REPORT OF THE Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization.

The Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization, in submitting to the General Assembly this, its first annual report, testifies to the unfailing goodness of God, in that He hath been pleased greatly to bless its plans and work. We are asssured that He has guided and strengthened us by His Holy Spirit.

The Committee was organized on Tuesday, May 26, 1891, and has met regularly on the first Tuesday in each month. It has been impracticable to secure a full committee at all meetings, but its sessions have been marked by serious attention to the work entrusted to it, and by an increasing interest in its development. A spirit of prayerfulness has marked every meeting, and great harmony has prevailed.

Its records are herewith submitted for review.

I. WORK DONE. 1. Office Work.—A steadily increasing correspondence has been as promptly attended to as the Secretary's frequent and often prolonged absence from home would allow. Copies of all letters sent out are taken, and all letters received are filed.

A Manual of Rules for the government of the Committee has been carefully prepared, and is herewith submitted for 0004 4consideration, together with the Rules of Government of Tuscaloosa Institute. (Appendix I.)

A plan of Organization, embracing the whole work, has been prepared, and the attention of the assembly is specially called to it. (Appendix II)

A Ledger, designed to show at a glance the relation of the Church to its colored beneficiaries, has been prepared, and gives satisfaction.

Blanks for monthly reports of all beneficiaries have been made and sent out. (Appendix III.)

A scheme of Study and Recitation (Appendix IV) has been made with great labor, and introduced into the schools of the Church, to secure a certain degree of uniformity. They are working well.

2. Field Work.—Within the last year the Secretary has traveled extensively in our own Church, and, to some extent, in the North. By invitation, he attended the Lake Mohonk Conference on the Negro Question, meeting many of those who are foremost in the evangelizing and educating the Negroes, and receiving the most cordial treatment from every one. By invitation of Mr. Moody, he delivered two addresses at Northfield, Mass., on “The Evangelization of the Negro.” This cause has now been laid before all the Synods, except Texas; before nine Presbyteries, and in many of our pulpits. From October 1, 1891, to April 1, 1892, a period of eighteen months, he delivered 110 addresses, and traveled about 28,000 miles, without an accident of any kind. The chief facts gathered during this travel have been preserved in the monthly reports of the Secretary to your Executive Committee, and are now on file. Whereever the Secretary has gone he has been cordially received bt the brethren of the ministry. Generally speaking, there is a serious lack of information and of interest in the Colored Work. It is beleived that in no case has the work been fairly presented without a decided awakening of the Church, which at times has shown considerable enthusiasm for the cause. We are convinced that the policy of sending the Secretary amongst the churches to discuss our work wherever opportunity presents itself, has been wise, and productive of much good; the results of which will continue to be seen for years to come in increased interest and offerings.

II. FINANCE. We herewith submit the report of our Treasurer, W.A. Powell, Atlanta, Ga., showing the receipts and disbursements during the year:

TREASURER's REPORT. W.A. Powell, Treasurer of Home Missions, in account with the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church in the United States, for the year ending March 31, 1892:-

COLORED EVANGELISTIC FUND 1892. DR. March 31—To amount in treasury March 31, 1891 $ 2,128 40 to amount received duringr the year from the following sources: From churches $7,772 44 From Sunday schools 161 98 From societies in the churches 94 09 From miscellaneous sources within the Presbyteries 143 00 From miscellaneous sources outside 549 99 From legacy of Miss Phaebe Swarts 499 37 From legacy of Mrs. Ruth W.Talmage 460 45— 9,681 32 _________ $11,809 72 CR. By cash paid during the year on the following accounts: Paid Tuscaloosa Institute, as per Exhibit A $3,790 10 Paid colored ministers from this office, as per Exhibit B 418 45 Paid colored minisdters, as per warrants of Committee 3,087 00 Paid Mrs. Hickerson's school 10 00 aid R.C. James'church 25 00 Paid Rev. A.L. Phillips, Secretary, salary 1,624 97 Paid rev. A.L. Phillips, travelling and contingent expenses 1,212 64 Paid for printing Colored Evangelistic Circular address 135 00 Paid expenses charges on printed matter sent 70 Treasurer's office expenses— Salary $123 50 500 postal card receipts, and printing same 6 25 Printing Letter receipts 1 25 0006 6Postage stamps 2 50 Letter envelopes 50—$134 50 —10,437 86 ___________ Amount in treasury March 31, 1892.. $ 1,371 86

