The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-05-08
IN OLD MACKINAC.
Missionary Work Among Indians in.
Early Period of the Nation.

When the history of American mis-
siOns is finally written it is to be
hoped that due space will be given to
the heroic efforts on behalf of the va
rious Indian tribes which, through mi
grafton or other causes, ceased in time
and left no continuous work as living
monuments of the devotion of the
founders.
Among the heroes of this class was
the Rev. David Bacon, of Connecticut,
father of illustTious children and
ndchildren. He went forth in 1900
under the Connecticut Missionary So
ciety and worked first in Detroit
then at Mackinac island, at the juno
ton of Lakes Michigan and Huron,
and still later in New Connecticut
in Ohio. He was the first Protestant
preacher in Mackinac, and labored
with great faithfulness for the Indians.
His letters to Connecticut required six
weeks for delivery in summer, and
there was little or no mail in winter.
His salary was $3.50 a year, a sum,
as it proved on which it was impos-
sible for him to live; and the long de-
lays in communication with New Eng
land added to the trials inevitable to
work of the character in which he was
engaged.
Later the American board took up
the work on a larger scale. Ardent
young missionaries, just out of school.
sawed out with a WhipsaW the tinbers
church, which stands to this day
These young men wrought great good,
although it was good of which record
is mostly buried in missionary re-
ports or recorded only in heaven.
But the Indians moved on, the fur
trade ceased, the work at Mackinac
languished and in time was given up.
Then, after an interval of many
years, came a new population. The
fort and much of the island belonged
to the government, and in 1875 the
government land, exclusive of the
fort, became national park.
Then and in all the years since came
increasing numbers of summer resi-
dents. The old mission house became
a hotel, and the fur store where the
Astors accumulated wealth was con-
verified into a hosiery for visitors New
hotels and summer cottages sprang up,
and the quiet old village awOke annual
ly from its Information and in autumn
sank back again into its accustomed
lethargy.
Meantime the old church, erected by
the missionaries In 1885, had grown
more and more dilapidated, and SEEM
ed likely to disappear altogether But
a few Of the summer visitors, recalling
the history of missionary 1aborS on the
island, began a movement to save that
monument of almost forgotten fidelity.
The other guests responded to the ap-
peal that was made. A thousand dol
lars was raised. The church building
was repaired and made comfortable,
and arrangements We're made for seq
vices at least during the summer sea
son.
The result proved a blessing to all
who had part in it. It established a
new partnership between modern life
and the heroism of past service. 1t in
troduced into the life Of the summer
visitors an unobtrusive but effective ell
ement of religious feeling and aspira-
ton.
It may be true that in many places
religious work is impeded by thought
less summer visitors; but in many other
places it is greatly strengthened by the
coming of people of culture and of re-
source to feeble and depleted commun-
tiles. Blessed is the man whose sum
mer vacation has left behind him
happy memory of his visit and an abid-
ing evidence of his love of the best
things in the community where he has
Deen-Youth's Companion.