Part 2

On each day quite a large number of spectators was present.

While numerous complimentary remarks were made we do not think that some features of the school were fully appreciated. Latin, Greek, higher mathematics and metaphysics still possess a charm for scholars, both South and North, while modern methods in the lower grades attract the attention and win the admiration of only an appreciative few.

The specimens of map drawing and of original designs in industrial drawing were considered good by competent judges.

For several years a large part of the public have had object lessons from nature and in form of a daily exercise, with especial reference to teaching them to make simple and exact statements in clear and correct language; and in their examinations they were said to show marked ability in making nice distinctions and using good English.

The experiment of the senior normal girls in cottage housekeeping under the direction of one of the teachers meets with universal favor. Everybody in these United States thinks every girl ought to know how to keep house well, and the best way to learn how to do a thing is to do it. The outcome of the work in this department is highly satisfactory, and we wish we had a larger cottage for next year.

The silk culture has been worth the while for the sake of the entertainment and instruction it has afforded, even if no pecuniary benefit came from it. The worms “wound up” their business, at about the same time the rest of us did ours, and everybody said “Well done.”

The competitive gardens formed another feature in our work. These were a rod square and thirty-six in number. Beets, beans, peas, potatoes and onions were the crops. The potatoes were dug on the last day of examination, and it was found that our native African had gained the first prize, having 82½ pounds on his square rod. How about slavery’s developing the African race?

As the visitors inspected the new barn, the twelve full kits of carpenters’ tools donated by a friend in New York City, though still unused, were not concealed from view. Funds for a shop have now been pledged, and a teacher of carpentering is to be employed, even if some other department is suspended, and the boys are to be taught the use of tools, in obedience to the prevailing sentiment of what ought to be, and in the hope that such instruction will help the colored man to hold his present position in the mechanical field.

On Commencement day “everything passed off well,” and a clergyman from Boston was heard to say, “Good thoughts well expressed.” Sixteen young men and women received diplomas or certificates, and listened to parting words from the president.

Governor McDaniel honored us with his presence, and sent a verbal message to the graduates, saying that he had been much pleased with their exercises and felt a warm interest in them.

At the alumni meeting an excellent paper was read by an alumnus upon the subject of industrial education, and several speeches were made, showing intellectual growth and telling of good work done.

Within ten days from Commencement, as many as three-fourths of our students will be scattered all over the State, and in many places in neighboring States, metamorphosed into dignified and wise pedagogues. May they all meet with great success in their day-school, Sunday-school and temperance work, and in their efforts to stimulate the people to acquire property and make for themselves pleasant and pure homes.

We were glad to have with us Prest. De Forest and Prof. Ellis, of Talladega College, the former of whom preached the baccalaureate sermon, that abounded in gems of deep and practical thought, incased in clear and transparent language.

At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, Sec’y Strieby was re-elected, and one of Atlanta’s most prominent men in business, social and religious circles, who had recently declined the office of Mayor, consented to become a member of the Board. Resolutions were passed, thanking Messrs. King, Cassedy and Sessions, and the representatives of the late Hon. W. E. Dodge, for gifts to the school.

Crowded halls, continued success in old lines of work, and encouragement in new, added buildings, generous gifts, growing favor among the people, good reports from graduates and the constant presence of the Divine Spirit lead us to thank God and take courage, believing that the school is accomplishing its mission in the main, and that the financial clouds that lower will be dispelled in due time, as others have been in the history of the institution.

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LEWIS HIGH SCHOOL, MACON, GA.

A missionary villa, picturesque and interesting, is comprised of the Lewis High School, Church, Library Building and Teachers’ Home, occupying the summit of a beautiful street in Upper-Central Macon. The Anniversary exercises were inaugurated on Sunday evening, May 27, with a lecture by Hon. Walter B. Hill, a lawyer of Macon, who, in urgent language worthy of his profession, argued that ignorance is the cause of the faults of those partially educated. His subject, therefore, named the remedy, Christian education. In closing, the speaker said he had searched for and chosen the best poem for the conclusion of his address, the author of which was the worthy pastor of the church, Rev. Stanley E. Lathrop—“The Rain-Drop’s Lesson”—ending with the lines:

“Never tempted Work to stop Though my cup hold But a drop. Rising Heavenward, Pure to grow, Coming earthward, Joy to sow!”

Rev. J. W. Burke, a prominent Southern Methodist clergyman, of Macon, in earnest and well-chosen words, corroborated Mr. Hill’s arguments.

