The church at New Iberia, which welcomed our last annual conference, and which is memorable as the scene of a most precious revival, and suffered seriously in the loss, by a furious wind storm in September, of their tasteful and commodious chapel, is rallying grandly from the shock. By liberal subscriptions, by mortgaging their property, and by personal labor, they have put up and covered the frame of a larger building, and have stopped before finishing, simply because they could do no more. Two hundred dollars will put the new chapel in order for dedication. Shall they appeal in vain? We cannot afford to lose or to cripple this church. It has been a bright light on the prairie, and though the tempest levelled the building, it cannot—it must not—extinguish the light.
Our own, the Central Church, sends greeting to all kind, sympathizing and praying friends in the North. All summer long, the members of the church have prayed in public and in private for a gracious out-pouring of the Divine Spirit. I found the church in an earnest, praying state. A greater degree of unity and cordial Christian fellowship prevails than I have ever before seen. To-morrow (Sunday, Jan. 4,) begins the “Week of Prayer.” If, in its results, it shall fulfil the longings and faith of this people, then will it indeed be the “Week of Weeks” to us in Central Church. Last night, at our preparatory service, seventy-five were present; five new members were received, of whom three came on profession of faith. It was a meeting of peculiar tenderness and spiritual power. After a brief lecture by the pastor, forty-two Christians spoke tender, earnest words of love to God, and devotion to His service. God grant I may have good tidings to send you in my next letter.
I have been superintendent of the Sunday-school in the Penitentiary of Tennessee, located at Nashville, for nine years, and several of the teachers of Fisk University have done so much in connection with that school that the work done there becomes a part of the influence of Fisk University. Hence, a brief description of a powerful work of grace, which has been in progress during the past three months, will appropriately find place in the columns of the MISSIONARY.