AMOUNTS CONTRIBUTED BY CHURCHES, SUNDAY SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES. 855 Churches contributed $7,772 44 40 Sunday schools contributed 161 98 15 societies contributed 94 09 [EXHIBIT A.] Tuscaloosa Institute. 1891—April. Current expenses for April, 1891 $ 400 00 Current expenses for May, 1891 380 00 Current expenses for June, 1891 367 20 Current expenses for September, 1891 305 00 Current expenses for October, 1891 489 90 Current expenses for November, 1891 325 00 Current expenses for December, 1891 400 00 Current expenses for January, 1892 369 00 Current expenses for February, 1892 379 00 Current expenses for March, 1892 375 00 Total $3,790 10

[EXHIBIT B.] Amount paid to colored ministers from this office (included in the following table): 1891. June 1, paid Rev. L.J. Washington, for April and May, 1891 South Alabama Presbytery $ 40 00 April 10, paid Rev. G.W. Covington, on year 1891, Tuscaloosa Presbytery 15 00 April 3, paid Rev. R.A. Miller, for April, 1891, Atlanta Presbt'y 12 50 May 1, paid Rev. R.A. Miller, for May, 1891, Atlanta Presbytery 12 50 June 6, paid Rev. R.A. Miller, for June, 1891, Atlanta Presbyt'y 12 50 June 30, paid Rev R.A. Miller, for July, 1891, Atlanta Presbyt'y 12 50 June 4, paid Rev. E.D. Covington, on year December, 1890, to December, 1891, Macon Presbytery 37 50 July 29, paid Rev. J.S. May, for July, 1891, Memphis Presbyt'y 12 50 July 29, paid Rev. W.P. Lloyd, for July, 1891 Memphis Presb'y 6 25 April 29, paid Rev. J.N. Carothers (white) December, 1890, to June, 1891, Jombeckbee Presbytery 25 00 0007 7July 9, Rev. J.T. Buck, on year December, 1890 to December, 1891, St. Louis Presbytery 75 00 May 8, Rev. B.M. Wilkinson, for April, 1891, Montgomery Presbytery 21 10 June 19, Rev. B.M. Wilkinson, for May, 1891, Montgomery Presbytery 21 10 July 29, paid Rev. E.M. Clark, for July, 1891, Central Alabama Presbytery 30 00 July 29, paid Rev. D.F. White, for July, 1891, Central Alabama Presbytery 15 00 July 29, paid Rev. Lucius Pool, for July, 1891, Central Alabama Presbytery 10 00 July 29, paid Rev. S.H. Pickens, for July, 1891 Central Alabama Presbytery 15 00 July 29, paid Rev. L.J. Washington, for July, 1891, Central Alabama Presbytery 5 00 July 29, paid Rev. J.M. Coleman, on year 1891, Ehtel Presbyt'y 40 00 ________ $418 45

We also submit the statement of the Secretary, through whose hands all money is disbursed:

STATEMENT OF SECRETARY. Rev. A.L. Phillips, Secretary, in account with the Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization— DR. March 31, 1892—To amount received during year from W.A. Powell, Treasurer$10,437.86 CR. March 31, 1892—For cash paid during year on the following accounts: Tuscaloosa Institute, to C.A. Stillman, Superintendent $2,653 00 Secretary's salary 1,624 97 Colored ministers Two church buildings 75 00 One Manse 75 00 Traveling expenses, June to April 609 99 Contingent expenses, printing, postage, exchange, stationery, June to April 216 67

