The American Missionary. Volume 50, No. 08, August, 1896

The Jubilee Year Fund

Extract from the appeal of the Executive Committee of the American Missionary Association:

It is proposed to raise during the next six months a special Jubilee Year Fund of $100,000 in shares of $50 each, with the hope and expectation that these shares will be taken by the friends of missions without lessening those regular contributions which must be depended upon to sustain the current work.

JUBILEE SHARES

Our readers will notice that our jubilee share list is increasing in numbers. We have reason to be grateful to God in that he has moved the hearts of so many and led them to help our Lord's needy ones. We would that those who have responded to our appeals could see the things that we see, and hear the things which we hear. We have nothing but gratitude for the fact that in this time of financial distress and uncertainty, when money is so hard to get, the cause which we bring to the Christian love and patriotism of good people is not losing, but gaining in their sympathies and help. This trying year—trying to so many, therefore trying to us—brings a jubilee thanksgiving to us, in that we are not sinking deeper into the horrible pit and miry clay of debt, but are little by little being pulled out of the slough. We know not how long the pull may be, but if those who love the Lord Jesus Christ will pull all together we shall not fail, and we need not be discouraged. Our feet will get upon a rock and our goings be established; for which we pray.

LEADERS

The Home Mission Monthly of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, in an article upon "Leaders," agrees with us in saying: "A different style of men is needed as leaders of the colored people to-day from that of those who aspired to leadership twenty-five years ago; the race has made great progress; there are multitudes now of Negro men and women who have had the advantages of the common schools, many who have a college education, and some who have university culture; to wisely influence them in their thought and action is more difficult than to control the masses of the illiterate and untrained. It is especially worthy of consideration that among the Negroes of the South to-day are some men of power and of education who are leaders; but whose leadership, unfortunately, is in the wrong direction. This renders it all the more urgent that the Mission Society and kindred organizations should seek to supply them with a class of leaders who, by reason of their godly character, their knowledge, their training, their consecration, will be able to counteract the evil influences now at work, and to lead their people into paths of righteousness.

"The Mission Society does not attempt to provide a college education for the multitudes of Negroes; even this would be a task beyond its resources. What it does aim to do is simply to secure, if possible, the education of a comparatively few young men and young women, who shall become leaders among their people; men and women who by their knowledge, training, culture, power, will be able to organize and direct the energies of the masses of the people. Leaders are needed, and these should be thoroughly competent for leadership; it is a hard task to influence successfully the development of a race of eight million people, and those who attempt the work require natural qualities of a high order and also unusual attainments."

What is to prevent these people who have been enfranchised from becoming the prey of demagogues and designing men who wish to use them for unchristian purposes and in unchristian ways, unless they have large minded, thoroughly educated leaders with knowledge of history and of life who can lead their own people in the ways of righteousness? Events now transpiring give significance to this question.

The University of Pennsylvania has conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on Mr. Lewis B. Moore, who graduated from Fisk University a few years ago. We listened to his "graduating address" at the close of his college years at Fisk, whence he went to Philadelphia to take charge of a branch of the Y.M.C.A. While attending to the laborious duties of this position he has, during four years of earnest, patient, and thorough study, earned his degree of Ph.D. in Greek and Latin and Ethics, in one of the severest graduate schools in the country. Dr. Moore is one of "our boys"; and there are many of them who are preparing themselves, by their vision of a larger life and their attainment of larger possessions, to be wise leaders among their people. Dr. Moore is now an instructor in Howard University, Washington, D.C.

There are those who object to the constitutional rights of the Negro, and some who object to his Christian privileges, lest his recognition as a man shall lead to "social equality," whatever this may mean. The following from a leading Negro paper, i.e., edited by a Negro for a Negro constituency, is a testimony as to what is and what is not the Negro's idea of "recognition":

"That the Negroes in recognizing constitutional rights are at the same time seeking an arbitrary social equality with any other race is erroneous. From the time of emancipation, the colored people have had no disposition to force a social alliance with the whites. The colored citizens have all their civil and political rights, and these rights they demand. When honored colored men or women enter a first-class hotel or restaurant, or seek a decent stateroom on a steamer, they do not enter these places because they are seeking social contact with the whites, but because they demand their just privileges for their personal protection and comfort."

HARRIET BEECHER STOWE

Of the illustrious ones who laid the foundations for the liberation of the slave, the name of Harriet Beecher Stowe leads all the rest.

What America's greatest woman did towards making freedom possible, our devoted and consecrated women teachers have been carrying out these thirty years to the full Christian conclusion. Those who read the records of the closing days of our schools in this present August number of THE MISSIONARY will be reminded how these faithful teachers are still engaged completing the unfinished work of their greater sister.

