The American Missionary, Volume 34, No. 12, December 1880

This December 1880 issue of a long‑standing missionary periodical offers a vivid glimpse into the post‑war reform landscape of the United States. It blends reports on evangelical work with practical advice for families wishing to shape their homes with Christian values. The publication lists the association’s national leaders, showing its wide reach.

A report from Hampton describes a sudden surge of African‑American students, prompting the erection of new tents on campus for their lodging. Straight University’s law department is highlighted for its self‑sustaining program, now drawing most of its twenty‑three students from the white community. Fisk University’s enrollment for the first two months is the highest ever recorded since Jubilee Hall opened, signaling growing demand for higher education among freedpeople.

The issue also contains a call for subscriptions, explaining how a modest fee supports the distribution of moral literature nationwide. Editors stress that regular reading can lay a foundation for ‘right thinking and right doing,’ encouraging Christian patriotism and philanthropy. Listeners seeking insight into the social and religious currents of Reconstruction will find this volume a concise contemporary snapshot.