resuscitation of the slave-trade in Central Africa, and “every order he gave for the suppression of this abomination has been cancelled.” He thinks that a decided message from the French and English governments to the Egyptian ruler would have great effect, but that the slave-trade will never be put down voluntarily by the Khedive.

This slave-trade is one of those evils which time alone will not cure. Nothing but bringing all the influences of Christian missions and Christian governments to combine for its destruction, will overthrow it. We are glad that the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society continues its holy war against it.

—The Church of Scotland Mission at Blantyre, on the Shiré River, Africa, has opened another station. The new station is at Zomba, on the west side of the Shiré River. It is a very elevated and secure spot, where thieves could be barred out. The station is on the borders of Chemlumbe and Malemia, whose respective chiefs are hostile to each other. The design is to reach both tribes. The neighborhood is quite a populous one, and 4,000 people have asked the missionaries to become their protectors. The Arabs carry on their nefarious trade between Blantyre and Zomba, and frequently kidnap people from the latter place to fill out their gangs. Refugees are almost constantly coming in at Blantyre, but none are received at Zomba. A school has been opened at Zomba, and it has forty scholars. The people are very attentive to the preacher, and sit a long time unwearied.

—Encouraging news continues to come from Bishop Crowther’s mission on the Niger. The station at Bonny, which was founded fourteen years ago, and which for some years past has encountered opposition and severe persecution, now is become a bethel. Archdeacon Crowther says the voice of prayer is heard in nearly every house, night and morning. Several persons have been baptized and there are over 200 candidates for the sacrament.

* * * * *

THE FREEDMEN.

REV. JOS. E. ROY, D.D.,

FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, ATLANTA, GA.

* * * * *

ATLANTA UNIVERSITY.

=Baccalaureate—Commencement—Visit of the State Board—Report of Local Paper.=

On Sunday, June 20, the baccalaureate of Atlanta University was preached by Rev. M. E. Strieby, D.D., of New York. His subject was the path of the just and the way of the wicked, the forming of character, good and bad.

The examinations lasted three days.

The Commencement exercises, June 24, came off the same hour with the nomination of Gen. Hancock. Orations were pronounced by six young men, and essays read by ten young women, all of whom showed a fine scholarship and a good degree of the art of elocution. The most gratifying feature in these productions was a zeal to help their people by precept and example in the way of economy, thrift, and moral reform. The degree of A. B. was conferred upon three young men, and that of B. S., with the certificate of graduation from the higher normal course, was given to twelve students, male and female. The music, which was of a high order, was by the students. One captivating piece was, “I am in a strange land.” The college address was delivered by Rev. J. E. Roy, D.D., and the diplomas presented by Rev. M. E. Strieby, D.D.

The State Board of Examiners, ten in number, came over, fresh from the inspection of the State University at Athens, and gave four days of faithful attendance upon the examinations and Commencement of this Institution. Their Report is to be made to the Governor and the Legislature, but it was understood that they were greatly delighted with the thoroughness of the scholarship evinced, and the general _morale_.

The _Constitution_, which reported each day, said: “The examinations were heard by many visitors who showed great interest in all the proceedings. The various questions were, as a rule, aptly answered, and each student gave evidence of the progress achieved in this excellent and yearly growing Institution. The familiarity with Greek which was shown by the class, which was called upon to construe and parse selections from Demosthenes, was quite astonishing. Everybody who has grappled with the Greek language knows how difficult it is to render the “Oration” properly. Special proficiency was shown in the several other branches upon which the students, both male and female, were subjected to rigid questioning. Our citizens are cordially invited to visit the Atlanta University, and see for themselves the great good which the management is doing for the colored people in our midst.”

* * * * *

TALLADEGA COLLEGE.

=Commencement Exercises—Standard of Instruction—Literary Society—Needs.=

REV. O. W. FAY, MONTGOMERY, ALA.

The friends and patrons of Talladega College have great occasion for encouragement and congratulation, in view of the present condition and future prospects of that Institution, as evinced by the examinations and exercises connected with its Tenth Annual Commencement.

Those exercises opened grandly on Sunday, June 6th, at 10.30 A. M., with a baccalaureate sermon by President De Forest from the text (1 Tim. i. 12), “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful putting me into the ministry,” which was a clear and inspiring argument for entering upon the work of the Gospel ministry especially appropriate for the occasion, as it was addressed particularly to the class of eight young men who this year graduate from the Theological Department. At 4 o’clock P. M., a Union Prayer Meeting of the Sunday-school classes was held in the College Chapel, after which Prof. T. N. Chase, of Atlanta University, gave an intensely interesting detailed account of his recent experiences while visiting the Mendi Mission on the West Coast of Africa. The evening was given to the missionary sermon by the Rev. O. W. Fay, of Montgomery, on “The Divine Economy in the Gospel,” or the plan according to which God has been working, and is destined to work for the redemption of mankind. Text, Isa. xiii. 4: “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.”