AID DISPENSED The following table shows the persons and objects that have received aid from this Committee during the year, with amounts paid and still due: Name (Colored). Amount Amount Object. Paid Due Buck, J.T $268 00 $ 32 00 Manse at Montgomery, Burns, E.P 52 00 12 00 Alabama, $150.00; $75.00 Byran, E.K 60 00 10 00 of which a gift; $75.00 Blacke, J.K 80 00 40 00 a loan unpaid Clarke, E.M 297 50 57 00 Church building, Elkin, Covington, E.D 87 50 25 00 N. C., $50.00. Covington, G.W 95 00 40 00 Church building, Coleman, J.M 170 00 50 00 Shannon, N.C., Cousar, D.J 44 50 25 00 $25.00 Caesar, I.A 80 00 40 00 Rev. J.N. Caruthers Geren, A.D 56 00 20 00 (white), of Gibson, J.D 40 00 40 00 Tombeckbee Presbyt'y, Ghee, J.H 50 00 25 00 $25.00. Green, S.J 30 00 Harris, H.H 70 00 30 00 Hawkins, H.P 105 00 45 00 hickerson, Mrs 20 00 James. R.C 25 00 12 50 James, S.W 30 00 Jerkins, M.P 65 00 Lloyd, W.P 50 00 6 25 May, J.S 82 50 23 75 Mays, A 80 00 40 00 McKellar J.M 80 00 40 00 Miller, R.A 50 00 Morrow, J.S 20 00 Morton, W.D 80 00 40 00 Pickens, S.H 140 00 30 00 Pool, D 60 00 Taylor, J.D 80 00 Terrell, W.L 30 00 Turner, J.A 80 00 40 00 Thomas, A 80 00 40 00 Washington L.J 315 00 60 00 Wells, L.L 60 00 Williams. W.J 30 00 Wills, P.T 25 00 12 50 Wilkson, B.M 232 95 36 65 White, D.F 30 00 Total $3,330 95 $872 65

From this table it will be seen, that, during the year our beneficiaries have received an average of $85.40 each, an amount barely sufficient in some cases to prevent suffering.

In regard to the amounts still due, it is proper to say that, for the year ending November 30, 1891, the Home Missions Committee, in Atlanta, made certain appropriations, payable every four months, if there should me money in the treasury. Two payments were made, and there was not money ennough to pay the third. After careful consideration, this committee wrote these colored brethren that, as they had performed the labor, the debt would be paid as soon as we had the money. Moreover, this this committee could pay only half the amount due 0009 9these men in October, 1891, and in November, 1891, they received nothing.

Your committee has been very careful about its appropriations. There is no extravagance in any part of our work It is, therefore, earnestly hoped that the money will soon be supplied to meet these just obligations.

AUDITING COMMITTEE's REPORT. We, the Auditing Committee of Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization, have examined the accounts of Rev. A.L. Phillips, Secretary, and find them correct, and the credit items sustained by vochers vocherers.

M.A. Mason, L.S. Handley, J.H. Miller. Birmingham, Ala., May 2. 1892.

III. TUSCALOOSA INSTITUTE. We direct your careful attention to the condition and work of Tcaloosa Institute, as set forth in the reports of the Baord of Directors and of the Faculty of the Institute, which are herewith Presented.

1. REPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Tuscaloosa., April 1, 1892. The Directors of the Institutfor the Trainning of Colored Ministers make this their firsst annual report of the General Assembly's Executive Committee of Colored Evangelization.

This Board of Directors was chosen by your Committee at their organization, June 16, 1891, as follows: Dr. J.T. Searcy, Dr. W.S. Wyman, Dr. John Little, Prof. W.H. Verner and Rev. C.A. Stillman, D.D. They met Tuscaloosa July 4, 1891, and organized by electing Rev. C.A. Stillman Chairman, who is also to act as Secretary. They adopted a code of by-laws, embracing the substance of the contsitution and by by-laws of the Committee, except as modified by the action of the Assembly of 1891.

The same Faculty was continuted, viz: Rev. C.A.Stillman, Superintendent, and Professors Rev. J.G.Praigg and Rev. R.B. McAlphine.

