I have had the work of building a new school-house, nicely furnished and very conveniently arranged, and have also been working up a church in a new field. The new building was built with means furnished by the A. M. A., and with such help as the people here could give, at a cost of $1,100. It is called the Dorchester Academy, from its Puritan history. First, the Pilgrim Fathers planted Dorchester in Massachusetts; then Dorchester, South Carolina; then Dorchester, Liberty, Georgia; and lastly, Dorchester Academy at Snelsonville, four miles on the Sunberry Road, from No. 3 A. & G. R. R. This was dedicated April 13 by Dr. J. E. Roy, Field Superintendent of the A. M. A. The address was rich and full of instruction. He dwelt principally upon the blessings of the family institution of home; the duties of the three divisions of the family in the relation which each sustains to the other. $50 was pledged toward the debt of $100 which was due on the new building. Judge E. Fulton (white) promised $5 of the $50, and made a very encouraging speech to the people. On Monday night Dr. Roy delivered at our church a lecture on “Our Country,” illustrated by his large map. This was a grand treat to all. The whites present expressed themselves as being highly pleased. Tuesday morning, the 15th, it began to rain, but ceased about 7 o’clock. Very soon ten buggies and one-horse wagons, well loaded with ministers, delegates and spectators, were seen on their way to a council of churches which was called to meet 14 miles N. W. of us to consider the expediency of organizing a church at Cypress Slash. The roads are quite level all the way, pretty much through a pine forest. All were highly pleased with the trip. Three churches were represented in the council—the Midway, Ogeechee and Savannah churches. Dr. Roy represented the A. M. A.; Rev. J. R. McLean was chosen scribe, and Rev. F. Snelson moderator. In reply to inquiries it was said that the community generally would look upon the movement with favor. They wished as soon as possible to have an intelligent minister sent to them, such as the A. M. A. would recommend, and they pledged to do all they could to support him. Fifteen persons were then baptized, 20 were received by confession, 28 from other churches—48 in all. A sermon was preached by Dr. Roy, from Rev. xxii 17: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” Scripture read by Mr. J. McIntosh. The ordinance of baptism administered and the prayer offered by Rev. F. Snelson. Rev. J. R. McLean gave a short address and the right hand of fellowship. Rev. R. F. Markham gave the address to the church, and Dr. Roy extended a cordial welcome to the fellowship of all the Congregational churches in America. Five deacons were then ordained, Mr. Markham offering the ordaining prayer of consecration. Several whites were present; one white lady, who assisted largely in providing dinner for our company. I must acknowledge this to be the first place