Chapter 3

Active efforts in behalf of fellow students were greatly blessed. About seventy-five new names for the pledge against the use of alcoholics and narcotics were obtained. This means much. The use of intoxicating drinks at Christmas festivals is very popular, and many a young man is "the worse for liquor" at the holiday season.

The evidences of increasing interest in the school on the part of the best citizens of Austin were apparent on many occasions.

Friends in the North, old and new, gladdened the hearts of teachers and pupils by contributions in clothing, books and money for the aid of needy students. One, a contribution of books, calls for special mention. It came from Mrs. Isabella Beecher Hooker, of Hartford, Conn., and contained over one hundred volumes of standard works. Among them was a complete set of the books written by her sister, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe. These books are greatly enjoyed by our young people. It is earnestly hoped that other contributions of a similar nature will continue to be made.

The examinations at various times, and especially the closing ones, May twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh, were highly creditable. Only a small number failed of promotion.

The programme for Commencement week was carried out successfully.

It began on Friday evening, May twenty-seventh, with a speaking contest and a prize debate, by the Philomathean Literary Society. The discussion was as to the educative value of the study of the classics compared with that of the sciences. The debate was well conducted, and both sides supported their views with interest and energy. The chairman of the judges was the president of one of the national banks of Austin. The prizes, two sets of valuable books, were awarded to the advocates of the study of the sciences.

Sunday, May twenty-ninth, was marked with interest in many ways. In the morning the baccalaureate sermon, from the text, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," was delivered in the college chapel. The audience was good and appreciative. In the evening came the closing meeting of the Young People's Society. This is always an occasion of interest with us. The circumstances call forth a review of the work of the year, or of the course, with those about to leave, and many are the requests for prayer, in view of the trials to come in the long vacation or the work in broader fields. The tone of earnest desire to be faithful to Christ and to be helpful in work for Him, was very strong.

Monday afternoon brought a small company of ladies and gentlemen from the city, on invitation, to examine the collections of botanical specimens presented by the pupils in that branch, and to select the two most worthy. A number of very creditable collections were offered, the competition was close, and resulted in the giving of three prizes.

Specimens of work in the sewing department and in carpentry were opened to the public for inspection, and called forth deserved commendation. Instruction in both of these departments is greatly needed, and it is gratifying to note the marks of progress in the use of the needle and in the use of carpenters' tools. The drawing by the boys in the shop work was very noticeable.

The Annual Concert is a strong feature at Tillotson. People come from miles around and fill the chapel to overflowing always, on Tuesday evening before commencement. A slight admission fee is charged, to help meet expense for music and incidentals. Early in the year, it was decided to present on this occasion something a little more serious than usual. It was anticipated that this might not be so popular, and that there would be a falling off in receipts from sale of tickets. Still it was felt that we ought to do something towards elevating the standard along these lines.

Selections from the Oratorio of Elijah were chosen for this occasion. At first the older students, upon whose hearty co-operation everything depended, expressed their fears as to the result. But courage and patience won the day with them. As they went forward with preparations enthusiasm took the place of criticism. All fell into line, working cheerfully and faithfully, drilling for the entertainment. Several of the leading musicians of Austin became interested in the work of the students, and attended the concert. They expressed great surprise and pleasure at the success of the singers. This seems a good start in a much needed improvement.

Wednesday, June first, came the graduation exercises.

The flowers of Texas are abundant and lend themselves for adorning public halls with charming effect. For each of the public entertainments of the week the chapel had been given a new array of flowers and green, with variations striking and beautiful. This morning the chapel seemed brighter than ever.

The only graduating address was upon "Literature and Authorship, with the Valedictory." The young speaker, only nineteen, has already made his mark as a writer and speaker of decided merit. A visitor of distinction said, "It would have done credit to our State University."

Everything now points to the coming year as one of prosperity. While it is true that the Sam. Houston College is expected to open in September, and is to be a near neighbor, and while it is certain that the denominational whip will be used to bring into it pupils of its own denomination, it is also true that there is work enough for them and for all, and we wish them God speed in their work. There will not be too much light upon the darkness.

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LINCOLN ACADEMY, KING'S MOUNTAIN, N. C.

BY MISS L. S. CATHCART.

Lincoln Academy closed its year's work on the last day of May. We have no building that will possibly seat over four hundred, with every foot of space occupied, and as we have to plan for a thousand, we take it for granted that the day will be fair, and prepare platform, seats and awnings in the woods. The rain drove us from our work the previous day, but the morning of commencement day was clear, and with the early dawn we were at work, and by eight o'clock the grounds were ready for our friends, who had thus early begun to gather. Within doors the beehive was preparing to swarm, packing trunks, emptying straw ticks, cleaning out rooms. By half-past ten the friends of the school are gathered in great numbers, and our pupils form on the veranda of the Home to march to the grounds and give the song of welcome.

