Chapter 2

"In the battle of Milliken's Bend, a color bearer was seen far in advance of his company. The captain shouted to him, 'Bring those colors back to the army!' The reply was sent back, 'Bring the army up to the colors.'

"Just so, in the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the South generally, our church is lifting up the standard, and although men are constantly trying to get the standard bearer to fall back to the army of biased, narrow humanity, the church ever shouts back the reply of the immortal color bearer, 'Bring the army up to the colors.'

"Every man and woman going out from our schools is imbued with the thought that he or she is to hold up the standard of God--not man--for the people. Every church, school or mission fostered by the A.M.A. is holding up the highest ideals of all life. And while our work does not grow in numbers as rapidly as we could wish, we are broadcasting the good seeds of the Kingdom over all the land, and here and there they are springing into life, bringing forth fruit--some thirty, some sixty, and some an hundred fold; so we go on grinding out the grist ever and anon holding one for toll. I am not ignorant of what other churches are doing, and some are doing nobly, but ours is the great work. It has been my observation, that wherever an enterprising work is being carried on in church or school, the leading force is generally the product of Congregational effort, directly or indirectly. So take away our work, then it would be like blotting out the sun, moon and most of the stars from the sky."

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A COLORED MAN WINS.--Charles W. Wood, of Chicago, a colored contestant for oratorical honors, has won the first prize in Beloit College, Wis. A few years ago he was a newsboy upon the street, but he made up his mind to have an education. With the aid of a generous patron he has nearly completed his college course and justified the high hopes of his many friends.

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TILLOTSON, AUSTIN, TEXAS.

BY SECRETARY A.F. BEARD.

In the year 1875 the Rev. George J. Tillotson, of Connecticut, visited various points of the South with a view to the establishment of a school. He was accompanied by a secretary of the Association. After a careful survey they selected Austin, Texas, as the most promising point. About twenty-five acres of partially wooded land just beyond the eastern boundary of the city of Austin were purchased for $5,000, the gift of Mr. Tillotson. In the following year a charter was obtained and the work of raising money for the building was entered upon. The funds were finally secured, and in 1879 the foundations were laid, and the building, 104 feet in length and 42 in depth, constructed of white pressed brick with dress stone trimmings, rose to its five stories in height. On the 17th of January, 1881, the school opened. Two of the five floors were then open spaces. Eleven pupils only were enrolled at the beginning, but the term closed in June with 107. During this year the building was completed and named "Allen Hall," in honor of one of the largest givers. At the opening of the fall term the beginning of the next year, the accommodations were taxed to the utmost. In August, 1882, the report reads, "Allen Hall is full to repletion, 100 in the boarding department. Work cannot unfold for need of more room. Young men and young women in the same building make an urgent appeal for a new building."

At no time since the beginning of the second year have there been adequate accommodations for all desiring to attend.

For ten years the institution under the name of "Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute" has furnished to students from all parts of the great State of Texas with its half million of colored people, and from other States, and from Mexico, not only an opportunity to acquire a thoroughly practical common-school education, but also a more extended course to prepare students for entrance to the highest educational institutions in the land; and a normal training course for teachers for all positions in the public schools. Within this period of time a church has been formed for the students of the institution and others, which has been regularly ministered to by the president of the institution.

In the year 1888 a building for carpentry and manual instruction was erected and a teacher was appointed for industrial training.

The picture following is that of Allen Hall as it looks down upon the valley of the river Colorado. In every direction the views are of great extent, and include many picturesque scenes. The State capitol--a mile distant--and the various public buildings of Austin, are before the eye. Since electricity has been introduced, Austin by night presents a brilliant outlook from the grounds of the institution, but the light which shines from these buildings on the hill sends its beams farther than those of the electric plant, and pierces a denser darkness than that of night.

The industrial buildings--viz., the shop for carpentry, another for blacksmithing, for repairing of vehicles, and for painting--are at a suitable distance in the rear on the "boys' side" of the grounds. Below them are located the barn, wagon house, hennery, etc.

On the crest of a second eminence, several hundred feet from "Allen Hall," is the attractive new building (see picture, page 100) used as a dormitory for teachers and young women pupils. In this building are the culinary department also, and the dining room for each hall. There are forty dormitory rooms in this hall which will accommodate sixty pupils and their teachers. In addition to its dining-hall for all the pupils within the institution there are reading and sewing rooms, etc., which add to its completeness. There are not many school buildings anywhere with more diversified landscape and beautiful natural surroundings than those of Tillotson. Encompassed by oak trees large enough for shade and shelter, but not over-towering the prospect, free from the distracting noises and dust of the streets, and yet possessing all the advantages of a thrifty and beautiful city, the student at Tillotson will have at least one period in life that may not be commiserated.

