Various - American Missionary, Volume 50, No. 8, August, 1896
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Various >> American Missionary, Volume 50, No. 8, August, 1896
"Write Thy new name upon my heart,
Thy best new name of Love."
* * * * *
LINCOLN ACADEMY, KING'S MOUNTAIN, N.C.
By Rev. A.W. Curtis.
Lincoln Academy is beautiful for situation, in the midst of groves of
young pine, on a considerable plateau sloping southward, overlooking
the valley of a little creek with the grand old mountain towering above
them on the farther side. A quiet restful spot removed from the
temptations of town life, four miles from the village station; just the
place for the great family home school which I found on this occasion,
Wednesday night, busy as bees preparing for the great event of the year.
The boys had put up a brush arbor in the grove near by, and provided
plenty of plank seats beneath.
We had a rousing Christian Endeavor meeting that night, the last of the
session. All of the students belong to the Senior or Junior branch, and
with the schedule topic, "The Widening of Christ's Kingdom," brought
home and made personal, "What can I do to extend Christ's Kingdom during
this vacation?" Many very practical talks were given, and many pledges
of best endeavor to this end in the home life or where they were
expecting to teach through the summer. Strange noises were heard during
the night, which the morning light explained by the covered wagons,
prairie schooners we would call them at the West, which had come in and
camped out near the spring. As the hour approached a perfect string of
nondescript vehicles bringing the whole family, and many others on
muleback or on foot, came pouring in from near and far, until by 10 A.M.
nearly one thousand people had gathered in and around the arbor; some of
them coming from thirty to fifty miles overland.
"Old Glory" had been floating from the flagstaff above the central
school building all the morning, and now the scholars, neatly dressed,
came marching up the hill and crowded the platform to sing their welcome
song. Prayer was offered by one of the first graduates, now a minister.
Then the principal, and lady general, gave out the orders for the day in
such a womanly and winning way as showed her fully mistress of the
situation.
"No _smoking_ anywhere on the school-grounds; no changing of seats
during any exercise; no selling of liquors or even ice cream, lemonade,
or other refreshments--not because these latter were not good in
themselves, but because of the temptation to spend money which they
could not afford in these hard times, and while complaining that they
could not raise money for the schooling of their children, they must not
spend their nickels in such ways. Take care of their nickels and they
would soon count up to dollars."
Several hucksters and peddlers, who had come with their wares, the
principal succeeded in driving off, and in a region where whisky has
flowed freely and smoking is almost their vital breath, she that day had
an orderly assemblage of nearly a thousand, on uncomfortable seats,
quiet and interested for four and a half hours without any intermission!
It was a very carefully prepared program; speeches, essays, recitals,
dialogues, and such splendid singing as only these trained voices of
colored students can give. It was no easy matter to speak so as to be
heard by such a crowd in the open air, but every girl as well as boy
succeeded admirably, and all showed most careful training and drill. The
themes chosen were very practical and fitted to the occasion.
Tobacco got rough and fearless handling, and liquor-drinking was rebuked
in almost every conceivable way and rubbed in repeatedly. The old and
the modern ways of teaching were compared and illustrated; indeed, every
recitation was evidently selected with reference to its moral effect.
Certainly these huge commencement gatherings are themselves educators
for the fathers and mothers and kinsfolk of these young people, whom
they are proud to see doing so well. The words of all the songs were
thoroughly learned, so they will do service in many another gathering
wherever these students may be. It was the writer's privilege to give
the commencement address on "Making the best use of life as God's plan
for our highest good."
Thursday night we held a parting communion service with the
Congregational Church, which is mainly composed of students. The maps
shown me and many of their examination papers were exceptionally good.
Last winter mumps and measles successively swept through the school, and
at one time made the home almost a hospital, but the brave teachers went
through all, kept up recitations with the well ones, and nursed the sick
and brought them all safely through without the expense of a doctor. Now
all were well and evidently thriving on good food, though it is marvel
to me how good board can be afforded with tuition, and all expenses
covered for $4.50 per month, and yet work be furnished to most of them
for one-third of that, bringing the cash outlay to _ten cents a day!_
but they do it, and a happier household I have never seen than those who
gather at Lincoln Academy.
