The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1859-10-08
LETTER FROM REV. AMOS GERRY
BEMAN.
HARTFORD, Sept. &c, 1859.

MIR. EDIToR:-How impressively will
the fact present itself to the mind that we
live in a changing world, ON visiting place
with which we have been familiar, after an
absenceeof months or years. This thought
did take possession of my mind on Sat
urday evening, the 23d inst, as 1 whirled
into this city in the cars from New York
But few years since, and literally took
"my staff lin my hand" in Middletown,
Conn, and came here on foot, passed an
examination, received line, according to
law" which enabled me to preside over
district school, and to that work addressed
myself with all the energy and ardor of
fresh hope. What changes have taken
place since that morning do not speak
of the changes which the eye everywhere
recognizes in the aspect of the eity-its al.
tered streets, its magnificent stores and pub.
lie buildings, its princely private mansions,
and gorgeous churches--these are all
around US in all the stately grandeur and
architectural beauty which boundless
wealth, and intelligence, and pride can dis
play; but my thoughts are of the changes
which have taken place among those with
whom my lot is cast.
More than thirty years ago some of the
colored people Of this city commenced the
work of self-elevation,, improvement. and
advancement, by meeting together for the
study of the sacred scriptures, and for rel.
gious nstruetion-meeting from place to
place, and at such times as their circum-
stances permitted. From this humble be-
ginning, the Talcott street Congregational
Church, with its substantial brick edifice,
sprung. The property has, since that
time, been much improved.
A generation has passed away. John
Blackstone, Joseph Cook, Primus Babcock,
Mason Freeman, Henry Foster, and Prince
Swan-those noble men, for they were
giants in those days"-have passed away;
and yet they live in the grateful hearts of
those who are now enjoying the fruits of
their labors.
None can enter the Talcott street Con-
gregational Church without being impressed
with the music of the sanctuary. The
beauty and sweetness of this part of the
divine worship, which the choir SO appro-
priately perform, impressively falls upon
the heart, and carries the mind back to the
days and to a remembrance of tue long
continued labors of Mr.. Prince Swan, who
for SO many years devoted time and talents
to the Improvement of the colored people
in a knowledge of sacred music. The
choir more than maintains its former glory
under the efficient management of its pres
ent able chorister, Mr. Samuel r. Freeman,
assisted by his most excellent lady, who
presides at the melodeon.
There is much musical talent and scien-
tifc cultivation in Hartford, as its weekly
performances abundantly show. From the
commencement of their labors in the work
of self-development, the people o f this city
have made earnest efforts, and spent much
money ana time for the accomplishment Of
an object SO noble and praiseworthy. For
years they have had day-school, and
much of the time both male and female
teacher have been employed for the in
struction of their children. Their pulpit
has been supplied with an intelligent min
istry of both colored and white pastors.
Long will the name of Rev Hosea Easton,
whose powerful mind knew no superior
among the colored people of the country,
be remembered. For years DR.. j. W. G.
Pennington, Rev G. W. Gardner, and
Rev. j. A. Prime labored effectively to in
struct and build up this people, while per-
haps here were the best Sabbath School
and Bible classes to be found anywhere,
with score of able and efficient instructors
to lead them on in the pathway Of knowl
edge The improved social, moral, and
religious condition of the people prove thai
all these labors have not been in vain.
The high school of the city of Harti0fa
is now open for the admission Of properly
prepared colored youths. Some have Gu
tered, and others are to follow at the COLI
mencement of the next term.
The Zion NJ e. Church have hne aDu
neat place of worship, with an able anu
faithful pastor, in the person OF heV' -
Giles, who is leading his intelligent pe0Pi0
on in the cause of temperance, antl-slaVs''
missions, and every good work
/ I had the pleasure of presenting w
claims of the American Missionary Ass0''A