DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Lincoln Mission.
REV. SIMON P. SMITH, WASHINGTON.

A great deal has been said recently about the Lincoln Mission in the District of Columbia, and probably many would like to hear how the work is progressing.

There is a very large Sunday-school at this mission, and has been for several years. The teachers come from Dr. Rankin’s church, more than fifty of them, and manifest great enthusiasm. The school averages about three hundred scholars, and on some occasions, during the cold weather, we had more than four hundred.

The majority of these children come from the poorest and most illiterate colored families in the city. They have good training in the day-schools, but bad home influences. Their parents do not bring them up as they should, hence they are very rude. There is much need of a lady missionary here to teach the mothers of these children how to make homes happy.

It is said that there are about sixty thousand colored people in the city, and from the appearance of loiterers standing on the streets, there must be twenty thousand out of employment. Idleness is the mother of mischief, and what an opportunity such people have to enter into temptation! Some of the parents of the children who come to the Lincoln Mission are among these idlers.

These children are very poorly dressed; they scarcely have sufficient clothing to keep them warm. We hold prayer-meeting with them every Wednesday evening, and we find it very difficult to keep them away from the stove. This seems to indicate that they have but little fire at home. We are always glad to have it cold on Wednesday evenings, for, then, we are sure of a good audience; and we can tell them about the words of eternal life. Many desire to be prayed for, and we believe that some of them love the Lord Jesus.

General O. O. Howard was with us recently, and addressed the children. While he was speaking, his words were so full of sympathy and love that he held the attention of the rudest class of boys in the city for more than an hour. The sheep know the shepherd’s voice—even the lambs. We know that he loves our nation, because he built us this synagogue, and we love him because he loves us. He is, indeed, a true philanthropist.

NORTH CAROLINA.

Wilmington.

In place of a report from our teachers at this place, we are happy to substitute a letter from a visitor from the North who happened to reach Wilmington in time for the examinations. We have yet to hear of the first visitor who has not become an enthusiastic friend of our work. We do not wish a general decline in health among our friends, but we do wish that all visitors to the South would make themselves acquainted with this work.

REPORT BY A VISITOR.

Returning with my friend from our winter’s stay in Florida, we embraced the opportunity to stop in Wilmington, and visit Mr. and Mrs. Dodge, and see their work among the colored people. We arrived the day previous to the exhibition which was to close the winter’s term of school. Friday evening, March 26, at 8 o’clock, we repaired to the pleasant hall of the building, where were gathered over a hundred bright, interesting-looking boys and girls between the ages of five and eighteen, well and neatly clad, and a fine looking audience of expectant parents and friends, who filled the room to its utmost capacity. The exercises were opened with singing by the school, one of the ladies presiding most creditably at the organ.

Then followed responsive reading from the Bible, led by Miss Warner, and a prayer of thankfulness, by Mr. Dodge, for the possibilities now opened to this once oppressed race. After devotions came recitations, declamations, and dialogues, interspersed with music, in which all participated, and the exercises from beginning to end were conducted with a correctness and order that would have done credit to any white school in the North. One of the pleasantest features of the evening was the representation of the re-united States, in which each scholar appeared wearing upon his or her shoulder the name of one of the States, and repeating some appropriate motto or watch-word. When all were gathered on the platform the Goddess of Liberty took her place in the center, waving the stars and stripes as they sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

I only wish more friends in the North could have seen in their faces, and heard from their lips, the pride and gratitude which these parents are already finding in the education of their children. Sunday morning we attended service in the same hall, where Mr. Dodge conducted the exercises much as he would those of a church at home, with singing, responsive reading, and an exposition of the Scripture appropriate to Easter. At two o’clock Miss Farrington, who has this year joined the Home in the capacity of a missionary, gathered in one of the lower rooms for instruction, what she calls her mission school, made up of those outside the church. At three, a large Sunday-school came together in the hall, and after devotions were assigned to their respective teachers for work.

Again, in the evening Mr. Dodge presented Paul and his strivings to a company of attentive listeners. No one can realize, who has not been on the ground, the sacrifice and labors of this little band of workers, who are so completely isolated by prejudice from their own people, and are giving up everything to the elevation of this unfortunate people. One of the saddest things about the work is the lack of means to accommodate those who would be glad to avail themselves of the advantages of this school. If we at the North could only see how small would be our largest gifts compared with those of these teachers, should we not do much more?

Raleigh.

Reverend George E. Smith sends an account of the refreshing, and in every way helpful labors of Reverend Henry E. Brown, during a few weeks’ visit to the churches of Raleigh. It will be remembered that Rev. Mr. Brown was connected with our work at Talladega, where, by his devoted and earnest labors, not only as Pastor and Professor of Theology, but as a missionary to the regions about, he established a number of churches and did much to ensure their success. He is now in the employ of the colored Y. M. C. Association of Raleigh, and is visiting the churches of the South under its auspices.

