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Thus we have eleven new church buildings and one enlarged and one improved, at a total cost of $42,960, of which $38,560 was in Los Angeles Presbytery. I would earnestly commend the example of those churches that have built according to their ability. The church building corresponds to the Jewish synagogue, not to the temple at Jerusalem. Let us make it neat and attractive, but not extravagant. A mortgage is not specially ornamental to a church. We pioneers and foundation-builders are not called on to pay all the bills of coming generations.

IV. The following churches have

$7,050 Besides these, Santa Maria (Los Angeles Presbytery) has begun to build a manse to cost $1200. Brethren, let us press this matter of mansebuilding for our feeble churches. Strong churches may not need them so much; and well-salaried ministers may prefer to buy or rent, according to their own tastes. But home missionaries are usually glad to live in almost anything which the church can furnish them. It is a valuable "endowment" for a church, bringing in an annual income in the saving of house-rent, and affords a vast amount of comfort for the missionary and his family. It also adds much to the "loudness" of a "call," enabling a desirable minister to hear it even across a continent sometimes.

V. The following churches have

NO HOUSE OF WORSHIP:

STOCKTON PRESBYTERY.--Bakersfield. SAN JOSE PRESBYTERY.-Cholame; Highland; Santa Cruz.

LOS ANGELES PRESBYTERY. Roseville; Los Angeles, Immanuel; El Monte; Monrovia; Los Angeles, Welsh; Pleasant Valley; Antelope Valley; Etiwanda; Riverside; Carpenteria; Barning; Coronado Beach; Los Al

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amos; Ballards; Crescenta; Hueneme; San Fernando; Azusa, Spanish; Curamonga.

But almost all of these are comfortably accommodated in school-houses or halls for the present.

VI. The following churches have

SECURED MINISTERS

during the year:

STOCKTON PRESBYTERY.-Fresno; Visalia; Traver (newly organized); and Porterville and Plano have secured a partial supply.

SAN JOSE PRESBYTERY.-Santa Cruz (newly organized); Livermore; Los Gatos; Highland (newly organized); Salinas; Cholame.

LOS ANGELES PRESBYTERY.-Los Angeles, 1st; Pacific Beach and Roseville (newly organized); Los Angeles, Immanuel; Redlands; Pleasant Valley (newly organized); Pomona; Los Angeles, Welsh (newly organized); Coronado Beach; Riverside; Anaheim and Fullerton; South Pasadena; Westminster; Pasadena; Santa Paula; Santa Maria; Saticoy; Fillmore and San Fernando (newly organized); Monrovia and Azusa; Antelope Valley (newly organized); Azusa, Spanish (newly organized); Curamonga (newly organized); Ojai. VII. The following

CHURCHES ARE VACANT.

STOCKTON PRESBYTERY.-Bakersfield. SAN JOSE PRESBYTERY.-Cambria; Centreville and Alvarado.

LOS ANGELES PRESBYTERY, Beaumont and Barning; Santa Monica; Santa Ana; Los Angeles, Bethany; South Pasadena; Etiwanda.

Let all our Sabbath-schools remember the Home Board on the Sabbath before Thanksgiving, as recommended in the Minutes, page 38. The Christmas offerings are for people in foreign lands who know no Christmas. Then let us, by an offering for home missions, give thanks for this good land of ours, which is all that it is for good because of the gospel so widely known and appreciated by our people, and pray that, in connection with our Thanksgiving Sabbath-school offerings, our country may become more and more a Christian land, more and more a treasure to be thankful for, with millions more who shall be Christian citizens with us here and heirs with us of the heavenly inheritance. Thus shall we also

teach our children the truest patriotism and train them for efficient service in the church in their mature years.

FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA.

REV. F. M. WOOD, SUPERINTENDENT. During the last quarter society has been in a ferment consequent on a heated political contest and the adoption of the constitution and of prohibition. The moral atmosphere, however, has been healthful on account of the issue presented, and the cause of religion has not materially suffered.

