Robert W. Woodruff
Library
EMORY UNIVERSITY
Special Collections & Archives
REV. W. H. MIXoN, L>. D.
HISTORY
OP THE
African Methodist Episcopal Church
I IN ALABAMA,
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BY
REV. W. H. MIXON, D. D.,
SELMA, ALABAMA,
Member North Alabama Conference, Author "Methodist Luminary/' "Broken
Chain," etc., etc.
WITH
INTRODUCTION
BY
RT. REV. HENRY McNEAL TURNER, D. D.. D. C. L.,
Senior Bishop of the African A. M. E. Church.
ILLUSTRATED.
" Of Making Many Books There is no End(Ecc. 2:12.)
J*
NASHVILLE, TENN. ;
A. M. E. CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION*
1902.
Entered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1902,
by W. H. Mixon.
BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN.
Organizer of the A. M. E. Church.
RT. REV. H. M. TURNER, D. D., D. C. E.
Senior Bishop of the A. M. E. Church.
INTRODUCTION.
This little volume purports to be an epitomized
sketch of the organization, increase and present status
of the Alabama Annual Conferences of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, which is intended to not
only serve the wants of the present generation, but of
generations which are now sleeping in the womb oil
the future, and which will serve the church historian
in the ages to come, by furnishing him with items of
interest, and through him, the readers of his produc¬
tion of events, circumstances, trials and ultimate tri¬
umph of many things that occurred before he was
born and possibly before his grandfather was born.
It embraces biographical sketches of such persons as
were prominently connected with the pioneer days' of
African Methodism in Alabama.
Rev. W. H. Mixon, D. D., not only puts the minis¬
ters of the Alabama Conferences under obligations to
him, but the lay members of the same, and, indeed, the
entire Connection; for he will be referred to through
our religious press and from the pulpits of our wide
spread church as authority, and lauded in the most
eloquent and chaste language that tongue can utter, for
preserving, even in paragraphic form, many of the
sayings and doing of what will then be known as the
7
8
INTRODUCTION.
fathers of our church in that State, as well as by con-
nectional historians. He has virtually resurrected and
given to the present generation, the names and achieve¬
ments of pioneers who would have been forgotten and
buried in the grave of oblivion.
The colored race, regardless of denominations and
political predictions, has the great fault of not record¬
ing events that should be memorable, and serve as an
inspiration to the junior members of the race. Had a
proper record been kept of the inventions, accomplish¬
ments and successes in church, science, philosophy and
literature, the Negro would have occupied a status in
the civilized world that would have eminently contri¬
buted to a recognition of his worth. But in that par¬
ticular he has been derelict, and we have suffered 'ac¬
cordingly.
The impression prevails largely in this country that
the black man is a human nonentity, and that he bears
the stamp of inferiority from his Creator, notwith¬
standing he has as' many bones, muscles, nerves, and.
indeed, organs and faculties that any other race upon
the face of the earth can claim. And nothing will
subvert and rid the country of this false estimate of the
incapacity of the black race, like noting events and cir¬
cumstances of merit in his career. Indeed, he has
reached a plain where the pen will do more in vindicat¬
ing his claim to manhood, and all manhood rights,
than any other pursuit.
As a field hand, his reputation is established, and in
the arena of carpentry, blacksmithing, painting, rock-
chiseling and shaping, and in all other mechanical em-
INTRODUCTION.
9
ployments, his power to manipulate and consummate is
well known. As a military factor in protecting the
flag of a nation, and sustaining its honor, we have
abundant evidence. Pen wielding, thought construct¬
ing, with system and mathematical precision, is now the
want of the Negro race. And every man who, like Dr.
Mixon, contributes anything in that direction, is' grad¬
ually showing the ability of the Negro to measure lit¬
erary arena with the rest of mankind.
Human action, let it be good or evil, is not limited,
but, to the contrary, is eternal. If they are presented
for others to imitate and emulate; but this cannot be
done, unless some one lifts them from the precincts of
obscurity, and throws upon them the flashlights' of ob¬
servation.
Bishop Alexander Wayman, of the African Metho¬
dist Episcopal Church, was not educated m the school;
was not polished in a class-room; did not have any ac¬
quaintance, even with English grammar. He was' a
F?elf-made man to the verv limited extent that he was
made, yet his forty years' recollection, and meagre
sketch of a number of ministers who figured in his day,
will give him a rank over such ministers as Rev. Dr. M..
M. Clark, Rev. Dr. Bius, of Philadelphia, Rev. Stro-
ther, Dr. John G. Mitchell, Bishop John M. Brown, D.
C. L., Bishop Ward, one of the finest orators in Amer¬
ica ; Bishop Campbell, the intellectual giant, that hon¬
ored every pulpit and platform he entered, and other
distinguished characters, who were contemperaneous
and far more scholarly than Bishop Wayman, simply
because he wrote for common posterity, and they failed
10
INTRODUCTION.
to do it. Historical facts, crudely presented, will give
a man a standing with posterity that will tower above
polished diction and exalted bearing, when no notation
has been observed.
We predict a large sale for this book, for every
young minister who expects to be anything, will desire
to supply himself with the knowledge of the work of
the fathers. And the laity who value their church, will
desire to read what it cost to establish the church of
their choice. Young men of the future will light their
torches at the fires kindled by Dr. Mixon, and drawing
inspiration from his example, will not only record the
deeds of this and future generations, but will write
systems of Theology, and possibly annotations upon
the word of God, as revealed in the Bible, with such
force and clearness' as will dissipate the mist and gloom
that now shades many questions, and leaves them in
doubt.
Trusting that the labors and sacrifices of the intelli¬
gent and industrious author may be crowned with suc¬
cess, and prove a blessing to the church, we take great
pleasure in introducing it to the millions.
H. M. Turner.
Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 17th, 1902.
DEDICATION.
to the memory of
My Wife, Elizabeth Jackson Mixon. and
My Little Boys, Win field Jackson and Henri Julian,
and my Beloved Moihek, Maria A. Mixon,
who left us to be with jesus in nineteen hundred
and two, and to the three
Annual Conferences of the State of Alabama,
is this Volume Affectionately and
Faithfully Dedicated by the
author.
" We shall meet at the river's brink, and there find, each broken
link."
11
BISHOP W. J. GAINES D. 1).,
Founder of Morris Brown College, Atlanta, Ga.; Presiding Bishop
Seventh Episcopal District, Alabama and South Carolina.
PREFATORY NOTES.
This is an age of research, reason, facts and conclu¬
sions.
Standing as we are beneath a cloudless' sky, with an
indexed finger pointing the way of culture, refinement
and historical data, in the social, political, commercial
and religious world, we feel to advance this volume, for
nothing can keep a man down when he has grit and
determination. Imprison him and he will produce a
""Pilgrim's Progress" on the twisted paper used as a
cork in a milk jug; take away his eyesight and he will
write a "Paradise Lost," as did Milton; or the "Cali¬
fornia and Oregon Trail," as did Parkman; or he will
become Postmaster General, as did Faucett, or will do
some of the thousand things achieved by man undis¬
mayed. It is as1 impossible to imprison energies as it
is to bottle up steam.
To die without giving to the world a brief history
and encyclopedia of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church in Alabama, would be to leave without com¬
pleting my mission. It is the aim of the author to in¬
clude facts, illustrations, together with general informa¬
tion concerning our moving forces.
We are not unmindful of the fact that the Negro
race has few historians. They date many things from
the object, the occasion and the happenings. Our
13
14
PREFATORY NOTES.
fathers dated things from the "day of the show," "the
freshets," "when the stars fell," and "when ihey moved
from this plantation to the other." To-day our sons' and
daughters call for historical references.
In presenting, this volume we beg the charitableness
of our readers if any omission should occur, knowing
it is not our purpose to make it an abstract book.
If in the school room or church this should serve to
inspire young men and women to write books', thereby
accomplishing something, I shall feel amply remuner¬
ated. We urge that if a public servant is lame, blind,
or anywise disabled by affliction, if his mind is1 pure, he
may be "shut in" but not excused. Jeremiah was in
prison, and could no longer go before the people; he
wrote messages and had them read. When St. Paul
was in prison, he continued to work for.the Master;
Bunyan wrote the "Pilgrim's Progress," while impris¬
oned ; Juds'on translated the Bible in Burmese language
while behind the iron bars; so there is no excuse for
those who can with voice and pen accomplish some¬
thing for God and humanity.
Familiar as I am with the work in the State, having
been connected with it all of my spiritual life, and hop¬
ing never to be divorced therefrom; having written thi
outlines' of the Third Annual Conference and now pre¬
paring the boundaries of the fourth, and fully believing
the interest my church will take in helping me to scatter
the contents of this volume, and praying the benedic¬
tions of the Holy Triune to guide my thoughts, words
and pen while thus recording the s'ame, and believing
the facts will help to fertilize the roots of the stem) of
PREFATORY NOTES.
15
the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alabama—
the land where "we rest,"
I am faithfully yours,
Winfisld Henri Mixon.
January 8, 1902. Selma, Ala.
' To hold one's self in harmony with one's race while
working out one's personal gift with freedom and convic¬
tion, is to combine the highest results of inheritance and
personal endeavor."
• *•••*«•••
"The chief significance of this work is that it preserves
for all time a chapter of humanity."
16
sketch of the author.
Winfield Henri Mixon was born April 25th, 1859,
in Dallas County, near Selma, Ala. His parents were
Andrew J. and Maria A. Mixon. His mother was
owned by Mr. Elijah Sanderson; his father belonged
to Dr. Mixon. There were eleven children in all;
seven of them are still living—four girls and three boys.
In young Mixon's early life his father sent him to Lou¬
isiana, where he worked on a farm for two years. Un¬
converted as he was in that wild country, he felt that
he would be a preacher and, therefore, practiced by at¬
tending the funeral of everything he found "dead or
dying.
In 1875 his father came for him. In 1876 he was
converted under the administration of Rev. B. Ghol-
ston on the nth of November; the same year he was
baptized and licensed to preach. Rev. W. D. Morton
was the Presiding Elder. On the nth of December,
1879, he joined the traveling connection at Huntsville,
Ala., Rt. Rev. J. P. Campbell, D. D., presiding Bishop.
He has been pastor at Decatur, Pratt City, Bailey Chap¬
el, Star of the East, Marion and Hamburg, Brown
Chapel, Montgomery and Columbiana. He has presided
over the Birmingham District twice-; Selma District,
Greensboro, Montgomery and Troy. Every district he
has served he organized so many churches that it was
17
18
SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR.
found necessary to divide his district into more than
the one over which he presided. A few of the churches
that he organized are now important stations and cir¬
cuits, namely: Avondale, Rosedale, Ensley City,
Blocton, Bessemer, Meltonville, Sheffield, Dolceto,
St. John (West Selma), Plantersville, Maplesville,
River falls, Andelusia, East Lake, Aldrich, Bethele-
hem, St. Paul, Gaines Chapel, Mitchell's Mill, Clanton,
and many others.
He led the way in organizing and building Payne
University, in 1889 and was its first Secretary and
Treasurer. Nov. 4, 1889, the school opened with
Prof. W. B. Johnson Principal; Mrs. Emma M. Gar¬
rett (nee Young), and Mrs. Josephine Shivers (nee
Burghees), teachers. The rapid development of the
school necessitated additional teachers. After the
marriage of Miss Garrett, Miss Laura E. Samuel and
Miss Cook were employed. Since then the fol¬
lowing teachers have rendered good service: Miss
Willie M. Mims, Miss E. A. Martin, Mrs. Alice Short-
ridge (nee Edmiondsori), Miss Mattie Ross, Mrs. Cora
Nero Moten, Mrs. Louphene Stone (nee Merriman).
Tfhe present Board is Miss L. E. Samuel, Mrs. Viola
W^alker, Miss Ruby A. Goodwin and Miss Ella Adams.
June 16, 1898, he was married to Miss Elizabeth
Jackson, lady principal of Wilberforce University.
She was the daughter of Rev. Thomas A. Jackson, D.
D. Bishops Turner, Salter, Arnette and Gaines offi¬
ciated. The marriage was short, but of happy dura¬
tion. To them were born Winfield Jackson and Henri
Julian Mixon. Winfield lived one year and sixteen
faKETCH OF THE AUTHOR.
19
days; Henri Julian, twelve days. Their mother left
to be with Jesus, Jan. 4, 1901. Their bodies rest it?
the East Selma Cemetery till the day of the resurrec¬
tion. She was the most cultured, refined, pure and
Christian woman that ever lived. His mother left
to join them Feb. 17th, 1902. If no others are in heav--
en, his wife, boys, mother and Jesus are there.
It was in 1897, when Wilberforce University con¬
ferred upon him the title of Doctor of Divinity. He
has been a member of the General Conference since
1888. He was a member of the National Republican
Convention at St. Louis, 1896; is at present a member
of the International Sunday School Convention. Made
a trip to Europe in 1901, and to Colorado, 1902. He is
President of the Executive Board of Payne Univer¬
sity. Dr. Mixon has traveled and lectured more than
any man in the State; he has not only a local but na¬
tional reputation, and is an acknowledged leader of
men. He is the author of "The Methodist Luminary,"
and ''The Broken Chain."
Sarah J. Duncan,
305 Franklin Street, Selma, Ala.
REV. M. E. BRYANT, D. D.,
Great Leader, Orator and Preacher.
CONTENTS.
pauk.
Chapter 1 23
Chapter II 25
Chapter III 29
Chapter IV 31
Chapter V 39
Chapter YI 43
Chapter vii 73
Chapter VIII 75
Chapter IX 83
Chapter X 93
Chapter XI 104
Chapter XII 109
Chapter XIII 123
Chapter XIV 126
Chapter XV 133
Chapter XVI 137
Chapter XVII 141
Chapter XVIII 147
Chapter XIX 155
Chapter XIX—(Concluded) 164
Chapter XX 172
Chapter- XXI 192
Chapter XXII 206
Chapter XXIII 217
BROWN CHAPEL A. M. E. CHURCH,
Selma, Alabama,
CHAPTER I.
In the year 1787, in the city of Brotherly Love—
Philadelphia, Penn.—the immortal, uncompromising
heavenly ordained Richard Allen, Jacob Tapscoe, Dan¬
iel Coker and some others met and formulated plans
for the organization of the African Methodist Episco¬
pal Church. No dreamer ever dreamed, no prophet
ever prophesied, that the results of such organization
would be as glorious as they are to-day.
The magnetic, graphic and poetical prophet Ezekiel
in his vision of the Holy Waters came near des'cribing
the length and breadth, height and depth of this our
Zion. Hear him! "He measured s thousand cubits,
and he brought me through the waters; the waters
were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand,
and brought me through the waters; the waters were
to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and
brought me through; the waters were to th," loins. Af¬
terward he measured a thousand; and it was a river
that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen,
waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed
over." (Ezek. 47:3-5.) So is this great church. No
living creature can describe its scope. The human
minds may dive into the stream of the African M. E-
Church and swim in every direction, but would return
to the brink of the river and report that the water is
23
24
AFRICAN METHODISM.
still deep. It was a holy spirit of freedom, love and
independence that led the pioneer Richard Allen, the
first Bishop of the Church, and his coadjutors to re-
s'ent the unrighteous and unjust discriminations of the
Methodist Episcopal Church against their black
brother.
In 1816, was the first General Conference of the Af¬
rican Methodist Episcopal Church, and on the nth day
of April, Rev. Richard Allen was' solemnly set apart
for the episcopal office.
CHAPTER II.
HISTORY OF BROWN CHAPEL.
The following are the words recorded verbatim et
literatim, as found in the first Quarterly Conference
Journal of Brown Chapel, when it was styled a mis¬
sion of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with¬
out the name, "Brown Chapel."
"An account of the organization of the African Meth¬
odist Episcopal Church in Selma, Ala., August 30,
1867, by Rev. John Turner, by consent of the Presiding
Elder, Rev. Dr. Mitchell having supervision of the col¬
ored members of the M. E. Church, South, in' Selma,
on the 30th day of August, A. D., 1867, after a sermon
by the Rev. John Turner, Superintendent of Missions
in the Louisiana District, in the absence of the Bishop,
and a full statement as to the privileges of the members
in view of the fraternal relations subsisting between
that church and the African M. E. Church, the Elder
suggested to the Church that as many as were willing
to unite with the African M. E. Church, signify it by
rising to their feet, after which the entire membership
rose to their feet. When the suggestion was made to
those who were opposed to the change which was being
made, there was not one, so that the church was re¬
garded as thoroughly and permanently received. After
a few remarks by the Elder and Rev. Godfrey B. Tay-
25
26
AFRICAN METHODISM.
lor, also Lewis Mitchell, one of the stewards, the con¬
gregation1 was dismissed in order by Elder John
Turner."
First official board of th^ mission.
Sflma, Ala., August 31, 1867.
"The Official Board of the African M. E. Church
(formerly of the M. E. Church) met in their place of
worship. The meeting was opened with prayer by
Elder John Turner, after which Brother Philip Smith
stated that one of the objects of the meeting was to take
into consideration the relation that the church had sus¬
tained to the Rev. McCrary as their former pastor,
etc. After a full and free interchange of views be¬
tween the brethren, Philip Smith moved that a com¬
mittee of two be appointed to wait on Rev. Mr. Mc¬
Crary and inform him of the change made by the
church, and invite him to be present with us at 3 o'clock
p. m., Sabbath September 1, Sacramental occasion.
Carried.
"Committee:
"Louis Mitchfli,,
"Cimbo JONFS.
"Moved by Buyannie Johnson that the Elder be re¬
quested to extend a cordial invitation to the church and
congregation to attend the quarterly conference on next
Monday. Carried."
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If
REV. JAMES W. WALKER, D. D.,
Pastor Brown Chaptl, A. M. E. Church, Selnia, Ala.
CHAPTER III.
ORGANIZATION OF A. M. E. CHURCH IN ALABAMA.
African Methodism sprang up in the city of Mobile
as far back as 1820, but was crushed by slavery. In
1864, Rev. J. P. Campbell, who was' afterward one of
the Church, and Rev. M. M. Clark, visited that city,
and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the name
of the African M. E". Church, In 1867, Rt. Rev. A.
W. Wayman, Presiding- Bishop of Georgia, appointed
missionaries to Alabama. As far as we have been able
to gather information here and there, the organization
was fully started in 1867 and 1868.
The early pioneers of this work were Revs. Lazarus
Gardner, Cain Rogers, (but Cain Rogers is now in the
M. E. Church), Peter Lipscomb, Harry Stubbs, R. B.
Bailey, F. H. Smith, G. B. Taylor, Louis Hillary, and
Jacob F. Crozier.
