HISTORY OF OUR MISSIONS - (Continued)
EDINA
In our notice of Bassa Cove it was stated that the
missionary, Rev. A. P. Davis, preached also at Edina. In their
report of 1849 the Board state that Rev. John H. Cheesman had
been appointed to this station. They say, “He will itinerate among
the Bassas, by whom he is much beloved, preach to the Church at
Edina, and visit the destitute churches on the coast, inspect the
schools connected with our missions, &c.” 1 850. “Here the Board
have a flourishing station, with a school of about sixty pupils, all
under the care of brother J.H. Cheeseman. He employs a teacher,
while much of his time is devoted to the proclamation of the gospel
in the surrounding region. About ten miles up the Mechlin river he
has arranged for the establishment of a school, which was opened
some time last spring. ‘In this whole country, (he says), I find the
people every where anxious to have schools.”’ In 1851 the
missionary reported the baptism of nine converts, four of whom
were natives, and expressed himself as greatly encouraged at the
prospects both of the church and the school. 1852. Continued
prosperity and encouragement. Baptized a native who could not
speak English, but “gave evidence in his own vernacular, that he
was bom again.” 1853. After a most discouraging season, arising
chiefly from wars among the natives and colonists, there had been
a gracious revival, four had been baptized. The Sunday and day
schools well sustained. 1854. “Several had been baptized, (during
the year,) at this station, but the precise number is not reported.”
1 855. “The schools at Edina and Buchannon are very encouraging,
and number over eighty natives, americans, or liberians. The
natives and americo-liberians blend freely together, which must
eventually be productive of great good, especially as native youths,
when properly treated, become very proud of being able to live
after American fash, as they term it. Ten baptized.
Edina is a very important field, and is constantly increasing
in interest. Patient and persevering labor is necessary in preparing
the ground and sowing the seed in such a community, but the
influence already exerted gives sure promise of large results if our
efforts are perseveringly continued.
MONROVIA