The following things may be considered as favorable, viz., revivals of religion in several fields, the continued faithful work of all our missionaries, the help rendered by our theological students and the Sabbath-school missionaries, the occupying of some new fields, the organization of a church of forty members at St. Thomas, Pembina Presbytery, the improvement of some of our buildings, the completion of others and the building of two new churches, the starting of two new parsonage enterprises, the obtaining of J. Horner Kerr of Pennsylvania, of J. Johnson from New Mexico Territory, of W. A. Bradley of Canada, to take the place of students, and Rev. Mr. Spense of Winnepeg to take the self-supporting field at Grand Forks.

The more unfavorable things to report are the invasion of some of our fields by the selfappointed evangelists of the Plymouth brethren and their evil work resultant; the disaffection of some of our people on account of the misconduct of officers or the attempted administration of discipline; the loss of such brethren as Fanning of Jamestown, also of Professors Andrews and Rodgers of Jamestown College, of J. C. McKee of Wheatland, of E. C. Dayton of Manda, and probably of G. H. Hemingway of Mapleton; the leaving also of so many students and the vacancies occasioned thereby; the difficulty of obtaining supplies for these and other vacancies; the shortage of crops, rendering support precarious in some cases, impossible in others; and the removals of population growing out of the unfortunate state of things so long existing.

517

The following vacancies will show the desperate need we have of men for the field, viz., Lines and adjacent places, Stanton and vicinity, Washburn and Coal Harbor, Jamestown, Milnor, Sargent, Newark, Ludden and stations, La Moure and Grand Rapids, Corinne and vicinity, Mt. Zion and Mt. Pleasant, Wild Rice and vicinity, Ayr, Wheatland and station, Langdon and Elkwood, Upper and Lower Beaulieu, Minto, Pembina, Hamilton and station, Minot and stations, Gilby and vicinity, Inkster and Elkmont, Conway and stations, Rugby and Lourcer, Dunseith and vicinity and Minnewaukon and station.

Brother Crum, of Hamilton, leaves there and takes up work at Dunseith soon. Brother Douglass closes his work at Gilby, Brother Berry at Conway, and Brother Wait takes up new work west of his present field.

Some of the above-named churches are too important to go without men for a month, and yet I have no certain evidence of having another man come to the field. Now cannot the secretaries make it possible for me to reach other men at once? With the winter coming on and twenty-five vacancies to fill, with little or no possibility of brethren already on the field being able to reach out beyond their own fields to help supply, on account of distance and overwork and expense, it will be seen how impotent I shall be to meet the demands.

...

In reviewing the past in my report to synod, I say, "Up to this time sixteen years of work have been done in North Dakota-the first year by O. E. Elmer alone, and on till the fifth year by a single additional helper, I. O. Sloan. At that time, viz., in 1886, we had only one church of fifteen members, and it is therefore during the intervening thirteen years that the changes have taken place which have marked our progress. From that one organization at Bismarck our church has grown to be this Synod of North Dakota, consisting of three presbyteries, having within their bounds. ninety-two churches and forty out-stations, with a membership of 2800 and Sabbath-school attendance of 3400. These have been supplied as the work has continued by ministers and students, ranging in number annually from the three on the ground in 1876 to the more

518

than fifty who have occupied the field during the past summer."

A resumé of the work of the synodical year is seven organizations effected, five hundred new names added to the roll, a similar or greater increase in Sabbath-school attendance, benevolence and congregational expenditures greatly increased, nine churches dedicated, two others built, several others improved or completed, two parsonages begun," etc. My own part during the three months past has been (during the former part of it) as active as hitherto, but during the latter part I have done little else than attend to office work, only attempting to go in special emergencies.

THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSOCIATION

OF CHAUTAUQUA.

TO PRESBYTERIANS :-As one interested in Presbyterian growth and success, will you kindly read the following statement:

For many years Presbyterians who have visited Chautauqua have felt the necessity of possessing denominational headquarters similar to those now owned and occupied by other denominations. In 1883, a movement in which the late Rev. S. J. M. Eaton was prominent gathered some headway, and a small sum was pledged, which after a time was returned to its donors.

This summer several largely-attended meetings of Presbyterians were held, and the undersigned were appointed a committee to prepare a statement and appeal, which would make known to Presbyterians the steps already taken and the importance of the cause.