The General Conference sitting in Washington, D.
C., May, 1868, elected the Rev. Jas. A. Shorter, Rev.
Thomas M. D. Ward and the Rev. John M. Brown
to the episcopacy, and at the same conference set apart
Alabama as the 7th Episcopal District, and appointed
the newly elected Bishop John M. Brown to preside
over the same, making him our first Bishop, who
stamped his scholarly and classical elements upon everv
thing he touched in our early pilgrimage.
29
30
AFRICAN METHODISM.
On July 25, 1868, in Selma, Ala., the first annual
Conference was organized. The Rev. Louis Hillary
and Rev. R. B. Bailey were the first secretaries. At
that time we had 6 churches and 31 missions, now we
have — churches and — missions ; at that time we had
5,617 members, and now we have 57,000; cur churches
were valued at $5,350, now the value is $340,000.
Churches wTere then located at Selma, Eufaula, Ca-
haba, Greensborough, Florence and Opelika. At this
Conference we had five traveling Elders (now we have
), ten traveling- deacons and seven licentiates;
three of these Elders and nine deacons were trans¬
ferred from the Georgia Conference to Alabama., and
two Elders and one deacon from the Louisiana Confer¬
ence. Selma was the histoiical center of Alabama's Af¬
rican Methodism. From her went out the four Pre¬
siding Elder's Districts to do pioneer or mission work,
as if pointing to*the four cardinal points. The districts
stood then: Selma, Montgomery, LTnion Springs and
Mobile. They stand now, 22:
Alabama Conference : Montgomery, Union
Springs, Eufaula, Opelika, Old Columbia, Troy, Good
Water, Ozark.
North Alabama Conference: Birmingham,
Blockton, Florence, Montevallo, Huntsville, Bloss •
burg, South Birmingham.
Central Alabama Conference: Selma, Mobile,
Camden, Greensborough, Demopolis, ThomasviUe,
Greenville.
CHAPTER IV.
The Second Annual Conference of the A. M. E.
Church met in our Mis'sion Church in Montgomery,
February 20th, 1869, Rt. Rev. John M. Brown, Pre¬
siding Bishop. Our work in the State was then in its
infancy, as is shown that when the Conference was or¬
ganized, by the election of Rev. Rev. Jacob F. Crozier,
Secretary and Rev. J. Woolwin, Assistant Secretary,
and the roll was called, only twenty preachers, includ¬
ing all classes, reported. How. different is the statistical
report of to-day. The reader can make the contrast.
This was the blank used in those days :
On Finance—R. B. Baileyt G. Snowden, Cain Rog¬
ers.
On Education—J. Woolwin, Ira Mahone, Owen
Lypscome.
On Missions—Esop Smith, J. F. Crozier, Ira Ma¬
hone.
On Temperance—Levi Walker, Job Jette, Lazarus
Gardner.
On Book Concern—R. B. Bailey, W. H. Noble,
Regulus Person.
On Memoirs—H. Stubbs, W'. D. Mayo, L. Walker.
On Public Worship—R. B. Bailey, G. Snowden, H.
Stubbs.
31
Payne School, Selma, Ala. First Opening, November 4, 1889.
IN ALABAMA.
33
On Post Office—John Taylor.
On Sabbath Schools—Louis Hillary, R. B. Bailey,
Jacob F. Crozier, J. Woolwin, Ira Mahone.
On Letters and Petitions—W. H. Noble, J. Chil¬
dress.
On Admission' into Conference—H. Stubbs, E.
Smith, Cain Rogers.
On Orders—J. Woolwin, L. Gardner, W. H. Noble.
On Church Property Deeds and Homesteads—W.
D. Mayo, Ira Mahone, H. Byrd.
On Church Extension—W. H. Noble, J. F. Crozier,
L. Gardner, J. Childress, I. Mahone.
On Religious Denominations—J. Woolwin, G. Snow-
den, L. Hillary, Levi Walker, Job Jette.
On Statistics—J. F. Crozier, E. Woolwin, E. Smith.
On Contingent Money—Owen Lypscome.
On Missionary—L. Gardner.
On Bishops—Cain Rogers.
On Superannuated Fund—H. Stubb.
On Widows and Orphans—L. Hillary.
On Wilberforce—J. Whims.
On Deficiency—J. Jett.
On Bishop's Support—L. Hillary, J. F. Crozier, Levi
W alker.
Compare the above with the blanks, reports, commit¬
tees and the general machinery of an annual conference
of to-day, and one will quickly decide that everything
has its day.
The disciplinary questions showed that the follow¬
ing were admitted on trial: Mobile District, W. D.
Mayo, P. E., reported Thomas Winfield as having
been forrrally a deacon in the Zion connection for the
3
34
AFRICAN METHODISM
itineracy. Selma District, G. B. Taylor, P. E., re¬
ported George McClanahan, York Reeves and Lacey
Jones for the itineracy. Montgomery District, R. B.
Bailey, P. E., reported Dixon Morton, Louis Motley,
Benjamin Gholston, Nelson Morton, Joseph Carew,
Robert Carew, Wm. Gross, Charles Lypscome and
Hillary Dowdell for the itineracy. Union Springs
District, H. Stubbs, P. E., reported Martin Clarke,
Henry Blunt, Louis Mile, January Thomas, Nelson
Butler for the itineracy (local), Richard Hardaway,
Allen Hall and Thomas Persons.
Admitted in' full membership; Cain Rogers, Louis
Hillary, Levi Walker, G. B. Taylor and W. D. Mayo.
Deacons: Jacob F. Crozier, Thomas Winfield, Cimbo
Jones, Henry Byrd, Anthony Sharp, Gabriel Saltmarsh,
Butler Jacks'on, Owen Lypscome, George Hawkins,
Daniel Allen, George Snowden, A. C. Cunningham,
Jessie Whims, Job Jette, Enoch Taylor, Levi Walker,
Jefferson Childress, Amison Dawson, Robert Ventris,
Job Cephas, James Jackson and R'egulus Persons'. El¬
ders ordained at this session: Thomas Winfield and
Jacob Crozier.
Rev. C. L. Bradwell and E. L. Bailey, from1 the
Georgia Conference, were introduced. Rev. A. C.
Cunningham was suspended from his official standing
in the church for drunkenness.
Here we quote the exact record in reference to one
case that was tried: A complaint was preferred by An¬
derson Dawson against Regulus Persons for interfer¬
ing on his charge by saying that he had been to con¬
ference, and said that the men were to pay 25 cents and
the women 15 cents, and that nobody else was to take
IN ALABAMA.
35
up a collection. After he made these statements, it
was on motion that Regulus Persons should make his
acknowledgment to the Conference of his wrongs.
He did so and was reprimanded by the Bishop.
We notice in the early days of our church, even in
'69, that the Conferences suspended men for "using
the words of another without permission." Rev. R. B.
Bailey preferred charges against Rev. George Haw¬
kins for using his words, and he was suspended from
all official standing for the same. \ motion prevailed
that the Wilberforce money be paid to the Bishop. It
was done. Total amount, $1.00.
The pastor at Montgomery was made the Confer¬
ence book steward, and was paid $10.00. At this stage
of our work there was no financial department from
which our Bishops could draw their salaries, as is to¬
day, as the following reports indicate:
"To the Bishop and Conference:
"We, the Committee on so important a subject as
our Bishop's support, beg leave to recommend that the
sum of $900 be annually raised for the Bishop.
We also' recommend that the State be divided into
six or more districts, and each Presiding Elder shall
collect the amount of one hundred and fifty dollars
($150) from the congregations of his district, so that
the amount of $900 be raised and the amount paid at
the annual Conference. We submit this for your con¬
sideration.
Louis Hillary,
Jacob Crozier,
George: Washington.
Trustees of Payne School,, 1899.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
37
Appointments., 1869.
First District—Aesop Smith, Presiding Elder.
Union Springs Station—Cain Rogers.
Eufala Station—Levi Walker.
Abbefau Circuit—Job Jette.
Mt. Andrews Circuit—Enoch Taylor.
Greenville Circuit—J. R. Mahone.
Enon Circuit—Jesse Whims.
Silver .Run—A. Dawson.
Spring Hill Circuit—Jeff Childress.
Chunneggee Circuit—O. Lypscome.
Huntsville Circuit—Henry Hlunt.
Clayton Circuit—Matthew Clarke.
Abbeville Circuit—Yentris.
White ()ak Circuit—X. Chambers.
Troy and Pike County Missions—January Thomas,
Zion Creek [Mission—Job Cephus.
SECOND DISTRICT, R. B. BA1EEY, P. t.
Montgomery Station—George Washington.
Prattville Station—George Snowden.
Opelika Station—Lazarus Gardner.
Autaugaville Mission—Joe Carew.
Ivy Creek Mission—Louis Motley.
Vernon Mission—William Gross.
Washington Mission—Neal Morton.
Hickory Bend Mission—William Hillary.
Loachapoka Mission—A. C. Cunningham.
Cusetta and Lafayette Missions—To be supplied.
THIRD DISTRICT, G. B. TAYLOR, P. £.
Selma Station—H. Stubbs.
Cahaba Station—Cimbo Jones.
Greensborough Station—Louis Hillary.
38
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Camden Circuit—Henry Bird.
Summerfield Station—Henry W. Jackson.
Orrville and Fulton Station— B. Jackson.
Selma and Courtland—A. Sharp and James Butler.
Columbiana, Shelby Iron Works, Childersburg, Tal-
adega Mission—George McClanahan.
Plantersville, Randolph, Montevallo Missions—
York Reeves.
Plantation Mission—Gabriel Saltmarsh.
Havana Mission—To be s'upplied.
Marion Mission—To be supplied.
Uniontown Mission—To be supplied.
Demopolis Mission—To be supplied.
Newbern Mission—To be supplied.
Tuscaloosa Mission—To be supplied.
Tuscumbia Mission—To be supplied.
Florence Mission—To> be supplied.
Pikeville Mission—To be supplied.
Oak Grove Mission—To be supplied.
FOURTH DISTRICT, \V. D. MAYO, P. E.
Mobile Station St. Peter Church—Jacob Crozier.
St. Matthew Chapel—Richard Williams.
Jackson Mission—Samuel Williams.
Cottage Hill, Whisler and Mobile Missions—T.
Winfield.
Suggsville and Gainestown—F. H. Smith.
Bates Plantation—To be supplied.
Frank Morris—To be supplied.
Shubuta—To be supplied.
The Conference adjourned to meet in the city of
Mobile, 1869, nth of December.
Bishop J. M. Brown, D. D., held the Conference in
1870-1871.
CHAPTER V.
In 1872, the Rt. Rev. T. M. D. Ward came to
preside over our State and held his first Confer¬
ence at Selma, Ala. Rev. J. M. Crozier was
elected Secretary. At that Conference we had
8 Presiding Elders' districts, 95 circuits, stations and
missions. The membership had grown to 10,558.
The churches numbered 66. The value of church
property amounted to $44,603.53. In seeking for his¬
torical information we find that at the close of the
year, 1875, our membership had decreased to 9,135.
At that time every minister was instructed to bring
one dollar per member. We believe that the falling
off was largely caused by a non-compliance with the
law, and many pastors made their membership less
than it really was, endeavoring to have it correspond
with their financial report. Such an accusation may
seem a little unkind, but it is, nevertheless, true, not¬
withstanding the faithfulness of the pioneers in the
establishment of our church. Such inaccuracy in our'
numerical reports, we find even' this day, but it is
wrong; the church should have credit for its member¬
ship.
Bishop Ward's fourth conference gave a money
Faculty and Class of 1899, Paynf School.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
41
record of $1,283.55, with 134 churches, valued at $63,-
000, and 233 local preachers.
Faculty and Class of 1901, Payne School.
CHAPTER VI.
Bishop J. P. Campbell was next to come. The first
Conference held under his administration was at Sel-
ma, Dec. 14th to 20th. At his second session in 1877,
the Conference had grown so large that the brethren
felt that there might be established another Conference
for the State. They, hereupon appointed a Committee
on Division of Conference.
North Alabama Conference was organized Dec. 11,
1878, at Florence, Ala., in the court house. Rt. Rev.
Jabez Pitt Campbell, D. D., presiding. The Bishop
read hymn 249, "Let Zion's watchmen all awake, and
take the alarm they give." The Scripture lesson was
Joel 2nd chapter. That Conference was composed of
the following brethren: P. E., W. D. Morton and A.
A. Price. Traveling Elders, F. H. Smith, John H.
Warrick, C. L. Harris, J. W. Washington, Daniel Al¬
len, J. T. Gipson, Benjamin Greer, Hiram Key, M.
G. Thomas, Benj. Nelson, George Merrill and York
Reeves, Traveling Deacons, S. H. Bignon, Cyrus Jack¬
son, Ben Gholston, Robt. Chatman, Thomas Hamilton,
Zachary Taylor, T. W. Coffee, Joseph Carew, E. W.
Wallace, Buchanan Brewer, Joseph Leonard, Burley L.
Coleman, Wm. Messenger, P. Z. Phillips, James
Moren and Edward Nelson; Traveling Licentiates, A.
A. Lucas, Noah Summers, Elisha Nichols and Thom¬
as H. Starkey.
43
44
AFRICAN METHODISM
Rev. Charles L. Harris (who is now a Congrega¬
tional minister) was elected Secretary; the annual ser¬
mon was preached bv Rev. M. G. Thomas. Text:
Matt. 6:33, "But seek you the first the kingdom of God'
and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you. At this Conference Rev. Charles E.
Harris recommended by the quarterlv conference of
Brown Chapel, Selma Station; Rev. Frank Johnson, by
the quarterly conference of the Hamburg" Circuit;
Rev. \Y. J. Caver, by the quarterly conference of Ivory
Creek Circuit, and Rev. Robert Howard, of Autauga -
ville quarterly conference, were admitted on trial.
Rc\s. John M. Goodloe, Wesley Montgomery and
Wm. A. May field were taken up in the interval of the
Conference and given work. During this year four
of our workers were claimed by death; namely: James
M. Madison, Dr. A. R. Green, Robert Ventris1 and
John M. Henderson. May they rest from their la¬
bors.
"No more the clarion sound we hear.
Thrilling each heart with hope pnd fear—
The warriors bear the victor's palm.
High and bright in the bright and better land.
There in the realm of endless day,
Where Stirling zephyrs softly play.
They stand amid the spotless throng
And chant redemption's gladsome song."
Rev. Charles L. Harris preached the Educational
Sermon. Theme: "An Educated Ministry."
The twelfth session of the Alabama Conference con¬
vened at Emanuel Church, Mobile, Ala., Dec. 18-22,
IN ALABAMA.
45
1878, Rt. Rev. Jabez Pitt Campbell, D. D., LL. D.,
presiding". The religious' exercises were conducted by
him. Seng, "And are we yet alive, And see each other's
face?" Scripture lesson Psalm 61:4. This had been
a trying year caused by the great scourge, "yellow
fever." In the Bishop's fervent prayer he than'ked
God for his providential care in bringing so many of
the brethren from their various fields of labor to an¬
other annual conference. Although many of our fel¬
low laboring ministers have fallen victims to the great
scourge, "yellow fever," which swept over the coun¬
try—the beautiful Southland—yet, we should praise
God that through the atoning blood of Calvary they
ft 11 with their harness on, while dashing into the very
hottest scenes of the conflict, trying every possible way
to relieve the suffering- ones and to point them to
the Brazen Serpent, which was raised up to heal the
whole world. He felt thankful that while thousands
had fled from their field of labor because of the bold¬
ness and insatiable des'iie of the man upon the pale
horse, our Father had given sufficient grace and faith
to thousands of all sects and denominations to stay
where duty calls and submit themselves, body and
soul, to the care of an Omniscient and Omnipresent
God, and that among this band of heroes and heroines
for the cause of God and humanity, among these im¬
itators of Christ and the apostles, were found ministers,
brothers and sisters of an oppressed race and struggling
church, who were counted worthy and given grace for
their day and time.
After the prayer, the Bishop made some very im¬
pressive observations along the line above mentioned.
Intermediate Grades—Payne School.
AFRICAN METHODIMS.
47
He urged the conference to quit using tobacco, bitters
and, if necessary, coffee and everything except the
actual needs' of life, and to purchase books and papers
and study them. The conference then organized as
follows:
Rev. M. E. Bryant, Conference Secretary; Rev. I.
N. Fitzpatrick, Assistant Secretary; Rev. Louis Hil-
lery, Statistical Secretary.
Rev. M. E. Bryant preached at night. Theme:
"The Need of an Educated Ministry."
Rev. J. C. Embry, Commissioner of Education, was
a visitor. On the Committee on Recommendations
the following brethren were admitted: G. W. Boone,
J. W. Anderson, J. R. Dens. Noah James was re¬
jected because of incompetency. The s'ame Noah
James that was rejected then is1 now one of the most
efficient pastors. Bishop Campbell ruled that all per¬
sons intending to come to Conference for admission
must attend Sunday School and must be able to spell
read, write and know something of history and geog¬
raphy, as well as the discipline and Bible. All ex-
horters and local preachers are required to study or
their licenses will not be renewed. The Bishop or¬
dained deacons Wm. W. Glenn, G. W. Robinson, Rob¬
ert Fain, J. H. Davidson and Elias Davis; Elders: J,
W. Wimberlv, John Warren and J. A. Davis.
Rev. I. N. Fitzpatrick was elected Conference book
steward. The Conference appointed a Ministerial and
Educational Sunday School Convention to convene in
Troy, Ala., the first Wednesday in June, 1879. Sub¬
jects to be discussed:
48
AFRICAN METHODISM
1. "History of the A. M. E. Church," I. N. Fitz-
patrick.
2. "The Colored Man in History," H. C. Colhoun.
3. "Relation of the Races," M. Edward Bryant.
4. "What kind of Ministers does this Age De¬
mand?" A. W. Atwater.
5. "Temperance," J. H. Treadwell.
6. "How can we Best Check the Downward Ten¬
dency of our Young Men, and Inspire Them with
Nobler Aspirations?" A. A. Price.
7. "How can we Check the Looseness of Morals
among so many of our Young Women, and Inspire
them with a Love o<f Virtue?" E. H. Dixon.
8. "jjest Method in Preparing and Delivering
Sermons," R. W. Howard.
9. "Duties of Pastors," Cain Rogers.
10. "What is it to be a Christian?" G. P. Brown.
11. "Employment of Time," Pastor at Opelika.
12. "Have we much to Fear from Catholicism?"
