Newspaper Page Text
No. 34 Vol. IV.
bynod of S. Carolina and Georgia.
g||: L. &
THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
Sjk
OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE
JVthsionarf Society of the Synod of South Car
olina and- Georgia.
°/
January, 1823.
At the close of this third year of their
■operations, the board deem it expedient
briefly to revert to the former part of the
history of the society. They do this, net
only to encourage the members by a re
view of the past, bat to communicate such
information on the subject as may be inter
esting to many inquirers who have hither
to been ignorant of a plan of benevolence
to which we have solicited their aid.
The Missionary society of the synod of
South Carolina and Georgia originated from
the following overture, introduced at their
sessions in theyear 1818, then held at Hope
well: “Overtured that the Synod do, if
possible, devise some means by which the
Judians on our borders may be taught to
read the word of God and have the gospel
preached unto them.” After an animated
discussion on the subject of instructing and
cultivating these people, a committee of
correspondence was appointed, who were
ordered to report at the next annual meet
ing.
In the month of November, 1819, the
Synod convened at Columbia, S. Carolina ;
when, on hearing the report of the commit
tee of correspondence, it was resolved
unanimously, “ That it is expedient to form
a society for the purpose of sending the
■gospel to the destitute within our bounds,
in South Carolina and Georgia, and for pro
moting the civilization and religious instruc
tion of the Aborigines on onr South-western
frontier.” After this decision, a proposal
wa3 submitted by a member from Charles
ton, in behalf of the Congregational Mis-.
Sionary Society in that city, to unite with
that body in their operations. It was deem
ed expedient, however, to pursue the orig
inal design, and to constitute the members
of the Syuod immediately into a society, to
sustain the name which it now bears, and to
hold their annual meeting at the places of
the annual sessions of the Synod.
In the ensuing spring, the Rev. Messrs.
and HuwrREYS were appointed by
the board to visit the Indians, with a view
of gaining such information as would enable
the society to carry their designs into effect.
They were directed to pay their first visit
to the Creek nation; and as ddubts were
entertained whether this tribe were yet
ripe for the proposed measure, (be mission
aries were expressly instructed not to close
an agreemen’ with them, on any other
terms than those recommended by the gen
eral government of the United Slates. On
inquiry, it was found, that although some
of the chiefs werp friendly to the plan pro
posed, a majority were decidedly averse to
the instruction of their children in husban
dry and the mechanick arts.
Leasing this ground, the Missionaries
proceeded to the Chickasaws. From this
pation they obtained, and closed with such
terms as were consistent with the instruc
tions received from the board of managers.
And, in General Council, articles of con
tract were signed by Messrs. Stuart and
Humphreys, in behalf of the society, and
by the Chiefs of the Chickasaw tribe in
their own behalf, headed by Staiiolopa
prince of the nation.
Shortly after the conclusion of this agree
ment, which was in all respects a9 favoura
ble as could have been desired, the Corres
ponding Secretary received the following
communication;
Chickasaw Nation, July 8, 1820.
Friends and Brothers , Missionary,
My head men address themselves a few
lines to you, to inform you that we had the
pleasure of seeing our brothers Mr. D.
Humphreys and Mr. Thos. C. Stuart, which
our head men are much pleased with their
conduct, and wish strongly for them to re
turn and educate their children. It is the
request of my head men in general. Now
we shall look for them in the course of this
winter. Friend and brothers,
S. SEALY,
L. COLBERT,
JAS. COLBERT.
The Society now felt themselves prepar
ed to commence their important work.
And at their next annual meeting, (in Nov.
1820,) Mr. Stuart offered himself as a sta
tioned missionary among this long neglect
ed people. ‘ The offer was cheerfully ac
cepted : and on the 13th of the following
month he was ordained as an Evangelist to
she Heathen, and set out a few days after
lo begin his arduous undertaking. As no
Colleague could then be procured to accom
pany him in the mission, two families were
employed by the society to attend and as
sist him in the secular part of his work.
On the 27th of January, 1821, our mis
sionary arrived at the place of his destina
tion, and was hailed by the Indians with
many expressions of gratitude and joy.
With the assistance of several of the Chiefs,
a suitable site was selected for the estab
lishment, about twenty two miles from the
Cotton-gin port on the Tombeckbee river,
and near what is called the Natchez Trace.