The examinations began on Tuesday, culminating in an exhibition on Thursday. Prof. W. A. Hodge, principal, examined the classes, with four lady helpers, who would take high stand in our best Northern schools, in their several departments. There have been 298 pupils enrolled, an increase of fifty per cent. As we listened to the highly creditable results we learned better how to teach, and were filled with equal regard for the field which is “white already,” and for those laborers whom the Lord of the vineyard, through the A. M. A., has sent forth into His harvest.

The work of adding to knowledge, understanding, requires patient toil here, yet we learned from the assistant principal, Miss Lindsley, who has taught in four States, that she has never before accorded the highest mark (100) to two scholars, in any one school, for deportment and scholarship. Miss Sprague, teacher of the Intermediate Department, has shown good results in the common English branches and declamation, and has a bright, stimulating way of interesting her pupils. Miss Pingree has won in a few months the love of the primary class so heartily, that two of them meeting a visitor, a stranger in this city, anxiously inquired, “Do you think Miss Pingree will come back?” Her success as a missionary has led her to feel called to that work; and could such a need here be filled, the A. M. A. have one who is already beloved among this people in such capacity whose labors have been voluntarily given outside of school hours. All the teachers seek to know their pupils in their homes, taking long walks “without the camp.” We wish that a missionary horse and carriage could be an auxiliary! Miss Woodworth has developed the music to an astonishing degree. They have performed a cantata, sing accurately in difficult parts, and the primary class reminded us of a full band of music! These teachers are much beloved, and the young women of the school gave them a surprise party at the Home, furnishing ice cream and cake. This was a voluntary certificate of esteem.

The Exhibition Day filled the church with an audience of 400. We noticed in the dialogues an apparent enjoyment, evincing the imitative faculty and love for diversion. In these they seemed to feel at home. The exercises were listened to with unbroken attention throughout. The last feature of the occasion was the presentation of a Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine, costing $65 (through the Macon agent, Judge M. R. Freeman), awarded by the company to the girl who produced the best work; five machines having been furnished during the winter for practice. Mrs. D. W. Job, daughter of the late Rev. Nehemiah Adams, D.D., of Boston, in the name of Mrs. Lathrop and Mrs. Hodge whom she called the “Woman in Proverbs,” and “Dorcas”—told the story of the sewing school and awarded the machine.

For three years Mrs. Lathrop, the worthy “minister’s wife,” has met nearly every week with girls to teach them to sew. They have made about 500 garments, and one of their patch-work quilts has been given to the oldest scholar, _aged_ 93! Ten competed for the prize. Mrs. Prof. Hodge, matron of the Teachers’ Home, has assisted this winter in this benevolent and important work.

Prof. Hodge, with some earnest words of fitting counsel, presented certificates of graduation to the senior class of three boys and four girls.

After a beautiful chorus, all were invited to adjourn to the dedication of a gem of a building, which we will call “The Emerald,” in chaste tints of green and olive, set in the rear of the grounds on the brow of the hill. This might be appropriately termed “The Lathrop Library,” for the pastor in the last two years has collected the books and the money which now constitute a public library for the colored people and their friends.

The building cost $350, and contains about 3,600 volumes, and is furnished with book-cases, chairs, table and a cabinet. What publishers or friends will now supply magazines and papers, imparting religious instruction and profitable information? The lower story, it is hoped, will be converted into a workshop, where trades may be taught. Money will be needed for this.

The evening was devoted to a concert, conducted by Miss Woodworth. We recognized one of the best and most difficult Harvard songs, nor could the Glee Club sing it with better expression.

In social, educational, moral and religious growth, this year’s work of the A. M. A. in Macon cannot be estimated. God bless the North! God bless the South! God bless the colored people of Macon, and cause His face to shine upon them all.

BOSTON, Mass. D. W. J.

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AVERY NORMAL INSTITUTE, CHARLESTON, S.C.

PROF. A. W. FARNHAM.

Our Commencement exercises began with the sermon, Sunday, June 24, which was preached by Rev. Prof. A. G. Townsend, of Claflin University. The following, with reference to the sermon, is from the _News and Courier_:

“The sermon to the graduating class at Avery Institute was delivered last evening at 6 o’clock to a full audience by the Rev. Professor A. G. Townsend, of Claflin University, who is also an alumnus of Avery. After a brief salutation to old and new friends, which was conceived in good taste and just feeling, the preacher announced his text, Prov. iv., 13: ‘Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life.’ The discourse was straightforward and of substantial interest.”

Monday, June 25, was “Children’s Day.” This day, organized by the present Principal seven years ago, has become almost as popular as “Graduation Day.” The leading features this year were selections from the Kitchen-Garden exercises, as taught by Miss Huntington of New York, and the exhibit of two quilts, a rug, and a quantity of holders, which were made by the children. In these exercises and the use of the needle, the boys have engaged as heartily and successfully as the girls. This industrial showing was enlivened with singing, several recitations, a dialogue, and two class readings. “Children’s Day” is given to the primary and intermediate classes. To these classes have been devoted two hours a week for industrial work.