E. D. Jackson.
13. "Importance of Reading," P. C. Murphv
14. Open Discussion pertaining to Sunday Schools,
15. "Music in Sunday School and Church," R. R.
Fain.
16. "Regeneration," John Warren, R. W\ Howard.
17. "Baptism," J. W. Robertson, J. W. Anderson.
18. "Faith," R. P. Pratt, J. A. Davis.
19. "Prayer Meetings," J. H. Davidson.
20. "Missionary Societies," J. W. Wimberly, J. H.
Hunter.
21. "Race Pride," W. L. Jones.
IN AtABAMA.
49
22. "History of Alabama Conference," Lewis Hil-
lery.
23. History of each District—by Presiding Elders.
24. History of each Station, Circuit and Mission—
Pastors.
The following brethren were requested to write on
either of the above subjects: Samuel Hill, Nelson
Moore, Elias Davis, Theo. Judkins, M. M. Mayo, D.
A Curtis, T. H. Winsor, R. Emanuel, G. W. Boone,
John Robinson, W. S. W. Sherman, R. R. Butler,
Henry Hunter, J. Thomas, Nelson Chambers, Job
Jett, Noah Davidson, L. Steele, Berry Jackson, Noah
Summers, Gabriel Gholston, L. Washington, I. Mot¬
ley, G. Eubanks, J. Mahogany, R. Person, F. Artis
and L. Miles.
Bishop Campbell held the second session of the
North Alabama Conference at Huntsville, Ala., Dec.
10, 1879. Rev. J. M. Goodloe, the pastor, came to us
from the M. E. Church and through his great influence
our church cut a wide lane from Iuka, Miss., to Chat¬
tanooga, Tenn.
Charles L. Harris was re-elected Secretary. It was
at this Conference that the writer of this history was
admitted. The committee composed of Rev. F. H.
Smith, Chairman'; W. D. Morton, J. M. Goodloe, sub¬
mitted the following:
To the Bishop and Conference:
Your Committee on Admission beg leave to recom¬
mend that A. J. Henshaw, Henry Manning, Winfield
Henri Mixon, General Dancy, Wiley May and W. E.
Foster be admitted on trial.
4
AFRICAN STUDENTS.
Mr. John Radan. Miss C. M. Monye. Mr. N Columbe
Mr. M. F. Saki. Mr. Katrye. Mr. Edward Magaya.
IN ALABAMA.
51
The election of General Conference delegates to the
forthcoming session to meet at St. Louis, Mo., 1880,
was as follows:
C. L. Harris, Prince Gardner, W. D. Morton and
F. H. Smith. Alternates, J. T. Gipson, C. M. Jackson,
M. J. Thomas and B. L. Coleman. The lay delegates
were, Mr. E. W. Stone, of Selma, and Mr. Jacob
Wycke, of Florence. At this session Prof. W. H.
Councill, President of the Normal and Industrial
School, Normal, Ala., was for the first time introduced
to an' African M. E. Conference. It was there the
writer first met him and pronounced him a capital
man, and with all the years of our association, the
goods1 in his upper story have neve? been exhausted.
Our districts were only two then—the Selma and
Florence Districts. Rev. Price Gardner presided
over the former and W. D. Morton over the latter.
May, 1880, thf* General Conference which met in
St. Louis, Mo., appointed the Rt. Rev. Alexander
Washington Wayman, D. D., to the superintendency
of this Diocese. He presided over the fourteenth an¬
nual s'ession of the Alabama Conference which assem¬
bled in Unionsprings, Ala.. December 16 to 2<~>, 1880;
secretaries were Rev. Charles S. Harris, E H. Dixon,
and H. C. Calhoun. Hymn used, page 807, No.
990, "Lift up your hearts1 to things above, Ye followers
of the Lamb." Scripture Lesson St. Matt. 24th chap¬
ter.
Visiting brethren: Rev. James Porter of the Georgia,
Conference, Rev. G. W. Bryant from Columbia Con¬
ference, Rev. M. E. Bryant, Rev. T. J. Routledge, Rev.
52
AFRICAN METHODISM
E. N. Watson, Rev. Jesse Frazier, and Bingon, of
North Alabama Conference admitted on trial: Thomas
Battles, Noah James, Sandy Randleson, William Ly¬
man, T. J. Brown, M. Wilson, A. B. Evans, Ely John¬
son, F. B. Taylor, Capus Gates, J. H. Bessick, Jackson
Davis and E. M. Daniels.
Elected and ordained Deacons and Elders' this year
—Deacons: Daniel Smith, F. B. Moreland, E. H.
Daniels and Ely Brown. Elders: Grabiel Gholston,
Willie D. Sim, S. J. Odem, A. N. Jackson, Thomas
H. Winsor, George W. Boone, H. C. Calhoun, J. H.
Davidson, J. H. Treadwell, W. W. Glenn, Andrew
Hunter and G. W. Robinson. Revs. E. W. Taylor
and D. A. Perry were located by their own request.
The needy or missionary brethren at this Confer¬
ence were as follows: Each received $3.00. These
same brethren are now, the most of them, in very ex¬
cellent circumstances financially: Daniel Smith, F. B.
Moreland, Louis Washington, Noah Davidson, Owen
Lipscomb, Thomas Battles, J. Thomas, Sandy Randal-
son, G. W. Perry, S. B. Henderson, D. A. Bruce, E.
H. Daniels and Jackson Davis.
In 1880, Bishop A. W. Wayman came to the 7th
Episcopal District and with his clarion voice and evan¬
gelistic spirit traveled and did the greatest evangelical
work known to the history of Alabama. His first
Conference was held at Greensborough, Ala., Jan. 20th
to 24th, 1881. Rev. Charles E. Harris, A. B., LL. B.,
Secretary, and Rev. Thomas W. Coffee, Assistant. In
the county court house the following brethren were
ordained: deacons A. J. Henshaw, Wm. H. Manning,
IN ALABAMA.
53
Winfield H. Mixon and Wyley May. Rev. F. H.
Smith preached the ordination sermon.
At 3 p. m., in the M. E. Church, South, Bishop A.
W. Wayman delivered the ordination sermon. Text:
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven
men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wis¬
dom, whom we may appoint over this business." Acts
613. The following- brethren were ordained elders.
R. R. Fain, Thomas W. Coffee, Peter Z. Phillips, Wm.
Messenger, E. C. Wallace, Frank Johnson, S. H. Big-
on and Charles E. Harris. At this session Rev. M.
Edward Bryant and C. E. Harris offered the follow¬
ing resolutions:
Resolved, That we, the members of the North Ala¬
bama Annual Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, do hereby ratify the article of
the union between the A. M. E. Church and the B. M.
E. Church.
At this Conference we made a new district known as
the Prattville District. Rev. Jesse Frazier was made
Presiding Elder. As early as 1881, the Sunday school
children of Brown Chapel felt an interest in Mission¬
ary work, as evidence we quote the following:
Selma, Ala., Jan. 18, 1881.
To Bishop A. IV. Wayman and others-.
We, the children of Brown Chapel A. M. E. Sabbath
School, of which Rev. M. E. Bryant, is pastor, gave a
parlor concert to aid the missionary work in Hayti, and
although we realized only $2.25, on account of un-
54
AFRICAN METHODISM
favorable weather, we send this, hoping for better suc¬
cess next time, we are
Yours,
Little Mary Smith,
Little Mary Weaver.
Little Ella Chambers.
Little Ella Weaver.
The Daughters Conference from the same church
began in the same year to> send donations for the mis¬
sionary cause. $10.00 was taken to this Conference,
and they have kept it up ever since. Others are do¬
ing likewise. We were honored with the pres'ence of
Rev. B. W. Arnett, D. D., Financial Secretary and
Jas. M. Townsend, D. D., Corresponding Secretary of
the P. H. and F. M. Society. One of the greatest ser¬
mons ever preached was by Rev. Geo. W. Bryant, M.
D., from the text: "Whoi is like unto thee, O Lord,
among the gods ? who is like thee, glorious in holiness,
fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Ex. 15:11.)
The fourth session of the North Alabama Confer¬
ence met in the County Court House at Birmingham,
Dec. 15th to 20th, 1881, because of the s'mall and
uncomfortable church building on 24th Street, between
1st and 2nd Avenues. We did not have then the sub¬
stantial and commodious building we now have on 25th
Street. After the usual devotions incident to annual
Conferences, led by the Bishop, the Revs. Charles E.
Harris, Thomas W. Coffee and Frank Johnson were
elected secretaries.
It will be observed that there were two annual con¬
ferences held in the same year, 1881; the first m Jan¬
uary, at Green sborough, and the next at Birmingham,
56
AFRICAN METHODISM
At the latter the annual sermon was preached by Rev.
M. Edward Bryant. Theme: "Preachers required by
the times." Text: 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to show
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needelh
not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Rev. C. S. Smith, (now Bishop) from the Illinois Con¬
ference, was a visitor to this conference. Rt. Rev. H.
M. Turner, D. D., D. C. S., was also a visitor and as ¬
sociated with Bishop Wayman during this session.
Amount of money reported at this conference by dis¬
tricts was as follows: Selma District, $317.00; Pratt-
ville District, $145.10; Florence District, $131.30;
Huntsville District, $41.75. Total, $635.15.
Number of members reported, 4,493; number of
probationers, 845; number of local preachers, 96;
number of exhorters, 81.
The memorial services of James A. Garfield, Presi¬
dent of the United States, who was assassinated by
Chas. Guiteau, and died Sept. 19, 1881, were held and
the following report was adopted:
To the Bishop and Conference:
We, your Committee appointed to draft resolutions
on the death of President Jas. A. Garfield, respectful¬
ly submit our report:
Hear the deep-toned knell from far and near.
It calls the nation to the chieftain bier;
With tear-dimmed eye the nation see,
Attesting their grief over the sad decree.
Thus o'er the land the millions weep
For him who lies in death's low sleep,
And with the nations in sadness we bend,
And weep o'er the martyr—the people's friend.
IN ALABAMA.
57
James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United
States was born in Orange Township, Cuyahoga Coun¬
ty, Ohio, Nov. 19th, 1831, and died at Elberon, N. J.,
Sept. 19th, 1881; aged, 49 years and 10 months. No
man has ever touched the cord that binds the great
American nation as General Garfield did, but he has
gone. Pure, noble and upright, his influence will net
soon pass away, nor his example fade from sight.
His life has' shown how a man may be good and
great, and walk in the highest circles, and yet be the
friend of the poor and lowly; and how he may be the
guardian of a great nation, and of a happy family.
From lowly paths he arose by his own power until hu¬
man greatness stood uncovered in his presence, and
at the very pinnacle of his fame he rests from his la¬
bors. What an hour to die in and how cheering the
word sent back by him from the vortex of the grave
to those around him,, and to the great Christian army.
As he stood at his post, he felt the stroke, and as he
went down, said, "God's will be done, I am ready if
my time has come."
Brethren, as Christian ministers, let us renew our al¬
legiance to God and to the 23rd Article of our' Faith.
Let this thought ever be in our minds, that we
loved him while living. We inherit his honor and will
cherish his' memory while living as a noble chieftain.
Let his example inspire us to do right at all hazards,
and be true to our trust, as he was to his. Let his life
be to us a beacon light, illuminating our ill-starred
path, discovering to us and making possible for o>ur
DR. W, D. CHAPPELLE.
IN ALABAMA.
59
feet, the great highway that he dignified and ennobled.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles L. Harris.
Winfiixd Henri Mixon,
M. E. Bryant,
The services were concluded after the obituaries of
Rev. Joseph Leonard and Sister Rebecca Chapman,
wife of Rev. Robt. Chapman, were read.
Bros. G. W\ Watson, W. H. Manning, W. H. Mixon
and General Dancy were received in full connection.
The Conference closed with four districts—Selma,
Florence, Prattville and Huntsville. Rev. Lazarus
Gardner, who was transferred from the Louisiana
Conference was appointed Presiding Elder of the
Prattville District, and Rev. J. Frazier was appointed
Presiding Elder of the Florence District. Upon these
announcements, Rev. M. E. Bryant arose in the Con¬
ference and objected to the Presiding Elder of the
Florence District, stating as his reason, the inability of
Rev. Jesse Frazier from an intellectual standpoint,
and offered his resignation as pastor of the Florence
station. Thereupon Bishop Wayman changed P. E.
Frazier to the Tuscumbia Station and appointed the
Rev. Ferdinand H. Smith, Presiding Elder of the Flor¬
ence District. Because of some business irregularities
Rev. Smith was removed as Presiding Elder of the
District in the interval of the Conference, and the Rev.
M. Edward Bryant served as Presiding Elder of the
District, filling- the unexpired time and serving as
pastor of the Florence station also. The Rev. J. M.
Goodloe was appointed Presiding Elder of the Hunts¬
ville District,
60
AFRICAN METHODISM
The sixteenth session convened in Emanuel Church,
Mobile, Ala., December 7 to 12, 1882, Bishop A. W.
Wayman, D. D., presiding. He read the 13th chapter
of 1 Cor. concerning Charity, and made remarks as
follows (which should live in the hearts and mindb
of those who heard them, and also the readers of this
historv, even to unborn generations). With a pathetic
voice, he eloquently proclaimed: "Human eloquence
does not amount to a great deal without charity. A
man may delve deep and soar high, count the stars and
speak many and various' languages, he is nothing with¬
out charity. External religion' like that of the Phari¬
sees, where the trump is sounded—in the giving of
money to the poor, clothing to the naked; but without
charity this is nothing. Oh, my brethren, charity
suffereth much and is kind. When charity hears the
winter wind howl, and sees the snow falling she won¬
ders—her heart aches—and she goes forth to hunt up
the poor and administer to their wants.
" 'Charity envieth notshe is not envious of the
popular; she knows that all have not the same ability.
She is not puffed up. She is exemplary. She letteth
her light shine; it is not necessary to put a placard on
her beauty to tell the world she is a Christian; her
works prove it. Thank God, from amid adversity
and wars and rumors of wars there are a few still left
who possess the grand virtues of charity. 'Tis evil
disposed people who think evil of others; charity hates
sin as a man of discretion would throw away deadly
poison; charity doeth not rejoice in the downfall of a
man, she rejoiceth in the truth,"
Mrs. Dr. Chappelle.
62
AFRICAN METHODISM
Organization was effected by the election of Rev.
Dr. George W. Bryant, Secretary; Rev. A. N. Jack¬
son, statistical secretary. The "Wayman Cyclopedia
of African Methodism" was bought by the brethren
with alacrity. It is quite noticeable here as in all pre¬
vious Conferences held, that any brother who left his
work in the interval of the Conference without the per¬
mission of the Presiding Elder or Bishop was severely
dealt with.
Admitted on probation: C. WL Raspberry, G. T.
Fontroy, J. James, W. L. Billips, D. H. Hunter,
James Hollins, G. B. West and Caesar Jones'; Rev.
A. B. Evans presented his credentials as an elder from
the C. M. E. Church.
Deacons ordained: Peter Inge, L. Dudley, A. A.
Lucas and E. J. Johnson. Elders: Joseph Mahogany,
L Shellman, F. B. Moreland, S. HiU, E. H. Watson,
S. Yonge, R. Emanuel and M. M. Mayo, with a pro¬
viso that the latter be not ordained till the adjustment
of some family difficulties.
Rev. R. W. Howard preached the Annual Sermon;
text: St. Luke 5th chapter, 4th verse, "Launch out into
the deep."'
The Conference Commissioner of Education, Rev.
I. N. Fitzpatrick made a report on the Garfield Me¬
morial University. The first edition of his charts cost
$1,700.00; Elder Fitzpatrick reported $1,673.00 raised.
Up to the time of this history, the University has not
materialized save on paper.
Rev. S. L. Mims was transferred from the Florida
Conference and stationed at Eufaula, Ala.
Sunday Schooi, Union Engine; Room.
Dr .Watson.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
65
Bishop Wayman held the 5th annual session of the
North Alabama Conference at Selma, Dec. 14-19, 1882.
The Conference was organized with Revs. C. L. Har¬
ris and T. Wl Co'ffee, secretaries. Rev. M. Edward
Bryant was Conference Book Steward. Visitors were
Rev. C. S. Smith, Secretary of the Connectional Sun¬
day School Union, H. C. Calhoun, I. N. Fitzpatrick,
Thomas Windsor, January Thomas and Godfrey Tay¬
lor and Wm. Bradwell. Annual sermon was preached
by Rev. I. H. Welch. Text: Daniel 4:1-2, "Many
shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be in¬
creased." It was at this conference that Theodore Jud-
kins and W. II. Mixon were ordained elders. Rev. C.
L. Harris preached the missionary sermon; text: John
12 :32, "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto
me." Theme: "The attractiveness of the cross." The
first resolution looking toward the organization of
literary societies in our conferences after the General
Conference of 1880 at St. Louis, Mo., was offered by
the writer of this history, and reads as follows:
Whereas, The General Conference of the African
M. E. Church, in session at St. Louis, Mo., May, 1880,
adopted the plan of organizing literary societies in our
conferences, generally, and
Whereas, The President of the society has com¬
manded every minister in the A. M. E. Church to
write an essay on the subject designated; therefore,
be it
Resolved, That Tuesday, Dec. 19th, 1882 at 11
o'clock, a. m., be set apart for the organization of the
Connectional Literary, Historic and Educational Asso-
5
66
AFRICAN METHODISM
elation among the members of the North Alabama
Annual Conference.
W. H. Mixotf.
The Conference also offered a resolution beseeching
the President of the United States to retain the Hon. J.
P. Rapier, Collector of Internal Revenue, at Montgom¬
ery, Alabama. Through that resolution, supported by
the ministers of the A. M. E. Church, the request was
granted. The resolution was signed by M,. Edward
Bryant and Isaiah H. Welch.
It was here that the Conference endorsed the Rev.
I. N. Fitzpatrick as Commissioner for the Qarfjeld
Memorial University to be erected at. Montgomery,
Ala. The following brethren were admitted on trial:
F. L. Duncan, G. W. Sharp, B. F. Dickerson, R. W-
McVay, B. J. Nelson, A. A. Godwin, B. W. Bow¬
man, William Long, J. D. Hay, A. J. Hunt, Sandford
Livingston, L. T. Thompson, D. W. Allen and Louis
H. Mixon. Deacons ordained at, this session were:.
Dishea Hamilton and Henry Howard.
The seventeenth session of the Conference met in
Troy, Ala., at St. Paul A. M. E. Church, December
12, 1883. Rev. I. N. Fitzpatrick, secretary. Rt
Rev. A. W. Wayman presided with his usual dignity
and Christian charity. Rev. W. D. Sims and F. B.
