Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-29
ArR1oA,s Nrw EIsRoP.
He Tells the Church People of Savan-
nah What His Country Needs.

He Tells the Church People of savan
nah What His Country Needs.
The visit to Savannah of Bishop Fergu
son, who was consecrated Episcopal Prel
ate for Western Africa few days ago, il
an event which not only has been regarded
with interest by people ofthe colored race,
but by Episcopalians generally.
The now distinguished colored divine
was born in Charleston, 5. g., and went
as an tlliterate boy when about years OF
age to Africa, where he was converted
aud educated and was finally ordained
to the priesthood. He showed him
self to be an earnest and faithful
servant in his masters vineyard. Yester-
day morning he delivered a sermon at St.
Stephens EpiscOpalChurch, colored, which
was attended by a large congregation.
Among those present were several white
persons. The morning prayers were read
by the rector, Rev. John j.. Andrew.
Bishop Ferguson took his text from the
Acts of the Apostles, l., 3, which reads:
But We shall receive power, after that the
Holy Ghost is come upon you: and We shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea, aud IN Samarla, and unto the utter
most part OF the earth.
As he advanced TO the pulpit, to an
nounee the subject of his discourse, it was
observed that he was spare built man Of
medium height, with high forehead.
His complexion, though not tnat of a pure
black, was similOr TO that Of dark mu-
lattO, or of a Malay. His moustache and
beard is straight, his head cover
ing being comparatively narrow.
He impressed his listeners as that Of
man who was positive, earnest and truth
tul, but not egotistical. While speaking
ne used few gestures, and there was aD-
naTRntIV n 10
words or by tone of voice or by posing to
create an effect. He seemed to forget
himself in his theme, and by flow of
language that was marked for its sim
plicity, yet elegance Of diction promptly
interested and held the attention OF the
auditors.
There is one popularity about his use
OF the rising infection which, though not
disagreeable to the listener, cannot fail to
be observed. 1t ls common TO many
speakers who were educated in the Eng
llsh schools, and probably would attract
little attention among English-speaking
people any where but in America.
The speaker went on to say that the
words of the text embodied the promise
which Jesus made to the apostles. He
had commanded them not to depart from
Jerusalem, but to wait for the PROMISE OF
the Father. He had told them shat it
was not for them to know the times or
the seasons which the Father hath put
IL his own power, but ye shall receive
power; after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you" In this way the Bishop
showed the necessity of being aided by
the Holy Spirit in order to carry ON Gods
work. and then he went on 10 explain how
imperative were the words of Jesus when
He said we shall be mot may be wit
nesses unto me. Where? Not onty in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Sa-
maria, but unto the uttermOst part Of the
earth. The speaker concluded his dis
course by cOunseling his listeners tosbe
faithful witnesses unto Christ.
In the evening ats O'Clock services we're
held in Christ Church, with the rector,
Rev. Thomas Boone, officiating. The
nam body of the church was occupied by
Il large assemblage of white persons.
while nearly all the seats in the galleries
were occupied by colored people. At thee
of the prayers, Bishop Fergu-
son remarked that he presumed his listen
ers had come 10 learn of the ''watchman
what of the night" 1t was night in
Africa, he said, though there was a CLEAN
Of light upon the western coast. He then
gave description of a heather village,
where there was no civilization and no
Bible; where the ''DeVil DOctor,D as
he was called, annually caused the sacrI-
flee OF thousands of lives in the practice
of witchcraft. A description of the
villages occupied by negroes who had
been converted to Christianity was then
given, and the comparison produced pro-
found impression upon the auditors. The
address was concluded by an appeal to
Christians TO show deeper interest in mis-
sion work in Africa.
Mr.. Boone remarked to the congre-
CATION that when missionary work in
Africa had resulted in educating
and qualifying color man to be worthy
Of receiving the unanimous vote
Of American Bishops TOR the
office Eot Bishop of Africa
there was no reason why any one should
feel discouraged or that aid to missionary
work should be withheld.
At S O'Clock the Bishop addressed a
large congregation at St. Stephens
Church. Every seat was occupied, and
among those present were a number
of white persons representing the
best people OF Savannah. The adj
dress was quite lengthy, and was
generally regarded as far superior to that
delivered in Christ Church. Bishop Fer
guson will leave the city tomorrow morn
ing for Charleston.