Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1882-03-06
One Million Dollars.

The Money Given by the Late Asa Otis
of New London for the Mission Work.
A Noble Memorial Hall at Madura-
Reported Great Help TO the MissiOna-
ries.
The late Asa Otis, of New London, it will
be remembered, made the munifcent bsquest
of about million dollars for foreign mis-
sions. The Missionary Herald for March
he appeared late in life, and gives the follow
ing account of the disposition of the funds
thus received, the opportune aid afforded by
the bequest, and a noble monument erected
for the mission work at Madura and named
in honor of this public benefactor:
At the time of his DEATH March 10, 1879,
Mr.. Otis was ninety-three years of age, and
during his long life he had been large con-
tributor to the American Board. The pur-
pose that the board should be the disposer
of his property was not formed suddenly, nor
in his old age. Understanding the nature of
the work in which the board is engaged, and
familiar in some good degree with its meth
DDS of OF Grafton, he determined years ago
that he would entrust to it's care the bulk of
his estate for the evangelization of the
world.
Many will recall, as among the specially
memorable incidents of their lives the sur
prise and gratitude awakened on the an
nouncemsnt of this large bequest. 1t was
felt at the time to be a remarkable deliver
ance in an hour of need, and from an unex
pected quarter But more and more as the
work has developed since the bequest has
been received has its providential meaning
and value been seen. Had not special deliv-
GRANGE come from some source serious
trouble must have ensued. For years pro-
cess of curtailment on mission fields had
been going on. Not only was advance i'm
possible, but diminished receipts had made
necessary the postponement of all purchase
of, or repairs upon, mission property. Some
of our missionaries were on the point of re-
signing, deeming it wiser to have the cost of
their maintenance given to the adequate sup
port of those who should remain. It was a
critical hour, but the God of missions knew
the need, and He knew also how to meet it.
He opened hidden spring and there came
forth full supply.
But beyond averting threatened disaster,
the bequest of Mr.. Otis has made possible a
most desirable advance in many quarters.
With funds in hand the board has been able
to provide necessary houses for many of its
missionaries and suitable buildings to meet
the needs of the advancing educational work
in different lands. The Theological Institute
other schools like those of Erzroom, Marash,
Pasumalai, Tung-cho, Kioto and Amanzim-
tote, institutions of great Importance for the
development of our missions, could not have
he'd the suitable edifces with which they are
now supplied had it not been for this legacy.
From this source our three missionary col
leges, Central Turkey, Armenia and Jaffna,
and the "Home'' at Constantinople have re-
ceived $780, 900, making not less than $780,
600 appropriated for higher Christian educa-
ton. The new and hopeful mission to West
Central Africa has been wholly maintained
from the portion of the legacy set apart for
new missions, and to the Same supply the
advance movements in China and into UNI
zila's kingdom in South Africa will owe their
origin and prosecution. No finite mind can
measure the blessings which this bequest has
already conferred and will continue to confer
upon the heather world during the years to
come.
We had hoped to be able to present, in
connection with the likeness of of Mr.. Otis, a
picture of 'sOtis Hail." Madura, Southern
India, but the photographs have not .yet
reached the Mission rooms. The building
was SO named by the people on the ground,
without suggestion from any quarter, out of
gratitude to him by whose benefaction its
erection was made possible. This comely
and substantial edifce for the use of the
girls school, is located in the midst of our
Madura mission, to be center of light for
all that region Of Southern India. On one of
its exterior walls are the words, ''All thy
children shall be taught of the Lord;'' on
| another wall, "The Kings daughter is all
glorious Within" on the third, 'tGreat shall
be the peace of thy children" On the
| fourth wall is the name Otis Hall. Gould any
man ask for a nobler monument"