Taylor were the assistant secertaries. Rev. C; E.
Harris, A. B., LL. B., was transferred from the North
Alabama Conference and stationed at Emmanuel
Church,' Mobile. Rev'. R. R. Pratt delivered the An¬
nual Sermon. Opext: Genesis. 3rd chapter, 19th verse.
The Metho4ist Episcopal Conference was in session
IN ALABAMA.
67
in Eufaula, Ala. Our Bishop and Conference sent the
following fraternal message to them:
''To the Bishop and Members of the Alabama Confer'
ence of the M. B. Church South:
"Brethren:—We, the members of the Alabama Con¬
ference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,
having learned that your Conference is now in session
in Eufaula, Ala., would respectfully beg leave to ex¬
tend you our Christian greeting. The African M. E.
Church as you are aware was organized in 1816.
Then she was poor and small; now she has 41 Annual
Conferences, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-
two itinerant ministers, nine thousand seven hundred
and sixty local preachers, three hundred and ninety-
one thousand members, nine bishops, two universities,
one located at Xenia, Ohio, and the other at Colum¬
bia, S. C., one college at Waco, Tex., and a publishing
department at Philadelphia, Pa. At the close of the
late war, our church entered the Southern states with a
view of hunting up our race, preaching the gospel to
them, and trying to elevate them morally, socially, re¬
ligiously and educationally. So far, by the assistance
of the Father of us all, we have succeeded until our
church dots almost every valley and hill from the
Gulf of Mexico to the Potomac River. We ask that
we may have your Christian love, aid and sympathy in
the furtherance of our work. We are yours as members
of the great Methodist family,
A. W. Wayman, Presiding Bishop.
I. N. Fitzpatrick.
Reader observe the contrasting report.
68
AFRICAN METHODISM.
NUMERICAL, STATUS OE THE A. M. E. CHURCH.
Bishops I3
General Officers 12
Church Conference Roll 6,079
Presiding Elders 240
Presiding Elders, foreign 24
Total 6,368
Local preachers 9>749
Exhorters 6,477
Probationers 58,800
Members 688,351
Total 763,380
Stewards 26,672
Stewardesses 29,486
Class Leaders 25,742
Trustees 24,852
Total 106,752
Trustee Boards 5,671
Sextons 5,671
CHURCHES AND MEMBERS.
Number of churches 5,715
Valuation $10,360,031
Number of parsonages 2,075
Valuation $644,532
Indebtedness $775,964
Dr. R. H. W. Leak.
16
AFRICAN METHODISE
Number of school
42
$890,574
Valuation
Teachers
Students .
Graduates
..179
6,925
. .696
Annual income
Annual Conferences
$125,650
67
James McGhee, C. J. Rose, Edward Butler, John
Lee, Simon W. Shields, and Peter Inge were admitted
on probation. Charles Green, Enoch Taylor and D.
A. Perry were readmitted. Admitted: Littleton Dud¬
ley, A. J. Williamson; Thomas Lyson, Michel Rechor-
ous and Daniel Smith. Itinerant deacons: G. W.
Raspberry, James James, G. H. Hunter, G H. Font-
roy, A. J. Williamson, Thomas Lyson, M. Rechorous,
Ely Johnson, Daniel Smith, C. Gates and W. L. Bil-
lups. Local deacons: Emanuel Lyson and Abraham
Canaan. Elders ordained: W. W. Wilson, Noah James.
David Bruce, F. B. Taylor, S. B. Henderson, I. E.
Fields, G. W. Wigham, Friendly J. Brown and M.
M. Mayo. Rev. A. N. Jackson was expelled.
The missionary sermon was delivered by Rev. S.
H. Bignon. Dr. B. W. Arnett conducted the religious
exercises. The delegates elected to the ensuing Gen¬
eral Conference were Elders E. H. Dickerson, S. L.
Mims, Wm. Bradwell and I. N. Fitzpatrick. Lay del ¬
egates : W. S. Cooper, of Montgomery, and Albert
Roguemore, of Eufaula.
At one of the night services Dr. Arnett lectured on
the subject, "Our Church." Bishop Wayman preached
IN ALABAMA.
71
for the M. E. Church, South, on Sabbath afternoon
after the ordination services in our own church. Text:
Rev. 2;io: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will
give thee a crown of life." At 7:30 Dr. Arnett oc¬
cupied the same pulpit. Text: Ephesians 6:10, "Final¬
ly, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of his might."
Rev. Charles L. Harris, A. B., LL. B., preached at
the First Baptist Church (white) from this text: Ps.
34 if, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about
them that fear him and delivereth them." The out¬
lines were (l) Is he able to make good the promise?
(a) Who made the universe? (b) Who controls nat¬
ural furies? (c) Are natural laws invariable in their
operations? (d) Are natural laws uniform in their
operation? {e) If these laws are variable in their
operation, does this fact imply special providence in
their administration ? (2) The ability, disposition and
activity of the author of the promise exemplified ? Rev.
"I. N. Fitzpatrick was reappointed Commissioner of Ed¬
ucation in the State.
Reciprocal greetings came from the M. E. Confer¬
ence as follows:
Eufai^a, Ala., Dec. 17, 1883.
To the Bishop and Members of the A. M. B. Church,
Troy, Ala.
The Alabama Conference of the M. E. Church,
South, sends Christian salutations to the members of
your body and pray the Divine blessings upon your
labor.
R. B. Crawford, Secretary.
72
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Bishop Wayman held his last Conference for North
Alabama, Dec. 19th to 24th, 1883. Brothers I. H.
Welch and F. W. Puryear and W. H. Mixon", secre¬
taries. Delegates to the General Conference, 1884,
were M. Edward Bryant, I. H. Welch and J. M. Good-
loe. Alternates, P. Gardner, A. W. Atwater, T. W.
Coffee.
In giving the reports at this session, Rev. M. E. Bry¬
ant reported for the Selma District alone, 18 new
churches organized, which s'howed the great increase of
the Gospel of Christ in the waste places and the spread
of our banner to the breeze of "God our Father, Christ
our Redeemer, and man our brother."
Doctor Arnett (now Bishop), Financial Secretar>,
visited the Conference. Rev. C. N. Harris was re¬
ported as withdrawn from the connection. Dr. J. M.
Townsend, Secretary of Missions, visited the confer¬
ence. Rev. W. D. Morton was suspended at this ses¬
sion because of the misappropriation of $12.50 of dollar
money. Trustees to Wilberforce University, Rev. M.
E. Bryant, J. M. Goodloe and Prince Gardner. The
missionary sermon was preached by Rev. A. W. At¬
water. Text, John 5 .-36, "The works that I do bear
witness of me."
CHAPTER VII.
The General Conference convened in Baltimore,
Md., the first Monday in May, 1884. At the conclu¬
sion of the work of that body, the apostle of Christian
education in his day and generation, Rt. Rev. Daniel
Alexander Payne, D. D., LL. D., was assigned to the
general superintendency of episcopacy of the 7th
Episcopal District including Alabama and Florida.
He held the first session of the Alabama Conference in
Mobile, x\la., Dec. 10-17, 1884. Bishop H. M. Turner,
D. D., LL. D., was Bishop Payne's assistant, and in a
measure conducted the affairs of the Conference.
Revs. I. N. Fitzpatrick and Louis Hillary were elected
secretaries.
There were no ordinations at this session. Rev. C. H.
Mead, D. D., the great temperance lecturer, delivered
a sermon on "The Church and Temperance." Bishop
Payne delivered his celebrated lecture, "What Agen¬
cies God is Employing for the Reconstruction and Re¬
demption of Africa." The large map of Africa was
stretched across the church. The lecture was pointed,
instructive and encouraging. The different stations
where the various Christian denominations had per¬
fected their missionary organizations were shown.
Rev. S. L. Mims was elected Conference Book Stew¬
ard.
73
Prof. W. S. Scarborough.
CHAPTER VIII-
In 1884 the General Conference at Baltimore, Md..
appointed to the Seventh Episcopal District, including
Alabama and Florida, the Rt. Rev. Daniel A. Payne,
D. D., LL. D., the Senior Bishop of'the church, the
apostle of Christian' education among the colored Uni¬
versities, to preside over the same. Bishop Payne in¬
stituted the writing and reading of essays in our Con¬
ference, Literary and Historical Association, which
feature proved very beneficial to both young and old
ministers. Prizes' were always awarded the essayist.
The first conference under his administration was
held at Uniontown, Ala. The second was held at Hunts-
ville; the third was held in Selma; the fourth was held
in Birmingham. W. H. Mixon was chief secretary, Prof.
W. H. Councill, statistical secretary, Rev. R. K. Mc-
Vay, recording secretary. Rev. B. T. Tanner, D. D.,
editor of the A. M. E. Review, and Rev. B. F. Lee.
D. D., editor of the Christian Recorder, and Rev. B.
W. Arnett, D. D., financial secretary, visited the ses¬
sion. The Bishop gave very instructive lectures every
morning from the Epistles to Timothy. In the second
day's Session, Rt. Rev. H. M. Turner, D. D., Bishop
Payne's associate, was presented to the conference.
The Committee on Admission recommended the recep¬
tion of the following brethren: L. C. Cathey, N. W.
(75)
76
AFRICAN METHODISM
Canty, P. Brooks, W>. E. Stanton, C. C. Thurman,
Charles Kidd and M. Jordan, The Rev. F. A. Clinton,
B. R. Glass and W. R. Pettiford were introduced to the
conference. Prof. R. C. O. Benjamin, Prof. B. W.
Arnett, Jr., and Prof. J. L,. H. Watkins were visitors
to this conference under Bishop Payne's administra¬
tion. We had what was known as the Preachers1' Aid
Society, and each minister was required to pay one
dollar annual dues, which was a great help to the poor
ministers. It has since died or been suspended. It
would be well to have such institutions in all of our
conferences to-day. At this session a telegram was
received from Bishop Ward, dated Meridian, Miss.,
asking for five strong working men The following
brethren were transferred to him: Revs. M. M. Mayo,
E. C. Wallace, J. R. Collins and J. W. Williams. It
was Bishop Payne's custom to have the delegates
elected two conferences before the General Confer¬
ence. His purpose, as he stated, was to have the dele¬
gate study the law and be prepared to discharge the
duties-and great responsibilities that rested upon the
composition of such a body, and we believe it would be
well if such ruling was universal. His manner was to
elect at this session and confirm the same at the last
session of the quadrennium. Prof. W:. H. Councill,
Rev. A. W. Atwater and Rev. M. Edward Bryant were
elected tellers. The following were elected and dele¬
gated: M. E. Bryant, F. W. Puryear, W. H. Mixon
and R. M. Cheeks. R. M. Cheeks came to us from
Virginia in 1885 to be pastor at Brown Chapel. Revs.
Bryant, Cheeks and C. E. Harris were elected minis¬
ters to Wilberforce. Messrs. E. W. Stone and W1. H.
IN ALABAMA.
77
Councill were elected lay trustees. Bishop Payre
made a ruling that secretaries should not be paid for
services rendered during- annual Conferences. Rt.
Rev. A. W. Wayman, D. D., visited this session. Bish¬
op Payne announced the following" subjects for 1887:
A. Class—"What are the relations of truth, mercy
and justice, to government, ecclesiastical and civil?"
Prizes, $10.00 and $5.00.
B. Class—"In what sense is God a consuming firt,
and is he so under the Christian as under the Jewish
dispensation?" Prizes, 7.00 and $3.50
Dec. 5th to the nth, 1885, Bishop D. A. Payne, D.
D., assisted by Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D., held the
19th session of the Alabama Conference in St. John
A. M. E. Church, Montgomery, Ala. Conference was
opened with hymn' 950, "What glory gilds the sacred
page, Majestic as the sun; It gives a light to every
age, It gives, but borrows none." Rev. I. N. Fitz-
patrick, F. B. Taylor and E. H. Dixon were elected
secretaries.
Rev. Moses R. Wilson, Traveling Agent of the
Methodist Publishing House, visited this Conference,
and represented the business of the Conference.
W. H. Mixon delivered a fraternal message from
the North Alabama Conference to that body.
Rev. J. W. Alstork, pastor of "Oha Ships" A. M. E.
Zion Church (and now Bishop), visited the Confer¬
ence.
Elder A. W. Atwater presented the name of Rev.
R. D. Brooks of the Central Alabama Conference of
the M. E. Church, for reception into our connection.
78
AFRICAN METHODISM
Elder Brooks presented his transfer ticket from the
Savannah, Ga., Conference, also his certificate of holy
orders. The documents showed Elder Brooks in high
standing in the M. E. Church. They were signed by
Bishops Foster and Warren. The petition brought
by him is as follows:
Venerable Bishop Pwyne and Members of the Con¬
ference:
I am here from the Central Alabama Conference of
the M. E. Church to* unite with your distinguished
body. My resignation from the Methodist Episcopal
Church did not originate from any mistreatment to me
whatever. I simply withdrew from said church to
gratify a long felt desire to be with my colored breth¬
ren, although I was pleasantly treated by my white
brethren while I remained with them; yet, I saw such
explicit mark of distinction between races on account of
previous conditions and color as caused me to feel that
the saying that we went upon equality was a farce;
therefore, I desire to be in a church in which I could
feel that said church recognized every man as having
in his soul the sign of human equality. Having had
an eye on your church for six years, I have adequate
reason to believe that it fully recognizes that fact, so I
come to you seeking shelter believing that I can be
more serviceable to God and to humanity among you.
If consistent with you to receive me, I will joyfully lay
hold and share with you the responsibility of the Chris¬
tian ministry.
Robt. D. Brooks.
Prof. J. B. Ball, the distinguished colored photog¬
rapher, photographed the Conference,
IN ALABAMA.
19
The representatives present were Dr. B. E. Lee, edi¬
tor of the Christian Recorder, and Dr. Jas. M. Town-
send, Corresponding Missionary Secretary; Revs. M.
E. Bryant, T. W. Coffee, R. M. Cheeks, Prince Gard¬
ner and W. H. Mixon, of the North Alabama Con¬
ference, and Dr. C. S. Smith, Secretary and Treasurer
of S. S. Union.
During the session the Conference in a body formed
a line and marched to the first capital of the Confeder¬
acy and paid its respects to His Excellency, the Gov¬
ernor, E. A. O'Neal.
Brother W. W. Erazier was also admitted in this
Conference on probation. Deacons ordained: Simon
W. Shields, C. J. Rose, Green B. West and James Key.
Local: Thomas Battle, Elders Peter Inge, Andrew J.
Williamson. The Conference expelled D. A. Curtis,
Cain Rogers, Berry Jackson and S. B. Henderson.
Among the different reports at this session none re¬
ceived more attention than the report on Temperance.
During the able discussion, Bishop Turner said:
"The greatest question now being agitated all over
the civilized world is the question of Temperance. In¬
temperance is the father of jail houses, chaii>
gangs and insanity. The whisky men are using the
Bible to sustain them in propagating bar-rooms.,
etc. The wine mentioned in the Bible is simply the
pure grape juice. There was no whisky or alcohol in
the world before the 13th century, or in the year 1250.'^
He further said that liquor contributed to nothing*
but bread, apples, oranges and other fruit contributed
to health, vigor and manhood.
The General Conference, 1900.
.* ft .«££
if ** :
l ^ * > «#5 *•.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
81
Miss Letitia Walton, of Mobile, was given a schol¬
arship at Wilberforce University by the Conference.
The twentieth session of the Alabama Conference
was called by Bishop Payne at St. Luke A. M. E.
Church, Opelika, Ala., Dec. I, 1886. Elders I. N. Fitz-
patrick, L. Hillary and E. H. Dixon were elected sec¬
retaries. Dr. B. T. Tanner represented the A. M. E.
Review. Bishop Turner was present and assisted Bish¬
op Payne. Rev. Wm. D. Johnson represented the ed¬
ucational department. No deacons or elders were or¬
dained at this session.
Bishop Payne's last conference was held at Birming¬
ham, Dec. 1887, Revs. W. H. Mixon and W. H. Coun-
cill, secretaries. In 1886, the writer was first appointed
Presiding1 Elder. Delegates to General Conference,
M. E. Bryant, Wl H. Mixon, R. M. Cheeks and Prince
Gardner.
Bishop Payne's last Conference, the 21st session,
met in Eufaula, 1887. Rt. Rev. Daniel A. Payne pre¬
siding; Rt. Rev. Henry M. Turner, associate; Rev. I.
N. Fitzpatrick, Secretary; Rev. E. H. Dixon, Record¬
ing Secretary; Rev. Robert D. Brooks, Statistical Sec¬
retary.
The transfer of Rev. W. G. Alexander, of the Vir¬
ginia Conference, was announced, and Brother Alex¬
ander was given a cordial reception among us.
Introduction: Dr. B. T. Tanner, Mr. Henry O.
Tanner, the artist; Dr. Jas. H. A. Johnson, of the Bal¬
timore Conference; Rev. Geo. Bass, S. D. Rosebor-
ough, M. R. Granderson, E. Eowery, R. R. Downs, O.
N. Finnagin, H, L,. Western, R. V. Smith, Rev. C. 1,.
6
82
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Bradwell, M. E. Bryant, F. B. Moreland, R. M. Cheek
and W. H. Mixon.
R. C. Cook, and Thomas M. Green joined on proba¬
tion. J. H. Besseck was ordained an Elder. Wm. W.
Frazier, Chas. Green, Chas. Spencer and Moses Foun¬
tain were ordained deacons. Delegates to General
Conference: Revs. S. L. Mimms, A. W. Walter, H.
C. Calhoun, I. N. Fitzpatrick and E. H. Dixon.
CHAPTER IX.
May, 1888, Rt. Rev. W. J. Gaines, D. D. was as¬
signed to the Sixth Episcopal District, including1 Ala¬
bama and Georgia, Alabama having been detached
from the state of Florida. During the administration
of Bishop Gaines were our most prosperous times
financially. His first conference was held at Florence,
Ala. Revs. Wl H. Mixon and F. W. Purvear were
elected secretaries.
The second conference was held at Greensboro, Ala.,
Nov. 27th to Dec. 2nd. After the usual religious
services conducted by the Bishop, the roll was called
b^ W. H. Mixon, former secretary, and the following1
organization was' perfected: R. M. Cheek, A. A. God¬
win and J. S. Shaw were elected secretaries. Annual
sermon was delivered by Rev. F. H. Smith; text, St.
John 19th chapter, 30th verse. Theme, "The Plan of
Redemption."
The conference committees having been appointed,
the routine of business commenced. Introductions:
Rev. James A. Handy, D. D., financial secretary; Rev.