I do not wonder that fathers and mothers look upon the school as it marches to the ground with pride, for in neat, but simple clothing (most of the dresses of the girls having been made in sewing-class), and bearing in manner of walking as well as in every feature the impress of work done during the past months, such a company of young people is an inspiration; and one can but thank God for the planting and fostering of such Christian schools all over our south-land.

Songs, recitations and dialogues are well rendered by the school, filling about three hours--and no one too tired--and a stirring address is given by Rev. O. Faduma, a native of Africa, on "Some things needed for the development of the colored race."

As we look back upon the year of work we feel that we have been abundantly blessed. We enrolled two hundred and nineteen pupils, not more than some previous years--we cannot for want of room; but they came earlier and stayed longer. Almost without exception good work was done by the entire school. About twenty confessed Christ as their Saviour. During the year we had not one case of serious sickness. These are among the great blessings of the year whose work is now closed. I do not think I should say the work is closed. A common expression among farmers here is, "when the crops are laid by," between hoeing and harvesting, while they are growing: That is much the way with our work, it is "laid by" to grow. Our pupils are teaching, working in Sabbath Schools, "speaking for temperance," and proving themselves in other ways. "They are growing," and we rejoice.

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BY REV. O. FADUMA.

It was my privilege the last of May to spend three days at Lincoln Academy. The closing exercises drew together the friends of the students from different parts of the country.

The school grounds had more than a thousand visitors, and as there was no building large enough to seat them, the canopy of heaven afforded ample roof in the groves. The exercises of the day were creditable both to the instructors and pupils. The appearance of the students showed much intelligence and a training of the best kind. The Academy has been much crowded during the year, having had over two hundred scholars.

A boarding-school has always an advantage among our colored people. It moulds the morals of the students, and through them the morals of their homes. There is a more direct influence of the teachers upon the scholars than in the day schools.

That the institution is highly prized, is shown from the fact that during the past years more students than can be accommodated have yearly applied for admission; as fast as they could obtain added room it has been filled.

Under the principalship of Miss Cathcart, whose name is now a household word in North Carolina, and with the assistance of her consecrated staff of teachers, the Academy has taken a prominent part among the best educational institutions of the State. There is now a golden opportunity for the moral, religious and industrial development of the negro through Lincoln Academy.

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ENFIELD SCHOOL.

We copy from a recent number of the Charleston, S. C. _Enquirer_, edited by Rev. Geo. C. Rowe, a description of the New Agricultural, Industrial and Normal School at Enfield, N. C.:

This school is known as the Joseph K. Brick Agricultural, Industrial and Normal School. It was founded by Mrs. Joseph K. Brick of Brooklyn, N. Y., in memory of her deceased husband, Joseph K. Brick. The lands include 1129 acres, most of which is under cultivation. It was originally an old slave farm. One of the old slaves, a man now about 80, is still living, and we had the pleasure of hearing a speech from him on the occasion of dedicating the boys' dormitory. The beautiful shade trees standing in front of the college building were planted by him before the war.

This school is located in Edgecombe County, N. C., midway between the towns of Enfield and Whitaker, a distance of three miles each way. The Roanoke River, well stocked with fish, bounds it on the north.

The school farm is plentifully supplied with birds, wild ducks, turkeys and deer. While driving over this immense farm on Friday last, two deer jumped up less than 50 yards from us. The land is very productive and the timber is of the best quality. Water is abundant and of the best one can desire; it is obtained at a depth of from 12 to 20 feet. The climate is delightful and healthful. The school farm is amply supplied with a good quality of fruit trees.

The aim is to give due attention to the improvement of the mind, morals and muscles. In order to do this, farming, blacksmithing, carpentry, laundering, sewing, housekeeping and cooking are diligently taught. Great attention is given to the raising of stock, such as horses, mules, cows, hogs and fowl, and to the improving of the breed of these animals. A good curriculum is fully provided in the literary departments. The course runs from the primary up to and including the normal course.

The school just closed the third year. Everywhere, in the buildings, the general bearing of the pupils, the class-room work, all say there is a marvelous advancement shown. Everything here is in its infancy, but from the appearance of things, the stranger would think it had required ten years to do what has been done here in just three years.