A white man with whom I was talking at the station said, "Those lady
teachers are doing a great work for this whole region."
So the leaven works.
* * * * *
ALLEN NORMAL SCHOOL, THOMASVILLE, GA.
By Miss Amelia Merriam.
The fact that with the graduation of the class of '96 our school would
complete its first decade, added interest to the occasion.
One member of the class has been in the school from its organization. In
the class history she gave quite a vivid description of those trying
days when the building at Quitman, Ga., where the school was first
gathered, was burned to the ground, as the result of hostile feeling on
the part of the citizens of the place. Certainly there has been progress
toward a just appreciation of the work of the American Missionary
Association in the communities where its work has been done, as seen in
the kindly feeling toward the school manifested in various ways by the
people of Thomasville.
Of the six graduates, five are young women; three of these begin their
work of teaching in country schools immediately. One, the valedictorian
of the class, has already written something in regard to her
surroundings. At the place, which is the best in the neighborhood, where
she was to board--if the word may be used in connection with such a
state of things--she writes that there is almost nothing in the way of
necessities for decent living. There is not a lamp in the house; not
even a tallow candle, the room in which the family eat and sleep being
lighted only by building a fire upon the hearth. Of such an article as a
towel they apparently do not know the use; and the one basin in which
she washed her hands serves for various other domestic purposes. Almost
the only household appliances are two ovens, as they are called--two
flat-bottomed, shallow iron kettles, with iron covers, and legs a few
inches long. Under these kettles, out of doors, the fire is made, and
coals put upon the flat covers. In this way the hoe-cake is baked in
one, while the bacon is fried in the other. These two viands, with an
occasional mess of greens or potatoes, constitute the bill of fare month
in and month out. No wonder the poor girl lost her appetite. She was
supplied from the Home with what she needed to make herself comfortable
in the one very small room which she is fortunate enough to have to
herself.
It is from country places like these that we wish to bring scholars into
the school. The truth is that the young people in these communities are
too ignorant to have any desire for anything different from what they
now have. Here is an almost limitless home missionary field, to be
worked by the graduates of our schools. These teachers are good
object-lessons, showing what an education, including a knowledge of
homemaking, as well as what is learned from books, can do for boys and
girls like themselves.
We rejoice in the fact that when the school closed, all of the girls in
the Hall were professedly disciples of Christ, and will, we believe, go
back to their homes to be better daughters and more helpful members of
the communities so much in need of the influences which we trust they
will exert.
Five of our scholars connected themselves with our church at the last
communion service.
* * * * *
SALUDA SEMINARY, N.C.
By Rev. E.W. Hollies.
The closing exercises at Saluda Seminary took place on Friday evening,
May 1. Visitors overflowed the schoolrooms before the appointed hour.
After the introductory march had been rendered by one of the music
pupils on the beautiful Estey piano which adorned the platform, there
was not a standing place left for seeing nor hearing. The young people
kept everybody interested and pleased for three hours, by readings,
recitations, instrumental music, and songs. "The Delsarte Children," a
drill by eight little girls, whose motions were accompanied with strains
of music, was prettily and accurately presented, and was much
appreciated.
A cantata, "THE VOICES OF NATURE," was presented by the Juniors, and was
an interesting and pleasing feature of the evening, and showed that
careful instruction had been given by the teacher of music. Two well
prepared essays were read by their authors; one for, and the other
against, "Woman Suffrage."
The "SALUDA HERALD," a paper of thirty-two pages, published by the
pupils of the school, was read by four of its editors. This paper
contained many good things in the form of prose, poems, puns, and
puzzles. It abounded in wit and good humor. Its production was a credit
to the young people and added much to the enjoyment of the visitors; and
it was also unmistakable evidence that the young people attending this
school are taught to think and to write their thoughts with grammatical
accuracy, and also to give intelligent vocal expression to the same.
Saluda is highly favored in having this excellent school within its
borders.
* * * * *
BURRELL SCHOOL, SELMA, ALA.
By Prof. A.T. Burnell.