L. T- Coppin, D. D., editor of the A. M. E. Church Re^
view, and Rev. W. B. Derrick, D. D., secretary of P.
H. and F. M. Society. The transfers: Revs. H. C.
Ashley and N. L. Edmonds'on, from the Tennessee
Conference, was announced.
8 *
84
AFRICAN METHODISM.
The report of Rev. L. Gardner, P. E. of the Greens ¬
boro District, was heard, and several new churches
were built and dedicated. The entire district was re¬
ported in' a flourishing and prosperous condition. The
number of conversions, baptisms and accessions far
exceeded any previous year.
Sclma District, represented by W. H. Mixon, P. E.,
showed that 9 new missions had been organized, one
church dedicated, laid the cornerstone of three new
churches and a large increase of members. Had trav¬
eled 3,000 miles, had visited Sabbath schools every
quarter; gg children and 27 adults baptized; renewed
35 licenses and granted licenses to 9 persons to exhort
and preach; administered s'acrament to> 5,6^4 members,
delivered 621 sermons and lectures, visited and prayed
with 64 sick.
At night the annual missionary address was deliv¬
ered by Dr. Derrick,-and it was a great and convincing
effort for the cause of sacred missions. In this confer¬
ence the following brethren were admitted on trial:
F. W. Williams, J. B. Carter, H. L. Washington, Nel¬
son Adams, D. P. Moore, S. B. Taff, J. H. Underwood,
Ananias Curtis, E. A. Valentine, Peter Bingham, W. B.
Johnson and Noah Walton. Frank Johnson was re¬
admitted ; Dan Brown, A. L. Scott and W. A. L.
Thomas admitted. Ordained deacons: A. A. Sensa-
bough, T. W. Williams, Gaston Whitehead (local) and
Daniel Brown. Elders ordained: Wm. H. Councill,
B W. Bowman, J. W. Williams, E. T. Underwood,
W. E. Stanton and C. Peterson. Deaths reported:
"Revs. Prince Gardner and Joseph Carew. Revs. Mix-
Evans Tyree. M.M.Moore. C.S.Smith. C.T.Shaffer. L. J. Coppin.
THE NEW BISHOPS ELECTED, MAY, 1900.
86
AFRICAN METHODISM
on, Goodloe and Councill offered the following1 resolu¬
tion, which was unanimously adopted:
Whkreas, The great General Conference of the Af¬
rican M. E. Church, in it§ session in Indianapolis, Ind.,
May, 1888, unanimously agreed to hold the next ses¬
sion in the South—Selma, Ala.; and,
Whereas, Selma, with her many trains running to
and through it, the situation being perfectly healthy,
many artesian wells, sulphur springs, a city with street
cars, dummy lines running through it; and,
Whereas, The city is well supplied with many
churches and halls'; and,
Whereas, The colored people of Selma own and
control more real estate and comfortable homes than
any city of its size in the South; therefore,
Resolved, That the North Alabama Conference, in
session, extend a cordial welcome to the next quad¬
rennial session.
Selma being an educational center for the Congrega-
tionalists, Presbyterians and Baptists, and our church
seeing the great need of an institution for the young
mien and women under the African Methodist influ¬
ences, and feeling this to be one of the greatest means
for indoctrinating the faith and principles delivered to
us by the fathers, we planned, entered into negotia¬
tions and fully established our present Payne Univer¬
sity.
The following, among others, were local trustees:
E. W. Stone, S. G. Hatcher, C. G. Brown, Rev.
C. E. Harris, LL. B., W. F. Clarke, Philip Smith. T-t
was, indeed, a trying time at this conference regarding
the school, as some thought the establishment of the
IN ALABAMA.
87
same was unnecessary, as the district had already one
school, located at Atlanta, Ga.—Morris Brown College.
But Brown Chapel, with her faithful officers and mem¬
bers, led on by the Rev. J. S. Shaw, pastor, and W. H.
Mixon, P. E., L. Gardner and R. M. Cheek, car¬
ried the Payne School to Greensboro and handed it
to the North Alabama Conference, with the machinery
in perfect running order, and scholars matriculating
daily.
The Committee on Education made the following
report:
For several years we have held, and are to-day hold¬
ing some of the strongest forts in the state. Thos'e who
know most of Our work love us most; those who op¬
pose us most are doing less for Christ and his cause.
Our fathers have done well. They have held the
field for the young men. It is for us to say whether or
not we will hold what they have handed down to us.
But while the field is ours, we can only hold it on con¬
ditions. We must educate or we perish.
The pledge of the fathers to the African Methodists
of the state that they should have a school in which to
educate their children, must be carried on by their sons.
During this conference year the General Board of Ed¬
ucation for this conference has made arrangements,
purchased ground and erected a building and opened
school in Selma with three teachers, among the best in
this state. The school, though only in operation 30
days, has enrolled 149 scholars. A new organ, valued
at $150.00, and a bell, valued at $5.00, have been given,
also school records. This shows the high estimite and
88
AFRICAN METHODISM.
appreciation that is placed upon our new school by the
people of Selma.
We ask the trustees who are to be elected at this con¬
ference to consider the following recommendations:
We recommend that Prof. W. B. Johnson, A. be
continued as Principal of the school, with an increases!
salary worthy the position.
2. That they put a sufficient number of teachers to
do justice to the children and do credit to the denom¬
ination.
3. That we pay the teachers their present month's
salary and make all possible arrangements for each
month as it shall fall due.
Your committee also offers the following resolution
for this conference:
1. Resolved, That we heartily endorse the action of
the general board in erecting and opening the Payne
Institute.
2. That we ask the trustees when elected to accept
the grounds, building and all obligations as the prop¬
erty of the A. M. E. Church.
3. That this conference designate a "Quarto-centen¬
nial Day" for a special collection to be raised in ail
of our churches for the school.
4. That in order to establish a library, every one of
us pledge ourselves to donate at least one volume or
a set of volumes to the school, and invite others to do
the same. Volumes to be sent to the principal.
5. That the school remain under the supervision of
the Educational Board until the organization of the
"Trustee Board."
Lee. Salter. H.indy. Derrick.
Grant. Arnett. Turner. Gaines. Tanner.
BISHOPS' COUNCIL OF 3899, WILBERFORCE, OHIO.
*?(>
AFRICAN MbTHODISM
6. That we send delegates to the Alabama Confer¬
ence and ask- that these resolutions or similar ones be
adopted at their ensuing session.
Resolved, also That this conference foster and en¬
courage Payne Institute at Selma, Ala., whenever it is
shown that the property is properly deeded and incor¬
porated to the African M. E. Church.
Resolved, That this conference appoint a committee
of three to see that the said property is deeded accord¬
ing to the form of our Discipline, and pay conference
appropriation into the hands of the Board of Trustees.
Resolved, That the Presiding Bishop be a member of
the Board of Trustees, and his signature shall be neces¬
sary to all checks drawing money from the hands' of
the trustees of bank, as the case may be.
The conference appointed the following committee
to meet the Alabama conference in reference to our
school: L. Gardner, R. M. Cheeks, J. S. Shaw and
W. H. Mixon.
Rev. A. L. Scott moved that $200.00 be appropriated
to Payne Institute, which was gladly received. The
following were the first trustees ever elected for Payne
Institute (see minutes of the 12th annual session, 1889,
Page 33) : Rev. W. H. Mixon, L. Gardner, J. M.
Goodloe, G. W. Watson, R. M. Cheeks and F. B.
Moreland. Bishop W. J. Gaines was elected chair¬
man ; W. H. Mixon, treasurer.
The following amounts were the first donations
given to this institution:
Brown Chapel, Selma, Ala $153 00
Greensboro, by Rev. R. M. Cheeks 40 00
City Council, Selma 100 00
IN ALABAMA.
91
Money fromerly given Dr. M. E. Bryant $118 75
Tuition 24 95
W. H. Mixon 3 00
Total cash $439 7°
One Estey organ, value 150 00
Paints 25 00
One Bible : 10 00
One bell 5 00
Two School Registers 2 00
One broom 20
Grand total $631 90
Total expenditures 455 55
Indebtedness $i,34i 00
This year Rev. M. E. Bryant, editor of the South¬
ern Christian Recorder, had to escape from Selma,
charged with writing inflammatory editorials and not
even granted the chance to vindicate himself. Mr. E.
C. Jones and Mr. J. H. Clark were also forced to leave
their homes on account of a race conflict. The writer
offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Rev. M. E. Bryant, a faithful and true
member of this North Alabama A. M. E. Conference,
is away from home, saving his life, therefore be it
Resolved, That we rejoice with his friends in the
preservation of his life, and pray God's blessing upon
him and his dear family.
Mrs. Moore. Mrs. Tyree. Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Armstrong. Mrs. Derrick. Mrs. Wayman. Mrs. Shaffer. Mrs. Coppiti.
Mrs. Handy. Mrs. Grant. Mrs. Tanner. Mrs. Gaines. Mrs. Arnett. Mrs. Lee. Mrs. Salter.
WIVES OF THE BISHOPS OF THE A. M. E. CHURCH, AT GENERAL CONFERENCE, COEUMBUS, OHIO. MAY, 1900
CHAPTER X.
The eleventh annual session of the North Ala¬
bama Conference was held at St. John A. M. K.
C'hurch, Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 26 to Dec. 1, 1890.
Rt. Rev. \Y. J. Gaines, D. D., presiding; Rev. R. M.
Cheeks, secretary; Rev. A. A. Godwin, assistant; Rev.
J. S. Shaw, recording secretary. Visitors to this
conference were Rev. J. C. Embry, D. D., general
business manager; Rev. M. E. Bryant, D. D., Editor
of the Southern Christian Recorder; Rev. W. C. Ban-
ton, P. E. of Georgia; Rev. A. W. Atwater and Charles
E. Harris, of Alabama Conference; Rev. A. R. Cooper,
of Georgia; Dr. L,. J. Coppin, editor of the A. M. E.
Church Review.
Annual sermon was preached by Rev. A. A. Godwin,
Text, Epbesians 6:2. The sermon was well prepared
and forcibly delivered. Dr. J. C. Embry preached the
Thanksgiving sermon. Text, Deut. 8th chapter, 8th to
nth verses. It was indeed a powerful sermon. Dr.
Jimbry never preached any other kind. The evening
services1 were conducted by Rev. S. H. Robinson, of
the Atlanta, Ga., District.
Bishop Gaines introduced W. H. Mixon, who deliv ¬
ered the annual missionary sermon from the Text,
"Lo, these are the parting of his ways'."—Job. 26 114.
The disciplinary questions show that these brethren
93
94
AFRICAN METHODISM
were admitted on trial: A. J. Houston, R. W. Scott,
J. S. Anderson, M. B. Bryant, R. Montgomery, Alberc
Allen, C. A. Clarke, John Sheffield, S. W. Williams,
A. R. Hunnington, A. D. Mitchell, W. M. Craig, L. B.
Nelson, E. B. Treadwell, N. R. Fielding, J. T. Allen,
S. M. Hawkins, D. R. Royal, J. J. Jeffries, B. J.
Craig, John Marshall, H. P. Thurman, R. E. Maddox,
J. M. Weeden and W. P. Driver.
Ordained elders as follows: H. T. Starkey, H. P.
Patton, C. C. Thurman, S. E. Edwards, Daniel Brown
and F. H. Martin.
Supernumeraries were E. H. Valentine, E. W. Wil¬
liams, Prof. W. H. Councill, Prof. W. B. Johnson and
J. H. Underwood.
Superannuated preachers : Revs. A. Howell and York
Reeves.
Rev. H. C. Calhoun was introduced to the conference
and led the evening devotions.
There are a great many historical points connected
with this session. It was here that we decided to make
the third annual conference in the state, as the followng
resolution indicates:
WhRkEas, The unprecedented growth of the Afri¬
can Methodist Episcopal Church in our State, under
the blessing of Almighty God, has rendered our con¬
ferences too large for their support in their annual
meetings by towns and cities of medium size, therebv
depriving the people at large of the salutary influences
which usually attend our conference meetings; there¬
fore.
Resolved, That the North Alabama A. M. E. Confer¬
ence appoint a committee of three to confer with a
IN ALABAMA.
95
similar committee of members of the Alabama Confer¬
ence of the African M. E. Church, with the view of
dividing the churches of our denomination in the State
of Alabama into three annual conferences, to be
known as the North Alabama Conference, the Central
Alabama Conference and the South Alabama Confer¬
ence. This joint committee shall meet at such time
and place as shall be convenient to them. If the Bish¬
op is absent they shall elect one of their number as
chairman, and then proceed to consider the advisablity
of such division. They shall examine statistics and
other available information, so as to give each of the
said proposed conferences, as near as possible, an equal
division of our work. This committee shall meet dur¬
ing the interval immediately succeeding the adjourn¬
ment of the sessions of the North Alabama and the
Alabama Conferences of 1890, and shall report to the
annual sessions of each of these conferences. The
said conferences shall, at the sessions indicated, con¬
sider the said report, either adopting or rejecting it, or
amending such report. In the event of the adop¬
tion of said report by said conferences, each confer¬
ence shall join in a petition to the next session of the
General Conference of the African Methodist Episco¬
pal Church for the division agreed upon bv the Ala¬
bama conferences. In the event of the adoption of
this resolution, the Bishop is hereby requested to call
the said joint convention together for the purpose of
organization, provided he consult by mail or otherwise
write the members of the committee as to time and
place.
The time and place of meeting for said joint com-
96
AFRICAN METHODISM
mittee shall be selected by the Bishop, who is also re¬
quested to give timely notice to each member of said
joint committee.
[Signed]
The report of the principal of Payne School, Rev.
W. P>. Johnson, showed an enrollment of 280 students
since its opening, Nov. 4, 1889, with 88 students and
teachers. The increase of daily attendance and the
pressing need of more teachers caused the third teacher
to be employed. The interest in our educational work
by this time had thoroughly increased throughout the
The report of the treasurer, W. H. Mixon, showed
Rev. C. S. Smith (now Bishop) corresponding sec¬
retary of the Sunday School Union, was introduced,
and in eloquent words gave a review of the literature
of the A. M. E. Church. The doctor stated that for
the first 65 years the church had only produced two
books, but in the last ten years we had produced 26. He
also stated that "Poor Ben" was the only book in the
world published entirely by colored people. He in¬
formed the conference that the Sunday School Unio^
W. H. Mixon,
W. H. Councill,
A. L. Scott,
M. Edward Bryant,
C. E. Harris,
A. W. Atwater.
State.
Money received from all sources
Expenditures
Balance in hand
Indebtedness
$i,5°5 48
I,4IO I!.
95 37
1,055 90
IN AIvABAMA.
97
of the A. M. E. Church owns twenty-five thousand dol¬
lars' worth of property.
Montevallo was the place designated for holding
the electoral college, July I, 1891.
Trustees for the Payne School, W. H. Mixon, J. S.
Shaw, R. M. Cheek,'F. B. Moreland, G. W. Wat¬
son, J. M. Goodlove, L. Gardner. Laymen: E. H.
Poole and P. C. Christian. Wilberforce trustees: W.
H. Mixon, T. W. Coffee and F. B. Moreland. Lay¬
men: Samuel King and C. B. Taylor.
Rev. F. B. Moreland was elected treasurer of the
Preachers' Aid Society. He reported $68.00 balance
in the treasury.
The committee appointed to confer with Alabama
Committee in reference to> re-districting the State so as
to form the third conference was as follows: Revs. M.
E. Bryant, W. H. Mixon, A. L. Scott, L. Gardner
and F. H. Smith.
The last conference of this administration was* held
in Brown Chapel, Selma, Ala.
The first session of the Selma or Central Alabama
Conference met at Demopolis. The reader of this his¬
tory will observe that the historian begins to record
the doings of the third conference in the State, num¬
bering this one of the "Threes," viz.: the Three He¬
brew Children, the Holy Trinity—the Father, Son and
Holy Ghost—"the sun, moon and stars," "the thrie
great colors in the rainbow."
This conference was organized by the Rt. Rev.
Abram Grant, D. D.
The second session was held in Emmanuel Church.
Mobile, Ala., Nov. 22 to 26, 1893. Officers of the con-
Financial Department of the A. M. E. Church, Washington, D. C.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
99
ference: Rev. R. D. Brooks, W. H. Mixon, R. J. Pat-
ton and W. B. Johnson, secretaries. Visitors, Dr. H.
T. Johnson, editor of Christian Recorder, and Rev.
Wm. Decker Johnson, D. D., secretary of education,
and Mrs. Bishop Grant. The last time the Rt. Rev.
T. M. D. Ward, D. D., visited Alabama was' at this ses¬
sion of conference. His farewell words were a bene¬
diction to the ministers and laity of the State.
Rev. L. J. Coppin D. D., editor of the A. M. E.
Church Review, was also a visitor to this conference.
The annual sermon was delivered by Rev. F. H.
Smith. Text, Timothy 4:1, 2. After the sermon Hon.
G. W. Lovejoy delivered the welcome address. The
missionary sermon was delivered by Rev. F. B. More-
land. Text, St. Mark 16:15—"And he said unto them,
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature." Educational sermon was preached by
Rev. W. H. Mixon. Hymn 21, "God moves in a mys¬
terious way," etc. Text, Daniel 12 —"And they that
be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;
and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars
forever and ever." At the close of the sermon Bishop
Grant s'ang, "Where is my wandering boy to-night?"
and the "Death Angel," when the invitation for the re¬
ception of members was extended. These accepted:
Lizzie Amos, Mary A. Hendricks, Ella King and Nora
Sadler. Rev. W. B. Johnson, B. S. Principal of Payne
School, read the educational report.
The following persons were admitted on trial: J. W.
Wblf, J. C. Lilly, L. J. Sanders, H. W. Bristoe, J. M.
Phillips, S. F. Dandridge, J. B. Gillard, E. S. Jordan,
S. Baylum, D. S. Samuel and S. B. Bonner. Rev. J. F.
100
AFRICAN METHODISM
Adams was transferred to the North Alabama con¬
ference. Rev. T. J. Williams transferred from the
Florida conference to the Central. Rev. Jas. W.
Walker was received as a transfer from Georgia. Dr.
Coppin had set to music the words of Bishop Grant's
"Marching Must Be Done." It was dedicated to the
Sixth Episcopal District.
Deacons ordained: J. R. Burgess, D. S. Samuel,
J. W. Rhine, Grant Young, H. W. White, J. A.
Thomas, W. M. Grace, R. P. Phillip, Anthony Mcll-
v/ain, B. J. Craig, J. S. Perry, L. J. Sanders, H. M. Pil¬
low, J. H. Allison, J. C. Cook. Elders: W. B. John¬
son, C. S. Jones, E. A. Valentine, H. L. Washington,
H. Armstrong, Wm. Buck and E. L. Martin, A. M.
Green.