The exercise of the Institute closed the last of June , when four students recieved certificates of graduation, and an adress was delivered by Rev. Russel Cecil, of Selma, Ala.

The exercises were resumed on the 1st of September. The number of students at the opening was small, but gradually increased, so that we have had twenty-two during the session. The faculty felt it their duty to dismiss one for disorderly conduct and another for incompetency. We have now nineteen.

The health of the students has been fairly good, and, as you will see from the report of the Faculty, they have been orderly and diligent.

We have found it expendit to attempt the organisation of a separate department for preparatory instruction, the only case needing such instruction being met by means of a neighbouring school.

Our course of study remains as heretofore, and we have no changes to suggest.

At your direction, articles of incorporation have been secured from the Probate Court of this country, and this Board is now a corporate body.

We append the report of the faculty for the year and the Superintendent's financial statement, both in printed form. C.A. Stillman, Chairman.

SUPERINTENDENTS FINAANCIAL STATEMENT. C.A. STILLMAN, Superintendent of Tuscaloosa Institute, in account with Colored Evangelistic Fund— 1892. DR. April 1. Am't Brought forward $ 24 09 “ “ Received from W.A. Powell 1,147 20 “ “ Received from A. L. Phillips.... 2,653 00 “ “ Received from other sources 1 88 ———— —$3,826 17 1892. CR. April 1. By Balance due Superintendent $ 29 53 “ “ Salaries 2,300 00 “ “ Board of students 1,355 19 0011 11“ “ Books, stationery, postage, freight and exchange 34 35 “ “ Fuel and reparis 44 90 “ “ Printing and travelling expenses. 35 24 “ “ Medical bill 11 95 “ “ Tution 5 00 “ “ Amount on hand 10 01 ————- —$3,826 17 C. A. STILLMAN, Superintendent.

We, the undersigned, who were appointed an Auditing Committee, to eximine the account and vouchers of C.A. Stillman, Superintendent of the Tuscaloosa Institute for the Training of Colored Ministers, hereby certify we have examined the account, and find it correctly stated, and the credit items sustained by proper vouchers.

JOHN LITTLE W. H. VERNER. Tuscaloosa, Ala., April 19, 1892.

2. REPORT OF THE FACULTY OF THE INSTITUTE. The Faculty of the Institute for Training Colored Ministers respectfully report that there have been in attendance during the present session twenty-two students, for whose names and presbyterial connection, reference is made to the catalogue published in this volume.

Of the students there named, William Edwards was dropped from our roll rolls because of incapacity; J.N. Pope was dismissed on account of the violence of temper he manifested in his relations with other students; and Cornelius McAlpine found it necessary, on account of his domestic affairs, to withdraw until our next session.

With these expections, the students have been diligent in study and exemplary in deportment. They have shown an especial eagerness in pursuing the branches which are more directly connected with the work of the ministry, giving the theological the preference over the purely literary studies, and in some instances esteeming the latter as worthy of but little attention. Their studies in some instances were seriously interrupted during the winter months by grip and kindred ailments. We are gald to say, however, that since the approach of spring, sickness has grown much less frequent, and regularity of attendance has improved accordingly.

The text books now in use are the same as at our last report, except that “That Key to the Shorter Catechism"—an excellent little work, with systematized proof texts and explanatory notes—has been introduced into the Introductory and Junior classes, instead of the annotated text we have heretofore used; and Dr. Cuyler's “How to Be a Pastor,” substituted for Baxter's “Reformed Pastor,” as the basis of instruction to the Senior Class in Pastoral Theology.

We are glad to report that, whilst much and careful attention is paid to the analysis of texts and the preparation of sermons, there seems to be on the part of the students a growing disuse of the manuscript in preaching. In the majority of cases, they either confine themselves to brief notes, or else have no paper before them whatever. Whilst encouraging them in this, we at the same time urge upon them the importance of writing their sermons, in large part, if not in full—not with a view to committing them to memory, but as the best and surest means of acquiring accuracy of expression, coherency of thought, logical analysis, and systematic arrangement.