This new building has not yet been duly named, and if anyone of those who may read this sketch will give $1,000 to be used as an endowment fund, the interest to be applied year by year as long as the school stands, we shall be glad to name this new hall after the giver, unless the name should happen to be too un-euphonious. Would not this beautiful hall be a fine monument to bear the name of some considerate and generous giver?

Tillotson was chartered under the corporate name of "Institute." This charter has now expired, and since the institution has blossomed out with the possibilities of a college it is hoped that under the new charter it may bear the name of "College."

It has the following departments: Common English, Normal, College Preparatory, College, Vocal and Instrumental Music, and Industrial, and a department for trained nurses. The faculty of the institution has consisted of the president, the normal principal, the industrial teacher, and ten other teachers. The boarding department is conducted upon the model of a Christian household. The intention is by no means simply to furnish rooms and meals for those who are in attendance, but also to inculcate ideas of right living and thinking, which are indispensable to true manhood and womanhood.

In the Common English department the purpose is to prepare the pupils thoroughly for the practical duties of life.

The College Preparatory gives a careful preparation in the way of language studies which will fit them to enter into the more generous course of study in which they may be fitted to be intelligent preachers and leaders of their race. The demand for college-educated men among the negroes is an intelligent one. This race cannot be elevated unless there can be raised a sufficient number of strong, earnest men, thoroughly trained intellectually, as well as morally; men who shall have a larger than a local vision, and who shall stand forth as representative leaders and teachers of those less fortunate than themselves.

The Normal department adds the study of subjects and methods, for those who are preparing to become teachers among their own people.

The Industrial includes not only manual instruction, but carpentry, blacksmithing and mechanical drawing for boys and young men, and also sewing and dressmaking for girls and young women.

For a young institution the record of Tillotson is excellent. There are few places in the great empire of Texas where it has not already become known through its pupils, or through teachers who have received their education within its walls.

Being under the care of a distinctively Christian organization it carries out the intention of its founders in providing religious instruction for all who attend. Its Sunday School, its Christian Endeavor Societies, its social worship, its church service, its mission work, all intensify the religious influence and religious life.

Tillotson is far away and needs friends who will give it help. It needs scholarships and professorships. It needs a library, chemical and philosophical apparatus, and a printing press. It needs gifts of bedding, tableware for the halls, and clothing for needy students. Friends, it needs your Christian sympathy and Christian prayers, that the great and blessed Teacher may dwell within its walls and in the hearts of the inmates.

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DEATH OF DR. TAYLOR.

Nine years ago we were called upon to record the death of Governor Washburn, President of this Association. While he was seemingly in the fullness of life and while on the platform at the meeting of the American Board he suddenly and unexpectedly fell asleep in death. In a far different way did his successor, Rev. William M. Taylor, D.D., meet in quietude and with patient resignation the summons that called him home. The premonition of death came three years ago, and the march has been steady to the close. During these months his patience and sweet assurance have been as marked illustrations of the power of the Gospel as other graces were in his more active career.

Dr. Taylor, long before he became President of this Association, took a deep interest in its work and brought to it his own personal influence and that of his large and wealthy congregation. As a presiding officer he was constant in his attendance, and by the dignity of his manner and his great force of character gave guidance and strength to the gatherings of our annual meeting. But Dr. Taylor was broad, and his sympathies went forth to every form of endeavor for the spread of the Gospel and the benefit of mankind. With a strong character derived from his Scottish ancestry, he had made his mark as a pastor in the growth of a church under his care in the old country. Nearly a quarter of a century ago he came to this city, and by his commanding eloquence, his pastoral gifts and the books which flowed from his pen, he has exerted a wide and salutary influence. On great occasions, at college anniversaries and at missionary and ecclesiastical gatherings, Dr. Taylor was one of the most acceptable and efficient speakers. One marked characteristic of Dr. Taylor came from his great heart, and mellowed and sweetened all his other powers. He has finished a glorious course, and has gone to his reward.

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REV. CHAS. C. PAINTER.

The recent death of Prof. Painter has removed a most useful and efficient worker in behalf of the Indians. He died at his home in Washington, of heart disease, after an illness of only twelve hours. He was sixty-two years old, born in Virginia, but resident for most of his life in New England, where he was an acceptable pastor. He was called from that position into the service of the American Missionary Association, acting for a time as Professor in Fisk University. He, however, soon gave his life to promoting the education and civilization of the Indians, and for ten years was connected with the Indian Rights Association. It was a tribute to his knowledge and service in the Indian work that about a year ago he was appointed a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners.