Rev. J. H. Armstrong, financial secretary, presented
the claims of that department.
Sunday, at n a. m., Bishop T. M. D. Ward lined
hymn, "Jesus, the name high over all." The
preliminaries being over Bishop Grant selected for a
text, "Be of good cheer"—Acts 23 :ii. At the close of
the sermon these joined the church: Caroline Bowman,
Allen Wiggins, Alonzo Brown, Delia Davis, Hattie
Johnson, Jane Wright, Ella Hill, Martha Malone, Car¬
rie Pulham, Smart Nesbitt, Thomas Johnson, H. B.
Raine, Caroline Richardson, Julia Wills, Lucy Thomp¬
son, Arbela Williams, Sallie Mitchell, Reese Davis,
Louis Barnett, Lula Harris, and Luella West.
Bishop Ward assisted Bishop Grant in the ordination
services. This was among the last of his official acts.
The third annual conference of the Central Alabama
met in Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, Uniontown,
IN ALABAMA.
101
Ala., Nov. 28, to Dec. 3, 1894. Rt. Rev. A. Grant,
D. D., president; Rev. R. D. Brooks, chief secretary;
Rev. R. J. Patton, assistant; Rev. E. W. Lee and R. M.
Cheeks, of Georgia, and W. H. Mixon, P. E., con¬
ducted the devotional exercises.
Dr. W. B. Derrick, missionary secretary, preached
the national Thanksgiving sermon, St. Luke 9th chap¬
ter ; text, 49th and 50th verses.
7 :30 p. m. the annual sermon was preached by Rev.
R. M. Cheeks, of Atlanta, Ga. A logical, forcible and
highly instructive missionary address was delivered
by Dr. W1. B. Derrick. He gave us for a motto: "The
Gospel in all the world," or "The world for Christ, and
Christ for the world." Mrs. Dr. C. S. -Smith was a vis¬
itor to the conference and represented the Sunday
School Union department, in the absence of her hus¬
band, who was in Africa.
Admitted on trial: Andrew Nevels, Larkin Scott,
George Harris, Samuel Scott, Paul Zimmerman, Wm.
Pyles, Thomas Williams, Moses Williams', John H.
Hall, Charles F. Hall, Perry R. Goodson, Wm. Jones,
Henry Mcllwain, Marshall Montrie, Charles H. Rus-
s'ell, J. R. Phillips, Silas L. Williams, Sandy Hamlin,
Geo. Washington, F. C. Seamore, Jackson Crawford
and H. O. Height.
Ordained deacons: Benjamin Bonner, Scott Jordan,
Paul T. English, Oliver Davis, I. C. Kennedy, Larkin
Scott, Julius W. Wblf, A. W. Bristoe and A. Nevels.
Dollar money reported, $2,340.78. Daughters of
Conference societies from following places':
Brown Chapel, Selma—Mrs. H. W. Mitchell, pres¬
ident; J. E. Anderson secretary, $10.00; R. D. Brooks,
pastor.
102
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Uniontown—Mrs. C. H. Davidson, president; M. K.
Cutler, secretary; B. L,. Coleman, pastor; $5.00.
St. Joihn, West Selma—President, T. Peters; A.
Swain, secretary.
Camden—Mrs. R. A. Billups ; B. B. Allen, secretary;
$4.00.
Uniontown Missionary Society, $8.00; Mrs. A. W.
Atwaters, president; M. K. Cutler, secretary.
Emmanuel, Mobile, $5.00; Leona Preston, president ■.
Sarah Cook, treasurer; Pauline Beechem, secretary; J.
W. Walker, pastor.
Star of the East, $4.00; Mrs. J. M. Graham, presi¬
dent; D. M. Byrd, secretary.
telegram.
Natchez, Miss., Nov. 30, 1894.
Bishop A. Grant, D. D.—The Mississippi confer¬
ence reciprocates greetings. 2,600 souls added this
year. Dollar money about the same, with some other
points to hear from.
H. M. Turner.
BISHOP B. W. ARNETT, D. D.
CHAPTER XI.
The fourth annual proceedings of the Central Ala¬
bama Conference, held in Selma, Dec. 4 to Dec. 8, 1895.
Officers: Rt. Rev. A. Grant, D. D., Presiding Bishop:
Rev. R. D. Brooks, secretary; Rev. W. B. Johnson, as¬
sistant secretary. Mr. Charles Stewart, of Chicago
the Negro stenographer and newspaper man, was
made the official stenographer of the conference.
Rev. J. H. Davidson delivered the annual sermon
from the following text: "Having therefore obtained
help of God, I continue unto this day witnessing both
to the small and the great."—Acts 26:22.
Dec. 4, at 12 o'clock, the funeral of our Senior Bish¬
op, Rt. Rev. A. W. Wayman, wasf held in Baltimore,
Md. Our Presiding Bishop telegraphed the following
message:
REV. J. W. Beckett, Buthel A. M. E. CHURCH, Bal¬
timore, Md. :
The Central Alabama Conference unites with the
whole Church in mourning _ the loss of our Senior
Bishop, A. W1. Wayman. Regret my inability to be
present. A. Grant.
Bishop Grant is very methodical in' all of his church
work. See how he explains the "Dollar," which gives
great information along our "Dollar Money System
104
AFRICAN METHODISM. 105
Church Extension icx-
Education 8c
Publication Department
Missions 3c
Salary, Nine General Officers qz
Salary fourteen Bishops 25c
Superannuated Preachers 22c
Wdows and Orphans 18c
$1.00
He gave the figures for the quadrennium under his
administration for the Sixth Episcopal District, includ¬
ing Georgia and Alabama.
The District granted him a vacation, and he, accom¬
panied by Prof. Councill, visited many important points
in England during the summer of 1895. The Bishop's
health had been impaired caused by the laborious effort
and incessant travel incident to the epis'copacy of this
the largest district in the connection. This trip was
to him a great blessing, for he returned to us with
bundles of information and a restored health.
Visitors: Dr. H. T. Johnson, editor of the Chris¬
tian Recorder; Dr. L,. J. Coppin, editor of the A. M.
Review, and Dr. Wm. Decker Johnson, secretary of
education.
Memorial services were held in honor of Bishop
Wayman. Bishop Grant led in singing, "And am I
born to die?" Dr. Coppin read the 90th Psalm.
Hymn 492 was sung. The throne of grace was ap¬
proached in a most sympathetic manner by P. E. Gard¬
ener. The choir sang very softly, "Some sweet day, bye
and bye," led by Mrs. R. M. Cheeks. Dr. H. T. John¬
son read a most excellent report on memories. Dr.
Wm. Decker Johnson made remarks' setting forth the
REV. E. W. LAMPTON, D. D.
Financial Secretary A. M. E. Church.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
107
many high and noble Christian qualities of the sainted
dead, who had led him to> Christ, licensed him to preach,
and had been largely instrumental in his ascendancy
in the church of Christ. "Shall we meet beyond the
river," was led by Bishop Grant. Elder Hillary made
remarks. "In the shadow of the rock," was sung. The
Bishop spoke of the stirring qualities of our deceased
Bishop, the battles that he had fought and the victories
that he had achieved. He also asked that special
f ayers be offered for his successor, Bishop H. M.
Turner. With full hearts the conference adjourned
with benediction by Bishop Grant.
At night Dr. H. L. Johnson preached from, the text,
"Pilate said unto him, What is truth?" (St. John
18:38). Miss L. E. Stone extended the welcome ad¬
dress to the conference in very choice diction. Prof.
W. B. Johnson represented the ministers of Selma in
terms highly creditable to the occasion. Rev. R. M.
Cheeks and Dr. W. D. Johnson responded.
The election of General Conference delegates re¬
sulted in the election of L,. Gardner, W. H. Mixon, F.
B. P.Ioreland, R. D. Brooks, A. W. Atwater and A. A.
Godwin; alternates, J. W. Walker, J. H. Davidson, S.
W. Shields, E. L. Martin, R. A. Mahony and B. L,.
Coleman. Lay delegates, E. W. Stone, of Selma, and
S. G. Jones of Greensboro.
Rev. J. W. Walker preached the missionary sermon
from the following text: "And this gospel of the king¬
dom shall be preached in all the world for a witness
unto all nations" (St. Matthew 24:14). Rev. N. L,.
Edmondson sang very pathetically, "Some mother's
child."
108
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Dr. E. S. Starr, of the M. E. Church, South, made
some remarks. Dr. C. S. Dinkins, C. L. Fisher and
C. J. Hardy were introduced. Dr. W. H. McAlpine,
L. L. Burwell, M. D., and Rev. J. W. Smith were intro¬
duced.
The following brethren were admitted on trial: S.
J. Roundtree, F. W. White, L. G. Duncan, C. W. Love,
W. H. Spencer, Samuel Richardson, R. H. Emanuel,
Wm. Williams, Burrell Andrews, A. Adams, L. V.
Starkey, Sandy Adams, J. H. Warren, M. L. Beck, J.
W. Lovett and J. S. Brice. Brothers P. A. Jackson,
James Bynn and King Brown were ordained deacons.
Sabbath, at n a. m., Rt. Rev. A. Grant preached
from the following text, "For whom he did foreknow,
he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image
of his Son" (Rom. 8:29). On opening the doors of the
church, 22 anxious souls joined; 12 were happily con¬
verted at the altar, viz.: Josephine Douglass, Hattie
Lyman, Mattie Cook, Ann Holmes, Woodson James,
Cherry Bonds, Aver Ruth, Mattie Tabb, Matilda
Moore, George White, Mattie Gaines' and Archey Tay¬
lor, Pauline Wyley Lyman, Lizzie Hamilton, Peggie
White, B. F. Levert, Amanda Smith, Ella Burnett, Mir¬
iam Eldridge, Lula Burnette, Janie Williams, Jessie
Moore.
Dr. C. S. Smith, of the A. M. E. Church Sunday
School Union, addressed the children in a special ses¬
sion.
CHAPTER XII.
Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D., D. C. L., came to us in
1896, and held his first conference in Greensboro, Ala.,
Nov. 18-21896. Rev. R. D. Brooks, chief secretary;
Rev. Jas. \V. Walker and W. B. Johnson, assistants.
Transfers' received : \V. H. Jones, J. W. L. Talley, R. R.
Fain, h. E. Makiell, J. B. Dukes, P. J. Johnson, A. J.
Houston. Transfers given: G. W'. Raspberry, T. J.
Jenkins, H. M. Pillow, and Wm. Pyles to the Alabama
Conference. North Alabama: C. W. Warren, W. B.
Johnson and B. F. Dickson.
Introductions': Rev. C. S. Smith, D. D.; Dr. T. W.
Henderson, business manager of A. M. E. Book Con¬
cern, Philadelphia, Pa; Rev. M. M. Moore, D. D., Fi¬
nancial Secretary; Dr. H. B. Parks, Secretary of Mis¬
sions, and Mrs. Lillian F. Thurman, Superintendent of
W. H. and Foreign Missionary Department. Mrs. S.
H. Christian delivered the welcome address. Mr. Wil¬
lie Thomas extended a welcome address alsio. Rev. W.
H. Mixon, P. E. of the Montgomery District, re¬
sponded. Dr. James M. Henderson, President of Mor~
ris' Brown College, delivered a lecture to the Confer¬
ence.
On Sabbath a. m. at 9 o'clock, Rev. Mrs. Lillian
Thurman preached from these words: "The Master is
come, and calleth for thee," St. John 11:28. At the
109
Alabama Conference Held at West Point, Ga.. January 11, 1899.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Ill
close of the sermon Brother Wesley Jones, who hai
since gone to his reward, said, "Brethren, I desire to
pay my Christian sister a compliment. Heretofore I
have not wanted to hear a woman preacher, but now I
am convinced that the Lord sends out various instru¬
ments to carry out his work. May God bless Sister
Thurman and help her to continue carrying the word
of life."
Dr. M. M. Moore led in singing "Thou thinkest,
Lord, of me." At n o'clock Bishop W. J. Gaines, D.
D., selected as his text, "I am Jesus whom thou
persecuteth"—Acts 9 15. The following is a synopsis
of the Bishop's sermon: *
"The Holy Scriptures abound in illustrations show¬
ing that our relations are such that we should live in
touch with each other, our interest being common. All
nature is a unit; everything in the Bible teaches man's
unity—the common oneness of us all, for the reason
Christ was born, labored and taught, suffered, died and
rose again, commissioned his disciples to go forth with
the torch of God's word in hand and declare the ever¬
lasting Gospel. Persecutions arose. The disciples of
Palto, Aristotle and those who' were the advocates of
effete religion opposed the Gospel design. I have been
a student of history for more than forty years and I find
that there is opposition to every new enterprise. Saul
of Tarsus was a disciple of Gamaliel; was active in his
work of extermination and prevention of the gospel.
Stephen, the proto-martyr, proclaimed the gospel of
Christ with power until men trembled; his persecutors
were enraged; they storied him to death; they shed in¬
nocent blood ; but Stephen prayed, 'Lord, forgive them;
North Alabama Conference, held at Pratt City, 1901.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
113
for they know not what they do,' and tnen took his
flight heavenward. The same will be true of America
—lives are taken on whimsical reports without judge or
jury, and hurried into eternity. Vengeance begets
vengeance. Blood begets blood. There will spring up
a revolution which will tear America into a dozen re¬
publics ; yea, some monarchies.
"Saul goes to the high priest and gets authority to
go to Damascus to destroy and waste the church, but
on his journey at midday, not a meteor, but a heavenly
light dazed him and a voice cried out, 'Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me,' (here the Bishop gave a
most beautiful description of the Desert of Sahara,
after which he said, "but God reflects and sheds his
glory upon the heroic persecutors.") The voice cries,
'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' The voice
and the light would seem to be a contradiction (Elijah,
the cyclone has passed; the -five passed, then the still
small voice, and no .one heard it). Paul speaks after¬
ward and says, 'Those who were with me saw the
light, but did not hear the voice proclaiming his mis¬
sion to preach the everlasting gospel, and bring the
world under the influence of power and salvation/
This whole world belongs to God. Ye must be born
again. He can write the ten commandments on the
skies., and do as he did with old Sinai—united her in
light and darkness and enveloped himself in glory,
and from Siniai's summit thundered, 'Thou chalt have
no other God before me." Who art thou, Lord? I
am Jesus.
"In my exodium, I said our interests are one. We
are a common humanity. We have a right to look af-
8
114
AFRICAN METHODISM
ter each other's interests. The minister has a right
to proclaim the gospel and connect it with every sub¬
ject in heaven, on earth and in hell. 'I am Jesus whom
thou persecuteth.' 'Lord, I have done nothing to the^.
I did get a paper to arrest thee.' 'Remember, Saul,
when you stoned Stephen you stoned me; wjhen you
persecuted my church you persecuted me, when you
persecute the least of my little ones you persecute me.'
He urged the great audience to trust in God and to rest
on his promises, and said that he would protect them in
the hour of danger.
Sabbath services closed with glorious: results. Ser¬
mons by Rev. M. M. Moore, D. D., and Dr. T. W,
Henderson. The following brethren were elected re¬
presentative trustees for Payne School of the Central
Conference.
L. Gardner, R. D. Brooks, S. L. Mims, W. W. Fra-
zier, Dan Brown, S. W. Shields, E. L. Martin, J. H.
Davidson, Q. W. Watson, E. A. Valentine, C. W.
Warren, T. J. Steward, W. B. Johnson, R. C. Cook,
C. S. Jones.
Those admitted to the traveling connection: Rev.
J. L. Cole (from the Congregational Church, who
had been formally ordained by a Methodist Bishop;
he came to us highly recommended), Prof. W. S.
Dugged, Principal of Payne School, and Mr. John
Williams.
There were no deacons ordained. The following
brethren were ordained Elders': N. J. Adams, A. A.
Lucas, A. A. Rumph, L. S. Bonner, J. H. Underwood,
J. S. Anderson, B. J. Craig, M. B. Bryant. M. More-
IN ALABAMA.
115
land, H. M. Pillow and A. Mcllwain. Conference ad¬
journed to met at Bethel Church, Mobile, 1897.
The first session of the Alabama Annual Conference,
of the 1896 quadrennium, was held at Opelika, Rt. Rev.
H. M. Turner, D. D., presiding.
The first session of the North Alabama Conference
under Bishop Turner was held at Florence, Ala., 1896.
Bishop Turner convened the North Alabama Confer-
in Anniston, Ala., Nov. 1897.
The Central Alabama Conference met in Bethel
Church, Mobile, Dec., 1897, Bishop Turner presiding.
Revs. R. D. Brooks and E. L. Martin Secretaries. It
was a sad conference. While the Bishop was delivering
his morning sermon he received a telegram bearing the
f-ad news of the critical illness of his wife. Rev. T. W.
Henderson, D. D., Business Manager of the Publication
Department of the Church, offered a most earnest, pa¬
thetic and sympathizing prayer. The Bishop was
forced to leave the conference without completing his
his work. On his arrival at Atlanta he found that her
soul had gone to it last resting place. Dr. C. S. Smith
(now Bishop) and W. H. Mixon, D. D., were ap¬
pointed by the Bishop to complete the conference work
ana announce the appointments.
The North Alabama Conference met in Huntsville
on December 7, 1898. At this session, also, on the
same date, at 10 o'clock a. m., at Normal, Ala., Rev. N.
L,. Edmondson was united in' holy wedlock to Miss
Alice Shortridge, one of the teachers, Bishop Turner
officiating. Their union was of short duration. They
fell victims to that much-dreaded disease smallpox in
the year 1901, while pastoring at Florence, Ala.
116
AFRICAN METHODISM
In 1898, the Central Alabama Conference assembled
at Marion, Bishop Turner presiding; Rev. R. D.
Brooks, Secretary.
The next one, in Montgomery, being the thirty-sec¬
ond session, Rt. Rev. H. M. Turner, D. D., presiding,
Dec., 1899, secretaries, Rev. I. N. Fitzpatrick, W. C.
Banton and M. J. Iragraham.
In 1899, the North Alabama Conference convened in
Birmingham, Bishop H. M. Turner presiding. Secre¬
taries : Revs. E. W. Williams and D. P. Moore.
In 1899, Bishop Turner closed the last Central Ala¬
bama conference, Selma. Rev. R. D. Brooks and Rev.
J. W. Walker, secretaries.
INTRODUCTIONS.
