REV. B. D. CONKLING.
There has been a good deal of sickness among our people and the missionaries. We have had additions to the church at each communion. The Sunday-school work is prospering finely, the pennies outnumbering the attendance every Sunday but two from January 1st to June 1st. The average attendance at the Sunday-school for January was 112, which gradually increased until, in May, the average was 162⅘. The average collections of the Sunday-school for May were $2.12⅘ for each Sunday.
From January 1st to May 31st the congregation raised for church and missionary purposes $83.71; and the Sunday-school, during the same time, $36.73. This does not include some $25 raised to provide an excursion for the Sunday-school and its friends. Several members during the year, who are either ministers or ministers’ wives, took letters of dismission; others still are in some of the institutions of the American Missionary Association for higher learning. More or less missionary work is being done constantly by resident members of this church.
While it is not a large church, it has had, and does have, a large influence for good throughout the whole city; especially has it been the means of revolutionizing in the way of improvement the Sunday-school work here and here-abouts.
REV. J. H. H. SENGSTACKE.
This church was organized in the year 1871. In the year 1875 Mr. J. H. H. Sengstacke, teacher of the public school at Woodville, was elected pastor. At that time the membership consisted of 12 persons. They worshiped in an old building about one-third of a mile from the present edifice. The church was at first known as the Woodville Congregational church; but at the beginning of Mr. Sengstacke’s ministry the name was changed to Pilgrim church. The American Missionary Association built a new house of worship, and Mr. S. was set apart for the Gospel ministry. The church has been growing rapidly ever since, the congregation at present averaging 200. The Sabbath-school is flourishing. In the year 1877, Sengstacke Band of Hope was organized. Rev. J. M. Smith’s people, of Grand Rapids, Mich., have done much towards building up this work. In 1877 the church purchased a bell and an organ.
In 1878 the American Missionary Association built a neat little parsonage.
In 1879 the church was ceiled and painted inside.
In 1880 the people, with aid from the American Missionary Association, raised the meeting house on a brick basement, also the church was repainted and new seats were added.
In 1881 a new fence was put around the lot, and the meeting house was improved on the outside, trees were set out, and a lot was purchased at the Five Mile for mission work. Pilgrim church has had revivals every year.
REV. EDGAR J. PENNEY.
On my arrival a year ago, only seven persons (four men and three women) responded as members of the church. Since my ordination last December, 13 have been admitted, six by letter and seven by profession. This encourages us in great measure to labor on. The Sunday-school has shown a steady increase for some months and is making real progress. We are better able than ever to hold those who came at first out of mere curiosity. The following quotation respecting temperance forms a part of the constitution of the church: “Any member convicted of using intoxicating liquor other than as a medicine shall be liable to discipline.” Three of our members spent the past six months in Atlanta University.
REV. ANDREW J. HEADEN.
We have a church of 60 members, and our work is growing in favor both with white and colored; five have recently been added by profession. Our Sunday-school is increasing in numbers and interest. One young man has gone to the Hampton Institute to fit himself for a teacher. Our church property has been improved, and a parsonage erected at a cost of about $230, in connection with which there are ten acres of land. The field here is a promising one, and considering that the church has been organized only two years and a half, the progress of the work seems to us very encouraging.
REV. WILSON CALLEN.
The work of ingathering in these churches has been slow and steady. Some who had been negligent have returned and manifested an interest in the church. At Belmont 11 new members have been added during the past four years.
There is a good attendance at Louisville, although but two have united with the church during my ministry. There is great need of temperance work among the people. The Sabbath-schools are in tolerable good condition. We have very little church property, and we are not able to keep what we have in good repair.
PRES. H. S. DE FOREST, D.D.
Preaching, Sunday-school, church and neighborhood prayer meetings, with class of Bible readers, monthly concert, and meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Society, have been kept up in usual order and with a good degree of interest during the year. For three weeks, meetings were held each evening. Several, chiefly students boarding in the college family, found Christ, and the church was revived.
The preaching was first and mainly to Christians rather than to the impenitent. Besides the mission churches which have grown out of the College church, the students and teachers have sustained five Sunday-schools in needy districts. The College church has rare facilities for distributing illustrated Sunday-school and temperance papers. The parish missionary has faithfully pursued her work, discovering and relieving much of want, and speaking to the neglected.