This station was called Monroe, in honour
the missionary.
of the present Chief magistrate, and as ex
pressive of the high sense entertained of
the wisdom and humanity of the present
administration, in patronizing the civiliza
tion of the Aborigines of our country.
Eighteen months of difficulty and toil
were occupied in clearing the land and in
erecting the necessary buildings. During
this period the impatience of the Indians in
creased, and in their anxiety and eagerness
they complained of the tardiness of our op
erations. This however, was unavoidable.
Considering the many inconveniences un
der which Mr. Stuart laboured, and the lit
tle assistance which he was able to obtain,
we are rather gratified than disappointed.
And it has added to the high confidence
which we have in the superintendent, that
gentlemen, who have had occasion to visit
the establishment, hare expressed their
great satisfaction in observing the singular
economy and care which prevail at the sta
tion, in all that is undertaken. As most of
Mr. Stuart’s letters have been laid before
the publick, during the interim named, it is
considered unnecessary to republish any of
their details on this occasion.
The communications which the board
have to make on the concerns and opera
tions of the last year are fully as flattering
as could have been expected.
|n the month of April, 1822, Messrs.
Hamilton V. Turner and Jas. Wilson, the
former a mechanick, and the latter a farm
er and teacher, arrived with their wives at
the establishment, and were a very accept
able accession to the mission familj'. In
the ensuing month the school was opened,
with sixteen scholar;. This number was
soon increased to forty, with earnest solici
tations to receive fifty more.
A suspension of the school, after some
time, became necessary for a short period,
in order to complete some arrangements in
the buildings. Since that date, the Corres
ponding Secretary has received several im
portant advices from Mr. Stuart, from which
the following extracts are taken :
11 In conducting the infant mission thus
far, the Lord has prospered ns. It is now
beginning to emerge from some of the
greatest difficulties in which it has suffered ;
and i drawing towards a state of readiness
for extensive operations. The buildings
necessary for the whole establishment are
nearly all completed.* A farm of betweeD
thirty aod forty acres has been opened and
cultivated, and other necessary preparations
made. We are now entering more fully io
to the business of imparting instruction to
the Heathen children. It will indeed, he
observed, that the time consumed in mak
ing preparation for this object, has been
much greater than was anticipated, or than
could have been wished. Rut it has been
unavoidable in the circumstances under
which we have been placed. And we trust
that in the meanwhile, our labour has not
been in vain. The mission is now fixed up
on a basis, which if not neglected, by want
of support, must he permanently and exten
sively useful.”
“ A favourable impression is already
made, and we do hope that through our in
strumentality, some precious souls are
groaning under a sense of sin, aud seeking
an interest in the atoning blood of the Re
deemer. Our meetings are generally well
attended by all classes. The monthly con
cert of prayer excites considerable atten
tion. We view this as a most happy means,
not only of promoting the life of religion in
our own souls, but also of awakening sin
ners to a sense of their daDger. An’ unusu
al solemnity prevails on these occasions.
YVe have then an opportunity of convers
ing freely and familiarly on the concerns of
eternity.”
“ The little experiment we have made
in instructing Heathen children gives us
much encouragement. They discover ca
pacities as susceptible as those of any other
children. Their docility and attention are
really gratifying. We do deeply regret that
our limited circumstances mill not allow us to
extend the means of instruction to all who ap
ply for it, or to but few. There is a
wide field for moral cultivation. By far the
largest proportion of this people must pine
away in ignorauce and superstition, unless
some speedy and vigorous measures are
taken in their behalf.”
The anxiety ol the Indians to have their
children received into the mission family
has been feelingly described in several of
Mr. S’s letters. In his last communication
to the corresponding secretary, dated Dec.
6, 1322, he observes that while travelling
at that time, on business of the station,
through some of their settlements betweeo
Monroe and the Tennessee river, he “ found
them extremely anxious to have their
children taken to the school;” “ some,” he
adds, “urged me to take their children
with me on my return; and expressed a
willingness to give cattle as a compensa
tion. it is greatly to be desired that the
* The following is the list of buildings now
constructed at the station,together with their cost;
Four dwelling houses at $175 each S7OO
Dining room and kitchen 450
Horse mill 650
School house 231
Five cabins for the children ‘ 250
Lumber house and smoke house 80
Stable, amitbsbop and corn crib 100
$2,461
MOUNT ZION, (HANCOCK COUNTV, GEORGIA,) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1823.
E INTO ALL THE WORLD AND BREACH TOE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.
Wishes of these people should be realized
as soon as possible.”