The year 1895-6 will be long remembered by all connected with Burrell
School, Selma, Ala., for the widespread religious interest gathering in
nearly half of those attending in March; for the continued increase of
enrolment, especially in the grammar and normal grades; and the closing
of this year will be remembered as a great and successful financial
endeavor, which netted for the school fifty dollars--"one jubilee
share." It is to be said that Selma is a generous town, when
entertainments come as at this season for the colored schools here.
Burrell presented one for the primaries, in which an entire grade
appeared upon the stage, some children impersonating trees planted by
other children and growing as by magic, while still others played "hide
and seek" about the trees or built nests therein.
On the second programme, intermingled with the usual dialogues and
"speeches" so loudly demanded by all pupils, there were the essays of
three who had completed the tenth grade, and some excellent music, with
shadow pictures, etc.
But the chief interest centered in the drama, that brought a crowded
house on Wednesday evening, and was repeated the next week.
Public examinations were held for three days, beginning Friday the 22d,
when a good number of friends visited the different rooms, noted the
work of the pupils, and shared with the teachers the quizzing of the
pupils, who seemed to enjoy their part. Not the least interesting
because thoroughly practical was the display of garments, stitching and
mending in the sewing-room; and, in the blacksmith and the carpenter
shops, articles manufactured by the boys. The school ground gives
evidence of workmen--attending to fences, repairs on buildings, a shop,
and two pump-shelters erected.
The catalogue just issued lists 287 students, a gain of twenty-four per
cent. in two years; gives a history of Burrell from its start in 1869,
and among former students names all the lady teachers of the city
school, besides five on other faculties in Selma.
* * * * *
BLOWING ROCK, N.C.
By Mrs. Ellen R. Dorsett.
Skyland Institute at Blowing Rock, N.C., has during the year continually
had in mind the saying, "Children should be seen and not heard," and so
has not lifted up her voice to report her work. But the child is now six
years old, is growing in beauty and strength, and needs some attention.
The year has been one of good things. Our pupils have been of a better
class than in previous years, and better adapted to go out and teach.
Our attendance has been more regular, our tuition has been paid as a
rule, and, although epidemics have prevailed all about us, we have lived
under the banner of the ninety-first Psalm and "no evil has befallen
us."
Our closing exercises consisted of reports from our different
organizations by a representative from each; class histories, and an
industrial exhibit on Tuesday afternoon, June 2. The following morning
Rev. J.L. Murphy gave us an address on the topic, "Wanted--A Man." It
was able, interesting, and inspiring. Mr. Murphy has for several years
been president of a girls' college in Hickory, N.C., and we were
fortunate in securing his services.
We have more applications for places in our home and school next year
than we have places, and just as soon as _that debt_ is paid, the North
will hear a lusty cry from this child for _room, more room_.
* * * * *
ENFIELD, N.C.
By Rev. T.S. Inborden.
The Joseph K. Brick Agricultural, Industrial and Normal School, located
at Enfield, N.C., celebrated its first anniversary May 29. It was a
noteworthy occasion for many who had not before visited the old
plantation under the new regime.
The exercises began at eight o'clock p.m., but as early as three o'clock
the people began to gather. They came on foot, in ox carts, wagons and
on bicycles. They were plain farmers, young teachers, politicians and
merchants. All were enthusiastic in their interest in the school. The
exercises were full of interest and the outlook for another year never
seemed brighter. Another year, God willing, we will show a great
advance.
* * * * *
LINCOLN SCHOOL, MERIDIAN, MISS.
By Mrs. H.I. Miller.
Our school closed its doors on the night of the 26th of May. All went
away saying "It was the best commencement Lincoln has ever had." I
heartily endorse the opinion. There were seven graduates--six young men
and one young woman. There were six orations, and all were so good that
a higher institution might well be proud of them. At our Social meeting
on the morning of the 26th, we had pleasant talks and addresses, after
which the industrial work, papers on nursing and examination papers were
exhibited. There were dresses, aprons, undergarments, sets of
button-holes, quilts, skirts, cushions, specimens of darning and
patching, and various fancy articles, some of them exceedingly well
done. We also had delicate work from the kindergarten and primary rooms;
paper folding and card sewing, showing great neatness of little fingers.
