Chapter 2

The tenth of February was a great day in Lexington, Kentucky. It marked two special events, the dedication of Chandler Normal Institute, and the opening of a great "Hoss sale." Anybody who knows the "Blue-grass region" will understand what the latter means. The world flocks to Lexington on such occasions in quest of thoroughbreds, and the country rids itself in consequence, at fabulous prices, of droves of genuine Kentucky plugs. Buyers go home wiser, sellers richer. But not everybody on this day was discussing "Abdallah" and "Hambletonian." Long before the appointed hour, a stream of people began moving to a part of the city where two pikes intersect, the point of attraction being a fine three-story red brick structure known as the "Chandler Normal Institute." This building occupies a commanding position on a hill which overlooks the city. It was erected and furnished by the liberality of one esteemed lady, Mrs. Phoebe Chandler, of Andover, Massachusetts, at an outlay of some fifteen thousand dollars, and is given to the cause of Christian education under the care of the American Missionary Association. On this particular day, the building was formally consecrated to its work with appropriate and impressive services. At two o'clock in the afternoon the spacious chapel was filled to its utmost by crowds of colored people, some of whom had come for miles in carriages, to witness the event. The presence also of numerous whites, representing the foremost professional and social circles of Lexington, was a significant fact. These friends, by their close attention and frequent signs of approval, as well as by their own eloquent contributions to the programme, gave unmistakable evidence of earnest sympathy with the good cause.

The exercises were opened with prayer and Scriptural reading, after which the Principal, Mr. Frederick W. Foster, made an address of welcome, marked for its practical force and fine discretion. The visiting Secretary then, in an address of half an hour, gave his understanding of the importance of Christian education as the solution of National problems, both North and South, closing with a formal God-speed to this institution as it started forth on its noble career. To this address, Rev. Mr. Tate, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, made a scholarly, eloquent and touching response. He reviewed the work of the Association for his people, eulogized the friend who had made this special benefaction, and urged upon his hearers to make the most, under God, of the high privileges thus brought to them from afar.

Informal addresses from both white and colored visitors followed. The eloquent periods of Dr. L.P. Todd, dwelling fully upon the brotherhood of man, the witty and practical remarks of Prof. John Schackleford, of Kentucky State College, and the wise and cogent exhortations of Rev. W. S. Fulton, D.D., cannot be reported; suffice it to say, that they gave a spiritual uplift and fine dignity to the occasion. These noble men are staunch supporters of our work, and freely give to our corps of teachers the benefits of fatherly and fraternal fellowship.

A resolution expressing the gratitude of the colored people for this generous gift was adopted with enthusiasm, and the inspiring exercises came to a close with the praises of God in the well-known words of Bishop Ken: "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow."

The event marks the beginning of an epoch in our work in this place. One dark brother said: "It is the greatest day for the colored people of Lexington since the emancipation."

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CONGREGATIONALISM AROUND PARIS, TEXAS.

BY REV. J.D. PETTIGREW.

It gives me much pleasure to tell you what we are doing for the Master and for Congregationalism in this part of the great field. I came to Paris nearly eleven months ago and assumed the pastorate of the First Congregational Church. I had been here but a short time when I found that there were three other Congregational Churches out in the country near Paris, and that there had once been a Quarterly Conference made up of these four churches; but this Conference had died out ere I came. I thought that such an organization, if revived, would be a great stimulus to the churches, and especially to those out in the country, two of which were, at that time, without pastors. So I sent out cards notifying the brethren that the Conference would convene at a specified day, and urging them to come in full representation.

A few, very few, responded. We organized. After transacting a little business the Conference adjourned to meet at our next regularly appointed time. Before the time for our next meeting we were all made to rejoice by the coming of Rev. M.R. Carlisle, a graduate of both the collegiate and theological courses of Talladega College, from Alabama, to assume the pastoral charge of two of these churches--Dodd City and Bois D'Arc.

He and I drew up a plan to re-organize the old Conference into a more excellent and practical one. We offered our plan at the next meeting of the Conference, and it was cheerfully received. The effect of this plan was to change the name from Conference to Association, and to divide the Association into three distinct departments, each with its own set of officers, as follows: a Sunday-school Department, composed of the different Sunday-schools of the churches; a Missionary Department, composed of the different church missionary societies; and a Church Department, composed of the different churches.

