The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1888-06-19
Graduating Exercises-EIeven New
Preachers.

Kawaiahao Church was filled Sunday
night week, by large audience chiefly
of Hawaiians, who came to listen to the
graduating exercises of eleven young
preachers who have completed four
years, course Of study in the North Pa
ciic Mission Institute, under the care OF
Rev. G. M. Hyde, D. D., assisted in the
work Of instruction by Rev. H. H.
Parker, the pastor OF Kawaiahao Church.
The young men with three FELLOWSHIP
dents, undergraduates, making fourteen
in all, were seated upon the large plat
form with their teachers and two Ha-
waiian pastors who had assigned parts
in the exercises. The appearance and
bearing Of the young men was that OF
cultured and civilized gentlemen, in
higher degree than in any similar class
we have ever seen in former years.
Four speeches were made by selected
members of the graduating class, OF
about six minutes each, Of course in the
native language Their topics were
theological, evidently assigned to them,
and ali relating to the Holy Spirit. All
evinced thoughtful study, and careful
statement, not devoid of practical appli-
cation and sound feeling upon their i'm
portant themes. AS usual with Ha-
Waiians, their delivery was vigorous and
animated. To the foreigners present
familiar with the language this portion
nj
ing and attractive, not tedious as some
times, as the judicious principal had
secured rare brevity and conciseness.
Four musical selections in Hawaiian
were rendered with excellent force and
feeling by the fourteen young men, sup
ported by two of Berger's band. 1t is
encouraging to see our young pastors be-
ginning their work with so much musical
culture.
A public examination of these young
men was held on the Wednesday pre-
vious, in the subjects of church history,
exposition of several psalms, pastoral
theology, and Christian doctrine. Thor
oughness of instruction was shown, and
marked progress in the school from pre-
vious years. Those familiar with the
school are assured that it is steadily and
strongly advancing in all respects. The
men now going out are many of them
already called to pastorates in native
churches; it is hoped that suitable locs-
tions for all may soon be secured. The
position of Hawaiian pastor is usually
humble; his support is meagre; ne often
becomes disheartened. He needs the
encouragement and active support OF
white Christians in his vicinity; he
should have frequent visitation and help
from white missionary workers, if such
there were to incite and inspirit him.
But with all their drawbacks, the work
OF these humble native pastors is OF ines
Unable value, both spiritually and ma
terially, to the population of these
islands, keeping alive the sacred flame
of spiritual life in multitude Of other
wise heathenized souls.
In maintaining this important work,
the N. P. M. Institution is the chief
agency. Dr. Hyde has wrought therein,
now for eleven years, ably, patiently,
and with very great success. large
class of new students is promised to take
the places of those now graduating. The
institution, like all others, needs ire
quent help, and requires some expendi-
ture. The Hawaiian Board have form-
ally approved of DR.. Hyde's present
effort to raise money for the erectionof
new buildings to replace the old, dilapi-
dated, and ill-adapted structures which
have hitherto poorly accommodated the
school. He has already secured 81 800,
and needs several times that amount.
9 K r