Among other papers of interest were those from the general history
class. Each pupil selected some country or character for review, and so
our work extended from old China and Egypt to modern Africa. One young
man writing on the last named country was induced to give the article to
the State through the newspapers and it has been published.
Some of our young people are teaching, and others are at other work.
There are very few summer schools here now, and those opened are only
for primary grades.
The Lincoln school is reaping honors at Tougaloo University. Two
scholarships this year were won by two of our ex-graduates, and this
gives Lincoln the honor of five such prizes won in that institution.
We shall greatly rejoice when the pulpits and places of great
responsibility are filled with intelligent leaders. We cannot but feel
amused, yet distressed, at the mis-read Scriptures. One brother in his
morning lesson from the pulpit said: "Brothers, we should be of the same
mind--_one body_ and mind, for it says here, 'the twins shall be one
flesh.'" A young man came to us, and asked help in writing his sermons.
He had no Bible; I urged his purchasing one, as he could read. One day
he came and said his text was the 14th of John. I inquired the passage.
"Oh," he said, "I takes the whole chapter, and so I don' have to say
much." It surely was the best way for his audience.
Our class motto was "The Future needs us," and I trust all the class
will fully realize how much they are needed.
* * * * *
ITEM.
There is an old colored man in Wilkes county who has never had his
membership changed from the white people's church at Independence. He
belonged to it when a slave and has held on to it. He attends services
regularly and does not intrude upon the congregation, but sits quietly
on the steps and listens to the sermon.--_Atlanta Constitution._
* * * * *
A LESSON IN HOME BUILDING.
By a Teacher.
Andersonville, Ga.
A woman came in this evening to sell strawberries which were neatly
covered with a bit of white cloth. She looked around our sitting-room
and shook her turbaned head, saying, "I sure would be afraid to live in
this house." "Why," I asked, curious to know what fearful thing she saw
in her glance. "Oh, it's so big, and has so many rooms." Our cozy home,
so snug, with not an inch of unused room, that we call our "Bird's
Nest!" Alas for the people that do not feel at home save in a one-roomed
cabin, and do not feel the necessity of work unless they are hungry. I
long so, sometimes, for something that will make this people hungry and
thirsty for better things, that will make them dissatisfied with the
things that content them now. The longing is _sure_ to come, if we can
have patience to wait.
A woman a short distance away lives in a house whose roof lets in the
water in streams during a heavy rain. She called on us in the spring so
hoarse that she could hardly speak. A few questions brought out the
trouble, and revealed the fact that she owned a pile of lumber near by.
I asked her why they did not repair it. She thought it too old, and the
reason she gave for not building a new one was that she was waiting for
her "old man" to begin. I found that her daughter was teaching school in
the country, and had $25 already due her that she could use for the
work. I told her to have one room put up at once, and build others as
she had money. She thought a little, then said, "Tell me all about it,
and I'll do just as you say." Now the room is nearly finished (not
ceiled or plastered, for such extras are almost unknown), and a prouder
woman would be hard to find. All are not so willing to be taught, but I
rejoice over every improvement.
* * * * *
AMONG THE INDIANS.
CLOSING EXERCISES AT SANTEE NORMAL SCHOOL.
By Miss Edith Leonard.
The last busy days of the school year are over. We have gathered the
first fruits of our work; we hope there will be a greater harvest in
years to come.
At the communion service, on June 7, three of our pupils were received
into the church. The next Thursday came the evening of declamations,
recitations, and music, for which the pupils had been preparing. During
the last four weeks it was a common thing to find a boy declaiming to an
imaginary audience in the schoolroom, or to find a girl reciting in
some secluded spot in the yard, or on the hills in the pasture. In most
schools that is nothing worthy of remark, but to us it shows that the
young people are beginning to feel that their success depends on their
own efforts.
When the evening came we had an enjoyable entertainment. The house was
decorated with the tall, graceful stems of the Solomon's Seal, and the
platform had a rug and potted plants upon it, and our two beautiful
flags draped behind it.