Each department had its own distinct programme and business; but the combined programmes of all made up the "general programme" of the Association. This plan works excellently, and serves as a wonderful stimulus to each of these departments of church work. We have, in our next meeting, to add the department of Christian Endeavor.

Our last session, held with our church in Paris on the 28th of December, 1889, was indeed a grand success. Previous to its meeting, I heard of four other Congregational Churches in the Indian Territory, under the auspices of the American Home Missionary Society. I sent them an invitation to join the Association. These churches promptly sent delegates who connected their churches with the Association.

One brother from the Territory heard of the Association, but was not able to pay his way on the train to Paris. So, as he said to me, "I left my wife and children in the care of God, and I put myself into his hands and came; and I walked every step of the way." This brother walked forty miles to meet the Association, and his fidelity had a great effect upon the whole meeting. We tried to make it pleasant for him, and took up a special collection to send him back home on the train.

Space will not allow me to speak touching the spiritual strength and interest of the meeting. We had many valuable papers read and discussed, and closed our session on the Sabbath with the following programme: "Sabbath morning from 9-11 o'clock, Sabbath-school; 11-12:30, Sermon, 'Congregationalism in the South,' Rev. J.D. Pettigrew; at 3 o'clock P.M. Sermon, by Rev. A. Gross, from the Indian Territory; 7:30 o'clock P.M., Quarterly Sermon, by Rev. M.R. Carlisle, followed by the administration of the Lord's Supper." The brethren left for their fields of labor filled with encouragement and enthusiasm.' Those from the Indian Territory seemed to be especially strengthened.

Our next meeting is to be with the Bois D'Arc church. We have now eight churches and mission stations represented, and it is only a question of time before our Association will be a power for God and Congregationalism in this part of the State. I think we have a bright future before us here.

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A MISSION CHURCH.

REV. GEO. C. HOWE, CHARLESTON, S.C.

The work at Tradd Street Mission in our city is carried on now in just the same way as since its organization. After Sunday-school is over at Plymouth Church, about 11 o'clock, a number of our young people, including the Pastor, Superintendent Herron and Miss Deas, who acts as organist, go immediately to the mission about a mile away, and conduct the Sunday-school there. We have eight classes, with an average attendance of eleven to a class. One class is composed of adults. We finish work there at one o'clock. On Thursday night, I go down and preach, and in case I am unable to go, Deacon Hollens takes the service for me.

Last Thursday night, an Irishman about thirty-five years old came in while we were singing, and when I began to speak on the temptations of Christ, he sat and listened in open-mouthed wonder. Before I finished he arose and came forward, his eyes glistening with tears, and gave me his hand, saying: "I belong to the Catholic Church, but they never told me that truth from the Word, never explained it that way. That _is the truth_, I know it. I was just going after a drink, but I shall not do it now. I thank you, and hope I have not intruded by coming in." It was quite an incident to see a strong man of an opposite race and creed, in a place where the "Jews desire to have no dealing with the Samaritans," coming up and acknowledging with tears that he had never heard the truth of God's word before.

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A PROSPEROUS CHURCH.

REV. STERLING N. BROWN.

We know you will rejoice with us in the good work at Plymouth Church, Washington, D.C. In January we began a special series of meetings. I preached short sermons nearly every night, save Saturdays, for more than three weeks. About fifty have been hopefully brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. The church was never, perhaps, more deeply stirred than at this time. There seems to be a thirsting for a deeper work of grace among Christians, a thorough coming out from the world. It was a beautiful sight yesterday, when before the altar twenty-nine "new recruits" took upon themselves the covenant of the church.. The most of the remaining converts will unite with us at our next communion. A few of them will join elsewhere. Our church is getting well organized for work along all lines of Christian activity. The Endeavor Society among our young people, now the largest in number in the district, is a real power for good. The Sunday-school is taking on new life. There is before us in this city "an exceeding good land," but before full possession, many battles must be fought, spiritual and financial. But we have great reason to be thankful.

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THE WHITE CROSS LEAGUE.

PROF. H.H. WRIGHT, FISK UNIVERSITY.

I want to lay before you a short account of the work of the White Cross League, of this University, as reported by the members at a meeting held at my house last Sunday night. You may not be aware that late last school year I called together a dozen or two of our best young men and induced them to take the White Cross pledge--to treat all women with respect, to refrain from indecent jests and coarse language, to maintain that the law of personal purity is as binding on men as upon women, etc. At the meeting last Sunday night one after another gave his experience touching the White Cross movement. One young man reported that through his persuasion, public and private, especially the latter, three or four couples who had been living together unlawfully went before the proper authorities and were married. Another testified that he had personally felt the restraining influence of his pledge, while he acted as waiter at a summer hotel. The pledge had a great restraining influence upon him and was a safeguard. Another found it necessary to organize a Wednesday night Bible meeting of his own, for the regular meetings of the churches did not give him the opportunity he desired.