He reached Raleigh at noon on the 9th of February, and with characteristic zeal had visited every colored pastor of the city before night, and arranged for a meeting held that evening in the Congregational Church, which was crowded to overflowing. Three delegates of the Y. M. C. A., white, were present, and after hearing Bro. Brown’s plan of operations, cordially endorsed them, and proffered their assistance in carrying them out. Meetings for workers were held in the afternoon of each day; from this those who co-operated in the work went out to prayer-meetings in different parts of the city, and in the evening general meetings were held in the various churches.

Bro. Smith adds: There is now a revival going on in every colored church in the city, and we really feel that it is a revival of religion, not mere excitement.

Since Brother Brown came in our midst, over one hundred souls have been born into the kingdom of Christ. Many of the Sunday-school scholars have been led to reflect, and to accept the Saviour as their great head and teacher. Brother Brown’s labors among us have been a blessing to all. One minister said the other day, “My people have more religion than they used to have.” When asked why he thought so, he replied, “Because they are living better.”

It may be gratifying to the many friends of our little church to know that we have shared in this great blessing. At our next communion season, which is the first Sabbath in April, we expect a glorious time, as ten persons have already made application to unite with us at that time. There may be more, as there are many anxious ones who meet with us every night inquiring the way of salvation. Since Brother Brown left, we have still carried on the meetings.

ALABAMA.

CONFERENCE OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES.

A Full and Delightful Meeting—Abundant and Most Courteous Hospitality of the Citizens.

BY MISS A. E. SAWYER.

The fifth annual meeting of the Alabama Conference was held, beginning Saturday evening, March 27th, and closing on the evening of the 30th, at Selma, a city noted for wide streets, beautiful trees, and pleasant homes. Rev. C. B. Curtis assured us of a hearty welcome from the church, which had long been anticipating this meeting, and Rev. O. W. Fay, of Montgomery, followed with the opening sermon, upon Christian activity.

The sermon on Sabbath morning, by President DeForest, upon the power of the Gospel, was given in concise, terse language, and when, at the close, he pictured the scene at the last day, when Christ should receive the redeemed from all kindreds and nations, the “amens” from many hearers testified that their hearts had been touched.

The children’s service in the afternoon opened with an earnest address, by Prof. Ellis, upon temperance, followed by Mr. Y. B. Sims, upon the same subject.

Dr. Roy preached in the morning in the First Presbyterian Church, and at night, Pres. DeForest filled the same pulpit, both to the edification of the hearers, as we judge from various remarks of the members. The fame of the morning sermon came from thirty miles “out in the country,” and one good man said of the other preacher, “he ought to be an evangelist; we want to get him away from you.” The prayer-meetings were full of interest.

Pastors and delegates from the fifteen churches were present. Some spoke of special religious interest, others of neighborhood prayer-meetings, one of a pastor’s class for brother ministers, some of farms recently purchased to be carried on by different members for the benefit of church or school; and various plans for the uplifting of the people showed that the pastors of these little churches are thinking and working, as one of their own members said, “still holding on, though there are discouragements.”

Dr. Roy presented the “Past, present and future work of the A. M. A.” in an able address, and those who have long taken part in this work were thrilled as they heard what had been done, and realized the magnitude of the work still before them. Through the providence of God, the Dark Continent was to be made light by the labors of men and women trained in these schools of the South. We are not only home missionaries, but, through our pupils, foreign missionaries. The fact that Prof. Silsby is the son of a foreign missionary of Siam, gave additional interest to his discourse on “The duty of the churches to foreign missions.”

One interesting feature of the Conference was the number and variety of the papers by the students and pastors trained in the Theological Department of Talladega College. Though greatly regretting the unavoidable absence of Prof. Andrews, who has never before missed one of these gatherings, all felt that he was well represented by his students—his boys, as they like to call themselves.

The discussion, “Shall our ministers encourage the Exodus?” by Rev. P. J. McEntosh, must not be passed by in silence; for whatever were the opinions of the audience as to the propriety of bringing forward such a question at such a time, all must have been moved by the eloquence of the speaker as he rapidly enumerated the disadvantages of the colored people of the South.

