The American Missionary. Volume 50, No. 04, April, 1896

Printing

The college has maintained a printing office with but few interruptions since 1877.

A number of the young men were put through a course of training by one of the officers of the institution, and for some time the printing has been in the hands of those thus instructed, and with but little supervision. The department has done a large share of our job work, and during the school year has issued a monthly paper called the Talladega College Record.

Sewing

Miss A.B. Chalfant, Teacher.

While it is believed that all industrial training develops both mind and body, yet special attention is given to the work among the girls, that it shall be in the line of improving their future homes. With this object in view, sewing is by no means an unimportant factor. It holds an important place in the curriculum of this school. Beginning in the third grade it extends through the seventh. Over two hundred pupils have received instruction this year.

In the lower classes, felling, hemming, and making of button holes are taught; in the intermediate, cutting and making plain garments; in the higher grade the girls cut and make dresses. Instruction is given in making garments from old clothes and also in mending–two important accomplishments in most homes.

Some of the girls are able during the school year, but especially in vacation, to earn enough by their sewing to materially aid themselves in meeting their school expenses. Considerable sewing is done for the institution, such as making bedding and work aprons, hemming towels and table linen. Custom work is attempted to some extent also, and by this means sufficient income has been derived not only to keep the Department stocked with material, but also to supply it with appropriate furniture for preserving the work of the pupils and displaying the finished product.

Woodworking and Drafting

George Williamson, Instructor.

The best method of Industrial Education is to keep the technical idea preëminently in view, and to teach, first, those principles which will be of real and practical use in an industrial life or profession. It is evident that the great mass of the people must be industrial workers in some form; and to teach them those principles of construction and drawing which govern all the mechanical trades is to give them preparation for a useful and successful life.

We want to teach them how to express intelligently by means of[pg 129] drawing their own ideas or the ideas of others, and then to embody them in permanent and useful construction; so that at least they may have the start and impetus toward something better than a life of blind mechanical drudgery.

The extent to which we can do this is limited by our time and opportunity. At present our instruction in the Slater shop is confined to woodworking and mechanical drafting. We have a course of lessons in woodworking for the boys, of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, illustrating progressively the common principles of construction in wood, and designed to develop familiarity with and dexterity in the use of tools. In each lesson the student receives a blue-print to work from; so that he learns to measure by scale, and interpret a draft. At the same time he is shown a perfect model to give him an ideal of good workmanship in the finished product. He is not allowed to use the model as a working copy, because that would counteract the influence of the drawing. The course is designed to teach progressively the common principles of good construction, each principle being repeated in different exercises so as to show its varied application.

As far as possible we have a fourfold purpose in each exercise, viz.: To illustrate a principle of construction; to develop a knowledge of tools and skill in their use; to teach the use of working drawings and scales; to sustain the interest of the pupil.

Of course there are a number of other indirect results attained at the same time in the general development of the faculties, and the training in habits of accuracy, patient perseverance, neatness, and order.

The drawing classes are designed to carry on farther the same idea of the primary importance of technical knowledge and skill. We have but one year of compulsory work for the boys of the ninth grade–which provides a thorough course in plane, geometric scale, and pattern drawing from the same text-book that is used in the government science and art schools of Great Britain. Our plan provides another year's work in drawing for the purpose of teaching the principles and details of building construction, and the art of drawing plans, elevations, sections, etc. The improvement of the students in the drawing class is most marked and encouraging, and their interest well sustained. They are strongly impressed with the necessity and importance of absolute accuracy and truthfulness in their work.

The classes in woodworking have about two hours per week–the first year drawing, five hours per week; the second year two hours per week. We have but one teacher in woodworking, and our work is limited in extent, but we are trying to do one thing well and systematically, and the results are most encouraging.[pg 130]

Revivals.
Lincoln Academy, All Healing, N.C

By Rev. James Wharton.

I wish to say a word about Lincoln Academy as I found it. For several weeks they had been expecting me to go and hold evangelistic services for the students, whom I was glad to meet, and, I may say, a finer and more promising set of young people I have seldom met during the past twenty years of my work in the South. They are to be the fathers and mothers of the next generation, and will be just what we make them. They were all in good condition and prepared to enter upon the work of the Lord under the leadership of the principal, Miss Cathcart, and the teachers, who are all deeply interested in the spiritual welfare of each one under their care, and time after time one and another were taken to their rooms apart and pleaded with at the throne of grace, and I need not say that their efforts were signally blessed of God, for during the past week twenty-eight students have professed faith in Christ and are now living new lives.

Every one around this neighborhood speaks in the highest terms of praise of the school and the good which is being done. A lady said to me the other day it was easy to recognize "Lincoln Academy" students for their good behavior and their manners. What a blessing to have such faithful helpers to lead them. As a result we need not wonder that parents sometimes send spoiled and wayward children for training, while others, knowing of the good influence brought to bear upon the children, deny themselves in every possible way that they may send their sons and daughters that they may be fitted for future life in the world which they have soon to face.

A Gracious Revival.–Rev. Mr. Wharton, writes from Atlanta, Ga.: "The Lord has graciously blessed His work here, and the Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation. I have held services at Storrs School, Atlanta University, and the First Congregational Church, and during the last twelve days over 200 have been converted. Some of the most prominent colored citizens of this city and some of the most promising students of Storrs and also of the University have been reached and have decided for Christ, the future teachers and fathers and mothers of the next generation, who will come to the front, maybe, when we are silent in the grave. The beauty of this work is, it does not stop with the converts, but dark homes and hearts are going to be reached, superstition is going to give place to sound doctrine, and the whole country be benefited by such a revival. Parents are rejoicing on every hand over sons and daughters and also friends being converted.[pg 131] Truly 'God has done great things for us whereof we are glad.' I go next to Selma, Ala., for Sunday. I would be thankful of your prayers for Selma."

Good Results of Noon Prayer-Meetings.–A teacher from Helena, Ark., writes: "We suggested to the Christians among our pupils that they meet in the chapel at noon recess each day for a prayer meeting, in the hope of bringing the unconverted members of our school to Christ. The suggestion was carried out by them and the blessing came abundantly. The result of these meetings has been the conversion of 25 of the 28 of our pupils who were not Christians. I have learned one lesson, that we must prepare for the outpouring of the spirit, and then expect great things."

From Tennessee.–Home again. Shall we all meet again? O, must some parts of the work be dropped and other parts be crippled by the debt? This will not be so if all our members are like the little Tallmadge girl. Only five years old, lame and with suffering nerves she has earned a dollar this year by washing dishes, and gives it to our school. So a little child may teach us self-denial and devotion. God speed His work and bless our efforts.

Atlanta, Ga.–"We send you $1 as an offering of the Junior Society of Christian Endeavor of Storrs School. It is an offering of love and gratitude. The Little Sunshine Committee of the society were very active in gathering this. It is their second missionary effort, their first being for the Indians at Fort Berthold."