The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1891-04-18
REV. J. S. RUSSELL.
Sketch of the Life of One of Virginia's
Leading Ministers.
His Work in the ST. Paul Normal and In
dustrial School atDLawrenceville,.
Cuts of Buildings, Resume of
His Works.


Cuts of Buildings, Resume of
His Works.
Our words are inadequate to express
our estimation of the Rev. J. S. Russell
in his work among the Colored people
of Lawrenceville, Va, where he has beer
engaged in mission work for upwards o
eight years, and we feel sure that were
his work known more extensively thar
it is known to those who are disposed tt
elevate the Negro, they would also place
a greater value on bis services and work
than either receive at present. From
trustworthy accounts we learn that IN
1872 Mr.. Russell entered upon his mis-
sionary labors in field the least en-
couraging in the world. Feeling, how.
ever, the responsibility of his calling he
began his work with less than two dozen
persons whose earthly possessions did
not amount to..one thousand dollars. The
first obstacle in his path for organizing a
congregation was place to hold service
in. Learning the earnestness of the
man and the needs of his little band of
followers, St. Andrews Church the prop
erty of a white congregation was tender
ed them for use. Considering how
much better it would be to have church
of their own than to depend upon the
caprice of those who lend, an appeal for
aid was made, and the necessary funds
were contributed towards the building
of a neat little church, which was start
ed in August '82 or about six months aft
er the organizing of the congregation. In
February of 'S3, the Cross of Christ hav-
ing been raised upon new field 10 bat
tie against sin and prejudice, the doors
of the little church were open to receive
the faithful.
Thankful to kind providence for
what he had been instrumental in bring
ing about, and feeling the need Of de-
cent place to take his lately married wife,
the young rector appealed to the friends
of the Church for rectory. With pa
tience and modesty becoming his station
tuo hOCIOT VI OG dul wv QUILL 10 OoO
name of his charge in Lawrenceville) APP
piled himself to rearing place for who
ever may succeed him in his ministra-
ton to the needs of docile and kind
hearted race.
The growth of the church having be-
come larger increased the needs of the
parish and stimulated the energy of
the rector who appealed again for a
mission school for those under his care.
The responsive chords having been
struck, the vibratory movements touch
ed the heart of the late DR.. Jas. Saul
who gave the school and its furniture.
From this school quite number has
gone forth to labor among their race.
In stating this much about the work Of
the rector in Lawrenceville it must not
be supposed that his labors are confined
entirely hereabouts; for besides minis
tering at St. Paul's he does so at St.
James, church at Sturgeonville and an
other at Diamond Grove which have
been built through his untiring efforts
for the upbuilding of a dependent and
worthy and yet ignorant people who
have learned to value his services and
counsel to them. At Sturgeonville
mission school is taught in the church,
and the youth are instructed in the prin-
ciples of the Episcopal Church while
given the rudiments of an education.
This school numbers over one hundred
pupils.
Thus far success having attended his
efforts Mr.. Russell ventured to put into
effect the object which has lain nearest
his heart all his life, viz, the establish
ing of his Normal and Industrial School
for the youth of this and other sections
of the country. In the fall of 'SS with
more faith than means. the purchase of
several acres with an old building was
made for the beginning of this much
needed work. Mastering his former en-
ergy he appealed to generous public
to aid him in his endeavors, and they
did not allow his cry to pass them un-
needed as he was enabled during the
next six months to have a school, libra
ry and dwelling for the accommodation
of the Normal scholars. . .....> Ga.
Indeed Mr.. Russell has sacrificed not
only time in teaching in the school with
out pay, but his salary also as missionary
to keep up the institution which he has
zealously labored to build up. Such is
the man and his work we wish to place
before the public that he and it may be
better known; for it is earnestly believed
that the philanthropic spirit Of the
Christian public will not suffer one so
deeply interested in the elevation Of the
Negro and so self-sacrifcing to fail in his
undertakings. Is %a@ a.s'.@ .ss%sT >..
>sa.....g H. E. BARNETT. b
AYOUNG AFRO'S LUCK. 49,. .-