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ONE MISSIONARY DAY.

MISS S.E. OBER, EVARTS, KY.

At work again. Back from the rest and change of the summer vacation. Leaving behind friends and home, comforts and pleasures, and nearly all the advantages of civilization. But coming to a greater joy, a higher privilege than any of these can afford--the "high calling" of our Master, to minister to poor, needy souls in His name.

So with great happiness we gather up the loose threads and the dropped stitches of last year's work, and start anew. Come with us through one day, and taste a few of a missionary's joys. After our household tasks are over, and we have gained new power from our daily devotions, we start out on our work. Over one hundred boys and girls give us bright greetings as we ride past. We must go on horseback, as there are no _good_ roads in our vicinity.

We are entirely compassed about with mountains; on every side they lift their grand heads in everlasting testimony of the wonderful handiwork of the Almighty. But we have little time to gaze upon their beauty, for more precious creations of the same great Hand are needing our attention.

See this little hovel, built of rough logs, scarcely serving to keep out the wind or the rain. Let us enter. A most pitiful sight awaits us. The fever has been before us. For months it has raged, and two human souls have been taken from the family which dwells here. On a rude filthy bed lies the wasted frame of a once stalwart man. He is as feeble as the infant; a wan child is sitting near by. The mother, in tattered garments, totters about her work, so enfeebled by the disease that her strength is inadequate for her tasks. Three of the children are nothing but skeletons, and sit listlessly on the floor, taking but little notice of anything going on about them.

The thin faces light up at sight of us, and a cordial welcome is extended. The only whole chair is brought forward for our use. You might expect a torrent of complaints from these poor creatures. But no, instead come words of praise to God that He had spared so many of their lives, that He had been _with_ them in their sufferings.

A year ago, when we visited this hut, we found them stolid and indifferent, caring nothing for spiritual things. The woman sat smoking over the fire, scarcely vouchsafing us a word, and muttered to a crony, "Wot's thet thar woman nosing 'bout yere for? She'd er heap sight better let we uns erlone."

It was very hard to ask permission to hold prayers with them in such a hostile atmosphere, but it is our duty to "sow beside _all_ waters," so we proffered our request.

"Yer kin ef yer mines ter. I haint er carin'," was the ungracious reply.

But what a change _now_. The woman's face glows with a light that only comes from the "light of the world." "God's been mighty good ter we uns," she says. "Ef hit hedn't ben fer Him we'd er died. An' we uns air bound ter do ez near right ez we kin, an' serve ther Lord, ther hull lot on us."

Does it not make our own hearts glow to hear such words, and see the wonders God hath wrought? And with thanksgiving we read and pray with them, and strengthen their faith with God's Word. After noting their needs, and promising to supply them from the articles sent us by generous Northern friends, we go on to the next house.

We find the same sad state of affairs; fever-worn men and women, wasted children, and starvation and want staring them in the face. But we find also the same great change. God's Spirit has been working among them, and hearts are softened and lives changed by His power. So we go from hut to hut, until the way becomes too steep to ride, and we leave our horses and climb, on foot, the lofty, rocky ridges.

We find men who were reckless and bad ready to listen to God's Word, and in broken voices asking for prayers. We find women who have lived lives of open shame penitent and contrite, showing by their abandonment of their evil ways that they are sincere when they say, oh so earnestly, "We uns air tryin' ter do right."

But all is not so encouraging. We must visit homes where vice reigns supreme; where women are lost to shame, and glory in their sin; where even the children have the "trail of the serpent" upon their young faces; where the men are brutal and beastly, and even sickness does not _touch_ them.

Let us call at this old log house as we pass; nestled under a high cliff, with the creek flowing past, it looks like some ugly blot on the "face of nature." But it is a _school-house_. There is no window, no chimney, only a hole in the side of the house, opening into a sort of pen of rocks, in which the fire is built; an admirable arrangement to send all the heat out of doors, and the smoke into the house. Several rough benches (that do not invite to ease or comfort) and an ancient chair complete the furniture of the room. Several boards painted black form the "blackboards." Here we find two tattered urchins and three tiny girls, whose faces have evidently not made the acquaintance of soap and water for some days.

The teacher is one of the advanced pupils of our academy--a bright young man, who will attend our school when his is completed. We ask where the rest of the scholars are.

"Pulling fodder or stripping cane," is the reply. And the children have to work so much in the fields that they seldom have the chance of attending school. Out of fifty or sixty scholars only a very few ever attend these public schools. But it is growing late, and we have a long, rough way before us, so we spur on toward home, reaching it just as the glow of the sunset dies away from the last distant peak and the dusky twilight settles down over the whole land.

