There is a work to which I have called the attention of the Clergy and the Laity, and that is the instruction of the convicts on the State farms. About eighty percent of them are colored, and no systematic attempt is made to secure religious instruction for them. I have made two visits to one of the farms, but was unable to undertake regular ministrations. It is a work that zealous, consecrated laymen might well undertake, and they would receive the co-operation of the authorities. If this could be done, and occasional visits by the neighboring Clergy could be given, much good would undoubtedly be done to these unfortunate men and women.

(Source: The Rev. William Walker, Report of the Archdeacon for Colored Work, 1894 Journal of Convention, 144)