The workers to do this work number six teachers. They are cultured, competent, Christian men and women.

Pupils who are anxious to secure an education here, but too poor to pay in cash, have an opportunity to help themselves; such pupils contract to work one year. They are allowed $10.00 per month for such labor; a night school is provided free for them. The money so earned is placed to their credit for the second year; every advantage of the school is opened to them. Many avail themselves of this opportunity.

On the closing day large crowds, colored and white, came from far and near. There were three sessions, morning, afternoon and evening. The morning was given up to the dedicatory services, which consisted of a sermon by Rev. G. V. Clark of Charleston, S. C., with singing and other exercises. The sermon, which was practical and full of food for thought, was enjoyed by an appreciative audience.

The afternoon session was a long one but varied, the three departments being presented in papers by Profs. Martin, Watkins and Mrs. Davis. Volunteer speeches were made by friends and patrons of the school.

At the evening session the over-crowded house listened attentively to excellent recitations, dialogues, and an exercise in calisthenics which was admirably rendered; the singing showed skillful preparation and reflected great credit upon the teachers and pupils.

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SKYLAND INSTITUTE (MOUNTAIN WHITE), BLOWING ROCK, N. C.

BY MRS. ELLEN R. DORSETT, PRINCIPAL.

The closing exercises of Skyland Institute, at Blowing Rock, N. C., have each year to be carefully planned with regard to our small audience room, and so we have not one great day, but three days of interest.

The first of these was Wednesday, May 25th, when public examinations took place. We were gratified to have among our visitors, parents who had never before visited our school, also summer visitors, interested in educational matters, who gave us words of cheer.

The following day our pupils gave an industrial exhibition. This was a new feature in our school history, and it was one difficult to inaugurate among the pupils--but it will not be difficult to continue, because of its success. There were five classes of entries; sewing, bread making, pastry and desserts, laundry work and boys' hand work. There were three premiums in each class, and these were in money given by interested friends. The first premium in each case was seventy-five cents. After the judges had made awards, the dining room doors were thrown open to the public, a surging crowd, and small samples of the cooked food were given.

Upon May 27 our school room was beautified with azalias and ferns, and in the corner stood our piano, which came to us during the year from Connecticut friends, ready to do its part. People came from a distance, and the woods across the street from us made a fine North Carolina picture with the covered wagons, the topped buggies, surreys and saddle horses. The audience without was as great in numbers, as that within. The address was most acceptable. One of the old citizens who waited to grasp the speaker's hand, told him how he wished that he were young again, that he might make his own life successful. "It is not too late now!" were the words of the preacher in reply.

Some tributes came to us in these last days regarding our work. One man with a broken voice, told us that he was a better man because of our Sunday-school and Christian Endeavor Society. He had been a drinking man, but "for fifteen months had not tasted liquor." Parents told us of the feeling of safety they had when they committed their girls to our care, and gave us words of appreciation.

Already the applicants for admission to our boarding department for the coming year far exceed our accommodations, while every Sunday our school house is not large enough to accommodate the people who do come. Many more would come but there is no room.

The spirit and progress of the work far surpass the equipment, and it is with hearts of gratitude that we lift our eyes and behold "what God hath wrought."

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ALLEN NORMAL INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL, THOMASVILLE, GA.--LAST DAYS OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

BY MISS A. MERRIAM, PRINCIPAL.

Though there may be little to interest the general reader in a "Closing Exercises" account of an American Missionary Association Normal School, these occasions stand for much to both teachers and scholars. To the former they mean satisfaction not unmixed with solicitude as to how the knowledge acquired and the mental strength developed by years of discipline will be used. To the graduate comes the joy of achievement tempered by the recurring question, "What shall I do _now_?"

There is another class to whom "Commencement" is a great day--the fathers and mothers who have toiled long and hard to keep their children in school. It is a picture one does not soon forget--those dark faces gazing, with the pride and joy that dims the eye and makes the lip quiver, upon their children, standing with the graduates. There, too, is the old grandmother, who nods her turbaned head with unwonted emphasis as she listens to the essay of her grandchild, whose name she cannot read!

Prof. Jas. L. Murray, principal of the Albany Normal School, who delivered the annual address, told his audience, in plain, forceful words, what kind of an education was needed. Rev. T. M. Nixon, pastor of the Congregational Church in Thomasville, gave an excellent sermon on Sunday along a somewhat similar line of thought.