Among the recitations, "Betty, the Bound Girl," and "The Peril of a
Passenger Train," were well rendered. Lowell's "A Day in June" was given
with a pleasant voice and manner that fitted the poem. There was an
organ solo, an organ duet, and a sprightly little song by a quartet,
"All Among the Barley." Among the best things were part of an address by
Channing on "Distinction of Mind and Material Forms," and one by
Mitchell on "The First View of the Heavens." The thoughts were noble and
nobly expressed, and the young men delivered them with thoughtfulness
and appreciation, which made us glad, especially as these addresses were
their own choice.
Immediately after these exercises we all adjourned to the dining room
to see what the girls had done in their little missionary society. Here
was a table gay with pretty articles they had made. Among them were a
nice comfortable, some embroidered doilies, chair pillows, handkerchief
cases, and other things. Most of them were quickly sold. There was also
ice-cream and cake for sale. The girls took about seventeen dollars by
their fair, and the proceeds are to go to the A.M.A.
The next day was the last. We planned to have an exhibition of school
and industrial work during the forenoon, and parade of cadets in the
afternoon. And, in order to give the pupils a little uplift of
enthusiasm in a good cause, we arranged to have a Christian Endeavor
rally of societies from five neighboring towns, and also to invite the
members of two Sunday-schools that are bravely "lifting the gospel
banner," each in a scattered community near by, where there is no
church.
The people began to arrive about half-past ten. One party came in a
large farm wagon made gay with flags.
We hastened to take them about. In the blacksmith shop, two young men
who had been in school only a year, were making some steel nut-crackers.
A table covered with hooks, bolts, chains, towels, ice-picks, etc.,
represented the work done during the year. In the printing office, the
boys were turning the press, and printing our Indian paper. The
carpenter-shop exhibit contained some neat boxes, tables, and cabinets,
and here some small boys were at work making joints. In the cooking
school, the girls were making biscuits, coffee, and corn-bread, while
the table was covered with nice loaves of bread, cake, rolls, and
cookies, made the day before. Here, also, the girls' sewing was
displayed. There was a neat set of doll's clothing, a doll's mattress,
pillows, sheets, and pillow-cases, a number of boys' shirts ready for
use in the school, beside other clothing for the girls.
The primary schoolroom contained clay animals, weaving and sewing done
by the kindergarten class, and some neat language and number work by the
older pupils. The other schoolrooms also had illustrated language work,
examination papers, maps on paper and in sand, and a collection of
botanical specimens.
About seventy-five visitors came from neighboring towns. They enjoyed
looking at the school work, and they enjoyed their lunch under the
trees, and the marching and drilling of the boys with their wooden guns.
But the best thing in the day was the meeting in the afternoon. Our
Christian Endeavor guests, with the school and some of the agency people
and neighboring Indians, filled the chapel full. Several of the
societies had pretty banners, and it was inspiring to see them come
marching in. The meeting was just a warm-hearted Christian Endeavor
meeting. Each society responded by a verse of Scripture recited in
concert, or a song, or by the words of some member chosen to represent
them. There was also time for volunteer prayers and testimonies, and a
number of songs. We were all glad to be there--glad to belong to a great
army of Christian workers--and we believe our boys and girls will not
forget it, but that the thoughts of that hour will help to make them
strong.
After these guests went home, there yet remained the principal's
reception in the evening, where the school gathered with our Agency and
Indian friends, to talk a little while and say goodbye. There was one
delightful little surprise when Dr. Riggs called up thirteen of the
Indian girls and gave to each, as a reward for faithful, successful work
in bread-making, a copy of a cook-book to take home with her. The pupils
enjoyed all these last days, but especially the Christian Endeavor
rally, and we shall remember this year's close as our Christian Endeavor
commencement.
* * * * *
CHINESE.
The following letter was written by a young man who was converted in our
Chinese school in Salt Lake City. It is a notification to his teacher of
his arrival in China. It is interesting as a suggestion of the
far-reaching influences of our Chinese work:
HONG KONG, China, April 5, 1896.
DEAR FRIEND MRS. M.E. JONES:
I have arrived here on Sunday 5th of this month, and was very fine
trip. This ship is very swistest [sic], because it is large and
strong.