A temperance society has been organized, embracing in its membership those not connected with the College church, with a pledge of abstinence from the use of tobacco in all its forms, as well as from the use and sale of intoxicating liquors.
REV. O. D. CRAWFORD.
A revival followed the State Conference in March; 15 persons between the ages of 13 and 18 manifested a deep interest, and received so much light on the supreme question, as carried them beyond the reach of the ordinary instruction of the colored churches and revival seasons. The church was much blessed.
We received to fellowship one young man, a pupil in the Institute, of rare promise. Several temperance sermons were preached, and 30 names secured to the pledge.
The church building was moved through the street to its more eligible location on the Institute grounds, and improved by a large front door and steps and cornice.
Out of their deep poverty the people raised about one dollar at each monthly concert of prayer for missions. Two lady members are engaged in teaching in public schools acceptably.
REV. A. W. CURTIS.
Marion is an old town, quite an educational centre, but in all other respects left high and dry on a side switch. Hence our church and work is a good deal like that of New England—a good place to emigrate from. There is not business enough to give work at home, and the young people have to go away; we are trying to make it a good home and training-school, and look for the results elsewhere. This summer nearly all our men are abroad for work—many at Tougaloo, working on the new building—some renting land in the district around. Most of the young women as they marry find homes abroad for the same reason.
The children and young people who were converted last spring hold out well, and form the principal part of our number at prayer meeting. We see occasionally also those who united with other churches. Ten united on confession at our first communion, four at the second. So far as I can learn, all our church are strictly temperance folks. Our Sunday-school is small. We have had three Sunday-schools kept up in the country by members of our church who had day schools in those districts.
Most of our members have homes which they are making more valuable by improvement, while property in town has greatly depreciated. Our church have undertaken to raise $100 and to build a school-house this summer. It may be a question whether they will succeed in the latter as soon as they have planned.
Ten of the young people of our church have been at Talladega during the past year, two at Fisk, and one in Tougaloo. Four of our members have been teaching school with good success and one is preaching.
A young man who graduated with honor at the Normal here last week was converted with us. He wishes to go to Africa, but will probably go under Methodist auspices, according to his friends’ wish. I have found a large field and a very needy one.
REV. O. W. FAY.
With our church, the past year has been one of more than ordinary encouragement and blessing. Spiritual growth is manifest. Special meetings were held during the week of prayer and three weeks following; result, several hopeful conversions; 12 have united with the church, six by letter and six by profession. A healthful sentiment in favor of temperance prevails throughout the church and congregation, cherished by special services and efforts through the year. Not one person to my knowledge is addicted to the use of drink. Sunday-school is vigorous with enthusiasm, numbering 175 pupils. Decided improvement both in attendance and contributions have been made during the year. Though this has been financially a hard year for our people, nevertheless in loyalty to church obligation they have done better than ever before in their history. Nine of our members have been in attendance at Talladega College and Fisk University during the year; three of these are studying for the ministry. As a whole, the church work at this point has a bright side, and we feel like thanking God and taking courage.
REV. C. B. CURTIS.
Our church observed the week of prayer with a good degree of interest, which was followed by a series of meetings continuing through the month of January. Five were added to the church by profession and four by letter. An effort was made in behalf of temperance by all the churches, in the beginning of the year, to send a petition to the Legislature for the suppression of intemperance, but failed as to results. Christmas, a temperance Sunday-school concert was held. The Sunday-school has been steadily increasing, as shown by the following figures, which give the average attendance for six months: January 82, February 77¾, March 83¼, April 84¾, May 112, June 101¾.
A mission school at the house of the pastor has been in operation for the year, with an average attendance of 18 weekly.
An effort has been made to raise a special donation for the A. M. A., that the Association may receive the $50 pledged as a duplicate from a friend in Massachusetts. The “Mission Workers” of the church and Sunday-school have made by sales, and given for various purposes, $30.45. Six of our pupils are at school at Talladega, two at Tougaloo. Ten members are engaged in teaching or missionary work.
Interest in the cause of missions has been furthered by a “missionary tea party,” held at the home of the pastor. Items of intelligence from the broad field interested all.
REV. J. R. SIMS.
I can only give you a brief report of my work, as I have been here but a short time.
We have not had any revival, only in the church there seems to be a renewed spirit among her members.