The necessity of auxiliaries to the estab
lishment, has been freqnently named by
Mr. Stuart, and felt by the board. But (be
great difficulty ot obtaining suitable mission
aries, and the very limited means of the
society, have hitherto thwarted their wish
es, and left Mr. S. to sustain a painful and
heavy burden alone. In the last report of
the board, it will be remembered that some
hopes were expressed of batter success in
the ensuing year. These hopes have been
completely and happily realized. In the
month of October, the Rev. Hugh Wilson.
with his wife and sister, left North-Carolma,
lor Monroe; and on the 15th December
the Rev. Wm. C. Blair, left Columbia for
the same place. The board are peculiarly
nappy in this successful issue of their inqui
ries. Perhaps no missionaries have ever
undertaken their arduous work with higher
prospects of usefulness from a character of
piety, talents, and prudence. As in the in
stance of Mr. Stuart, they receive no other
compensation for (heir laborious services
than food aod raiment. Theirs is to be a
life of self-denial; their only reward, in
(his world, is to be the approbation of con
science in the discharge of their duty. To
them, we fully believe, it will be no mea
gre return for their toil aod their multi
plied cares. They have left connexions
which were dear; but it was with the high
and holy hope of increasing the glorious
family that cease not day nor night in as
cribing glory and honour lo Him who sit
teth on the throne of the Heavens.
DOMESTICK MISSIONS.
While the board have used their utmost
exertions which the state of their funds
would authorize, in behalf of the Chicka
saw mission, they have been very far from
neglecting the destitute settlements within
the bounds of the Synod. They have dili
gently attended to the wants of both the
states of South Carolina and Georgia, as far
as it was in their power. Through the in
strumentality of our missionaries some of
the breaches of Zion have bem repaired ;
some of ber waste places have been cultiva
ted &l new churches have been raised up in
;k the high-ways and hedges. ” Yet it is
much to be regretted that we have not been
able to obtain a suitable supply of compe
tent missionaries for the inferior. Many
important statioiis have remained unoccu
pied in consequence of our inability to do
so. This deficiency has not arisen entirely
from the want of pecuniary means—since
the missionaries have been in a great meas
ure, and sometimes wholly, supported by
the places or districts to which they were
sent; hut it has rather arisen from the few
ness of the number who are willing to occu
py a missionary field in the south, or who
have not been elsewhere engaged. The
following report, for the past year is sub
mitted :
PENDLETON AND GREENVILLE DISTRICTS, S. C.
In these districts, the Rev. Benj. D. Du-
Pree. wa commissioned by the board to
itinerate for several months. His report
from the latter district i9 sufficient to con
vince us of its evangelical wants. While
in some parts, the word was received with
an eagerness which indicated a sense of spir
itual need; in others, in which the oppor
tunities of religious instruction had been
few and impprfect, an unhappy insensibility
to the value of religion wa observed among
his hearers; exhibiting a few among the
many examples of a moral deterioration
arising from the want of the means of grace,
and from unoccupied or unsanctified Sab
baths.
In the upper part of Pendleton, although
there were many places where the truth
was received with a cold indifference, Mr.
DoPree seems to have been, upon the
whole, far more eocouraged. The influ
ence of the labours of our Baptist brethren
had been blessed in some neighbourhoods,
so far as to render the Society interesting
from their piety aDd unaffected zeal, in
other*, where they have enjoyed the
sound of the Gospel rarely, there prevails
an eager desire for the administration of the
word. Speaking of the neighbouroood of
Mr. Carson, our missionary observes, “ here
they are deeply sensible of their desolate
situation, ami are making every possible
effort to obtain the ministration of God’s
word. They have heard me but twice,
and are already stirred up (o attempt the
building a house of worship, the plan of
which is adopted, the place agreed 00, aDd
ample provision made for its erection.
There is not a solitary doubt existing in my
mind, but (hat in a short time, if they were
visited by a faithful and zealous minister, a
large and well organized church would be
established.” Upon the whole, while we
deem it unnecessary to transcribe the par
ticulars of Mr. DuPree’s report, we join
jvith him in the humble belief, that his la
bours have been blest to many to whom he
was sent.
BEAVER creek, s. c.
The Rev. Horace Belknap was commis
sioned to labour in this neighbourhood.