The third annual meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Association, conducted by Miss Adams, of Montgomery, was one of exceeding interest. Reports from Selma, Marion, Montgomery, Mobile, and Talladega told of lively working societies of the women and girls. The work was much the same in all. Mothers’ meetings, Bible readings, visitations of the sick, sewing-schools for the girls, all are helps in this work of lifting up the women of the South. Miss Hardy’s paper on “The word as a means of success in our work,” by its apt quotations and earnest Christian spirit, touched all hearts. A letter from Mrs. Ash, of Florence, who was educated in one of the A. M. A. schools, was received with much interest, and the manner in which it treated the question, “How shall we inspire a spirit of womanhood in our young women and girls?” highly commended. The whole spirit of the meeting showed that this subject was uppermost in the hearts of the workers, and that they realized that the colored women must be helped in their homes, if we would reach the entire community.

The Conference, after hearing an account of the meeting, passed a resolution expressing great interest in it, and approving the advance step connecting it with the new Home Missionary Association.

Time will not allow even a passing notice of many excellent addresses, but we must note a capital one on temperance by Judge Saffold, of Selma, considering the question in its legal aspect.

Tuesday night we assembled for the last time, and listened to an eloquent missionary sermon by Mr. Crawford, followed by the celebration of the Lord’s supper, Pres. DeForest and Dr. Roy officiating. It was a tender, solemn service, the most precious of the week. Then came the farewells, and we separated, feeling thankful for the privileges we had so much enjoyed.

The meetings were marked by large attendance, and are spoken of as unusually interesting.

We must not fail to mention the hospitality of the people of Selma, particularly of the Presbyterian Church. They received us most cordially, attended many of the exercises, expressing much interest in what they heard, and greatly cheered us by their Christian courtesy.

We have just returned from the Fifth Annual Conference of the Congregational Churches of Alabama and the first meeting of the State Sunday-school Association held at Selma.

This Association was organized only last year at Montgomery, so this was our first gathering. We had a glorious, a soul-stirring time. The Convention opened Friday evening, March 26th, with a sermon by President DeForest of Talladega.

I summarize reports as follows:

Thirteen schools were represented by delegates, four by written reports, one by letter; their aggregate shows over thirteen hundred teachers and scholars in attendance, seventeen hundred volumes in libraries, one hundred and eighty dollars raised, and one hundred conversions. This does not include the schools taught by our students through the summer, although they are really a part of our work. This brief sentence gives no idea of the interest with which these reports were given and received, or of the amusing or touching incidents connected with the giving.

Mission Schools.—It will not do to pass these by unnoticed. It is marvelously surprising how quickly the love of Christ, once received into their own hearts, inspires this people to go out and seek for others.

We have three such schools about Talladega. Selma and Mobile report one each. Childersburg has a county association.

The superintendent of the mission school at Selma gave an interesting account of his experience in organizing and conducting it. By the way, he is the young man recently mentioned in the Advance, who refused a position, worth $25 per month, in a store, because whiskey was sold there, which he might sometimes have to handle. It takes moral backbone in this country to stand up for temperance. I learned something of this young man’s history. He is making every effort to educate himself and at the same time partially supports a widowed mother with her large family. He will make his mark in the world; moreover, what he is as to character is largely due to the faithful efforts of a patient teacher.

A large number of visitors were present; among them Rev. Mr. Woodsmall, Principal of the Baptist School at Selma, and others, many of whom favored us with short addresses, which were spirited, enthusiastic and pointed.

We feel that we may fairly call our first convention a success in numbers, exercises, interest and results.

Busy Days—Health-talks—“Major Ann.”

MISS M. J. ADAMS, MONTGOMERY.

It often seems as if our work grew upon our hands, so that we have no time to tell about it; with our nearly 400 pupils, with all the cases of discipline that must arise, with interviews with parents and visits to their homes, in addition to the full hours of school given to instruction; then the school prayer-meetings, the special meetings for Bible study, the Young Men’s Association of the school—a condition of membership of which is a pledge to abstain from the use of tobacco,—and the semi-monthly meeting of the Woman’s Missionary Society, which we have of late devoted to “Health-talks.”

At our last meeting I sent an invitation to the mothers of our pupils to come to the school-room on Monday at four o’clock. A large number responded, and we gave them such instruction as we could, regarding things they so much need to know for themselves, their children, and their homes. The women listened earnestly, and begged for another meeting of the kind.

We set apart a portion of the day of prayer for colleges for appropriate exercises, and had a solemn meeting. Since that day, some have been seeking Jesus. Our hearts are specially cheered with the evident sincerity of two promising young men, who, we trust, are now entering upon the new life.

We have a weekly school prayer-meeting, and meet on Tuesday nights such pupils as we think will be specially helped in a small social meeting.

I must tell you a little about “Aunt Ann,” a member of my Sunday-school class, who has just died. She was in many respects a remarkable woman. Of a giant frame, of strong practical common sense, an imperious will, a contentious and often a bitter spirit, her life full of tribulation, it was, indeed, a warfare. She was quite a politician, and very fond of public speaking, so that she was known throughout the city, by both the white and colored people, as “Major Ann.”