We deem the Sunday-school work of vital importance, and endeavor to increase its interest from time to time; average attendance, 90; teachers five. Our building is now being newly painted, and we hope to finish plastering by the 1st of October. Five pupils from the church have been sent to some institution of learning. Number engaged in missionary work, five.
The work, as a whole, seems to be hopeful. We ask your prayers that we may be strengthened.
REV. ALFRED JONES.
Revival work has been very encouraging. Most of the youth have been led to embrace religion in consequence of our meetings. Thirty have joined our church, 22 of whom came through since I have been here. Our church is a temperance church; everybody looks upon us as a temperance people. We have the best Sabbath-school in Childersburg. We have plastered our meeting house and added a church farm worth $250, and a bell worth $45. Four of our church members are studying at different institutions.
REV. WM. H. ASH.
We have built a beautiful parsonage this year which is said to be the prettiest house in town. Our field of labor is one where the minister plans his work, and then pulls off his coat and sees that it is done. Since I took charge here, two years ago, a suitable house of worship has been erected. Meanwhile, I have acted as pastor and taught a school. Six were added to the church by profession, and a temperance society has been organized. It is the only temperance society in connection with any of the colored churches in town. When I came here I found an old house, that had been used for a bar-room and gambling shop, fitted up for a house of worship. This has been abandoned, the lot upon which it stood well fenced, and a meeting house built.
We sent one pupil to Fisk University last year, and raised $160 for building and repairs.
REV. G. S. POPE.
There has been no special revival this year. Steady progress, however, has been made, resulting in frequent conversions. Eleven have been added to the church on profession of faith, and four by letter.
It is a rare thing for any of our students to hold themselves outside of the temperance work. They not only become temperance men and women here, but temperance workers when they leave. From 1,000 to 1,500 signers of the pledge are secured by them each summer vacation. They sometimes commence Sunday-school work previous to the opening of their day schools, and during vacation it is estimated that they instruct about 4,000 Sunday-school scholars. Fifty-eight of our church members have been engaged in teaching during the year.
REV. W. S. ALEXANDER, D.D.
Of the 18 churches in the South-western Association, the first organization bears date June 14th, 1868; so that if we are not the infant association, we are certainly among the youngest members of the Congregational household.
There have been seven annual meetings of our Association, two occurring in 1870 and 1871, and then regularly from 1876 to 1881 inclusive. There has been growth in several directions.
1st, morally. The standard in moral instruction and practice is higher, by a marked difference, than at the beginning of our church life. The church is not a harbor for unholy and impure persons, where the outward profession atones for the faults of the private life; but the scene of watchfulness and charitable judgment, where the weak are helped, the penitent encouraged, and the persistent wrong-doer is discountenanced and disfellowshiped.
2d. In intelligence. The ministers and church members have a clearer understanding of the proprieties of church order and discipline.
The public services of the Lord’s day have grown quiet and devotional, a deeper tone of reverence pervades the preaching, and mere emotion has been succeeded by intelligent conviction and a reasonable faith.
3d. There is a more direct aim for the best spiritual results. The conversion of the heart and the saving of the lost is more and more the end and the aim of preaching. Between this and the crude emotional spasmodic methods of the past, there is an almost inconceivable difference.
Central Church, New Orleans (Rev. W. S. Alexander, D.D., Pastor).—This church was in 1870 the University church, and has always been intimately associated with Straight University. The president of the University has been the acting pastor since January 1st, 1876. Most of the teachers in the University are earnest workers in the Sabbath-school.
From a membership of 35 in 1876, almost all of whom were old people, the membership has been increased to 210. Hardly a year has passed without witnessing in this church scenes of revival interest. Every winter has had its harvest months.
During the past winter, a revival of great power occurred in the church, resulting in 50 conversions. Mr. James Wharton, of Barrow-in-Furness, England, was an honored agent of the Lord in this blessed work.
The annual expenses of the church, averaging $650, are always paid promptly, and this year, in addition, the church has remitted $100 to the treasury of the American Missionary Association.
Spain St. Church, New Orleans (Rev. Henry A. Ruffin, Pastor).—Mr. Ruffin was a student in the theological department of Straight University for four or five years, and was in charge of the church at the same time, as he is to-day.
The church has been disturbed during the year by a few bad men, ambitious to rule, and so obstructing the progress of the Lord’s work and restricting the influence and usefulness of the pastor; but by patience and wise counsels the difficulty seems to be tided over, and the church started on a new career of prosperity.