Here he found a declining and enfeebled
church, wholly destitute of a supply for
their spiritual wants, and earnestly desir
ous that the society would furnish them with
one who could “ break Id them the bread
of life,”. The labour* of Mr. B. conimen-
ced at the close of the month of April. Af
ter describing the situation in which he
fonnd the church on his arrival, he informs
us that he commenced his labours on a plan
which he deemed the be9t adapted to ex
tend religious instruction through bis peo
ple. lie “ preaches twice on the Sabbath,
and in the interim of worship, the Suaday
school recite in one part of the house,
while in (he other the congregation listen
to the reading of some religious intelli
gence.” The preaching of Mr. B. “is dis
tributed between three places, and during
the week he occupies bis time iD visiting
the congregation, (who are diffused over a
tract of country ten by twenty miles in ex
tent,) and endeavonring to bring their minds
to a correct view'Bf Christian doctrine antT
religious order.” This course he thinks,
has already been partially blessed and
promises great futu-e good. Mr. B. still
continues to labour at Beaver creek; and
from the tenor of his report, we have rea
son to hope that much benefit may result
from his exertions.
M’INTOSH COUNTY, OEO.
The Rev. Francis M’Farland wa9 com
missioned to labour in this county during
the last winter. But soon after the com
mencement of hia labours, peculiar and ur
gent calls to Burke being presented to him,
the friends of the Redeemer’s kingdom in
the first place of his destination consented
to his removal. In speaking on this subject,
he observes, “ I spent hut one month in
M’lntosh county. In that short time noth
ing more could be done than lo begin. It
is true, I preached a number of times, and
always to attentive hearers. But those
who are not at all acquainted with mission
ary operations, know that but little fruit is
expected from such transitory labours. It
was my intention to have spent several
months in this county, for you will readily
judge of its wants when I state that, as far
as I can discover, there are but two minis
ters in it.”
Burke County, Ga.
Mr. M’Farland, on his arrival in this
county, selected four places wlfere he
preached regularly on the Sabbath ; dispen
sing the word in the remainder of the week,
wherever a door was opened for that pur
pose. “1 can say but little,” he observes,
“ of direct success in the conversion of souls.
There are a few cases of hopeful serious
ness, the subjects of which, I tru3t, are not
far from the kingdom of Heaven. Per
haps as much good has been done in visiting
families as by my publick labours. 1 feel
more encouraged by the general interest
that appears to be excited, than from any
other fruit of my mission.”
Mr. M’F remarks on missionary opera
tions, that “ the plan of having a County
Missionary appears to be universally popu
lar, wherever he has laboured in that state;
and in regard to the prospects of a mission
ary there, he observes, that “ should an ac
ceptable missionary come here next winter,
I confidently expect much good would be
done, in a county so destitute of religious
privileges as this, and among a people so
desirous of having preaching on the sab
bath.”* There ‘is no minister of any de
nomination, having a pastoral charge, a res
ident in the county. “Our Methodist
brethren have a few places where they usu
ally preach on week days; and our Baptist
friends have two or three places which are
supplied once a month on the Sabbath.”
Jackson County, Ga.
In Nov. 1822, the Rev. Orson Douglas
was appointed to labour for six months in
this county. “ Here,” he observes, “ l
found a wide and extensive field. Much
work to be done and few to perform it.
The people seemed desirous to hear the
word,and ready tosupport the gospel among
them, as was evident from their attendance
on its ministration. There are three Pres
byterian congregations in this county, and
three churches in which I preached alter
nately every sabbath; in the week going
from house to house, preaching the gospel
to every creature, and gatheringthe people
together as ofteD as convenient. I deliver
ed the message of salvation to many atten
tive hearers.” Mr. D’s labours seem to
have been considerably blessed. Old pro
fessors seemed enlivened, and sinners be
gan in some places to inquire the way to
Zion. Several new members were admit
ted to the communion, aDd others were ex
pected.
In presenting this part of their report,
the board have deemed it unnecessary to
do more than make such extracts from the
reports of their missionaries as will furnish
some idea of the places aod success of their
labour. They decline the admission of
those little details which would needlessly
swell their communication without answer
ing any valuable purpose, important as they
may be to the Board.
CONCLUSION.
In reviewing the progress of the Society
from its commencement to this day, we have
great reason to express our sense of grati
tude to the Great Head of the cause in
which we are engaged. We have experi
enced many difficulties, and the pressure of
pecuniary embarrassments still continue to
trammel our operations. But we huve
been taught to leave these difficulties/in
* Mr. M’F’b report wu* dated in Aprii Jjnt.
