EDINA
Letter from Rev. J. H. Cheeseman
EDINA, April, 29, 1858
Rev. J. B. Taylor, Richmond, Va:
Dear Brother — Your favor of Feb. 16 reached me on the 28th inst., and really you cannot
imagine the pleasure it afforded me to hear that my brethren in America are prospering in the
Lord and becoming more interested for their brethren in this dark and benighted land. I have
often thought that if I could meet with a few thousands of our brethren in their churches and set
before them the true condition of the thousands of benighted heathen around us, their ignorance,
degradation, superstition, &c\, &c., they would make any sacrifice to ameliorate their condition.
I have recently travelled and preached to several congregations of natives. Up to April
1st., the close of first quarter, I had preached 12 times to natives, delivered 30 lectures and
sermons to Americo Liberians in Edina and Bexley and 2 sermons to mixed congregations at
Vonbrunsvilla, id est, Natives and Liberians. At La Kbe's and Kaitu's towns I felt very much
encouraged and hope that good will result from the discourses preached. Perhaps it will be as
gratifying to you as it is to me, to know that one of my young men, Z. B. Roberts, has been
called to the Pastoral care of the Church in Greenville, Sinou county. He was to me a valuable
assistance and I regretted that he had to leave, but since he left I have become fully satisfied that
it was so ordained of God. From last advices from him, April 19th., 14 had been added to the
Church by baptism, and three others waited to follow their Lord in baptism. I am now alone as
preacher. My young men aid in prayer meetings, &c., &c. They promise to be useful to our
cause. The School in Edina now numbers 56 scholars. Mrs. Cheeseman is quite anxious to get a
supply of elementary books. As I do not believe that Misionaries ought to be idle I make it a rule
to teach when I am not preaching or performing pastoral duties.
I have laid before brothers Day and Yates the amount necessary to defray traveling
expenses, but can hear nothing from them. Much more could be accomplished if the means
could be had. I now travel at my own expense, and indeed, I have to do more than my salary
warrants; and, if the pay or support received from the Board was the only incentive to action, I
should long since have given up, but I trust my only object is to glorify God and love souls.
My little Church, now numbering 51 members, is in a healthy state. The means of grace
are not as regularly enjoyed as formerly, as I am often absent on tours among the natives. Bro.
Neyle, one of my first young men and who is teacher in Buchanan, does what he can to aid by
conducting prayer meetings and superintending S. School. One of my native pupils, John Nio, is
an interesting youth. As a young Christian he is very consistent. He reads well in English and
Bassa and is studying geography, history, &c., &c.
His Excellency, President Benson, visited our School a few days ago, examined some of
the classes and expressed himself as well pleased with their progress.