Rev. P. A. Hubbard, D. D., Financial Secretary;
Rev. A. W>. Atwater; W. H. Mixon, C. M. Tanner;
Dr. G. W. Allen, Rev. G. E. Taylor, D. D., Southern
Christian Recorder; Dr. J. T. Jenifer, Secretary of
Preachers' Aid Society. Rev. R. D. Brooks, D. D., de¬
livered the annual sermon. Text, Gal. 6:14.
The following brethren were admitted on trial: Pres¬
ton Ford, A. O. Hines, John Curry, A. H. Bond, Wm.
Robinson, Joseph Robinson, A. D. Bland, S. L. Wilk¬
inson and J. L. Watson.
The first session of the. North Alabama Conference,
under Bishop Gaines was held at Florence, Ala., Dec. 6,
1900. Rev. D. P. Moore, secretary; assistant, Rev. J.
B. Carter.
Rt. Rev. W. J. Gaines, D. D., came to us at the rise
of the General Conference of 1900, which met in Co¬
lumbus, Ohio. Alabama was detached from Ga., and
IN ALABAMA.
117
attached to South Carolina and changed from thr 6th to
the 7th Episcopal District.
His first conference held under the quadrennial re¬
gime assembled in St. Luke A. M. E. Church, Eufala,
Ala.. December, 1900. Rev. W. C. Banton, secretary,
and Rev. M. J. Ingraham and W. H. Brown were
elected secretaries.
Bishop L. J. Coppin, D. D., of the 14th Episcopal
District, who had won for himself a name and en¬
deared himself to the ministry and laity of Alabama
while editor the A. M. E. Church Review, was asso¬
ciated with his true and tried friend, Bishop Gaines.
Rev. G. W. Allen and Mrs. S. A. Christian, State Pres¬
ident of the W. F. and H. M. Society, were visitors
also.
The following brethren were admitted on probation:
S. L. Wilkinson, T. H. Jones, H. L- Nix, A. W. Tur¬
ner, A. O. Hines, P. T. Matherson, John Curry, J. L.
Watson and Preston Ford. King Brown and M. Moul¬
trie were readmitted.
Elders ordained: M. L. Beck and L. G. Duncan.
Rev. H. F. Smith, one of the pioneers of our Ala¬
bama work, was reported fallen a victim to death. He
had been in feeble health for years, and died believing
that he had developed the science of "Perpetual Mo¬
tion."
The next session of the North Alabama Conference
convened in Pratt City, Ala., Nov. 6th, 1901, Bishop
W. J. Gaines, D. D., presiding. Rev. E. W. Williams,
secretary, and J. B. Carter, assistant.
The 10th session of the Central Conference convened
The Presiding Elders of the Alabama Confecences of the A. M. K. Church, 1901.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
119
in Emmanuel A. M. E. Church, Mobile, Ala., Nov. 13-
17, 1901, Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D., presiding. Rev.
R. D. Brooks, D. D., secretary; Rev. J. H. Allison, as¬
sistant : Rev. M. H. Leath, statistician; Rev. J. W.
Walker, D. D* secretary to the Bishop; Rev. IZ Gard¬
ner, D. D., conference treasurer.
Rt. Rev. Charles S. Smith, D. D., of the 12th Epis¬
copal District, was associated with Bishop Gaines. Dr.
H. T. Johnson, Dr. H. B. Parks, Dr. A. W. Atwater,
and Dr. \Yl H. Mixon were introduced to the Confer¬
ence. Dr. H. Roger Williams and Mis's Estella Belle
delivered welcome addresses. Bishop Smith responded.
Brothers W. H. Wells, G. L. Mills, C. L. Montgom-
ery, J. J. James, J. W. Lovett and G. J. Jackson were
admitted on trial.
Deacons ordained: J. H. Moss, W. G. Duncan, J.
A. Williams, J. B. House and J. H. Warren'. Elders:
L. V. Starkey, M. W. Davis, Wyley May, M. B. Bry¬
ant, Eli Jones, R H. Bingh'am, G. L,. Williams and J.
S. Brice.
During the conference year death overtook Rev. R.
R. Fain, S. M. Johnson and S. L. Wilkerson.
Revs. A. N. McEwen, C. L. Harris, Rev. Davenport;
Dr. A. F. Owen, P. G. Goin, were visitors to the Con¬
ference.
The first session of the Central Alabama Conference
met in Demopolis, Ala., Nov. 14-18, 1901, Rt. Rev. W.
J. Gaines, D. D., presiding: bishop. Rev. R. D. Brooks,
D. D., chief secretary; Rev. J. H. Allison, recording
secretary; Rev. H. M. Leath, statistician; Rev. A. W.
Atwater, Dr. G. E. Taylor, Dr. J. T. Jenifer, Rev. C.
M. Tanner.
120 AFRICAN METHODISM.
The second session convened in Gaines' Chapel, Do-
than, Ala., Dec., 1901. The secretaries for that con¬
ference were W. C. Banton, M. J. Ingraham and A. D.
W. Mitchell.
REV. E. W. WILLIAMS,,
Secretary North Alabama Conference, 1901.
St. John A- M E. Church, Birmingham, Ai,a.
CHAPTER XIII.
EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS.
First Episcopal District—Bishop W. B. Derrick, D.
D., Bishop's Court, 27 State St., Flushing, N. Y.
Second District—Bishop B. F. Lee, D. D., Wilber-
force, O.
Third District—Bishop B. W. Arnett, D. D., Wil-
berforce, Ohio.
Fourth District—Bishop A. Grant, D. D., 3349 N.
Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Ind.
Fifth District—Bishop C. T. Shaffer, M. D., D. D.,
532 Washington Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
Sixth District—Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D., LL. D.,
30 Young Street, Atlanta, Ga.
Seventh District, Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D., 360
Houston Street, Atlanta, Ga.
Eighth District—Bishop Evans Tyree, D. D., 13
North Hill Street, Nashville, Tenn.
Ninth District—Bishop B. T. Tanner, D. D., 2908
Diamond Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Tenth District—Bishop M. B. Salter, D. D., 30 Van-
derhost Street, Charleston', S. C.
Eleventh District—Bishop Jas. A. Handy, D. D.,
1347 N. Calhoun Street, Baltimore, Md.
Twelfth District—Bishop Charles S. Smith, D. D.,
39 East Columbia Street, Detroit, Mich.
123
124
AFRICAN METHODISM
Fourteenth District—Bishop L. J. Coppin, D. D.,
Bethel Institute, no Hanover street, Cape Town,
South Africa.
DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.
Publication Department, 631 Pine Street, Philadel¬
phia, Pa., Rev. J. H. Collett, D. ET., B. M.; Rev. H.
T. Johnson, D. D., Editor of the "Christian Recorder;"
Prof. H. T. Kealing, A. M., Editor of "The Review.''
Missionary Department, 61 Bible House, N. Y., Rev.
H. B. Parks, D. D., Secretary and Treasurer, and
Editor "Voice of Missions."
Sunday School Union, Nashville, Tenn., Rev. Wm.
D. Chappell, Secretary and Treasurer.
Financial Department, 1541 Fourteenth Street, N.
W. Washington, D. C., Rev. E. W. Lampton, D. D..
Financial Secretary.
EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT.
Kittrell, N. C., Prof. Jno. R. Hawkins, Secretary and
Treasurer.
Church Extension Department, 631 Pine Street,
Philadelphia, Pa., Rev. B. F. Watson, D. D., Secretary
and Treasurer.
"Southern Christian Recorder," 212 Auburn Ave.,
Atlanta Ga., Rev. G. E. Taylor, Editor and Manager.
Connection^ Preachers' Aid Association, Baltimore,
Md., Rev. Jno. T. Jenifer, Secretary and Treasurer.
IN ALABAMA.
125
Allen Christian Endeavor Society, Rev. B. W. Ar-
nett, A. B., Secretary, Wilbeforce, Ohio.
PRESIDING ELDER DISTRICTS OF THE A.
M. E. CHURCH IN ALABAMA.
When the seed of African Methodism was' just being
sown in the State, the Presiding Elder of Louisiana
had charge of Alabama; we had, then, not one regu¬
larly organized district. To-day we number twenty-
two districts; namely: Selma District—Rev. F. B.
Moreland, Presiding Elder; Mobile—Rev. D. Brown,
Presiding Elder; Greensboro—Rev. R. D. Brooks, D.
D., Presiding Elder; Camden—Rev. L. Gardner, D. D.,
Presiding Elder; Demopolis—Rev. E. L- Martin, Pre¬
siding Elder; Thomasville—Rev. G. W. Watson, Pre¬
siding Elder; Greenville—Rev. J. H. McGhee, Presid¬
ing Elder; Birmingham—Rev. D. C. Edmondson, Pre¬
siding Elder; Blocton—Rev. S. L. Mims', B. D., Presid¬
ing Elder; South Birmingham—Rev. A. Wl Atwater,
D. D., Presiding Elder; Florence—Rev. D. P. Moore,
Presiding Elder; Montevallo—Rev. C. W. Warren,
Presiding Elder; Huntsville—Rev. J.Frazier, Presiding
Elder; Blossburg—Rev. E. W. Taylor, Presiding El¬
der ; Montgomery—Rev. G. W. Allen, Presiding El¬
der ; Union Springs—Rev. S. W. Shields, Presiding
Elder; Eufaula—Rev. John W\ Warrick, Presiding El¬
der; Ozark—Rev. Noah Davidson, Presiding Elder;
Opelika—Rev. W. C. Banton, D. D., Presiding Elder ;
Columbia—Rev. G. B. West, Presiding Elder; Good-
water—Rev. H. C. Calhoun, Presiding Elder; Troy—
Rev. W. W. Frazier, D. D., Presiding Elder.
CHAPTER XIV.
A FEW OF THE LEADING CHURCHES AND
PASTORS IN THE STATE.
St. John's A. M. E. Church, Birmingham. Rev. A.
J. Hunter was transferred from Columbia, S. C, to
the above station two years ago. Bishop W. J. Gaines,
D. D., presiding. His financial and spiritual success
in this great commercial city has been marvelous.
St. Paul, Florence, Ala., Rev. T. S. Johnson, pastor.
This is a fine brick church and a beautiful congrega¬
tion. Elder Johnson is a success wherever placed.
Payne Chapel, Birmingham, Ala., Rev. E. W. Wil¬
liams, pastor. Through his leadership a handsome
sum of money has been raised with the view of erecting
a brick and stone building. Elder Williams is a faith¬
ful and successful pastor.
St. James, Pratt City, Ala., Rev. W. C. Shelton, pas¬
tor. He was a successful presiding elder in Georgia;
but is now a faithful pastor in Alabama.
Brown's Chapel, Selma, Ala., Rev. James W. Walk¬
er, D. D., pastor. This is the old historic foundation
of Methodism in the State. As is shown on other
pages of this history, Dr. Walker is a great preacher.
He is the treasurer of the Building Funds of Payne
University.
126
AFRICAN METHODISM.
127
St. John's Montgomery, Ala., Rev. W. B. Johnson,
A. M., pastor. This is one of the leading- churches
of the State. Regardless of denominations, Elder
Johnson was the first principal of Payne School. He
has never failed in the schoolroom or pulpit.
St. Luke, Eufaula, Ala., Rev. C. G. Hatchen, pastor.
Elder Hatchen is a young man who is blessed with
great power.
Emmanuel, Mobile, Rev. H. N. Newsome, pastor.
Elder Newsome is the most successful young minister
in the State.
Rev. Moses Moreland, Bethel, Mobile. When Rev.
Moreland was appointed to this station, the people al¬
most went into rebellion because of his youthful ap¬
pearance. Rev. L. Gardner, Presiding Elder, said:
"I will go his security that he will have success." The
people sent telegrams and even a committee to Bishop
Turner in Atlanta to have him removed. They took
him on trial. What has been the result? One of the
most substantial and beautiful two story church edi¬
fices erected in the Connection by his untiring energy.
Elder Moreland has been pastor in this field five years,
and if left to the people, he could wind up his career
there.
St. Luke, Opelika, Ala., Rev. F. H. Goodman, pas¬
tor. Eor earnestness and firmness in principle, Elder
Goodman has few equals.
St. James, Avondale, Rev. C. C. .Montgomery, pas¬
tor. In the winter of 1887 he organized this station
in an old saloon building, known as the "White Ele¬
phant." Elder Montgomery is doing a glorious work
there.
128
AFRICAN METHODISM.
St. John Chapel Church, Montgomery, Ala.—This
church was organized in the home of Brother Thorp
Williams by Richard B. Bailey. It was 011 the south
side of Market St., now known as Dexter Ave. When
organized there were only five or six members; for
some time they worshipped in that place. In proc¬
ess of time they removed to North Court Street, near
the Alabama River and worshipped in an old work¬
shop owned by Mr. Frazier. It was in a measure a
public building, and they remained there until able to
purchase the beautiful lot on the north side of Madison
Ave., between Jackson and Ripley Streets. They have
a substantial and commodious building, with a splen¬
did auditorium and basement. It has been greatly
improved and beautified by the Rev. W. G. Alexan¬
der, D. D., and its membership numbers about 1,000.
It has some of the best class leaders in the Connec¬
tion, but we will only mention one. Mitchell Thomas,
leader of Class No. 7, who regularly, on. an' average,
every Monday night, reports $2.00 for pastor's sup¬
port. The parsonage, No. 807 Madison- Ave., is a
splendid six-room building with a basement, and nicely
furnished. The plans were drawn for reconstruction
by that scholarly Christian gentleman, Rev. J. Q. John¬
son, D. D., in 1898; he succeeded in making it beautiful
as well as comfortable.
The writer pastored St. John, 1900, with a most glo¬
rious success every way. More than 200 members
were added. Rev. W. B. Johnson, A. M., is her present
distinguished pastor.
Ensley—Taylor's Chapel, Rev. E. L,. Duncan, pas¬
tor. Elder Duncan has never failed as a worker.
IN ALABAMA.
129
North Birmingham, Rev. J. M. Goodloe, pastor.
Elder Goodloe is the most eloquent minister in the
Conference.
Fitzpatrick—Rev. J. A. Davis, pastor. He. has al¬
ways been a success, both as presiding elder and pas¬
tor.
Mt. Meigs—Rev. J. W. Thomas is the efficient pas¬
tor.
Richmond—Rev. Wm. Pyles, pastor. He is a strong
young man.
Union Springs—Rev. N. J. Ineraham, pastor. He
is an excellent pastor and leader of his flock.
Seale—Rev. A. A. Godwin, pastor. He is an educa¬
tional as well as spiritual worker.
Girard—Rev. J. F. Griffin, pastor. He is one of our
coming young men.
Hurtsborough—Rev. J. H. Bessick is the faithful
pastor.
Glennville—Rev. J. N. Houze, our mutual good
friend, is the successful pastor.
Clayton—Rev. T. J. Jenkins, pastor. He is a good
earnest worker.
Rev. A. W. Thorne is pastor at Redding. He is a
great singer.
Rev. J. H. Burghes is pastor at Blocton. He is' a
young man, perfectly honest and upright.
Rev. A. A. Sensabough is at Brighton. He is a suc¬
cess.
Rev. J. W. Caver is at Centerville.' He is' a splendid
pastor and good man.
Rev. B. W. Bowman is a sweeping man. He is at
John's.
130
AFRICAN METHODISM
Rev. H. D. Crutcher is cutting a wide lane in Bes¬
semer.
Rev. S. T. Groves is at Rosedale. He has built a
magnificent church "over the mountain."
Rev. Richard Gray is at Woodlawn. A better man
than Elder Gray is not in our ministry.
Rev. H. Jackson is at Irondale. He is doing well.
Gaines Chapel—Rev. G. W. Mitchell, pastor. (See
sketch.) He is a gfand man.
Sheffield—Rev. I. T. Walker, pastor. The writer or¬
ganized this church in a tent while Prof. H. Hopkins
was teaching the city school in it. We started with
five members beside the pastor, Rev. H. Johnson.
Rev. William Craig is pastor at Tuscumbia. He is
a firm character.
Rev. G. D. Hamilton is pastor at Oak Grove. He
has built a great many churches in the State.
Rev. G. W. Todd is at Huntsville. He is one of
our best and greatest young pastors.
Rev. N. R. Fielding is' at Wlarrior. He is a strong
man.
Rev. B. F. Dixcn is at Montevallo, and is doing a
good work.
Rev. G. W. Sharp is doing well at Aldrich.
Rev. G. W. L. Talley is accomplishing much at
Brierfield.
Rev. J. B. Denson is at Hargrove. He is a good
man.
Rev. Ben]. Gholston—my spiritual father—baptized
me. He is doing good mission work.
Rev. C. B. Handy is at Guntersville. He is a good
teacher as well as preacher.
IN ALABAMA.
131
Rev. J. B. Carter is our pastor at Blossburg. He
sings and preaches well.
Rev. W. S. Covington is a splendid missionary.
Rev. T. W. Coffee, D. D., is at Prattville. (See
sketch.)
Rev. J. F. Gillens is at Greensborough. He al¬
ways succeeds.
Rev. M. H. Leathe, Uniontown, is building a brick
church there.
Rev. H. L. Washington is doing good service at
Summerfield.
'Rev. L. G. Duncan is at Snowhill.
Rev. N. J. Adams, at Pine Lead, is doing good.
Rev. C. H. Henderson, B. D., is pastor at Demopolis.
He received his theological training at Payne Theolog¬
ical Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio. His wife is a great
scholar and a beautiful character.
Rev. T. J. Stewart is pastor at Alberta. He knows
no failure.
Rev. J. S. Bynum is at Dayton, and is gradually
bringing the work up to a high pitch.
Rev. L. Hillary, Bell Mount, Ala., is the one the
writer is greatly in debt to for much of the valuable
information this history contains.
Rev. A. D. W. Mitchell, Ozark, is a fine Christian
gentleman.
Rev. A. W. Harvey, St. John, Eufaula, is a grand
man.
Rev. M. J. Ingram is at Union Springs. He is a
first-class preacher.
Rev, M. Recherous is on the Banks work. He has
built churches everywhere he has been sent.
132
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Re-*. G. H. Upshaw, Midway, is a young man, and
has all the elements for success.
Rev. S. P. Pryor, Dothan Station, has his first time
to make a failure in his Master's cause.
Rev. J. A.' Cary, Mt. Zion (Clio P. O.), is doing
gj-d pastoral work.
Alabama is blessed with a great many promising
young men in the ministry. Special mention should be
,made of:
C. W. McClain, W. R. Ragland, J. D. Williams, W.
H. Robinson, J. S. Evans, L. Steale, Jr., S. Griffin, J.
H. Davidson, T. H. Windsor, E. D. Buttler, R. C.
Dickerson, A. B. Evans1, G. WT. Hill, W. H. Bowen, T.
