The most interesting feature of the work of this year has been the very deep religious interest which began soon after the Week of Prayer and which has not passed away.  Special services were conducted for several weeks by President Woodworth, and the feeling was strong and earnest.  It has been a quiet work, but it is believed that it is deep.  Between fifty and sixty expressed a determination to live the Christian life.  One of the most helpful features in the Christian work of the school is the Covenant for Christian Service, a pledge somewhat similar to the Christian Endeavor pledge, though there is no organization.  Over one hundred have signed this covenant within the past year.  The school is growing rapidly; its outlook is most hopeful.  It is already cramped for room.  Every recitation room has been full, and many crowded, this term.  One class had to overflow into the chapel.  Between thirty and forty girls who wished to come were obliged to stay at home because the Ladies’ Boarding Hall has been crowded to its utmost capacity.  A new one is very greatly needed.

* * * * *

WORK AT HAMPTON.

REV.  H.B.  FRISSELL.

You will be glad to know of the missionary work that the students are doing in the community.  Our graduates have started a Young Men’s Christian Association in the town of Hampton, hired rooms, chosen one of their number secretary, paid a large part of the expense out of their own pockets, have fitted up the rooms prettily and made an attractive, pleasant place for the young men of the town.  They have social, literary, musical and religious gatherings there.  A boys’ club has been started in connection with the Association.  The colored pastors have became interested in the work, and take turns in conducting the Sabbath afternoon prayer meeting in the rooms.

Our Holly Tree Inn, on the school grounds, is now in active operation.  It is under the direction of our school temperance society.  Coffee and rolls are furnished for five cents, with a pleasant room and open fire in winter.  The result has been that some of our students who used to be tempted into saloons and doubtful places, find a comfortable, pleasant room on the school grounds where they can get what they want.  We consider it a valuable object lesson, to the students, of what they can do at their own homes.

The work of the students in the Sunday-schools about is continually increasing.  The school at Slabtown, started by the students with twenty scholars, had over a hundred last Sabbath.  The school-room given by a generous friend in New York is fairly ready to burst with its living contents.  During the week, teachers and normal school scholars go out and teach the women and children how to sew.