Connecticut western news., 1885-06-24
[Foi H.e Connecticut Western Ne,cs.l MISSION WORK IN WESTERN NORTH
 CAROLINA.
Ry Rev William EK. Ellis.

III. THE pEKIN CHURCH (continued).
 During the past year I tried to alter nate between Troy and Pekin. It was difficult to do. I was not strong and 12 miles was more than I could walk. No colored person at Troy had horse and very few at Pekin had teams under their control It was a rainy year. A river and several creeks lay between and no bridges on the way. In dry weather creek will hardly run; during rain you may find the water in the wagon box, and must tuck up your feet. l have known of horse, buggy and all be- ing swept away. When you come to the river you must tie your horse, cross in "bateau' and walk the rest of the way. So I found it impossible to have regular appointments. My only way was to spend few weeks at each place and wait chance to ride to the other.
 Pekin was my choice. The parish extends nine miles. The people were intelligent and attended church regu- larly. The Sunday-school and temper ance band grew and fourished. The school did we'll and saw the promise of high school by and by, which is slowly being realized.
 But Pekin IS not healthy for me. Lying low on the creek, the water is bad; typhoid levers are common and chills and fever are frequent. l often had chills at church time and once ad- ministered the communion during one. In fact, I am taken sick at almost every visit to the place.
 Opposition grew and increased. A tempest ragged in every teapot, that white man should 'mess with the nig gers" Though paying an exhorbitant price for board, was no longer allowed to stay with the whites, but took refuge with Uncle Peter. On the day of his death I managed to secure lot for a new church. had carried $50 check for months, trying to buy an acre of land for q church lot, but no land was for sale, though prices range from $5 to $10. Every man who befriended me was abused and insulted. Only the few stood by me. Troy demanded much attention, and while raised @ corner at one place one fell down at the other. I saw that by settling at Troy and coming to Pekin occasionally could do more, with less opposition. So went to Troy and Powell and others took hold to build the new house, on the hill top. By and by an organ came; then enough was ralsed for bell. The house is not yet done though it has been used some time for church and school. The old one stands empty.
 I often go down to celebrate the com- munion and almost always receive mem- bers into the church. Last August 8 proiracted meeting resulted in the ad- dition of p members, and others added since make the present number 52 A young man of promise, James B. Smith, was licensed to preach recently and serves bu0 CuulCn oo PeoIOA onu tctCucI
 As we have no communion set, we use whatever comes to hand. Some times we have wheat bread; sometimes corn bread; sometimes biscuit, though unleavened bread is in general use I provide unfermented wine, which I pre- pare personally. Sometimes we pass the bread on book and the wine in a tea cup. Yet the service is as tender and as richly blessed as any I ever at tended.
 A few weeks ago young man who desires to enter the ministry was icens- ed to serve both churches during the vacation of both pastors. He preached his trial sermon in the morning. After short intsrmission we came together for his examination. The church paid the best of attention. As at the close of the doctrinal part drew out his mo- tiyes and purpose to stand to Gods word and preach His gospel in spite of all opposition the audience were deeply affected. The vote was taken to license; the solemn consecrating prayer was made, the elders of the church laying on their hands, and few earnest words of welcome and caution given amid many tears and sighs. An address by another who had just entered the min- istry in another church closed the day s proceedings. It was pleasure to note the attention of the audience and the quiet feeling manifested in place of the riotous meetings of four years ago.