The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-03-18

4 fREBDMBN'B 3 C0MMfSsI0N--STATBD MRETIhG OF
| THE PENNSYLVANIA BRANCH AT ST. LUKEs
| CHURCH.-The stated meeting Of the Pennsyl-
| yania Branch of the Freed mems Commission
Of the Protestant episcopal GhTron was as heid ,e
ture-room of ST.. Luke's Church, Thirteenth
| street, below Spruce. There was fair attend
and humane institution, the ladies, who are
always foremost in works OF mercy and deeds
of kindness, being in the majority.
The proceedings were opened with prayer by
the Rev. DR.. Morris.
On motion, Rev. Benjamin Watson was made
presiding officer, and Rev. Mr.. Moore Secretary.
The minutes of the last stated meeting were
The report of the Corresponding Secretary
was read and approved.
A statement of clothing, money, papers,
books, etc, received during the last meeting,
was read, showing an increase in donations
over that OF the preceding month.
The report of the Finance Committee for the
last quarter exhibited receipts from various
sources Of s735. There is now on hand balance
OF S2Sli
During the past month six applicants have
been examined for the position of teachers to
the freedmen, and were sent TO those sections
where the calls are most urgent
The report of the President OF the Pennsylva-
the Protestant Episcopal Church, was then
read as follows
AT the expiration Of another month I lay before
you brief summary of the Pennsyvania Branch,
The various officers of tue ASSOCIATION and their
aids have zcalously performed the duties assigned
them, and all have worked together harmoniOusly
with the single aim Of alevating the freedmen Of the
The Pennsylvania Branch has during this month
sent four teachers to open schools In two new places
Church Plttsburg, one by st. PauIs, Philadelphia
COMMUNICATIONS have been received asking for
teachers at four other new pointsNn Virginia, where
school, sen houses VIII be be gaIheG by the Gergymen OF
Six places in Delaware are named where as many
by are ts skfH ae %h4 aH Pi Bishop e
offered to do all IN his power TO further the design Of
wants of this district lying directly upon our own
borders, appear to nave been overlooked by the
phanthrOpSt until quite recently because the greater
colored population of the Southern Slave States pre-
sen,ed al more urgent claim upon Northern sympa-
ne fact that only few hours journey from this
ignorance Without the least means eag of edacsoH
within reach, seems to point us to this home duty.
white people, in, the lower co1nties of Della,
aid or moral Influence towards the education Of their
former slaves II Is hoped that the natives of that
in the cause as to enable this branch OF the Eps.
copal Commission to do something towards illumi-
The expense Of establishing new schools is greater,
and the work more complicated than in sending add-
tonal teachers 10 schools already opened. We were
requested by the Superintendent of the Church
miles from that city. at place called Tayiors Farm
where 40D freedmen were collected.
TWO teachers were sent down to Norfolk to occupy
to serve as churcG and school 6p1se 3eIiqbtad bS
the promise that educated persons OF their own race
would come and instruct them. Now the former
owner of the land TO whom the Government has not
yet restored it, claims that his permission must be
obtained before school for the freedmen can be
Not only do obstacles of this nature beset our abors
among the freedmen; but the letters OF the teachers
show the bitter prejudice they have to contend with
Going from circles of influence and homes of refine
nlent they find themselves socially tabooed because
they teaching the negro. Al Vicksburg our white
teacher is told by the clergyman that none of the
our cOlored teachers. new to the manners of ''our
southern brethren, are distressed that their errand
ofmercy TO their own race 80 unteelingly hndered
AT Richmond q colored teacher sent by this Branch
q Government " pd
to remain in the watingroom of the Station for the
next train but obliged to seek shelter from the
wintry wiRd among strangers, in strange city. A
wnte Isdy Tea eac1sr 1 for Whom we obtained GoyeTn-
nessee. and was obliged to pay nearly thirty dollars
ones, but were owned by Companies this must have
been mere pretext as the Government pays the road
All the above facts coming under. our cognzunce
Southern people not only against the coiored race
and their Northern friends, but even towards the
this moment indebted for their railroads and their
That our children must go forth TO this missionary
field willing to suffer like their Divine Master, scorn,
buffetngs and even death, is fact that it would be
wrong 10 conceal.
The report concludes by mentioning the
various places toswhich donations were sent,
and an account of the finances tor the past
month, expenses being principally for teachers
salaries) S5S5'92; leaving balance OF funds TO
the amount of $2Sl4'S5. The report is signed by
Isabella James, President.
Letters were read from different persons repre-
senting various sections in the South, and all,
although expressing pleasure at the progress OF
this Commission at their various places, yet
urging upon the people increased zeal in this
merciful work, and tor donations of any kind
which can in any manner aid or benefit the
poor and destitute of the freedmen, and be OF
use in elevating their moral and intellectual
standing in communities.
After the reading of the letters, short ad-
dresses were made by Rev. Phillips Brooks
Rev. Benjamin Watson, and Rev. Mr.. Moore
After some more business, the meeting ad.
iourned with prayer.
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SURVEy y-The