Morris Brown Chapel, New Orleans (Rev. Isaac H. Hall, Pastor).—Mr. Hall was a delegate of the S.W. Association to the National Council at St. Louis. He was a student for several years at Straight University. The church has had a constant though not rapid growth. Its membership of 110 represents a good deal of hard work in prayer. A few converts are gathered in every year. The church has a small debt of about $250, which it is struggling bravely to discharge. Whenever a dollar can be transferred from the fund for ordinary expenses to sinking fund it is done, and the church will celebrate its jubilee when the last dollar of indebtedness is paid.
Algiers and Gretna.—There are two churches across the river from New Orleans, one in Algiers and the other in Gretna. Rev. James Craig is pastor at Algiers, and Rev. Putney W. Ward at Gretna. With better schools in these two places, there would be better churches. The mass of the people need enlightening, and until it is done the church will dash against the breakers. Ignorance is never in accord with quiet, progressive and spiritual church life. These churches have now reached a crisis in their history which means either fatal disaster or a new and better lease of life. May God guide and bring order out of confusion. In the parish of St. Mary we have an interesting and hopeful group of churches.
Terrebonne (Rev. Daniel Clay, Pastor).—The house of worship is new, tasteful and admirably fitted for its purposes. Neatly painted, with good bell, the church-yard surrounded by a whitewashed fence, and in the rear the pretty cottages of the pastor and his son, nothing more could be desired. It is really beautiful. And how happy Bro. Clay is—how proud of his church and immense congregation! He feels that God has been good to him, and after many fierce storms, has conducted him to a peaceful and happy old age.
This church was built and paid for by the voluntary offerings of the people. I think they have never solicited a dollar of outside aid. They have built just as fast as they could pay for the work. No shadow of debt has ever dimmed their joy.
The Association met with this church in April. Great congregations flocked to the meetings, and immediately upon the adjournment of the Association, a revival of peculiar grace and tenderness was enjoyed, and some precious souls “given their liberty.”
Terrebonne Station (Rev. Benjamin Field, licensed Preacher, acting Pastor). Lafourche Crossing (Rec. Wm. Reid, Pastor).—These two churches are under the general supervision of Bro. Clay, and look to him for counsel as to a father. There is a peculiar bond binding these little churches of like faith together. When the Lord’s work is revived in one, the others hasten to share in the blessing, and when trouble is developed in one, the others are quick to sympathize and help. The Lafourche church are proposing to buy a new lot and build a pretty chapel. They have very great faith in their prospective growth.
New Iberia.—St. Paul’s church is one of the strongest and most stable in the Association. The September gale leveled their old building. It was a blessing in disguise, for a new and substantial church has risen in its place. How much the stimulus of necessity will accomplish!
Rev. W. R. Polk, a protege of Dr. Cuyler, is the pastor. The services are orderly and intelligent. Situated in the midst of one of the most fruitful sections of the state, and almost every colored man owning his homestead, and some of them in the realization of the freedman’s ambition, “forty acres and a mule,” there is a look of prosperity about church and people that is refreshing. They are now self-supporting. They are also rejoicing over several additions to the church on profession of faith.
We must now group together a few churches, small as yet, but giving promise of great usefulness. They are situated in important centres with respect to colored population, and the absence of churches except at great distances.
Lockport and Harangville—Under the missionary supervision of Brother Ward, of Gretna. He pays them a monthly or semi-monthly visit, and they do the best they can in the interval. When they get stronger they will require and can pay for the regular services of a resident minister.
Peteance and Little Pecan—Under the pastoral care of Rev. Wm. Butler. Mr. Butler teaches a day school at Peteance, five miles from New Iberia. Both these churches have houses of worship, and are full of faith in the increase of future years. God grant their faith may be rewarded.
Churches at Bayou Du Large (Rev. Humphrey Williams, Pastor), and at Grand Bayou (S. Williams, Pastor), are new churches, organized within the year, attracted by the simplicity, liberty and spirituality of the Congregational mode of government. They have cordially united hands with us.
Abberville—Needs a house of worship, and until it is built we cannot begin to write its history. A church without a shelter is a church in the wilderness indeed; and in this part of the world is no church, but a scattered flock seeking a fold.