She had learned to read in her old age, and had a great love for the word of God. She always had her Bible by her in her market-stall, and never failed of being in her place in the class, with her lesson well learned, and at every Sunday-school concert or Christmas festival she must say her “speech.” During the last of the year I noticed with how much more of a tender and quiet spirit she enjoyed the truths of the lesson, especially those about Heaven. When visited during her long and painful sickness, she always called for the reading of the 5th chapter of Revelation, adding, “Read it right, for I shall know if you make one mistake.” That chapter and the repetition of the twenty-third Psalm were a sure comfort to her in her suffering, poverty, and loneliness.

Major Ann’s dying message to me was, “Meet me in glory; meet me at the first trump.”

KENTUCKY.

The Land and the People—The Work at McKee.

REV. E. P. FAIRCHILD, BEREA.

A stranger passing through many portions of the mountains of Kentucky would probably regard it as a waste, howling wilderness, with no signs of habitation, save now and then the crow of a chicken or bark of a dog off in some hollow. This is owing to a custom the people have of settling away from the public roads. Then, too, the highways often follow a narrow ridge, or deep valley, where there would be but little room for building. The indication of a near residence is a path leading off from the road, or possibly you may see a corn-field on a distant hill-side. But the heavy timber and thick underbrush generally obstruct the view.

The people, as a class, take but little pride in good or comfortable houses. One often has to get quite near before he can see them, so small are they, and so much the color of the timber, being made of logs or poles. A person is regarded as “having a plenty” when he owns a good saddle-horse or two, a pistol, a milch cow, a few shoats, domestic fowls, and crop enough to last him through the year. The idea is that man lives but a short time; he should be satisfied with enough to eat and wear; that death, in a sense, destroys his individuality; that one star doesn’t differ from another in glory; that “in much wisdom is much grief,” and “what profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun?” Be contented without knowledge, orchards and vineyards. What reason have we for improving on the condition of our parents? Of course, there are exceptions to those who hold these sentiments; and if their prophets and priests had not promulgated these ideas, to keep them from becoming wise above their instructors, probably none would have cherished them; for it would be hard to find a people with as little knowledge and culture, who are so honest, genial, frank, and ready to receive instruction as they are. The trouble is, they have been neglected. The Southern aristocracy have little sympathy, and do not know what it is to reach a helping hand to the needy, though they are regarded as very hospitable. The benevolent people of the North and East are absorbed in aiding the growing West.

But let us go to the church. There is no bell to ring, though a bell would sound beautifully among those hills and valleys. There is no time-piece but the sun, and often no church or school-house to enter; a private house or an arbor is sufficient, if there is a spring near by. It is surprising to see the number that gather when there are so few signs of habitations. All are very attentive, and seem anxious to learn, save a few roughs, who gather at a distance, provided with whiskey and pistols, ready to quell any fuss that may chance to arise. Those who read the Bible and Almanac at all generally read them very much, and are ready to quote Scripture, but are less gifted in its construction and application; and if they chance to get hold of any other reading, they are apt to become very familiar with it, reading it over several times. They are not afraid to sing loud, whether they know the song or not.

It is not one of their principles to give, unless it be a good meal of bread, hog-meat and gravy. Many are not able, and none have been taught, to give. Some hardly know how to account for the fact that other people give to them.

The people might be divided into two classes—either “in all things too religious,” or “full of fornication and drunkenness, with feet swift to shed blood.” The hills rock-ribbed, the quiet valleys with moss-covered stones, clear flowing brooks and running ivy, are not adapted to engender lukewarmness. A talented man is apt to be a preacher or desperado—sometimes both.

About four or five months ago I made my first visit to McKee, the county seat of Jackson Co., Ky. I found a small village having a court-house, jail, poor-house, two or three hotels, about the same number of stores, several dwellings, and a small school-house, but no church. It lies in a small basin-shaped hollow, with high hills on all sides. On public days, citizens may be seen pouring in from every valley until the streets are flooded with people, and some of the people flooded with whiskey.

On inquiry, I found they had no Sunday-school, and preaching, perhaps, only once in two or three months, when a circuit rider might chance to be passing. I immediately helped them to the organization of a Sunday-school, and made an appointment to preach there every other Saturday and Sunday through the winter. I have met the appointments, and we now have a Sunday-school with a membership of over seventy-five, with a good library and lesson papers. A Temperance Society has been organized with over five hundred members. The Saturday and Sunday meetings are regularly attended, and the people are now very anxious that a suitable building should be erected for school and church purposes. A subscription of over five hundred dollars has already been raised by the citizens of McKee, and as soon as a thousand dollars can be obtained from some benevolent source, we shall lay the foundation for something permanent.