The Tillotson, at Austin, Texas, has taken to itself a church organization. This was effected on the first Sabbath of the year--a very interesting occasion. Superintendent Roy and Rev. Jeremiah Porter, spending his second winter in Austin, were present to assist the pastor, Rev. J. H. Parr, who, with his wife, united in the organization. It consisted of twenty members, half of them teachers and half students. Principal W. L. Gordon and wife presented their two little children, born in the Institute, for baptism. Mr. Gordon and Mr. R. F. Ferrell, a student, were ordained as deacons by prayer and the laying on of hands. Mr. Porter offered the prayer of institution, and broke the bread at the communion table. This venerable servant of God had just passed his 80th birthday. His golden wedding will come next June. His multitude of friends will be glad to know that the United States Government, having put him upon the retired list as chaplain, is continuing his salary. Mrs. Porter is assisting the special missionary, Miss M. J. Adams, Professor Dean, and other teachers and scholars, in supporting two mission schools contiguous to the Institute. Miss Rose M. Kinney, a veteran in the service, is matron and preceptress. The Tillotson is moving on this year smoothly and successfully. A church in connection with these main chartered institutions is essential to their best Christian result. * * * * * Just a word with our ministerial readers. The heavy mail that daily comes to this office brings us occasionally a letter with some such words as these: "I preached to my people last Sunday an A. M. A. sermon, and as a result I send you a contribution which is larger than the church ever gave this cause before." Exactly, brother; let the people know what is wanted and why it is wanted, and then let them have a chance to give and they will meet the responsibility every time. Another letter brings us this: "A few weeks ago I preached a sermon on the work of the A. M. A. My congregation were so deeply interested in what I said they requested my manuscript for publication. Thinking you might be interested I send you a copy of the published sermon." Exactly, again. We were interested, and long before we had finished reading the discourse we understood full well why the people were interested. Another letter: "The Missions of the A. M. A. occupied our attention last monthly concert. I gave a bird's eye view of the whole field and then selections were read from the papers and addresses given at Salem. By this time the brethren were quite ready to turn on the streams of their own thought. We found it difficult to bring the meeting to an end. It was a great success. I propose to follow it up." Again, exactly. Missionary information when properly brought forward will make a meeting that for interest cannot be surpassed. It is one of the strangest things in the world that so