Lake Peigneur (Rev. C. E. Smith, Pastor).—This church enjoys stated preaching. When the pastor is absent, some layman who has the “gift” of exhorting calls the people together. The homes of the people are often far apart. It is a rich prairie section, and all or nearly all come on horse-back. There is very little abject poverty. The labor of the men and women is sought, and commands a living price. The land itself can be purchased from $10 to $15 per acre, and so our friends are driving down the stakes into their own soil. Once the negro had a right only in “God’s acre,” and not that till he was dead. Now he holds the title-deed to his own property, sealed with the great seal of Louisiana. God be praised! How restful to the tired laborer is a bed in his own cottage! How much better Christian he can be, with his own home, with all the amenities and domestic comforts of the family circle, and with the inducements thus supplied to be good and to do good!
REV. H. S. BENNETT.
This is a University church, and the work done by it is so intimately connected with that done by the University that they cannot be separated. Its membership is now 171 and is composed largely of students. During vacation its meetings stop. It was organized in 1868, and since that time no year has passed in the history of the University without from 12 to 70 conversions. During the past school year two powerful seasons of refreshing resulted in the conversion of 68 students. The additions to the church have been mostly on profession of faith, and have averaged more than 20 annually. In connection with the institution, of which the church is a part, are a Sunday-school, a college, Y.M.C.A., and a missionary society for the evangelization of Africa. Many class prayer meetings are also held.
From the University between 100 and 150 students, most of whom are members of the church, go out to teach school during vacation. These teachers organize Sunday-schools and temperance societies. Five of the students have already gone as missionaries to Africa; others are preparing to go, having consecrated themselves to the work of African missions. Many of the students, members of the church, are now engaged in the work of preaching the Gospel in the churches of the South; others are preparing to preach. The work was never so promising as now.
REV. B. A. IMES.
I can only speak of special interest awakened last fall and early winter, carried on mainly among the young people of the American Missionary Association school (Le Moyne Normal). Many of these pupils were also our Sunday-school scholars. Of perhaps 40 converted, six united with our church. Since November 1, 1880, seven have united with this church on profession and nine by letter.
The Sunday-school is well attended, averaging from 100 to 140 during the latter part of winter and spring, and now in vacation about 75; general interest good.
Since January 1st, money raised for missionary purposes $20.
About 12 pupils of Le Moyne School are from our church, some of them members, others from families in part or entirely connected with it. One young man is teaching during the summer; will be in school next year.
REV. JOS. E. SMITH.
The year has not passed without giving us tokens of God’s special favor. The hopeful conversion of four persons, who are standing firm in the faith and doing good service in the church, and the renewed quickening of the whole church, are some of the happy results of the Holy Spirit’s special presence. The Sunday-school is full of interest; average attendance about 90 scholars, with eight earnest teachers who were once our scholars. The Sunday-school has a library of about 70 volumes of good books, which are quite generally read by the school.
Twenty-one persons have left us at different times to engage in study either in Atlanta or Fisk University, nine of whom are teaching and doing good work otherwise, while one is over in the southern part of France preaching the Gospel. The church has paid $26.10 toward missionary purposes.
REV. JOHN G. FEE.
The church here is the one church of the place, undenominational, unsectarian. All who here profess faith in the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour from sin, and are baptized in His name as His true followers, are recognized as in the body, and their fellowship is cherished whilst they maintain Christian character.
The present membership is 171; number added during the past year, 13; average attendance at the Sabbath-school, 192. Four other Sabbath-schools are under the supervision of members of the church; in these there is a total average attendance of 208.
During the past year we erected here a neat plain building as a church house and college chapel. It will seat some 500 people.
We have here, conducted and managed chiefly by members of the church, the most vigorous temperance association in the state, including over 1,600 pledges. Our relations to the churches and people around us are eminently friendly and pleasant. There is to us an open door that no man can shut. To God be the glory.
The church at Union Chapel, Jackson County, has just entered into a new church house; has the aid of two resident elders, and a monthly visit from Bro. Bunting, associate pastor at Berea. The churches in Bracken and Lewis Counties are without a pastor; they sustain a regular prayer meeting and Sunday-school.
The church at Camp Nelson, Jessamine County, is without a regular pastor. The members keep up frequent meetings and a promising Sunday-school. We expect the presence and aid of Rev. J. T. Browne as a pastor to some of these churches. Many useful fields could be occupied if we had support for pastors.