The majority of our graduates answer the question, "What shall I do _now_?" by securing positions in the "government schools," as those maintained in part, at least, by appropriations from the State are called. It is gratifying to see the steadily growing tendency towards improvement in public school buildings and appliances. One of our graduates, who has taught two years in a poor little building used as a church, has finally succeeded in getting together the lumber for a little school-house, and, by dint of hard labor, has prevailed upon the people of the neighborhood to put up the building. She hopes in the fall to be able to get sash and glass for the four small windows. The blackboards have been furnished by a Northern friend.

"Lighted to light" is the motto of the graduating class.

In order that those who are furnishing the oil for the lamp which has guided so many into the right life may know how their work is regarded by those among whom it is being done, a few sentences are quoted from the leading newspaper of Thomasville, Ga.

"The exercises throughout were most creditable, and demonstrate that the Allen Normal and Industrial School is keeping its place among the foremost institutions of the kind. The course of instruction as carried out by the principal and her efficient corps of teachers is most thorough. Hand and heart are both educated. A pupil leaving this institution with a diploma of this school, has something to be proud of; more, has something--a good education--which cannot be taken away. There is no telling the amount of good these graduates may do if they will practice what they have been taught."

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BALLARD NORMAL SCHOOL, MACON, GA.

BY PROF. GEO. C. BURRAGE.

At "Ballard" about a month before the close of school, an evening entertainment for the parents and friends of the pupils is given which is designed to show what the pupils of the school can do in the way of kindergarten exercises, dialogue, recitation and music, both vocal and instrumental. This is called the "Junior Exhibition." The members of the senior class do not take part in these exercises, as their turn comes later.

A week before our graduates go from the school an informal reception to the class and their friends is held in the "Teachers' Home," each member of the class being allowed to bring one friend. In this way new teachers make the acquaintance of those who are about to be graduated and the old teachers have an opportunity to talk over past experiences with their former pupils.

On the last Sunday of the school year we have the annual sermon to the graduating class. Invariably the church is crowded. Wednesday of the last week is Visitors' Day, when parents who visit the school at no other time come in large numbers. The work of the industrial departments is on exhibition, and the kindergarten work of the primary department, also the work in drawing and the written exercises in the different subjects taught in the school. An opportunity is afforded also to attend recitations in all the rooms. At noon the class in cooking serves a lunch which demonstrates in a practical manner the proficiency attained in this important branch of domestic education. The different dishes are sold at a nominal price towards defraying the expense of this part of the exhibition. The same evening "The Alumni Association" holds its literary exercises.

The graduating exercises on Thursday afternoon consist of essays and recitations by the members of the class and music by members of the school, followed by an address by as able a speaker as we can secure. This year we had a most suggestive and helpful address from Rev. Dr. Haynes of our American Missionary Association church at Athens, Ga. The graduating class consisted of six young ladies, who in character and scholarship are especially well fitted for teaching, which most of them intend to follow. Our graduates are always in demand as teachers, and the demand is greater than the supply.

The attendance at the graduating exercises has increased each year until it has become too great for the capacity of our church, which is not small. This year many were unable to gain admittance at all.

Immediately after the exercises at the church, a reception is given the alumni of the school, which is a most enjoyable and useful occasion. After an hour has been spent in social intercourse, refreshments are served, when the members representing the different classes are called upon for short addresses. It is most encouraging to hear them testify as to the help and stimulus they have received from the school.

The next day after the graduating exercises, the pupils assemble in the school rooms in the mornings to hear the "promotion lists" read and to have seats assigned them in the grades to which they have been promoted; and the school year is ended, but not ended are the influences and the prayers that have gone on with the fidelities of the earnest teachers who day by day have put their lives into this work.

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CLOSING EXERCISES OF KNOX INSTITUTE, ATHENS, GA.

Only a few years ago, the colored people of Athens took very little interest in the closing work of our schools; but there has been a great educational awakening among the colored people since, and I doubt whether in the whole State of Georgia a city can be found in which the colored people manifest interest in the closing work of our schools more than they do in Athens.

Commencement week at Knox began with the anniversary sermon, preached at the Congregational Church, to the students, Sunday morning, May 22d.

Monday and Tuesday following were devoted to examinations, and the inspection of our industrial exhibit in carpentry and sewing, which was in many respects the best of this kind ever made by any school in Athens. We have never had as many visitors at any one time as we have had since our industrial shop has been opened for work, and while visitors have manifested an interest in every department of the work, their greatest interest has been in this department.

Many short addresses were made by our visitors at this time, with words of cheer and encouragement; but all recognized the fact of _a needed enlargement_ and _increased facilities_.

One patron, on emerging from the industrial shop, said to me, "The half that you are doing has not been told."