A hurried supper and then to the church prayer meeting. Here are gathered quite a number, and we have a very good meeting, feeling the presence of our Saviour in our midst. So closes one of our days, and wearied in body, but refreshed and strengthened in spirit, we go to rest.

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SOUTHERN FIELD NOTES.

REV. GEORGE W. MOORE.

The mission station recently opened at La Pine, in the black belt of Alabama, is a door of hope to that needy people. The people came for miles around to greet the missionary and to hear the Gospel. At another point in Alabama we found a promising field which one of our theological graduates from Talladega had opened. He began the work in a rented hall at his own cost, and after he had gathered a congregation and found it a needy and at the same time a hopeful field he raised the "Macedonian cry" to the American Missionary Association for help. The Pauline heroism of this brother in preaching the Gospel in his own hired house is shared by our brethren in various parts of our Southern field. The work is so large and the needs of the people are so great that this spirit of Christ must be more fully expressed, both in gifts and service, to reach the pressing calls for help.

I met three interesting characters in the black belt of Georgia. The first was named Moses. On meeting him he addressed me with "You don't knows me, does you? My name is Moses." His friend "Uncle Plenty" lived in a little cabin by the roadside. He had heard of the Association, and was glad to greet me as one of its missionaries. He told me that he felt so thankful for what the Northern friends had done for his people that he wished his little cabin and half acre lot to be bequeathed to the American Missionary Association. I dined with "Uncle Plenty" and met Father Joshua, a poor old blind man ninety years of age, in his cabin. They told me the story of their lives in slavery and how they had prayed to see this day of freedom and light.

Moses and Joshua and "Uncle Plenty" are types of the old people and times that are giving place to a new generation and a brighter day.

Among the new enterprises reported at the meeting of the Georgia Association at Thomasville, Ga., were two churches and several missions from the vicinity of Columbia, S.C.

I spent Thanksgiving Day at Lowell, N.C. Our mission at this point is the only church in that vicinity. It was the first Thanksgiving service they had ever enjoyed or even heard of. It was held in a log cabin.

Lowell is the center of a large negro settlement; the people have had a hard lot, and but little opportunity to improve their condition. They are very grateful to hear the Gospel.

Forefather's day was observed by the Nashville churches in the theological hall of Fisk University. We "spiritual children" of the Pilgrims honor the fathers whose descendants have enriched us through the A.M.A. by the schools and churches that have been planted among us. The church at Lexington, Ky., had a season of "refreshing" in December, when several heads of families united with it. Howard church, Nashville, also had an awakening with good results. This church has increased its membership fifty per cent. in fifteen months. Jackson Street Church, Nashville, held a recognition service for its new pastor in January.

We were glad to greet the churches and brethren of Louisiana after an absence from them of two years. The Spain Street Church at New Orleans held a series of Gospel meetings in which a number avowed their faith in the Saviour, and the church was strengthened.

Straight University is crowded with an earnest class of students.

This school is doing a great work for the people of Louisiana and surrounding States. In spite of the hard times, which are very severe in the South (laborers in Louisiana and some other States receive only fifty cents a day and board themselves), the people are making great sacrifices for the education of their children, and our pastors and teachers are making heroic struggles that the work in school and church may go forward.

The need of the continuance of the work was never greater and the results of the service of our workers were never better. To retrench further at this time would not only cripple the work among the needy peoples of our field, but shut the door of opportunity in many places, and injure the people in their efforts to rise, and discourage our self-sacrificing missionaries. The people are grateful for these schools and churches and need more of them. We appeal to our Northern friends to come to the rescue of the American Missionary Association at this time.

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A SCHOOLBOY'S COMPOSITION.

A little lad six years of age in the primary grade of Knox Institute, Athens, Ga., attended rhetoricals in which several pupils read compositions on the subject of America. He was greatly impressed, went home, and wrote without supervision the composition below. Although he has put the raccoon, lion and tiger among the birds, it is certainly a pretty good composition for the first one written by a child six years of age. Could any of the children six years old to whom THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY may come do better than this little black boy?

AMERICA.

America is a large country, and it has many large rivers, and it has many animals, and has wild creatures.

America is a most important country. And many a people like to go there. And it has many wild birds--mocking birds, nightingale, raccoon, and also the opossum and lion, tiger, elephant, and the rhinoceros.

And in America there are lakes, seas, and the bushes are so thick that you can hardly tell when a human is beside them.