We cannot close our report without referring to the fact that there are in each of our classes one or more persons who read so imperfectly that they often get very inadequate ideas of the subject matter of their text books. Why, it may be asked, are they allowed to remain in the Institute? The special reasons have varied somewhat with the special instances; but there are two general reasons which will apply to each of these cases: First, it seemed a hardship to refuse admittance; but there are two general reasons which will apply to each of these case: First, it seemed a hardship to refuse admittance to those who had come, it may be, a considerable distance, and who, unless received by us, be thrown upon the community, strangers, without employment and without the means of returning to their homes; and, second, unless the case at the outset seemed utterly unpromising, we have borne with them, with the hope that they would so improve under our training as to repair the defects of their early teaching. In this hope we have been disappointed almost invariably. Nor is the reason far to seek. Our only text book is reading in the Bible. Those to whom we refer need drilling in the elementary spellers and readers, and in these we have not the time, even if we had the inclination, to give them instruction. It has 0013 13been though all along that this difficulty might be met by establishing an apartment in connection with the Institute, in which should be taught the strictly elementary branches. The times, however, do not seem ripe for incurring the additional expense this step would involve. Nothing remains, then, but that the Presbyteries be required, before they send their candidates to us, to assure themselves, by personal examination, that they read intelligently, write legibly, and understand at least the four primary rules of arithmetic.

J. G. Praigg, R. B. McAlpine.

IV. PRESENT STATE OF THE WORK ITSELF. Here we present some account of the field of labor now occupied and work being done therein:

VIRGINIA.—The Central Church, Lynchburg, Montgomery Presbytery, Rev. B. M. Wilkinson pastor, has its own building, which is not entirely paid for, situated on a valuable lot; a substantial, convenient, brick structure with basement. In connection with this church there is an excellent school taught at present by the pastor.

Ridgeway church, Charlotte County, in the bounds of Roanoke church, “was organized,” says Dr. H. A. Brown, “by the Presbytery of Roanoke, and Rev. Abel. Davis, its pastor, was ordained and installed a number of years ago, under the action taken by the General Assembly authorizing such steps without bringing the church so organized, and the colored ministers ordained, into full connection with the Presbyteries.” This church is not reported in the minutes of Assembly, but is “in a sense under the watch-care of Roanoke Presbytery.” It has about 200 members.

North Carolina.—At Elkin, in Orange Presbytery, there is a small church, worshipping in their own house, Rev. S. G. Walker pastor. It is a hopeful field. We have here a good school, under the care of the church, taught by Mrs. Caroline Hickerson, colored, a most excellent woman and valuable helper in the Church.

At Asheville, Mecklenburg Presbytery, there is a church, Rev. J. S. Morrow, pastor, worshipping yet in a hired hall, supported wholly without the aid of the committee. This work has been greatly helped by the First Church, Asheville.

At Morganton, Concord Presbytery, Rev. W. J. Williams is now laboring to establish a church, with good prospects of early success.

At Beaufort, Wilmington Presbytery, is Grace Church, which with its pastor, Rev. M. P. Jenkins, has come to us from the Congregationalists. They have no building as yet.

In the territory covered by part of Fayetteville Presbytery, in North Carolina, and by Harmony and Pee Dee Presbyteries, in South Carolina, is the Presbytery of North and South Carolina, an independent body, organized November 3, 1876. It consists of eleven churches, 540 members, five ministers, approximately. Its ministers have been aided by our church for some years. They are doing excellent work.

Georgia.—We have three churches in Athens Presbytery, now served by Rev. E. P. Burns. His work is progressing and encouraging.

In Atlanta we have a church building, but no pastor. The late Mr. W. A. Moore, of Atlanta, left $2,500.00 for this church on condition that $2,500.00 should be raised in Atlanta within two years. It is feared that we shall lose the money because of the practical failure of the work there up to the present.

At Darien, Savannah Presbytery, is Grant's Chapel Rev. J. D. Taylor pastor, worshiping in their own partially completed building, materially aided by the white congregation. The pastor has a school in connection with his church.

