1886

TILLOTSON INSTITUTE, AUSTIN, TEXAS.

"Deeds not Words." This was the motto that confronted the audience assembled in the Chapel on Tuesday night, June 1, to witness the first part of the Commencement exercises of Tillotson Institute.

The columns about which the broad-leaved smilax twined, the flower-encircled platform at whose steps like sentinels stood vases of tall Yucca with its white, balloonlike blossoms, the walls on which were drawings and maps, the work of the younger students, these together with the smoothness with which the programme was carried forward and the graceful and manly bearing of the students gave abundant proof that "Deeds" had preceded the charming and eloquent "Words" uttered by the girls and boys.

The programme was noticeable for the amount of classic music it contained. There was an "Overture" by Weber, the "Marche de Nuit" by Gottschalk, Mozart's "Sonata No. 1," and Rossini's "Overture to William Tell." The Declamation also attracted more than the usual attention because the selections were more in sympathy with the thought of the present generation. "Chicago Anarchists," an editorial from the Inter-Ocean, was the title of one. "Free Silver," part of a speech delivered in Washington last winter by Hon. Roger Q. Mills of Texas, was the title of another, and Blaine's "Eulogy on Garfield," spoken with genuine sympathy by one of the most advanced students, called out the hearty applause of the audience. Where all did so well, it is difficult to make comparisons, but the pieces which seemed to delight the audience most were "Ten Famous Women" and "The War of the Roses," and little Gracie Blackburn's spirited rendering of " The Little Chicken."

On Wednesday, Gov. John Ireland was present and delivered the diploma to the graduate of the normal course. In a few well-chosen words the Governor expressed his belief in universal education, his faith in the future of the colored people and his appreciation of the work of Tillotson.

Brief addresses followed by Judge Z. T. Fullmore, the Rev. J. C. Mclntyre, Pastor of the Northern M. E. Church in Austin, and the Rev. J. W. Roberts, a graduate of Talladega, now Pastor of the Congregational church in Dallas.

Judge Fullmore gave four reasons why Tillotson was needed in Texas. (1.) Because the school year is longer than that of the Texas colored schools. (2.) Because the course of instruction is broader and more liberal. (3.) Because Tillotson does not limit the age of the candidate for admission. The school age in Texas is 8-16. (4) Because Tillotson has better teachers than can be obtained in Texas for colored schools and consequently does more thorough work.

The visitors who crowded chapel and class-room, halls and stairs, were evidently pleased with the treat afforded by the students, and convinced, if they needed any convincing, that the colored young people of Texas are capable of receiving and appreciating Christian instruction.

The week of prayer for 1886 was one of blessing to Tillotson Institute. Our first meeting was the communion season on Sabbath morning. There was no regular sermon, but brief addresses at the Lord's table by Pres. Pope of Tougaloo University, who was with us for a few days, and the pastor. In the evening, Mr. Pope preached a sermon of great tenderness upon the love of Christ, after which a season of prayer for God's blessing during the week was held.

We took the order of topics selected by the Congregational ministers of Boston, such as the Promise, the Gift and the Power of God's spirit, a< best meeting our wants. When we came together on Monday night, it was evident that there had b' en a calling upon God and that the promise of the Spirit's presence was being verified with us. From that time on for two weeks we had meetings every night from seven to eight, besides many little circles for inquiry and prayer, and personal work during the day. The students were at full liberty to remain in their rooms and study, but at most of the meetings in the chapel all the students in the house were present, and it was the testimony of the teachers that lessons were never better prepared.

President Pope and President Kershaw alternated in leading the meetings for the first half hour, presenting clearly the claims of God and the way of life, the other half hour was occupied by teachers and scholars—an opportunity was also given for those who wished to confess Christ for the first time. There was no emotional excitement, but the reasonableness of God's service was clearly presented, and all were urged to fully and intelligently consecrate themselves to this service and to begin the new life of faith in Christ Jesus.

On Saturday afternoon Mi. Pope met the Christians in the parlor for a consecration meeting, while Mr. Kershaw met in his own room, those who wished to express their desire to become Christian—twenty-five responding to his call. That night and Sunday a goodly number of our young men and women are in the meeting and confessed in Jesus as their Saviour, and are, as we believe, following on to know the Lord. M. J. Adams.