Next to "Uncle Tom's Cabin," perhaps the book which has the truest stamp of the genius of Mrs. Stowe is her "Old Town Folks." In her incomparable description of "School Days in Cloudland," in which she shows how her sympathies went out to the people of every nation and tongue who are oppressed, she compares the influences of education in New England with a country without schoolhouses, saying: "Look at Spain at this hour and look back at New England at the time of which I write, and compare the Spanish peasantry with the yeomen of New England. If Spain had had not a single cathedral, if her Murillos had all been sunk in the sea, and if she had had, for a hundred years past, a set of schoolmasters and ministers working together as I have described Mr. Avery and Mr. Rossiter as working, would not Spain be infinitely better off for this life at least? That is the point that I humbly present to the consideration of the public."

This point which Mrs. Stowe presents to the consideration of the public, is the one to which her younger sisters are faithfully directing their faith and their works among a people who up to Mrs. Stowe's day never saw a schoolhouse.

We make our tribute to the gracious memory of her whose words went out into all the world and extended to the ends of the earth: and we ask remembrance of those who under the same inspiration are living among the children of these liberated ones and are taking with them the love and wisdom of Him who was "anointed to preach the gospel to the poor, the recovery of sight to the blind, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

We are sometimes asked how this work of education, which Mrs. Stowe did more than any other person to inaugurate, is regarded by the intelligent white people of the South. We can gladly say that we have too much recognition and appreciation of our work among good people of the South to be otherwise than thankful for it, and for the fact that these good people are increasing every year in numbers and in readiness to encourage us. We have never united in more earnest prayers for our work, and for those who carry it on, even in our annual meetings than in our worship in the South with many Southern pastors, and nowhere have we heard more appreciative words respecting our work than from good people of the South who have acquainted themselves with what we are doing and how we are doing it. That multitudes are still unable to see and unready to prophesy does not count. The day of appreciative recognition has not fully come, but it has dawned, and will come by and by.

THE HISTORIES OF OUR CHURCHES

We have asked the pastors of some of our churches to give to us sketches of the histories of those churches—their location, pastors and membership, the condition of their members financially and otherwise, how many have homes of their own, and what are their employments. The details are truthful and are of value as showing the people in their church, home, and business life.

DEER LODGE, TENN

Deer Lodge, on the Cumberland Plateau in east Tennessee, is delightfully located. The adjacent country is highly picturesque—rocky cliffs, deep ravines, winding wooded streams, giving beauty to the landscape. To the eastward, stretching far in undulating lines, are the mountains, seen through a purple mist of great beauty. We often repeat the words, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people." We are nearly 2,000 feet above the level of the sea, so the air is pure and healthful. A spicy fragrance fills the air, blown down from the pines that crown the hills.

Deer Lodge has been settled mostly by Northern people. In a religious point of view we are divided into Congregationalists, Methodists, and Baptists, with a few Episcopalians. There is only one church building, however, the Congregationalists'. This is a beautiful little edifice worthy of the growing importance of this interesting field on the Cumberland Plateau. The church has a choice location on Ross Avenue.

On April 13, 1889, the corner-stone was laid, and on August 4 of the same year the church was dedicated. The church has good officers and earnest working members. The present membership is forty-one. No hostility is shown toward our church by the members of other churches, but all are united and recognize in every one who loves the Master a fellow-worker in the vineyard of Christ.

The present pastor, Rev. G. Lusty, during his residence among us has endeared himself to all. A promising work is being done in the Sabbath-school, and we believe that from it constantly go forth many little rills of influence that are entering the homes and bringing the people a higher and purer life. The Christian Endeavor society is doing a good work among the young people. The prayer-meetings held on Thursday evenings are well attended. The growth of the church has not been rapid, but is steady, and during its history has enjoyed some revivals of religion.

Under the direction of the pastor's loyal wife the young people have been gathered into a sewing-school at her home every Saturday afternoon, and everything is done to encourage the little fingers in their attempts to guide the needle; and we feel that here, too, is a work being done that will bring forth fruit in the homes.

The barrels of supplies, sent to us by friends in other States, have enabled us to assist many needy ones. While packing these missionary boxes, if you could only see "the other end of the line" you would feel rewarded for your gifts. The kindness done for Christ's sake will not be forgotten.

The country around Deer Lodge is sparsely settled. One can travel miles without meeting any one. The people are somewhere—where, we are unable to tell; yet when they have an opportunity to hear preaching you will always find many people gathered in the schoolhouse where the "meeting" is to be held. In traveling through the surrounding country you will see many rough log houses, with only one room and often without windows, two doors opposite each other, one door always kept open winter and summer. A huge fire-place is in one end of the room. If you would have a view of humanity in its simplicity, visit one of these mountain homes. You will find everything of the most primitive kind. The hum of the spinning-wheel and the heavy thud of the loom will greet your ears. In one room you will very often see several beds, while the rest of the furniture will consist of a few wooden chairs, a table and perhaps a cupboard, and into this one room will be gathered the whole family, the women with old shawls over their heads, sitting by the fire chewing tobacco, or with the invariable snuff-stick in their mouth. But everywhere you will be treated with kindness and invariable civility. "Come and see us," they say; "we are mighty poor folks, but we will do the best we can." These mountaineers take life in a slow and easy way; you cannot make them "step to Yankee time."

