Our new church is getting on nicely. The outside is nearly finished, with the exception of the belfry, which I hope will be done this week. The work has been carried on strictly with reference to economy as well as to the finish, and yet it is so well done that it is simply beautiful. Almost everybody has something to say about the church. One says, “You are going to have a nice church, and your church will be well attended when it is done.” Another says, “This is the greatest thing the colored people ever accomplished in Florence.” I am constantly greeted by my white fellow-citizens with, “You are going to have the only modern church in town;” and they visit the scene of the building to watch the progress of the work and speak friendly of it. A gentleman who lives in Fryar’s Point, Miss., and belongs to one of the first families here, has just asked me to let him look at the plan. He said, “This is going to be a credit to the town.” I have put on a large portion of the first coat of paint myself. The people have made great sacrifices to build their house of worship. I don’t believe that the same number of members in any church North could have done better with all the discouraging circumstances. They have struggled hard to help themselves, giving when really they needed it at home. We shall need a bell and pews, also a communion service, and money to buy paint for the finishing of the inside and out. Who wants to help those who help themselves? * * * * * Letter from a Student—Vacation Supply at Mobile. J. W. ROBERTS, TALLADEGA. Our protracted meetings lasted during three weeks. The Holy Ghost has given us five souls for our hire; besides He has warmed up our hearts with His sacred love as a church. I am thankful to Him that my health is kept all right. Since and during our revival our audiences have been steadily increasing both at afternoon and evening services. There is also an unusual interest in our Thursday praise meetings. In short, the “fold” is in a good condition if the shepherd will come soon. * * * * * AFRICA. * * * * * THE MENDI MISSION. Annual Meeting of the Missionaries—The Board of Counsel and Advice. The annual meeting of the Board of Counsel and Advice of the Mendi Mission was held in the Good Hope Chapel, at Sherbro Island, July 14, 1879. Rev. A. P. Miller presided, and Dr. Benjamin James was elected Secretary. The Moderator made the following introductory remarks: Before we proceed to our business, you will please indulge me with a few preliminary remarks, inasmuch as we are about to enter upon that part of our missionary work which will tell most plainly to the civilized world as to the wisdom and good judgment of colored missionaries in devising plans for the furtherance of a work of so great importance, sacredly intrusted to our care.