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday occurred the regular examinations which, for impartiality, thoroughness, and general familiarity with the subjects considered, reflected great credit upon both teachers and pupils. To one not familiar with the standard of instruction and scholarship in the colleges of the American Missionary Association, it might seem a little surprising to find examinations in moral science, geometry, history, pastoral theology, and all higher branches, conducted _topically_ and well sustained; but, when it is known that Pres. De Forest and Profs. Andrews and Ellis, with their able corps of lady associates, represent Yale, Olivet, Oberlin and Mt. Holyoke, he is prepared to expect and find all that is standard and best, both in theory and practice, at Talladega. There was no evidence of special “cramming” on the part of the students, or of special favoritism on the part of the instructors. On the other hand, the evidence was abundant that all had been doing good work, thorough, honest and true. Ex-Gov. Parsons, one of Alabama’s most distinguished citizens and a trustee of the College, honored the examination of the graduating class with his presence, and expressed intense gratification with what he saw and heard. A few other white citizens of Talladega were present at the various exercises from time to time through the week. It is to be regretted, however, that so few were inclined, even by their presence, to show their appreciation of what the College is doing for their community and the State. While there was no great throng of colored people in attendance, there was a goodly number present throughout the week, who, by their remarkable appreciation of the exercises, showed that the occasion was to them “a feast of fat things.”

The public exhibition of the “Adelphic Literary Society,” on Monday evening, was an occasion of interest. The exercises consisted of declamations, original essays, and a discussion of the question, “Should capital punishment be inflicted for murder?” The essays were good, the declamations and the discussion were presented with spirit and a good show of ability, while the music was excellent, all showing careful preparation and a laudable ambition to excel.

On Tuesday evening, the Annual College Address was given by Rev. J. E. Roy, D.D., Field Agent of the A. M. A., on the “Incompleteness of individual talent.” In his own inimitable style, the doctor entertained his audience with happy illustrations, amusing anecdotes and solid thought, showing the mutual interdependence of society, and how God has really and practically given “to every man his work.” In the afternoon of Wednesday, came the prize-speaking. The contestants for prizes in declaiming and reading were eight young men and one young woman. Two prizes were contended for; the first was tuition at the College for one year, and the second, tuition for half a year. A good deal of commendable ambition was aroused, and the contest was so sharp that the Committee found some difficulty in awarding the honors, which were finally conferred by giving the first prize to H. L. Bradford, of the Normal Department, and the second prize to Spencer Snell, of the Theological Department. Miss Dorcas White was also awarded a second prize for an essay on education. At 8 P. M., as a part of the programme for the week, was held the regular Wednesday evening prayer-meeting, led by the pastor, Prof. G. W. Andrews—full, fresh, spiritual and refreshing in its character. The subject of the hour was “Christian education.”

The graduating exercises of Thursday were, indeed, a fitting culmination of all that had preceded them. The orations of the eight young men who graduated were in happy accord with the expectations raised by their examinations the day before. They were all thoughtful and manly efforts, well conceived and well delivered. As an illustration of what _can_ be done as well as of what _is being_ done for the colored race, the proficiency and promise of these young men is highly encouraging. They all go forth with enthusiasm for their work. They all have fields for immediate labor. It is quite confidently hoped that at least one of this class will decide to go to the Mendi Mission on the “Dark Continent.” But when we look about us and see the almost innumerable fields already white for the harvest, the inquiry involuntarily comes. What are these few “among so many”?

In accordance with her new motto, Talladega College is doing a grand work “Pro Christo et Humanitate.” Her facilities and prospects were never good as at present. She was never so well deserving of support and patronage as now. Her location among the mountains of Alabama is delightful. The long blue ranges of mountains, as seen in the distance from the College campus, along with the bracing mountain air, strongly remind one of New England. The only institution of its grade for colored people in the State, its constituency is simply immense.

With a farm of nearly two hundred acres, her facilities are rare indeed for aiding young men to obtain an education, who are disposed to help themselves. She has an efficient corps of instructors, enthusiastic in their work. Particularly is she fortunate in her new President, under whose wise administration the College has assumed a new character and taken a new position in the State. No one could listen to the earnest yet tender and eloquent words of counsel addressed to the graduating class by Pres. De Forest on presenting the diplomas, without the feeling that he is just the large-hearted, scholarly. Christian gentleman who is needed in the place which he occupies.

But notwithstanding all this, Talladega has very pressing needs. Her accommodations for young men are altogether inadequate to the demand, and such as she has are of a very indifferent character. A donation of $15,000 from the Stone Estate, however, gives cheering prospects that during the coming year this sore need will be met.