From the first Chautauqua Assembly to the present time, Presbyterians have shown marked appreciation of the advantages that life at Chautauqua offers, hence it is not surprising to learn that for several years Presbyterians have outnumbered all other denominations in the number of students engaged in the various departments of the university. This year fiftyfive Presbyterians were enrolled in the Teachers' Retreat, nearly one sixth of the total number. In the College of Liberal Arts, Presbyterians again lead with 126 students, or over one fifth of the enrollment. On Denomina

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tional day there were 300 present at the Presbyterians' meeting, despite the rain; of these twenty-three were ministers, ten elders and five Sabbath-school superintendents.

Notwithstanding it was late in the season when the agitation for headquarters began, it was not difficult to secure a full attendance at the meeting which considered the question. As a result of these deliberations it was decided to purchase land and as soon as possible begin the erection of a substantial edifice. After inspecting several sites, two lots near the Hotel Athenæum and the Amphitheatre were purchased, which, together with the lot given by the Assembly, will give ample space for a large and handsome structure. Late in August, the" Presbyterian Association of Chautauqua was incorporated in accordance with the laws of New York state.

The Board of Trustees have inspected plans and are now arranging for the erection of a stone building, the first at Chautauqua, which will cost from $7500 to $10,000. It will contain a reception-room, committee-rooms, a library, parlor and apartments, and will be furnished in the best style.

Subscriptions of $750, $500, $300, $250 and many smaller have already been made, aggregating nearly $3000. The appeal is now made to the many Presbyterians who have visited Chautauqua and profited by the life there, and to the yet greater number who have not visited the famous resort, but know of its work and have a pride in denominational rank and prestige, to give as they may feel able to this, as we believe, worthy cause. All subscriptions should be sent to Mr. E. A. Skinner, Westfield, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.

The following clergymen and laymen are a Board of Management elected by the Presbyterians at Chautauqua, and have signified their interest in the movement and their approval of the effort: Rev. John Hall, New York city; Rev. B. M. Palmer, New Orleans, La.; Rev. John H. Barrows, Chicago, Ill.; Rev. G. R. Alden, Winter Park, Fla.; Rev. D. A. Cunningham, Wheeling, W. Va.; Rev. Walter Laidlaw, West Troy, N. Y.; Rev. George P. Hays, Kansas City, Mo.; Rev. J. L. M'Nair,

SYRIA.

TRIPOLI, SYRIA, September 19, 1889.

A STREET RECEPTION.

One

DR. IRA HARRIS :—I cannot tell you how much pleased I am to be back in Syria. How my heart rejoiced when I visited Tripoli a week ago, especially when I visited the Moslem street! of the men in the bazaar who keeps a little silk-shop, and is very friendly to me for some professional service rendered to a member of his family two years ago, took me by the hands and tears came into his eyes when he told me how glad he was to see me, that my health had been restored so that I could return to Tripoli to help his people. After the usual salaams, he said, "Wait here a moment; I want to tell our friends you are here." Presently he returned with a number of people; most of them were shopkeepers, and I recognized them as having been treated at the mission dispensary. I assure you we had a very pleasant time. Fancy sitting in one of those little shops, so narrow my feet rested in the street, holding a reception, receiving and giving salaams. In a very short time a crowd collected; every one who passed stopped and inquired, "What is all this? Who is that? What does he want here?"

SURGICAL OPERATIONS.

One of the men who had called to see me I found, a few weeks before I went to the United States, lying on a bed, having been ill for a long time suffering from a severe surgical disease, not able to walk. I operated for his relief just before I left

for home, and I had not heard of the success of the operation. He came now to tell me that he was quite well; he could walk now with perfect ease; he could not thank me enough. It was very pleasing to me to find that I had not been forgotten, but most of all that God had given and will give the opportunity to work among this people, who are prevented for many reasons from attending public preaching in one of our churches. It seems to me the medical work among this people ought to make an impression for Christ. It needs fervent prayer to God, much faith and earnest effort, trusting that the Spirit will change their hearts and they accept Jesus as their Saviour. I am very much pleased to find the work in all the Tripoli field so flourishing. Every department of work is running smoothly. The people of Hums, church members especially, are in an unusually earnest spiritual state of mind. The work in Hamath is in a very encouraging condition. Two weeks ago five men were received into full church fellowship. In Mineyara the school is full to overflowing; both preacher and teacher are as full of zeal as ever. I look for this village to become entirely Protestant in a few years. They are much better church members than we usually find.