In Macon Presbytery is Hicksville church, Rev. E.D. Covington, pastor, who serves only this Church, which has a building not entirely paid for.

Alabama—Is Central Alabama Presbytery, having churches in Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Hale, Sumter, Marengo and Montgomery counties. It has five ministers and eight churches. The work in this Presbytery progresses very slowly indeed.

Mississippi And Louisiana.—In the Synod of Mississippi is the Presbytery of Ethel, containing seven ministers, and ten churches. This presbytery is separate from the white 0015 15presbyteries of the Synod of Mississippi, but is under its jurisdiction.

At Shreveport La.,—Presbytery of Red River, there is a small church under the care of Rev. Henry Lee.

At Frierson's Mill, same Presbytery, is Good Hope Church, Rev. Fortune Pierre, pastor, which is in a flourishing condition and doing great good. They are specially anxious to have a school and have subscribed liberally for that purpose.

Texas.—Chiefly in the bounds of East Texas Presbytery is the separate and independent Presbytery of Texas, comprising six ministers and seven churches. Its work is not particularly encouraging, though progress is being made.

Missouri.—In St. Louis is Bethany Church, Rev. J. T. Buck, pastor. The Grand Avenue and Central churches have recently bought a handsome and convenient church for this congregation, and aid in supporting the pastor. A deacon in the Grand Avenue Church is the superintendent of its Sabbath school. The work there is in the best condition of its history.

At Clarkton, Mo., Presbytery of Potosi, a church has very recently been organized.

Tennessee.—The colored churches in and near Memphis have been organized into a separate and independent Presbytery under the name of Zion Presbytery, having three ministers, five churches, 280 members. The First Church, Memphis, and its pastor have for years been deeply interested in this work, and have liberally supported it.

At Clarkton there is a small church, served by licentiate Daniel Overton. It makes very little progress.

Kentucky.—At Burdick, Transylvania Presbytery, is Praigg Church, Rev. S. J. Green, pastor. Good work is being done there and progress is made.

It will thus be seen that we have work amongst the colored people in every State embraced in our Assembly, except Maryland, West virginia, Florida and Arkansas. Open fields, full of promise, in Florida just now invite our labors.

TO SUM UP THE WORK. There are now five Colored Presbyteries, viz: North and South Carolina, Central Alabama, Zion and Texas, which are 0016 16independent, and Ethel, which is under the Assembly's jurisdiction.

There are about 56 colored churches, which are served by about thirty-nine colored ministers, licentiates and candidates.

Sustentation.—We aid in supporting thirty pastors and supplies in weak churches. Only six men are wholly sustained without the aid of your Executive Committee. There is not one self-sustaining colored church. The churches have grown slowly. The Sabbath schools have been generously aided by donations of literature from the Executive Committee of Publication.

Evangelistic.—Three men have been employed their whole time during part of the year in work where there was no church. One of these is presbyterial evangelist in Ethel Presbytery. The other two have organized two churches. Seven new fields have been entered and seven new laborers brought into the harvest. Fields unequaled for religious destitution invite our entrance in every State in the South.

Educational.—We have maintained during part of the year three schools, which have been direct feeders to the Sabbath schools and churches. These mighty engines of evangelistic force need to be worked more extensively by us. If we cultivate the Negro children, we shall inevitably reap a harvest of adults into our churches.

As this line of work is new to the church at large, we herewith submit the report of Rev. B. M. Wilkinson, of Lynchburg, Va. We are of the opinion that no other agency can be so easily and effectually used as the school in aid of the preaching of the Gospel, as an entrance is thus made for the precious seed of the Word into the every-day lives of the pupils and parents alike. We need only refer to the results of our school work in Italy, China, Brazil and Mexico to show the power of the school in the hands of the wise missionary. To Rev. A. L. Phillips, Secy's Tuscaloosa, Ala.: Yours of 16th inst. has been received. I will answer by saying— 1st. I opened school November 16, 1891. I have taught regularly ever since, with the exception of Xmas holidays.

