(_b._) No obstacles were met by any pupil caused by any of the white citizens of the state, but on the contrary, much assistance and support was cheerfully given, and that too, in many remote and rude regions.
(_c._) Temperance work had especial prominence and effectiveness. All were provided with a good supply of suitable temperance reading, which they distributed in connection with schools taught by them both on Sabbath and week days. This work was followed up by family visits and lectures and personal work, so that in some counties the vote was carried for prohibition under the local option law.
The Conference of this State held its annual meeting in Atlanta, at the First Church—Rev. C. W. Hawley’s—from the 2d to the 5th inst., Rev. Jos. E. Smith Moderator, and Rev. S. E. Lathrop and Prof. S. B. Morse, Secretaries. Rev. J. R. McLean preached the opening sermon, upon the encouragement to run the Christian race from the example of Christ. It was a refreshing and edifying discourse, too much in earnest for an introduction, but made three points and stuck to them and stopped at the end. The preacher is a graduate of Talladega.
As a good example for other Conferences, one evening was given to addresses in behalf of the several Congregational Societies, with alternation of color as to the speakers, but not as to the speeches. Supt. Roy reported the anniversary of the A. M. A. and the St. Louis triennial, and gave an address upon the independence of our churches as related to their fellowship. Rev. P. Snelson and Prof. C. W. Francis led off on “Church Discipline,” President Ware opened on “The School and the Church,” showing their natural relation as evangelizers. A half day was given to a visit at the Atlanta University, and one evening to a sociable. Two “church houses” have been built during the year at Marietta and Cypress Slash. The Conference missed Rev. R. F. Markham’s stirring way, but rejoiced in the coming in his place at Savannah of Rev. B. D. Conkling, whose transition from the moderatorship of the fortieth annual meeting of the Wisconsin Convention to a place in this humble body did not appal him. His sermon at the University was greatly appreciated. His combination of pulpit and business talent will find full scope in this work. _The Atlanta Constitution_ gave a report of the Conference each day.