The grammar school exhibition occurred June 26. The 1st years gave Miss Andrews’ geographical play of the “United States,” and a dialogue, in a manner that reflected credit upon their teacher, who had prepared them. The 2d years gave two class readings (a scene from “William Tell” and “The Charcoal Man”); and the 3rd years gave the comic opera of “King Alfred.” The industrial work of this department has been confined to inventive and perspective drawing. In inventive drawing the pupils made their designs with sticks, first of equal then of unequal lengths, and when these designs were accepted by the teacher they were drawn first on slates, then in drawing books.

On Graduation Day, June 29, six young men and the same number of young women read essays. Their subjects were: “Our Common School Law,” “After Graduation, What?” “Chemistry of Common Things,” “The Relation of Geography to Other Sciences,” “The Action of Alcohol on the Body and Mind,” “Water,” “Why Do You Use Tobacco?” “Industrial Education,” “Should Cooks be Educated?” “Physical Culture,” “Heat,” and “Some Evidences of Christianity.” This class chose for its motto, “Nothing great is lightly won.” The young men all intend to go to college.

The results of the industrial work in the normal department were a surprise to all on account of the quantity, variety and beauty of the work displayed. It consisted of colored designs for dadoes, borders and embroidery; useful and ornamental articles of scroll sawing; leaves, animals, vases, a bust and other articles modeled in artists’ clay; samples of printing, including the commencement programmes, and a fine display of crochet and art needlework. An average of an hour a week was given to the industrial work in the normal department.

The music, both vocal and instrumental, on each occasion, was good. Special mention should be made of “Inflammatus,” from “Stabat Mater,” which was well given and well received. Bible recitations by classes took the place of Bible readings in the devotional exercises of each day. On graduation day the graduating class recited the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes.

On July 4th the Avery Alumni Association meets, has literary exercises, a business meeting, and gives a $50 cash prize to that member of the class of ’83 who has the best record; its members exchange greeting, vow new devotion to their _Alma Mater_, pronounce a benediction upon her, and then go their ways for another year of honest work in behalf of less favored humanity.

Referring to our visitors the _New Era_ has the following:

“During the exercises of the week, a number of prominent white citizens were in attendance and evinced genuine interest in the proceedings. It is very gratifying to see this attention on the part of the white element. It betokens a hopeful outlook. And why should there not be the pleasantest relations between all good citizens? We are all destined to dwell together. The quicker, under reasonable progress, that the past is forgotten, the better for all. We are sincerely glad that Prof. Farnham gives cordial welcome to all who are interested in the work in which he so intelligently and sincerely engages his intellectual and moral forces.”

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BEACH INSTITUTE.

MISS IDA M. BEACH.

For weeks we had looked forward to these last hours! And now all is over!

Four days of written examinations were very tiresome, but I wish my readers could have seen the earnest workers. Oral examinations occurred on Friday, May 25. A pleasant hour could be spent in the Primary Department. Here are little folks reading now so smoothly in First Reader, who eight months ago knew nothing of A B C work.

Words never seen before are placed on the board with diacritical marks. The little hands come up, and the correct pronunciation is given. In another room pupils are engaged in writing a spelling lesson. Examined slates prove that attention has been given to careful instruction.

Hurrying on, we find older pupils reciting in arithmetic and geography; others, more advanced, in algebra and literature. The same earnest spirit fills each room, and all seem striving to do their best.

On Sunday evening, in the Congregational Church, Rev. Dana Sherrill preached a sermon to the members of the graduating class, taking for his text Phil. iii., 13, 14. Gathering up the lessons learned, but forgetting past attainments, they should be ever striving for something better beyond. The kind, practical counsel found, at least, attentive listeners. Said one graduate: “That was our New Year’s motto. I shall never forget it now.”

A new feature of our anniversary exercises was a juvenile concert. On Monday night a goodly company gathered in our chapel. One hundred and forty children greeted them with a song. The choruses were rendered with enthusiasm. Of particular interest were the solos and action songs by the little Primaries. A solo, “I’se gwine to Alabama,” given by one of the older boys, was thoroughly enjoyed. The net sum of $32.00 was raised for the increase of our library fund.

It was interesting to watch the delighted parents during the sociability of the “breaking up.”

Wednesday came, with clouds in the morning, and at the hour appointed for the public exercises, rain falling in torrents. Yet nearly every child was in place, and extra chairs were brought for the gathered spectators. The exercises consisted of recitations, dialogues and songs. As the children performed the parts assigned each, I did not wonder that both teachers and mothers “felt proud.” An invitation to examine work done by members of the sewing class was generally accepted, giving the happy parents fresh cause for pride.

