Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 374

336

What I have Seen in Shanghai.

JUNE,

"Hitherto their attention has been directed mainly to the study of the language; yet preaching has been regularly maintained since the first of January 1849, in a chapel connected with their residence. The attendance has been variable; for some months past it has increased. Their residence being within the walls of the city, although attended with some sacrifice of personal comfort, secures to them the acquaintance of many who otherwise might be inaccessible. In their walks in the country, the missionaries also often find opportunities of imparting instruction. Many and discouraging as are the obstructions to the success of their efforts, they have the satisfaction of be lieving that their incipient labors have not been in vain. A few have given evidence of faith in Christ; one has received baptism, and appears to be growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

The mission from the Southern Baptist Convention has been re- duced by the return to America of the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Toby, and to Canton of two of the native assistants, and by the exclusion of one of the three converts baptized last year. But notwithstanding these things, the mission has continued its labors, extending its influence by preaching, by schools, and by the distribution of Christian books. It has two free day-schools one in the city near the South gate, num- bering twenty-three pupils, and one over fifteen miles from it, having twenty-two pupils: among these there are a few girls. Near the school in the country, the mission is building a brick house, about 22 feet by 40, in gothic style, designed to be used as a chapel and school-house : it has two small rooms connected with it, so arranged as to afford a convenient temporary residence for a missionary. Residing there, in the midst of a dense population, and in connection with the school, the missionary will enjoy excellent opportunities for reaching the na- tive families; preaching is maintained there.

Within the walls of this city the mission has two chapels : in the old one, situated on the scuth of the Chinghwáng Miáu, there is preach- ing three times each Lord's day, and once on each Tuesday and Fri- day, and occasionally at other times in the week, especially in the evening when the people, being at leisure, can be most numerously assembled. The new chapel, the most conspicuous object in Shanghái, is situated on the east side of the Chinghwáng Miáu; preaching twice each Lord's day and once on each other day in the week, the auditors averaging from 300 to 700. This new house, called CHURCH CHAPEL, or Singhwui Táng, was opened March 3d with appropriate ser- vices before a very large assembly. The funds for its erection ($5,500) were collected by the Rev. Mr. Shuck among the Baptist churches in America.

The new church, built under the direction of the missionaries of the English Church Missionary Society, was dedicated January 4th, the Rev. Mr. McClatchic officiating, assisted by the Rt.-Rev. Bishop