Birmingham by J.A. Bryan

Notes: “God has continued His blessing on the work being done in the name of His Son in the Birmingham District during the year among the foreigners. “First. The work of the organized Italian Church has made real progress. Fifteen grown persons have been added to the roll of the church on profession of faith in Jesus, double the number received last year; two by letter. The seed, which is the word, is being faithfully sown in the hearts of these children. Rev. Angello Mastrollo has been the pastor for the year, but has accepted other work in Pennsylvania. His salary, $75 per month, was paid by the General Assembly’s Committee. Rev. E.E. Washburn, a graduate of Union Seminary, has been studying the Italian language for two years, and takes up the work as left by Rev. Angello Mastrollo. The church has a resident membership of twenty-seven, the Sunday School has an attendance of thirty-eight. “Second. In connection with the work of the organized church at this point, we have under God two day and one night school at this point, we have under God two day and one night school. One (day school) is a splendid kindergarten work. The kindergarten conducted in the Settlement or Mission House has had an enrollment of fifty children, thirty-three in attendance; four nationalities. In the department Miss Rebecca Painter has prayed, sung, taught, visited. The children are very bright. They memorize verses and the Child’s Catechism rapidly. Her salary, $25 per month, is paid by Assembly’s Committee. IN this same building Miss Flora Dubose has a room of large Italian children, twenty-five in attendance regularly. The Bible is the chief text-book. The children in both of these rooms are interested and attend more regularly than in previous years. The parents are more interested and aid in their way the teachers. Miss Dubose is paid $25 each month by local Presbyterian Church societies. “Third. The Night School—Miss Agnes Averyt is the faithful teacher. She teaches the boys and the men English, but the main object is to lead them to Jesus. She meets the class three evenings each week. Thirteen in attendance. Her salary, $13.20 per month, is paid by the ‘Steel Corporation.’ “The sewing and cooking school classes are well-attended and good work is being done in this department of the work. Needed repairs have been made on the building, needed painting has been done. “Fourth. The Pratt City Mission Among Foreigners—This work is conducted in a comfortable rented building. Miss Ramelle Anderson is the patient teacher and missionary. Her salary, $25, is paid by the Assembly’s Committee. Here is a splendid day school of twenty-five pupils, Sunday School of thirty. This is a very needy district. Impressions are being made for Christ, characters made. “Fifth. At Thomas Furnace we have just begun the work of having an afternoon Sunday School among the Italian children. This is seed planting time at this station. A worker for every day in the week is needed here. The Sunday School numbers thirty-one.” JAB
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