We decided to hold our graduating exercises on Wednesday evening. At an early hour every seat was taken, while numbers were standing in the aisles and halls. Girls in pretty white dresses and boys in fresh spring suits, march in and take seats reserved. A sweet song by the girls opened the exercises. Prayer was offered and the Lord’s Prayer chanted. Reading, declamations and recitations followed. Conversation between several girls concerning their plans for life brought “sincerity,” a fairy, into their midst. Her waving banner proclaimed to each the simple words, “Be true.”

The graduates read their essays and received their diplomas, accompanied by kind words from the Superintendent. Mr. S., rising, called to him a boy of fifteen years and said: “A scholarship was offered to the one who should excel in general scholarship, punctuality and deportment. I hold in my hand a paper stating that you, having done this, are entitled to the same.” Amid hearty applause the gift was received with smiles and thanks.

A few words from Mr. Callen, a colored preacher, and one of our pupils; a parting song, a gathering in the school-room for the “good-night,” and then we said good-by.

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BREWER NORMAL INSTITUTE.

REV. L. C. JOELL.

Greenwood is located at the junction of the Augusta & Knoxville Railroad with the Columbia & Greenville. The town is one of the prettiest in the upper part of South Carolina. With a population of one thousand, with one hotel, four white schools, two colored schools and several churches, a newspaper and other evidences of thrift, it offers an attractive locality to settlers, and especially as its climate is very healthful. The eleventh anniversary of the Brewer Normal School, which is located in this town, was observed June 28. This always creates a profound interest in the vicinity, and long before the hour of commencing, an anxious throng of every imaginable description of vehicle is seen wending its way thitherward. On Sunday the 24th, a special sermon was preached to the students and a large number of friends, from Galatians 5:9.

The exercises on the closing day were attended by an unusually large number of citizens and visitors from far and near. The students in attendance during the sessions were 157, an advance upon that of any previous year. The programme of the day was inviting. The principal, Mr. J. D. Backenstose, presided; vocal and instrumental music for the occasion was supplied by Mrs. W. W. Frazier, formerly Miss Mary Clark of Fisk University, and the trained classes of the school. Rev. E. W. Williams of the Second Pres. Church in Abbeville gave the address, taking for his subject “Reality in Morals, in Education and in Christianity.” It enlisted earnest attention during the hour consumed in its delivery. At the intermission between the morning and evening sessions, friends held fellowship with friends and betook themselves to the contents of abundantly laden refreshment baskets. Everybody seemed to manifest that the lines had fallen to him in pleasant places.

The afternoon exercises consisted of singing, recitations and dialogues from the little ones of the primary department. The evening was occupied with similar exercises by the older students of the school. The audience room was by far too small to accommodate the immense throng seeking admission. The year’s work has been a grand success.

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GOLIAD, TEXAS.

BY MR. J. R. S. HALLOWAY.

School closed here on the 31st of May with an examination and exhibition. The house was packed to its utmost. Prominent white people of Goliad were in attendance, and returned home surprised and astonished, exclaiming “We saw more than we came to see. We had no idea that the Congregational school could come up to this. That anthem ‘Strike the Cymbals’ sung by the teacher and school was splendid. We would advise all those who are sending their children to this school to continue.” Goliad is acknowledged to be the greatest educational centre in western Texas. The prospect of building up a good school here is seventy-five per cent better than it was a month ago. There is an educational society instituted about a year ago which is doing all in its power for the advancement of the school, and we look forward to the day when the much needed school building will be provided. We are about to organize a Band of Hope.

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HENDERSON SCHOOL, FAYETTEVILLE, ARK.

BY MRS. H. D. FOSTER.

The Henderson School closed its first year of nine months with examinations Thursday, May 24th. A large number of interested parents and friends came in to inquire and see for themselves what their children had been doing for the year. After listening to various recitations and exercises, they expressed themselves highly pleased.

Thursday evening the annual exhibition came off, and about 400 were present. At half past eight o’clock, the pupils marched into the primary room. They made a grand appearance, being neatly and some of them very prettily dressed. The programme consisted of nineteen parts, interspersed with good music. Some of the pieces given were very pleasing. The calisthenic exercises and the selections were all well rendered and won many complimentary remarks, not only from colored people, but also from prominent white families of the city. It is something unusual to see the ladies of the latter class out.

Those who had seen the scholars at the beginning and at the end of the session noticed a striking improvement in their personal appearance. The intellectual, moral and spiritual culture had left its stamp upon their countenances, and it was exhibited in their deportment.