2d. I opened with twenty (20) scholars, but my school has now increased to—

3d. Fifty-five (55). I mean fifty-five regular attendants. I have enrolled, since I opened, seventy-two (72), some having fallen off on account of sickness and other causes.

4th. I spend, each day, from one to one and a half hours on the Bible and catechisms. After devotional exercises, then comes the catechism. My plan is to have all repeat in concert first. Then I have them repeat severally. Then again in concert. Then I make explanations.

Then comes the Bible class. During this recitation I make comments, in which all are deeply interested. They don't seem to tire of it at all, to which I have an eye.

5th. The school helps the church work, in that it is making friends for the work, and many are being drawn to us. Parents all express themselves highly pleased with the progress of the children; and they do say that ours is the best school in the city. To God be all the praise.

6th. I am glad to say, that, since the day school opened, our Sabbath school has more than doubled.

By the middle of the summer, we expect to have not less than seventy-five, and possibly one hundred (100), in our Sabbath school.

As to the finance of the school, it is scarcely worth mentioning. Those who pay, pay only 25 cents per month, and many pay nothing.

But, knowing it was not for money that the school was opened, we go ahead.

Hoping that this information will be satisfactory, I remain, Yours, devotedly, etc., B. M. Wilkingson. Lynchburg, Va., April 19, 1892.

GENERAL CONCLUSION. The work of Colored Evangelization has made decided progress during the year—in organization, in equipment, in elucidation, in the affections and confidence of God's people. It is, in all essential features a most difficult mission work. It demands, and must have, careful thought and fearless advocacy. 0018 18It becomes everybody, North and South, while actively aiding its development, to consider its methods and results with the largest charity.

THE COMING YEAR. 1. The one great, increasing need of this whole work is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. With this blessing would come wisdom patience, strength, sympathy, persistence and humility. We, therefore, earnestly recommend that all our churches appoint Sunday, December 4th, next, as a day of special prayer for this cause, according to a programme to be prepared by the Secretary.

2. In order to secure the best results, we urge that a more thorough organization of this work be effected in each Synod, Presbytery and Session. The work is scattered over the whole South. It is, therefore, impossible for any one man personally to superintend each detail of the work. We recommend that all our church courts be entreated, for the sake of unity and efficiency, to adopt the plan of Organization herein contained (Appendix II, page 24), as being practical and well adapted to awaken interest and secure liberal offerings. Not more than thirty-nine Presbyteries, and only a few Synods, have Committees of Colored Evangelization.

3. We would call the attention of our people to the great poverty existing amongst the Negroes. The colored work can be aided materially by gifts of clothing, hats, shoes and books, where we have churches organized so that they may be properly distributed.

4. We know of cases where much good is being done by wise and persistent efforts on the part of our people to establish and maintain Sabbath schools for the Negroes. We ask the Assembly to emphasize this fact and possibility.

5. As at present organized, this work cannot be prosecuted for less than $12,000.00 a year. With this amount, we can scarcely maintain our present activity. There is now urgent need of $20,000.00 a year in order that we may perform the duty and enjoy the privilege of going forward.

In closing this report, we wish to acknowledge gratefully many courtesies and valuable aid from Rev. J.N. Craig, D.D., 0019 19Secretary of the Executive Committee of Home Missions, and of his clerk, Miss Clara Ketchum. We likewise testify to the fidelity, accuracy and uniform kindness of our Treasurer, Capt. W.A. Powell.

We return special thanks also to all our church papers, for great help cheerfully given, in laying the facts of our work promptly and fully before the people.

The Executive Committee now consists of Rev. C.A. Stillman, D.D., Chairman; E.H. Sholl, M.D.; Hon J.W. Lapsley; Rev. L.S. Handley, D.D.; Rev. H.K. Walker; Rev. T.C. Whaling, Rev. J.A. Bryan, and Messrs. M.A. Mason, J.H. Miller and T.H. Herndon, with Rev. A.L. Phillips, Secretary. By order of Committee. A.L. Phillips, Secretary. Birmingham, Ala., May 3, 1892.