In the performance of our several duties in the second annual meeting of our Board, let us not forget that body of devoted men of the A. M. A., by whose unwearied zeal and toil means are procured for the furtherance and extension of this well-begun work. Let us not forget the thousands of Christian men and women who give of their means for the support of Missions, especially in Africa. Let us not forget the five millions of our own race in the South, from whom the shackles of slavery have been torn asunder, to whom Africa is now looking for the light of the Gospel and a Christian civilization, of whom we are the advance guards. Let us not forget that the problem of Africa’s future is now under solution and that we are the solvers. Our failure to arrive at a conclusion in her favor, as Freedmen, would bring everlasting disgrace upon us as a race, while on the other hand we should most shamefully wrong unenlightened manhood, whose blood would be required at our hands. As a slave, the negro served well his oppressors. As a soldier, he served well the cause of freedom and his country. The tyrant’s chain of oppression, which held five millions in bondage, has been broken, and to-day the grand duty as well as privilege of carrying light and life to his benighted brethren in his fatherland lies before him and calls him onward. It remains yet for him to prove himself a man in this important relation that he holds to his fellow-countrymen and to the world. In view of these great responsibilities incumbent upon us in this Council assembled, in the discussion and decision of matters of importance, may God, in mercy, so guide each one that he shall be unprejudiced and deeply sincere, as well as conscientious, throughout all these deliberations, with due regard to their bearing upon the interest of the benighted whom we come to serve and enlighten. In view of all these things, may each one give the weight of his influence to the furtherance of our work, exercising patience and charity one toward the other. Committees were appointed on the various interests of the Mission, while the subject of the extension of the work was referred to a committee of the whole. The _Committee on Church Work_ reported forty-four members in the church at Good Hope Station, one having died during the year; seven infants baptized; attendance on services good, and showing earnest desire to hear the Word; advance in the Christian life of converts; prayer-meetings valuable. Some persons, under watch and care, will be received to membership as soon as legally united in matrimony. At Avery there are forty-one members; under watch and care, three adults; eleven children baptized. Increasing willingness on the part of the people to attend church, and growing interest in the cause of Christ give encouragement. At Debia, Mr. Goodman conducts religious services on the Lord’s day. A chapel is hoped for here, books at Good Hope, and repairs of building at Avery.