All the young men testified to the good influence of the pledge upon their own lives, but one young man's report of his work was of especial interest. He is head waiter at the hotel at Lake ----, where about 250 servants, men and women, are employed. He took a squad of seventy-eight colored men from the South to the Lake at the opening of the season, engaging them on condition that there was to be no gambling among them. Immediately on arriving he organized a Y.M.C.A. among them, and held meetings Sunday afternoons and two evenings during the week through the summer, all well attended. At some of these meetings he spoke of the White Cross movement, and was successful in gaining the approbation of most of the members of the Association. The nature of the pledge and of the talks got out among the women servants, and ere long at their invitation he assembled from seventy-five to one hundred of them and gave them a very earnest talk on the value and duty of virtuous lives. Many were affected to tears, and all were seriously impressed. After that they seemed to look to him as their protector, and often said they were so glad they had a head man who would endeavor to shield them from temptation and wrong. And the remarkable thing about it is, that these women servants are white!

The proprietor of the hotel, on closing the season, told our student that if he had been told that such a work as he had accomplished among his help could be done he would have declared it impossible. What is to be the outcome of this little movement so auspiciously begun? It seems to me that if wisely carried on the possibilities for good are very great.

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BEREA AND TEMPERANCE.

For nearly twelve years there has been a temperance organization centering at Berea. By personal canvass it has secured signers to the total abstinence pledge, until the aggregate number is between two thousand and three thousand.

The length of the district from north to south is not less than ten miles, and the greatest breadth seven or eight miles. The number of votes polled at a general election is about six hundred. For nearly ten years the sale of intoxicating liquors within the district has been illegal, it having been voted out by the people by a large majority soon after the great Murphy movement. Just on the border of the district were two or three men, distillers in a small way and venders of the fiery liquid, who thought the enthusiasm of the Murphy movement was past, and took the necessary steps to have a poll opened on the liquor question, at the August election of 1888. But they had underrated the effect of these years of temperance education. Nearly all our students become signers of the pledge and workers in whatever field they may visit; and the people of the country immediately around us have been profiting by the teachings of these meetings. When the question was clearly presented, "Shall we again have the legalized liquor traffic among us?" the activity of the friends of sobriety and order was as great as that of the selfish advocates of license. Meetings were held in every neighborhood. On election day, seventy-five ladies, of the noblest in the district, were at the voting place. Refreshments were furnished in abundance and free of charge. Doubtful voters were met with argument and persuasion. All was as orderly as if it were a religious meeting. The result showed 435 for temperance to 131 for liquor--more than three to one. The victory was complete, and the district stands as the banner temperance district of the State.

BEREA COLLEGE REPORTER.

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"BECCA MUST GO!"

Say "Becca must go," Yes, "Becca must go," I don't hardly see why it needs to be so, She's nice--very quiet. She's no trouble at all, She couldn't hurt any one, Becca's so small.

She don't understand it--the poor little child-- When I seat her alone she looks strange and wild, And when I dismiss her she never looks 'round, But she goes off alone looking down to the ground.

Her mother's afflicted, her home life is bad, When I see little Becca I always feel sad. She learns very quickly, she sings like a lark, But Becca must go, for her skin is so dark.

I am asked to "dismiss her," and "send her away," She must not study here and with others play, I don't like to do it, but then, don't you know, There are some who won't like it, so "Becca must go."

Not many stand up for poor Becca down here, They talk very strangely, and act very queer, Her skin's not much darker than mine, but, you know, Her hair curls a little, so "Becca must go."

Now Preacher and Teacher from East and from West, If you would succeed you must do like the rest; Be partial to white folk or take the disgrace, Of showing regard for a down-trodden race.

E.N. RUDDOCK.

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THE INDIANS.

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STREAKS OF LIGHT.

REV. C.L. HALL, FORT BERTHOLD, NORTH DAKOTA.

