Читать книгу: «The American Missionary. Volume 50, No. 08, August, 1896», страница 4
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.
