The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission (ABCFM) “decided to establish a school in this country to train the natives of non-European races to become missionaries to their own peoples.”
“It was set up in (Cornwall) because of the salubrious climate, the remoteness from city allurements, the excellent character of the townspeople, the persuasion of the pastor .. and the donations of Cornwall citizens.”
“In the ten years of its existence about one hundred students attended, including forty-three American Indians, thirteen Americans (white), and twenty Hawaiians; the rest mainly other natives of the Pacific, including two Chinese.”
“Support for the school was widespread, coming not only from the inhabitants of Cornwall, but from sympathetic donors elsewhere in Connecticut—and from Massachusetts and New York as well. Those who could not give cash gave clothing and provisions; in addition, the students worked at nearby farms to help support themselves.” (Mitchell quoted by Schutz)
A notable student there was ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia, who noted, “Our school is going on very regularly, and the scholars are making some progress in their studies. One of the members is become new born in Christ since he has been here, and I trust there is no small degree of happiness. He is now rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God”. (‘Ōpūkaha‘ia Memoirs)
“While, on the one hand, there were instances of a conscientious application to study and to all the means of moral and religious improvement, it was cause of regret, on the other, that some of the beneficiaries were indolent and inattentive to the regulations of the institution.”
“As to the studies, which have been pursued, they have been extremely various, according to the previous advantages and proficiency of the learners.”
“Reading, writing, English grammar, geography, history, rhetoric, geometry, surveying, navigation, natural philosophy, and the Latin and Greek languages have been taught …”
“… and as but few were pursuing the same studies, at the same time, the labor of instruction has ever been much greater than, in other circumstances, it would have been. (Report of the ABCFM, 16th Annual Meeting, 1825)
One student, referenced as Mak-oo-wi-he-na from Owhyee (the Island of Hawai‘i), was referred to as David Brainerd (named for the famous early missionary to the Native American Indians, David Brainerd).
“In tracing events connected with (his) life … we are led gratefully to adore that Providence, which brought him from his native heathen country to this land of gospel light. When he engaged as a sailor to come to this land, his object was worldly gratification.”
“Totally ignorant of the unseen hand that directed his course, and of the immense mercy designed for him, in the eternal purpose of God, he landed in New-York in 1819.”
“From thence he went to Boston. There, meeting religious people who manifested special friendship for him, he by their assistance went to West-Brookfield, Mass. to be instructed.”
“Here it pleased the Saviour, as is believed, to manifest himself unto his soul. From Brookfield he came to the Foreign Mission School, in the summer of 1822, retaining still his religious feelings. In Aug. 1823, he was received into the church in Cornwall, and baptized by the name of David Brainerd.”
“He has been studious, and diligent in duty, his deportment amiable, and his life such as becomes the followers of Christ. He felt much for his countrymen, and expressed desires that he might communicate the gospel to them.”
“His teachers and the friends of missions, indulged a hope that his pious desires might, in due time be gratified. But infinite Wisdom has not thus ordained. In the course of last Winter, he was arrested by disease which proved to be the consumption (tuberculosis).”
“He submitted calmly, and interceded with God for his country. His mind was serene in expectation of death, and his christian hope remained steadfast to the end. While on the bed of languishment, he, like Obookiah, prayed and conversed upon religion with those around him.”
“On the day of his death he took affectionate leave of his companions, and resigned his spirit into the hands of his Saviour.” (The Guardian & Monitor, June 1825) Mak-oo-wi-he-na – David Brainard – died April 6, 1825.
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