A girl about seventeen years of age writes the following to her teacher while she is away from school for a short vacation among her people:

"DEAR FRIEND:--I will now try to write a few lines to-night to tell you all about what we are doing now; first I tell you when first we came home we told the girls to come to our house that we would have prayer meeting the first thing; I tell you they are real good girls, L----, M----, A---- and M----; we did not expect them to come; it is far away and they were so tired yet they did not mind, they come right away before we saw them. We went upon the hills, Mary and I, we prayed, and when we came back we was surprise to see the girls coming. So we had prayer meeting; that was the first time that L---- ever prayed; we thought we would have prayer meeting to-day, but we are sorry the girls did not come, they did not know; we expect to go to Minot Monday if nothing should happen."

Another says:--"I don't want to see the Indian dance. I like to stay in the house and I like to read the Bible every morning, and in the afternoon I ask God to bless the boys and girls and keep you always, and I know he will help all if we ask him."

N---- and G----, two little sisters away on a vacation where no Sabbath is observed, go away on the prairie alone and have prayers together. After evening service those who wished to follow Christ were asked to remain to an inquiry meeting, and eight remained, and in their own language some expressed very clearly a desire to follow Christ and a consciousness of their own sin and weakness.

Mrs. B----'s husband died very earnestly endeavoring to teach her the faith he had come to have, and asking her again and again to have no idols, but to worship and believe in God alone. She is now an earnest seeker after light, is visited on Sunday by a leading man who lives near her, and who is asked to tell them on the Sabbath of the religion and the God of whom her husband had told her.

A father, a hearer, but yet a heathen, says: "I want to put the boy in a school where he will learn God's ways. I do not want him in a school where religion is not taught."

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ELIZABETH WINYAN.

Many of our readers will remember being interested at our meeting in Chicago by the appearance and speech of an Indian woman from our Oahe Station, Elizabeth Winyan. We have now to communicate the sad tidings of her death, after a brief, but severe illness. Her life was an eventful and a useful one. Elizabeth was the name given her by the missionaries. Winyan was her Indian name. She was born near Mankato, Minnesota, in 1831. At the age of twenty-five she became one of the early converts under Drs. Williamson and Riggs. She came to live at the mission, and learned to sew and do all household work. Dr. Williamson set her to teaching some women, and so began her missionary labor. She was a woman of great physical strength. When she was living at the Sisseton Agency, she cut with her own hands and hauled to the Agency, driving the ox-team herself, wood enough to pay for putting her little house in good repair and to buy some farming implements. She was a faithful friend. This fidelity she proved during the Indian uprising in 1862. When the mission families were fleeing from their burning houses at midnight, they forgot to take any food along. While they were hiding on an island in the Minnesota River, she, _at the risk of her own life_, carried to them bread and meat. In 1875, she and Miss Collins went to assist Rev. T.L. Riggs in starting the Oahe Mission, near Fort Sully, on the Missouri. At the time of her death she was in charge of an out-station on the Cheyenne River, forty miles from the central mission. Her duties were to hold meetings on the Sabbath, one general prayer meeting on Thursday night, and a women's meeting on Friday night, to teach every day, visit the sick, attend funerals, and teach the women to sew, cook, wash and iron.

Miss Collins says of her: "There is no one to fill her place. She was one of the grandest women I ever knew. May God help our poor bereaved Dakotas."

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AN EXEMPLARY MOTHER.

The recent death of Elizabeth Winyan calls to mind a little story connected with the training of her son, which may not be without point even now.

Elizabeth Winyan taught Edwin, her son, to believe in God and in prayer. She tells a story of how Edwin, as a child, wanted to wear "civilized clothes." She made him a shirt and trousers, and then he needed a hat and shoes. She said, "I told him to pray for them; in the meantime I worked as well as prayed, and on Saturday, when my work was done, the missionary's wife gave me a hat and a pair of shoes for Edwin. He was delighted and so was I. Since that time he has never doubted that God would answer prayer." She said: "I taught Edwin to give to the Lord from a baby. When he was not old enough to know his duty, I put the penny in his hand and held his hand over the basket, and dropped in the penny. Sometimes I would only be able to get one penny, and that I would give to Edwin to put in the collection, for I wanted him to form a habit of giving; I knew I ought to give, and God knows I would when I had a penny, but my son must be taught." This son has grown up a good Christian, speaks English, is a teacher, and is now a missionary at Standing Rock. He owes much to his faithful Christian mother.

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THE CHINESE.

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TWO CHINESE ANNIVERSARIES.

BY DISTRICT SECRETARY J.E. ROY, D.D.