During the reading of the report, Rev. Evan Jones. missionary among the Cherokees, was introduced to the Convention, and with him a native preacher or exhorter, called O-go-na-ye. The president received them most affectionately by the right hand of fellowship, and it was very touching to every heart to witness the tears streaming from the eyes of our red brother, as he received the cordial welcome hand of the president. Though he understood not a word of the salutation, yet he felt the tender, but irresistible force of Christian love - nor did he weep alone. Hundreds felt the sweet delight of being one in Christ with the wanderer of the forest. The brother is a member of the Cherokee Council, a man of influence, deep piety, and expects soon to resign his seat as a magistrate, and be ordained as a minister of the gospel.

      The Cherokee church contains 230 native members. It may as well be said here, that on Friday brother Jones gave a brief account of his mission, and at the request of the body, he and O-go-na-ye sung [sic] a couple of Cherokee hymns, and the Indian related his experience, after which, the congregation rose and sung a missionary hymn, during which the Indian was deeply affected and shed tears of Christian sympathy; as he afterwards declared that his heart was melted to hear so many white brethren praising the glorious Redeemer. In reply to a question, he said he knew nothing of a God or Great Spirit before his conversion, not even the name or attribute, Brother Jones mentioned the case of one Indian now called John Wickliff who came 200 miles to inquire "what sin was?" He has since believed on the Saviour, and is now a preacher.

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      Later it was reported that the treasurer of the General Convention had received "...$8,000 from the Government for Indian education...."

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[From the Report on Triennial Convention, Richmond, VA, April 20-21, 1835, via The Baptist newspaper. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

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