REV. B. F. FOSTER.
Our work here, as you know, is in its very infancy; organized 27th of February, 1881, with 40 communicants. Since then we have received by recommendation or letter 32 more. Our Sunday-school is in excellent condition, averages 80 scholars, besides teachers, &c. Our greatest need is competent Christian teachers. We have purchased a lot in a very desirable part of the city (corner lot) at $400. Have paid $140 toward it. Have laid the foundation on it for a church. We are now negotiating for lumber, &c., with which to erect the superstructure. Hope to go into it November 1st, and also to lay the corner-stone very soon. Have raised since organized $468 for church purposes. Hope to send one pupil to Fisk next fall. Probably we may send two. Mrs. Foster (the pastor’s wife) expects to begin missionary work here next fall. We pride ourselves on being among a benevolent, generous class of Christians. All are hopeful of success. Some certainly will be Congregationalists. Will some Christian philanthropist help us?
REV. B. C. CHURCH.
After years of toil and waiting we are made to rejoice in a revival of religion; not the old, with its fanaticism and immoralities. It is no easy task to educate an unlettered people to reject the past and adopt a new and higher form of Christian life; to change a prayerless and violent home into one of song and praise. This is our work.
After a meeting of fifteen days we received five persons into the church on profession of faith, all from the Sunday-school, two of whom are teachers. After a few days’ rest we opened a meeting with the church in Helena, that continued eleven days. As a result we received seven members. These, too, were connected with the Sunday-school. In both meetings the interest continued till the close.
Rev. M. Thompson, my associate in work with these two churches, is a brother greatly beloved by all who know him. If he had a few more books, and our churches had one communion service between them, many hearts would rejoice and many thanks would be given to the donors.
REV. J. W. ROBERTS.
We have had no special revival since last summer. Four, however, have been added to the church during the year, two by letter and two by profession. Without any formal organization, I am happy to say that my people are abstainers from intoxicating liquors. There is a temperance society in the city, but I do not espouse its cause, because it is a secret society. Our Sabbath-school is crowded every Lord’s day. We are endeavoring to introduce the catechism, and thus far have been quite successful. Our great need is a house of worship. We can scarcely hold services in the old barn we now occupy on account of leakage when it rains and snows. We have recently purchased a very desirable church lot not far from the centre of the city, on which we expect to erect a new church.
Two of my male members are carrying on missionary work in the country with encouraging success. We sustain a neighborhood prayer meeting, which is doing much good. A bright future is before us.
REV. T. E. HILLSON.
I have only been in charge of this mission one year. On my arrival I found everything to discourage me. Both white and black people were prejudiced against the work of the Association, but the future, perhaps, will tell better. I have the pleasure of preaching to a congregation most of the time which cannot be comfortably seated in the church building. We have a membership of twenty, which is quite small, but the material for a Congregational church has not matured in Texas yet. When young men and women possessing the power of the Holy Spirit shall have taught among these people, then Congregational churches will commence to spring up over Texas. Over 45 of our young men and women have joined the temperance union. I have also a benevolent literary society organized, which is making good progress.
REV. J. W. STRONG.
Our church has been revived and all its services are well attended. The whole church is a temperance society. We are becoming more and more in favor with other churches both white and colored. The hope of our church is in the boys and girls at school. Already two ministers have gone forth from us, one of whom is doing good work for four Baptist churches which he has in charge. The other one also is a great power for good. Our church has been more anxious for the souls of men than for their names upon its list. The attendance at the Sabbath-school is good, made up in part of a large Bible class of elderly people.
Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association.
President: Rev. J. K. McLean, D.D. Vice-Presidents: Rev. A. L. Stone, D.D., Robert B. Forman, Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon. F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D.D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S. H. Willey, D.D., Jacob S. Taber.
Directors: Rev. George Mooar, D.D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. E. P. Baker, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, Rev. John Kimball, A. L. Van Blarcon, Esq., George Harris, Esq., and the Secretary ex officio.
Secretary: Rev. W. C. Pond. Treasurer: E. Palache, Esq.