But $10,000 more is needed just as much for furnishing the new dormitory, improving the College grounds, and making necessary repairs on “Swayne Hall,” which, though originally costing $30,000, and a very stately building, is literally going to ruin from lack of means to repair it.

These facts being known, may it not reasonably be hoped that in the near future, friends of humanity and of Christian education may be found, who will recognize this rare opportunity for investments, and come to the rescue of a worthy and suffering College? Who will be the first?

* * * * *

BEREA COLLEGE.

Busy and Varied Scene—Range of Topics—Stirring Addresses—Brotherhood—Pioneers.

BY SECRETARY STRIEBY.

The little village of Berea, Ky., presented a busy scene on the 16th day of June. Commencement day brought together a crowd that for numbers and variety is seldom collected on such an occasion. The gathering began early in the day. Fine buggies and carriages came filled with people, and with them were wheeled vehicles of almost every variety of construction and in almost every stage of decay. But the larger part of the crowd came on horseback in true Kentucky style, frequently two, and in some cases three persons riding on the same animal. The College campus comprises many acres, covered quite uniformly with a fine growth of large trees. On the day before, I had noticed little slats nailed on these trees, and their use was explained to-day by the horses hitched to them. There must have been 800 or 900 horses on the campus.

The audience numbered probably 1,800 or 2,000 persons of both sexes, both colors, and of every stage in social position. I judged that two-thirds were of the white race, representing the well-to-do classes as also the poorer farmers from the mountains. The dresses were not uniform in style, nor always after the most recent fashion plates. I noticed many old-fashioned sun-bonnets on the heads of the colored women. There was a full supply of babies in the audience, with the usual evidence of good lungs and voices—the essentials for future public speakers. I particularly noticed that the white babies carried off on this day the palm in this incipient oratory, yet I drew no inference as to the future. The assemblage gathered in the Tabernacle, a roughly built structure somewhat in the style of the tabernacles at Martha’s Vineyard and other watering places, though, of course, less expensive.

The public exercises of the forenoon were very creditable to the pupils as well as their teachers in the essays and speeches. The range of topics was wider than is usual in our institutions in the South, and with less reference to the peculiar position and struggles of the colored race. This was easily explained by the fact that about half the pupils are white. The afternoon was occupied with addresses by Rev. J. A. R. Rogers, Secretary Strieby, Pres. Fairchild, of Oberlin, and two colored ministers of the vicinity. The previous evening was taken up with a stirring address in the chapel by a Kentucky gentleman of prominent position, the son of a former slave-holder. It was in hearty sympathy with the work in Berea College, and concluded with some very timely and practical advice to the colored people, which they heartily applauded.

Berea College is doing, as may be seen, a peculiar work. No institution in the nation approaches it in uniting the two races in the same school. As a pioneer in the breaking down of caste prejudice, it has no rival; nor is this purchased by lowering the one race at the expense of the other, nor by any approach to the blending of the races in marriage. It is simply a quiet, unpretentious and practical working out of the brotherhood of man in educational and religious co-operation.

The pioneers and principal workers in founding and carrying forward this noble Christian enterprise were present—John G. Fee, J. A. R. Rogers, E. H. Fairchild, and others. It is seldom that men live to see with their own eyes so great a revolution as that which Berea witnessed in the contrast of this Commencement day with the dark days of persecution, banishment and danger. Tales were told me at quiet tea-tables, of times of trial and deliverance, that moved the heart over scenes that occurred not in old historic times, but on spots within eye-glance, and participated in by the narrators.

Berea College is well equipped with buildings and a good corps of teachers. The Ladies’ Hall is modeled after, and about the size of, the similar building in Oberlin. Howard Hall gives excellent facilities as a boys’ dormitory. The new chapel is a model of neatness and convenience. Other and smaller buildings meet other wants, and while another edifice could be well used, yet Berea’s great need now is _endowment_; and to those who have the means, and are looking for a place to use it for the nation’s welfare and the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom, we can safely and unhesitatingly turn their attention to this worthy and growing institution.

* * * * *

TOUGALOO UNIVERSITY.

African Macedonia—Usefulness and Needs—Work of Grace—Waiting for Supplies.

REV. H. S. DE FOREST, TALLADEGA, ALA.

A run into Mississippi, and two days spent at Tougaloo, have given me a fresh sense of the importance of our work in its entirety, and a special interest in Tougaloo. This institution, in the centre of the great cotton State, where the black soil seems the natural home of the black man, has a field as large, as needy and as hopeful as can well be desired. From Marion, Ala., at the east, to far beyond the Mississippi on the west, north from New Orleans and south from Holly Springs, each about two hundred miles away, Tougaloo sits alone, and has undisputed possession of a great, a populous, and a waiting African Macedonia, crying out, “Come over and help us.” The University, with meagre equipments and limited accommodations, is trying to answer that cry. It is doing much, very much; but how little compared with what might be done and ought to be done!