The people of the Kura are still leaving by every French steamer for America, and drafts for large amounts come back in every mail. Five registered letters await Mr. March's return. One man emigrated last week; he had £35. Most of the people that go have plenty of funds. A sloopload left Batroon (eighteen miles south of Tripoli)

for Cyprus in the night. One man fell overboard and was drowned. He had nearly £200 in his possession; he was lost. A boy from near Ehden returned during my stay in Tripoli. I met him on the street-car. He went alone ten years ago to South America. He was then only thirteen years of age. He has a lot of money. He said he was near Sao Paulo, Brazil, where 1800 had died of fever, so he thought best to return home at once. He had on his head a heavy fur cap; the heat was intense. He said to a passenger that he was keeping the hat for winter-a safe place, if not very comfortable.

AFRICA.

GABOON, WEST AFRICA, August 9, 1889.

FRENCH OCCUPATION.

MISS ISABELLA A. NASSAU:-When I leave for Talaguga, on Monday, August 13, there will be left at Kangwe station the five French gentlemen only, and it will be "French occupation" in fact. I scarcely think any newly-arrived American missionaries could have taken up the work as harmoniously and as judiciously and in as kindly good faith toward the people and the American Church as these gentlemen have done, especially Revs. Mons. Allegret and Teisseres. Their pure, gentlemanly and Christian spirit impressed us before the days of illness and trial came; then their medical knowledge, their quick and delicate sympathy and their admirable skill in nursing Mr. Good were beyond all praise. They take the deepest interest in all details of station and school and church arrangements, though the two ministers are here only temporarily at present. I think they will be able to stay until November. M. Allegret has charge of the church and general superintendence, while M. Carmien has the school, and M. Gacon the outside and manual work, for which he is admirably fitted. All of them use the Mpongwe quite well for the brief time they have been here, and all excepting M. Gacon speak English. My brother has charge of all the three churches, and will, in company with M. Allegret, attend the communions of all.

DISBANDING THE SCHOOL.

The trying duty of disbanding the little school which Mrs. Good had with longing desire gathered fell to me. When she left, on the 12th of July, I at once assumed the care and instruction of the girls, supposing I could pass it over to the new

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missionary hoped for, and for whose coming I willingly waited when my brother felt it necessary for himself and little May to return to Talaguga. It was not advisable for me to go with him at that time. I was not able to take so long a journey in a crowded boat, but was able to keep the cottage house open, waiting for the new missionaries and keeping up the little school which had so gladdened the heart of my dear sister, Mrs. Good. The steamer "Falaba came on the 3d of August, but no missionaries. Mrs. Good's own sad request to abandon the girls' school came on Saturday afternoon, and on Monday preparations were all made, and Tuesday morning I accompanied the dear little girls to the lower house, and saw them started under the care of Oqula, one of our Galwa candidates for the ministry, who now will be in charge of the Hill House. I felt heart-broken and so weak that I could scarcely climb the hill again. In the afternoon of the same day I bade God-speed to the dear faithful Mpongwe woman who has taken such good care of the girls and was exceedingly kind and helpful while I was ill. She is a widow and has long been a quiet, consistent Christian woman.

SIAM.

BANGKOK, SIAM, July 13. CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL, BANGKOK. REV. J. A. EAKIN:-The work itself has prospered beyond our most sanguine expectations. Owing to lack of room on this compound, we are obliged to have our preparatory department at Sum Ray, and our normal training-school in a rented building on the other side of the river, not far from Dr. Hays' dispensary. In the three departments we have nearly one hundred students enrolled-ninety-seven was the exact number last month-and the other two departments nearly pay their own expenses. As we have here all the older boys who are supported while they are pursuing their studies, and we can take only a limited number of boarders, self-support is not possible at present, except to this extent: the fees received pay for the board of the students and for their books, also for the rent of the part of the building which is occupied by the school. We have three Christian boys who in two years will be ready to engage in some kind of Christian work, though I want them to continue in the school a part of the year afterward. There are a number of others