The following cheery item it was my privilege to publish in the Pacific of June 20th. I am sure that it will interest the readers of the Missionary:
In connection with our California Chinese mission, thirteen schools were sustained during the month of June. This is one less than were in operation in May, the school at Tucson, Arizona, having been discontinued temporarily. But the number of pupils enrolled was 595—a net gain over the preceding month of 45, and the largest enrollment ever reported. The average attendance was 314—larger by 10 than during the preceding month, and larger than was ever reported before. In the course of this fiscal year, thus far, not less than 1,465 Chinese have been enrolled in these schools, and have thus been reached by Gospel influences. Among the pupils now in the schools, 128 are reported as giving evidence of conversion.
Laborers wanted for God’s Harvest.—Christ bids us pray for these. I ask the readers of the Missionary to join us in prayer for more Chinese helpers made fit by the power of God’s Spirit for the work that they, they alone, can do. The teacher in one of our more recently established schools writes me as follows: “I find it very hard to get along alone. We sadly need an efficient Chinese helper. The boys are beginning to think and ask so many questions, and each requires so much time for himself, that it is often after ten o’clock P. M. when I get through. Then there are so many Chinese outside that we cannot reach, and who will not come to school; and they need some one to meet with them and talk to them in their own language.”
What is true of this school is just as true of all the rest. We have now nine of those helpers employed. I should like to add four to the list as soon as September 1st. Can I have the means to sustain them? I believe that if the Lord will send forth the men, I will trust Him for the money. But I certainly purpose not to waste the Lord’s money sustaining men whom I alone, not He, have called into the field. Unite with us in prayer for the right men.
A Helper’s Sermon.—Lou Quong is at present our helper in the West School in this city. He is a servant in a Christian family, working at reduced wages in order to get time for missionary work. What he thus loses I make up to him by way of salary. With the other helpers in this city and Oakland, he meets me at our Central Mission House for a review of the week’s Bible lessons, and for mutual conference on all matters bearing on our mission. One of the exercises is the presentation by each helper of a sketch of a sermon for criticism and other suggestions from me. The following was submitted yesterday (June 20th) by Lou Quong. I think that the readers of the Missionary have never heard from him before.
The text (assigned to all in common on the preceding Wednesday) was in John xiii. 34, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
“Our Lord has given us a new commandment to learn—that we should love one another. Well, but how many commandments are there? There are ten old commandments which the Lord gave Moses. The old commandments say, ‘Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.’ Why does Jesus give us this new one? Is Christ any better than God? No, they are the same. It is because Jesus saw the people of the world needed more charity. Therefore, Christ gave us this one that we must love one another with brotherly love.
“2. But how can we love one another? Can we love all our brethren without loving God? Or can we love God without loving our brethren? No, we cannot love our brethren without loving God, neither can we love God without loving His people. But we must first love God; then we shall be able to love the brethren. Do not you know what the Bible says, ‘we love God because He first loved us.’ Love is the greatest word in the world. We cannot possibly do anything without this word. Love the brethren of God’s church as if they were your own brethren. But what is the reason that we should love them as our own brethren? Yes, they are truly our own brethren. Why? Because we are all made of one blood. At the beginning, did not God make a man and a woman, and told them to love one another, and keep His commandments? But at last they broke His commands, so God turned them out of Paradise. Now are they not the father and mother of us all? Of course, they are. This is why we ought to love them that are God’s children as well as our own brethren.
“3. But how are we able to love one another? Shall we love them when they love us? That is a very easy way, but this not the way of love at all. Or shall we say, we will love them, but the heart is not willing to do so? Is this the way to love? Or, shall we say by mouth, yes, we will love him truly, but still try to listen to him when he talks, or preaching, or studying, to find fault with him, and go right off and tell some one else instead of telling his fault before him by yourself alone; is this the way to love? Or, he speak something against me; then I do not like to speak to him any more: is that the way to love? Or, to wait, find out all his mistakes and all his faults, and then go find some one who you think best,—who you think love you very much, and who you think can help you any way, and who do always to please you with talk, and who can scold them better than you, for perhaps they are better person than you, and perhaps they have more respect of men; and your heart is full of envying, and always try to knock him down: is this the way to love one another? Is that your brother, that you ought to treat him so? No, my friends, this is not the way to love at all. But we are truly to love one another; this is our duty. What Jesus told us to do, we must do it by heart, not by talk, nor by pleasing, neither by any other way. But first knowing that God is always looking down from above, so we must be careful how we love God and our brother. This is what we ought to have;—that is, we must first have our hearts pure, then comes the peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits of righteousness, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Do it by heart. Amen.”