Price $ s 3 ’ so P r - Rnn - or ii
rncc, 3 'QQ i n advance> I
the hands of the Lord. His merciful prov
idence in past years affords abundant encour
agement to trust him in future.
It.is indeed true that the expenses of the
past year have been great; am) when the
heavy co9t of erecting building's, clearing
the ground, outfitting ihe new accessions to
the mission family, aod paying their expen
ses on the station, are recollected, it will be
seen (hat this was unavoidable. After in
specting the account of disbursements, the
board cannot find a single instance of a de
parture from the most rigid economy. But
have rather to regret that their contracted
means have confined (hem to sums so small
as to leave many essential necessities of the
establishment wholly misapplied. This has
been a painful duty; not only because it di
minished the prospect of usefulness, but be
cause it sometimes left the mission family in
real want.
It has been seen by the treasurer’s report
that the society is considerably in arrears.
To have completed the works at the station
it could not have been otherwise. It was a
critical period in the concerns of the socie
ty. 1 here was but a single alternative:
either to accept a loan, or to dismiss the
Heathen school, after all the care and ex
pense to open it; to abandon the
and proclaim to the world, that there is not
liberality enough among ns, to support a
single missionary establishment. We could
not hesitate a moment. We adopted the
former alternative. And in doing so, we
throw ourselves, without a fear, od the pi
ous benevolence of our southern brethren.
The expediency and practicability of civ
ilizing the Aborigines of our country, is now
no longer a question. The experiment has
been most extensively and mot successful
ly made. And any objection to promoting
missionary exertions, on ttys ground, is now
generally admitted to be the effect of neg
lecting to examine the subject, or is retain
ed as an excuse for withholding the contri
butions solicited.
The Chickasaw Mission is the first eflort
of the kind ever made by the people of the
south. It is peculiarly a child of our own.
To us, under Providence, it is wholly indebt
ed for its gro.wth to this hour. Andi! con
tinuance or death is suspended completely
on our decision. What shall that decision
be ? We leave this question in the hands of,
every friend to benevolence in these states.
We ak them to examine the infinite and’
eternal results which depend on the object
before them. VVe point to them the scene
which Monroe station this day presents
groups of parents leading up theirhttle ones
to the missionaries, imploring for them n
refuge from the ignorance, vice, and super
stition which reign around (hero. We ask
you to sympathize with the feelings of the
missionary when he replies with a sigh,
have not the means to receive them ; and
when he beholds that group returning, dis
appointed and dejected, to their places of
moral desolation and darkness! We ask of
the pious, who know how to virtue the hope
of redemption, whether that school in the
wilderness, which presents a spectacle of
spiritual light breaking through the “thick
darkness of death,” Rhall be abandoned?
Whether the youthful voices which now be
gin to sing the praises of Him who invited
children to his arms, shall cease these
peaceful notes, and return to practise the
war-song and the whoop? Whether our Mis*
sionaries, who have left domestick scenes,
dear as your own, to announce Messiah’s
salvation, shall be put to shame and confu
sion before the Heathen, whose hopes they
have excited, and to whom they have come
under the most solemn obligations ?
We close this appeal by repeating a re
mark already made. This whole concern
is your own. You have done much, very
much, to support the missions established by
our Northern brethren. They have fre
quently solicited your aid; and liberality
has always been ready to auswer their pe
tilions of charity. You were right. The
smallest boon you gave was a loan to Him
who cannot forget it. You had then no
mission which depended wholly on you for
its existence, and which was To extend its
usefulness exactly in proportion to your be
nevolence. The Chickasaw Mission is
yours.
WM. H. BARR, Prest.
T. CHARLTON HENRY, Cor. Sec'y.
The following sums have been received
since the month of February, 1822, at
which time the last report was published,
with the list of contributions of the pre
cedingyear.
PRESBYTERY OF S. CAROLINA.
Junt 18, 1822. From an anony
mous lady, to the C. Mission, by
a note to that purport, post-mark
ed Pendleton, S. C. to Rev. T. C,
Henry, ilO QQ
Abu. 24. From Upper Long *
Cane Auxiliary Society, 71 00
Two children of that congre
gation from a missionary j
field, 4 oo
Rev. W. H. Rarr, their pas- ‘ -‘-r
----tor, donation, 5 qo
Gen. Mean’s subscription, SOQ
Nazareth, Females of g| qq ,