Last Sabbath we attended one of the afternoon services. Our road passed for several miles through a lovely forest, with its soft shadows and calm repose. The only sound to break the stillness was the song of the birds. After a while we heard ringing out through the pine woods the echo of gospel hymns. Following the sound, and wending our way a little farther through the woods, in a quiet glen we came to the school house where the services were to be held. Here we found an earnest, attentive audience. In one place an outdoor meeting was held. It was a rare, perfect day. The people came in twos and threes, finding places wherever they could. One could almost fancy that other scene of centuries ago, beneath the blue skies of Palestine, where, when the multitude were gathered upon the mountain, the Master "opened His mouth and taught them."

Among these mountaineers are young men and women eager in their desire for knowledge, and anxious for an opportunity to learn of a better way of life. We believe that to the question, "What of the night?" the answer can be given, "The morning cometh."

COMMENCEMENT AT FISK UNIVERSITY

I cannot promise you a sketch of our commencement abounding in local color, for, if one were afflicted with color-blindness, he would probably be unable to discover many points of difference between commencement at Fisk and the same exercises at an Eastern college of about the same size.

As a mere reprint of the programs of the various anniversary exercises, which continued for three or four days, would occupy more space than is allowed for this article, it is evident that many things of interest must be crowded out.

The Department of Music gave a characteristic performance. Every selection on the program was well rendered. No music but the best is ever studied at Fisk, and the productions of the great composers are not only well played, but also well appreciated by our students.

The exhibition given by the Gymnastic Department showed that Fisk has athletes as well as musicians. The young men went through a series of feats which showed both agility and strength. If they fail in the work of life, it will not be for lack of hard, well-trained muscles. This department has been under the direction of a student for the past two years.

Rev. Ira Landrith, D.D., of Nashville, preached the annual "missionary sermon." Dr. Landrith possesses true Southern eloquence, and was listened to with marked attention. During the year he has, on several occasions, expressed himself as heartily in sympathy with our work. Such friendliness on the part of an influential Southerner is pleasant to note.

Dr. Beard, our secretary, preached the "baccalaureate sermon." He presented in a very vivid manner the blessings to be won by those who conquer the hindrances of life. He showed how the law of struggle is the law of strength and of possession. The duty and necessity of overcoming evil, as well as the rewards, were illustrated and urged.

The various alumni associations are now endeavoring to raise a fund of one thousand dollars for the university. They are faithful to their alma mater.

The graduating exercises of the Normal Department were largely attended, and the thirteen young women of the class would have been listened to on any Northern commencement platform with earnest and thoughtful attention. President Cravath's address to them was on "The New Woman." "The educated young colored woman of to-day," he said, "is, in a peculiar sense, the new woman of her race." He contrasted the opportunities of the young women before him with those which their mothers had, and besought them to consider their peculiar responsibilities linked with their opportunities.

For the regular college graduation exercises every seat in the spacious chapel was filled. Plants and wild-flowers had been used to decorate the platform, while large flags were artistically draped on either side. The class, numbering fifteen, occupied the front seats. President Cravath, Dr. Beard, and other guests were on the platform. The orations were, without exception, highly creditable. The speakers chose subjects of current interest instead of recounting the exploits of the ancient Greeks and Romans or making Napoleon fight his battles over again for us. They bore the marks of thoughtful and accurate study. After the conferring of the degrees, the audience rose while the Mozart Society rendered the Hallelujah Chorus. What a debt of gratitude we owe to Handel for giving us that Chorus! General Fisk used to say that there were glories and hallelujahs and amens enough in it to make several rousing Methodist camp-meetings.

After the commencement exercises a collation was served to which all the alumni and the parents of the students present were invited. After the refreshments the speeches followed. These were not of the time-honored sort. Fathers and mothers rose and told of the struggles they had made to get their boy or girl through school. Many were the expressions of gladness and of hope, and when President Cravath announced that the school year was ended, all of those who had taught felt rewarded for the toils and anxieties of a fruitful college year.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY, THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, D.C

The American Missionary Association was obliged to reduce the appropriation for our work by one-fourth this year. This has occasioned so much extra work, care, and anxiety, but the good hand of our Heavenly Father has been upon us, and the teachers have increased their hours in the classroom, and kind friends and churches have lent a helping hand. Grateful mention should be made of large assistance from the First Congregational Church, of Washington, and of aid from young churches with heavy burdens upon them. One devoted and steadfast friend who gave according to her power, yea, gave beyond her power; whose means were small, but whose charities were large, because she spent so little upon herself, Miss Mary F. Andrews, of Millbury, has been called home during the year. Who will take her place? I wish there were space to speak of all who have co-operated with us by giving. Almost every gift has some association that has made it specially cheering.

Our Anniversary Exercises received the heartiest commendation. The class numbered eight more than four years previously. We are greatly encouraged by the good work that our graduates are doing. May the Lord reward all of our beloved supporters! We always pray for them and for the Association, and for all our varied workers under its auspices, and we ask especially that all who are interested in our work will pray for us that Charles Wesley's petition may be fulfilled in us,

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

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."