I have transcribed it just as it was brought in—the first draft roughly penciled—and the italics are his own. As a work of homiletic art, it is open to criticism certainly; but as an utterance of truth, it may reach the case, and fitly stir the conscience of many an American Christian, as well as of our Chinese believers.
I close with, this extract from the report of the teacher of our Barnes School: “The most enjoyable lessons to me are those in the Bible, and I am often surprised at the interest shown, and the questions and answers given. * * * Last night in Sabbath-school one was learning the passage, ‘Take heed that ye do not your alms before men,’ etc. I asked him if he knew what that meant. He answered, ‘When you give away something, or do something kind to any body, don’t go talk about it, tell everybody. If you do, God think you too much foolie.’ I think I have given his exact words.”
Room 20, Congregational House, Beacon St., Boston.
Miss Nathalie Lord, Secretary. Miss Abby W. Pearson, Treasurer.
Miss Julia Wilson, sent out October last by the W.H.M.A., writes from Baxter Springs, Kansas: The blessing of God has seemed to rest upon our work from the beginning, in opening the way before us and in giving us favor with the people for whom we labor.
Kind friends have sent us generous aid, whereby we have been able to meet our charity work, which although only a small part of the great whole, is nevertheless a very important part, not only because we are thus enabled to relieve want and suffering, but because of the opportunity thereby given to gain a personal influence over individuals. We often have thirty visitors in a day. A few minutes are given to one; often hours of precious time must be given to others, for thus only are their hearts kept with ours. We encourage, aid, advise as circumstances demand. We are with our people in sickness, death and also at their funerals. We have a woman’s school four or five times a week; but our Bible school is our corner-stone. We have a large attendance in the adult’s room and also in the children’s department. They listen with earnestness, and I always feel at the close that the Lord has been with us. This people have been so accustomed to a mixture of error with the truth, that simple Bible truth is new to them. I will not speak of difficulties that must be met and overcome, only to say that if we did not know we are here in the strength of the Lord, we might as well go home, so strong a hold has sin in its worst and most debasing forms upon these people. “But the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,” and “they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined.” What a privilege to be a light-bearer for the Lord—to hold the fort at any point against the might of Satan! For Jesus signals, “I am coming.” Yes, “We’ll wave the answer back to Heaven. By thy grace we will.”
We would like to give to the readers the diary of Miss. W. for one month, but have only space for the report of two or three days, to show how constantly her head, heart and hands are busy in her work:
1st. Sunday-school book, papers and slate pencil to Mr. B., who came twelve miles. To preacher D., bundle of clothing for himself and family. 2d, sent soap to H. family, who camped under a tree after traveling 200 miles; they were wet, weary and hungry. Again, sent rice to Mrs. G., thread and cloth for children’s clothes to Mrs. B., the same to Mrs. L., one of whom walked eight miles, the other twelve, to attend the woman’s school; lesson papers, Sunday-school papers and cards to three young people who walked eight miles to reach the mission. Lesson to Mrs. A. in button-hole making, thread for practice, cards to H. children, and lesson to Cora. Supper cooked and given to a family of six tired, hungry people, the most wretched I have seen, also a night’s lodging in our church. Coat, shirt and decent grave clothes to B. Land given to three women, two of whom walked eight and the other twelve miles.
The friends who have so generously responded to Miss Wilson’s needs will see by this report how she has by their gifts been able to meet the urgent necessities of these poor suffering people. Miss Wilson lives with her helper, who was a pupil at Hampton Institute for a time, in a small cottage “shaded from the intense heat by trees, and furnished with a good well of water, worth more than a gold mine,” surrounded by the cottages of her people, and so enabled to bring to bear upon them the influence of a Christian home.
Boxes and barrels sent during the month of July:
| From Auxiliary in Plainville, Conn., clothing valued | $25.70 |
| ” Highland, Ill., to Miss Wilson, Baxter Springs, Kansas, one box valued | 48.70 |
| ” Philips Church, South Boston, Ladies’ Benevolent Society to Miss Wilson, box valued | 55.31 |
| To Home Missionaries at the West, box valued | 132.19 |
Receipts of Woman’s Home Missionary Association from June 27 to July 25, 1881:
| From auxiliaries | $360.50 |
| ” life members | 80.00 |
| ” donations | 165.95 |
| ” annual members | 4.00 |
| —————— | |
| $610.45 |