E. Dickers'on, D. S. Samuel, R. H. Newsome, M. An¬
thony, I. D. Whatley, T. Foster, Wm. Clarke, Wm.
Bryant, M. Daniels, H. L. Weston, J. D. Bryant, S.
Merideth, W. J. Hightower, S. P. Roundtree, A. W.
Wilson, A. M. Greene, J. S. Peirry, N. J. Adams, J.
H. Allison, J. S. Bynum, Wm. Jefferson, R. A. Ma-
honey, R. C. Cook, Wml. Grace, L,. S. Barner, H. O.
Hight, A. Mcllwain, P. Z. Phillips, A. Nevels, L. G.
Duncan, C. W. Grey, L,. C. Cathey, J. B. Denson, J.
M. Welden, C. B. Hany, B. Crawford, J. T. Allen,
Thomas King, H. D. Crutcher, L,. R. Day, G. W.
Sharpe, P. J. Johnson, C. W. Thome, A. Jones, R. H.
Haynes, S. R. Gatlieroy, S. E. Gladney, S. L. Brooks,
L. E. Nelson, I. T. Walker, M. W. Phillips, H. Jack¬
son, Lee Temple, L. M. Bullard, H. Hopkins, and
many others.
CHAPTER XV.
SUMMARY.
The A. and M. College, Normal, Ala., is a State
school, supported almost entirely by the State, and is
one of the best literary as well as industrial schools in
the South. Rev. W. H. Councill, Ph. D., President.
Dr. Councill is one of the best educators in the world.
State University, Montgomery, Ala., Rev. W. B. Pat¬
terson, President. The standard of this school is high.
Prof. Patterson has given his life for the training of
colored youth. The class of students coming from
this institution is regarded the equal of any.
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School, Tuskegee.
Ala., Prof. Booker T. Washington, Ph. D., President.
This is the greatest Negro school in the world. Its
magnitude cannot be described in this brief notice. It
is supported mainly by Northern philanthropists. Prof.
Washington can take a place anywhere and call the
world to order.
The Woman's Home and Foreign Mission Society
of the A. M. E. Church was permanently organized at
the General Conference held at Wilmington, N. C.,
and Mrs. Lillian F. Thurman was appointed General
133
134
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Superintendent. During the brief time in which she
organized our missionary work by traveling, preach¬
ing and lecturing, she has done herculean work. She
greatly endeared herself in the hearts of all with whom
she came in contact. In 1897 Bishop H. M. Turner..
D. D., of the 6th Episcopal District (then Georgia and
Alabama), called the meeting for the purpose of or¬
ganizing our State work in Selma, Ala., July 6th. This
was the first meeting of the W. H. and F. M. Society
held after the General Conference in the Connection.
Mrs. J. A. Brackett, Of Birmingham, Ala. was elected
the first President of the State work. She served very
successfully and creditably one term. Mrs. Brackett
is a very accomplished lady and splendid worker.
(See cut of herself and husband.)
Mr. Sarah A. Christian, of Greensboro, Ala., was
elected President in 1898, and still occupies the hon¬
ored position. *Mrs. Christian is one of our first wom-
of the Connection. For nearly twenty years she has
been Superintendent of the St. Matthew's A. M. E.
Sunday School at her home, and is a teacher in the city
public school. She has written several books and pam¬
phlets ; for example and beauty of character she is not
surpassed.
Mention must be made of Airs. S. B. Shields, wife
of Presiding Elder Shields, of the Union Springs Dis¬
trict, who has so nobly served in the capacity of First
Vice President since 1897, and who> has helped so much
toward the success of the State work.
In 1897, at the State meeting held at Selma, Ala.,
Brown Chapel A. M. E. Church, Mrs. Sarah J. Dun¬
can was appointed General Organizer and Lecturer of
REV. J. A. BRACKETT, D. D. AND WIFE.
136 AFRICAN METHODISM.
the Sixth Episcopal District. After working assidu¬
ously for one year, traveling, lecturing, and organiz¬
ing the women and children, she was appointed Gen¬
eral Superintendent to succeed Mrs. Thurman, whose
resignation had been accepted by the President of the
Missionary Board of the A. M. E. Church, Bishop H.
M. Turner. Mrs. Duncan is a great woman. She
commands the attention and respect of any audience.
Her songs, prayers and lectures for wayward boys and
fallen girls have caused many of them to be restored.
She is a great organizer, and is preparing two or three
books for publication. The women in different States
have been greatly helped by her personal visits and cor¬
respondence. She brought into existence the "Mis¬
sionary Searchlight," a. monthly periodical that has
a wide circulation and a national standing. The
last General Conference, to which she was a representa¬
tive of the church, made it the official organ of the two
missionary societies of the church. (See cut.)
The chief secretaries of the Convention have been
Mrs. Sarah A. Christian, Mrs. W. H. Mixon and
Mrs. Cora Nero Moten. Mrs. C. H. Henderson and
Mrs. A. M. Pope are the present ones.
CHAPTER XVI.
REV. T. W. COFFEE, D. D.,
The subject of this sketch was born in Lauderdale
County, Alabama, July 4th, 1853, and eleven years of
his life was spent as a slave. When about eight years
old he was taken from his mother to wait on his mis¬
tress, and many cruelties were inflicted on him for
nearly four years.
He had a horror of slavery, and ran off and went to
the Union army before he was ten years old, but his
master plead with the officers and on account of his
age, his master was allowed to take liim back home on a
promise that he would treat him kindly—which prom¬
ise he is said to have kept for several months'—but when
the Yankees were gone and far away the Doctor says he
gave him a severe whipping and made him promise
never to run away with Yankees again.
This and cruel treatment from his mistress made him
the more determined to make another attempt to free
himself. One day his mistress threatened him with a
severe whipping and s'et the time; meanwhile he got the
baby to sleep and was sent for a brush to k^ep the flies
off of him. He went but never returned. He became
an orphan when thirteen or fourteen years of age and
was left surrounded with very unfavorable circum¬
stances in every way.
137
138
AFRICAN METHODISM
When 19 years of age he went to Memphis, at which
time he was unable to read or write. He credits his
change in life to Judge J. T. Latham, of that city, to
whom he was employed; who advised him to educate
himself and study law, cjid made him a promise, if he
would do so, to donate law books. He received his ed¬
ucation at Lemoyne College, Memphis, Tent).
He tells an interesting s'tory of his struggles to obtain
an education.
He was converted when 15 or 16 years of age and
united with the Baptist Church. On going to> Memphis
to live with an uncle who was a member of the Meth¬
odist church, he became a member of old Ave ry Chapel,
under Rev. Hamilton, in '71 or '72, and received a li¬
cense to exhort under Dr. R. F. Hurley.
He returned to Alabama and taught school. In 1877
he was sent to Decatur by Rev F. H. Smith, P. E., to
pastor a mission of six members, where he served six
months and received $12 for support and added two
members to the church. He met the conference which
convened in Opelika in the same year, and was ordained
a deacon by Bishop Campbell. He never w as1 licensed
a local preacher, but was an exhorter when ordained.
The North Alabama Conference was set apart at
this session, and he received the charge of Columbiana
Circuit in said conference, which he served for two
years with good success, adding many members to the
churches on the circuit.
His next charge was Centreville, where he says he
found the church in such conditions that there was but
one thing he could do and that was to turn all of the
members out—one hundred and eighty-six—which he
IN ALABAMA.
139
did, and did his own singing, praying and preaching for
a month.
After which he opened the doors of the church, and
one hundred and forty-five returned, and immediately a
revival broke out, and one hundred and sixteen were
added to the church, and there has been a strong church
at Centreville up to this day.
In 1881 he was ordained an elder with six others by
Bishop Wayman in the Southern M. E. Church at
Greensboro, and sent to the pastorate at Montevallo. In
March of the same year he was united in marriage to
Miss Carrie R. McGowan, of Florence, Ala.
He was next sent to Huntsville, and the next year to
Selma, being the leading charge in the State, but at
this time was much divided, and it was here that he dis¬
tinguished himelf as a pastor and preacher, uniting the
factions, and broke the Dollar Money record of the
State, raising $160, the highest amount previous being
$100.50.
His next appointment was at Birmingham, where he
built a two-story brick church, known as St. John.
He next pastored Bethel at Mobile, St. Luke at Eu-
faula, and at Tuscumbia, from which chaige he was
made P. E. by Bishop Gaines, of the Florence District,
and as P. E. served for eight years, Florence two, Bir¬
mingham three and Montgomery District three years.
Whether as pastor or P. E., he sustains the record of
reporting an increase over his predecessor from his first
charge to his last annual report.
Since his return to the pastorate he has served at Eu-
fala, where he finished one of the prettiest and mosi
comfortable parsonages in the Alabama Conference.
140
AFRICAN METHODISM.
He served one year at Troy, and is now serving" at
Prattville.
He has been recognized as one of the leading minis¬
ters of the State for years, and considered one of the
best preachers. At the meeting of the Trustees of
Payne University in 1900, by unanimous vote he was
honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity, which
was conferred by Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D.
He was a member of the General Conference at Wil¬
mington, N. C., 1896, and Columbus, Ohio, in 1900.
CHAPTER XVII.
S. P. PRYOR.
The subject of this sketch, Rev. Still Paul Pryor
was born in Pike County, seven miles southwest of
Troy, Ala. He is the elder son of Rev. R. S. Pryor, who
was for many years pastor of th£ First Baptist Church
at Birmingham, Ala. He was born in Brundidge and
spent his early life upon the nearby plantation. At this
time the school system was poor; therefore his early
education was very limited; but with dent of labor,
pluck and push, which he has practiced all along, this
young church Napoleon labored earnestly. He ac¬
quired most of his education from a private tutor, a
Mr. Albert Smith (white), who spared no pains in giv¬
ing his pupil every needed preparation that was possi¬
ble.
At the age of eighteen, young Pryor moved to Union
Springs, Ala. For two years he was employed as a
drayman. After two years' service as a drayman, he
wa;s employed at the grocery store of Mr. J. S. Thomas.
He spent several years as a merchant.
In April, 1888, he was converted and joined the A.
M. E. Church, under the pastorate of Rev. Noah
Davidson, now Presiding Elder of the Ozark District.
Young Pryor was licensed to preach March 18, 1891,
by Rev. E. H. Dixon, Presiding Elder. He joined the
141
Dothan Church.
Rev. S. P. Pkyor.
AFRICAN METHODISM. 143
Alabama. Conference the same year in December, under
Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D. He received his first ap¬
pointment from Bishop A. Grant, December, 1892, at
Eufaula, Ala. His first charge as pastor was Suspen¬
sion Mission, where he secured a lot and built a nice
frame church. In 1893, he was appointed to Bethel and
Powell Missions near Hurtsboro, Russell County, Ala¬
bama. There he remodeled the church and bought a
bell and made the best report ever brought from that
place up to that time. He was ordained deacon by
Bishop A. Grant, in 1893, at Troy, Ala., and was given
the Troy Circuit, where he was pastor two years. He
added sixty members to the church and built two
- churches. During the years of '97 and '98, he was pas¬
tor of the Clopton Circuit. At this place he found the
church unfinished and without a parsonage; he com¬
pleted the church, built a cozy three-room parsonag'e
and added one hundred and twenty-five members to the
church, and made a stirring report at the Conference.
In December, 1899, was appointed to Midway Cir¬
cuit. He remodeled the church and built a new mod¬
ern belfry and steeple to Great Hope A. M. E. Church,
and added thirty-six members to the Circuit. Sept.
3rd of the same year, he was ordained elder by Bishop
H. M. Turner at Inverness, Ala. He was appointed
to Troy Station to carry out the unexpired term of
Rev. H. C. Calhoun. From Troy Station he was' sent
to his present charge—Gaines Chapel Station, Dothan,
Ala. Here again he found an indebted church. Tro¬
jan, who had fought so many financial battles, renewed
his energy and proved himself equal to the emergency.
144
AFRICAN METHODISM
He paid off the long standing debt, built a $7^u.oo pai
sonage and entertained the Annual Conference th
same year; also reported a large increase of dolls
money, and reported the siame on the first day. ]
was said by many that it was the first church in the his
tory of the Conference to report the first day of Cor
ference, while entertaining the same.
Rev. Pryor is also editor in chief of the "Henr
County Appeal," the leading colored journal in1 th
southeastern part of the State. His' editorials are con
cise, but logical. He keeps pace with all the currer
topics both as regard the church and State. He i
still pastor of Gaines Chapel Station, working for th
Master. He has added twenty-four converts to th
church this year—1902. Rev. Pryor stands high in th
estimation of both white and colored citizens 0
Dothan. The subject of this sketch is a worthy leadei
He is the kind of leader the race needs. He is a mode
for the home seeker; a worthy example for the poo
boy with humble circumstances, who is striving to ris
in the world and be something. When the history o
the great A. M. E. Churdh is finished here on1 eartl
and the millenium shall have come, Rev. Still Pau
Pryor will be one to be found among that great Chris
tian phalanx fighting and battling for the Master';
cause. This he will continue to do till Jehovah, King
shall command him to hang his trumpet in the celes
tial hall and £tudy war no more.
Rev. William H. Seward Dugged, A. M., pastor ol
St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Dallas, Ga., spent his earl)
1.N ALABAMA.
145
life in Kalamazoo and Marshall, Michigan, graduating
in a large class and taking first honors. Later he took
a post graduate course at Wilberforce University. He
has been principal of some of the best schools in tfhe
South, and held the distinguished position of President
of Payne University, Selma, Ala., and also the honored
position? of mailing clerk in the United States Custom
House in Atlanta, Ga. For several years he has held
the pastorate of some of the best churches in the State
of Georgia, and has gained much eminence as a lectur¬
er, and as stated by Rt. Rev. H. M. Turner, D. D., he
is an orator surpassed by few on the sacred rostrum.
He is Secretary of the Supervisory Board of Turner
Theological Seminary, of Morris Brown College, At¬
lanta, Ga. While in the Macon (Ga.) Conference, he
was president of the Ministers' Evangelical Association
of Macon and Bibb Counties. As a linguist he has few
equals, speaking all of the modern languages. He is
a sincere race lover and participates in all movements
for the betterment of his people.
10
Kev. F. B. Muieland, P. E.
Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson Mixon
Mrs. Sarah J. Duncan.
Mrs. L.J. Reeves.
CHAPTER XVIII.
REV. G. W. MITCHELL.
He was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., August 31, 1866.
His1 father was Julius C. Mitchell. His mother was a
mixed blood, and his father was an' African. Tillithia
A. Mitchell's mother was a native African and her
father was a Creek Indian. Her great grand father
was a chief. Rev. Mitchell attended school in Tusca-
loosta—both the public and the Presbyterian High
School. His mother was a member of the A. M. E.
Zion Church. In 1867 she had him baptized in the
above named church. In 1883, Sept. 1st, he was con¬
verted and joined Mt. Pin el A. M. E. Church, under
G. D. Hamilton, Taylorsville, Ala. He served as an
officer for some time in the same church. In 1886, he
joined the church at Redding, Ala., under Rev. T. J.
Stewart. In 1889, was licensed to exhort and to preach
by W. H. Mixon, Presiding Elder, and Rev. G. D.
Hamilton, pastor of Bryant Chapel, Redding. In 1890
he organized a little mission, with the assistance of the
pas'tor, at Woodward Ore Mines. In 1891, he reported
this mission to the Conference at Selma, Ala., and was
received into the Annual Conference on probation by
Bishop W. J. Gaines, and appointed to' Bethel Mission,
Dolomite, Ala., where he spent three years and gave the
connection a good church, and took in three hundred
147
AFRICAN METHODISM.
persons. In 1892, he was ordained a deacon at Tus-
cumbia by Bishop A. Grant.
In 1894, North Bessemer was detached from Dol¬
omite, and he was appointed to North Bessemer and
Woodward Ore Mines, where he spent four years and
built a church at Bessemer and one at Woodward. In
1896, he was appointed to St. Paul Station, Birming¬
ham, where he spent two years. On the last year St.
James at Brookside was attached. He was appoint¬
ed here by Bishop H. M. Turner and relaid the
foundation of St. Paul and put up the frame after the
first building had been destroyed by storm. He spent
three years at Brookside. In 1898, he was ordained
an elder by Bishop H. M. Turner and Drs. W. H.
Mixon, J. A. Brocket and Revs. A. W. Atwater, J.
H. Warrick and Daniel Brown. This was done in Bir¬
mingham.
In 1898-99-1900, he took a scientific normal course
from the National Correspondence Normal College,
Fenton, Michigan, Prof. W. A. Stevenson, Ph. D.,
President. In 1900, he was' appointed to Gaines Chapel
Station by Bishop *W. J. Gaines, where he is serving
his second year. He has taken 1,450 members and
converts into the church. In society circles he has
been a Mason, Odd Fellow and K. of P. for years. He
is a 33 degree Mason, served as Worthy Master for
five years and Deputy Grand Master for one year and
Grand High Priest for two years, and N. G. in the
Odd Fdlows for three years, and Grand Lecturer of
the U. S. A. of G. U. O. of G. F. one year; Grand
High Priest of the R. L. H. of the Order and has or-
Bro Mitchell Thomas, Leader No. 7 Class, Birmingham, Ala.
Kev A. J. Hunter, D. D., Pastor St. John A. M. E. Church, Birmingham, Ala.
Rev. G. W. Mitchell, Pastor, Anniston, Ala.
Rev! John Harmon, P. E.
150
AFRICAN METHODISM
ganized the Ancient Independent Order of St. Peter,
where one hundred dollars endowment is paid to the
beneficiary at death. Whatever he is and whatever he
may be is credited to the A. M. E. Church, his sainted
mother, and his dear wife, Mrs. L. S Mitchell.
C. C. Montgomery was born in a lonely little coun¬
try town called Prattville, Ala. This beautiful little
town is in Augusta County. He was born July 4, 1858.
His parents were members of the C. M. E. Church.
His father was very industrious: his daily occupation
was blacksmithing. He helped his father very much.
He was also a very studious young lad. He joined the
church in 1879, and was a class leader two years, and
was a local preacher two years. He joined the travel¬
ing connection in 1884, and was ordained in 1887, by
Bishop T. M. D. Ward, in Little Rock, Ark., and was
ordained an elder in 1891, by Bishop B. T. Tanner.
He is now pastor in Avondale Station.
Rev. J. H. McGee, Presiding Elder, was born at Mc-
Ghee's Switch, Montgomery Co., Ala., July 13, 1861,
His parents, David and Elcie McGee. He received a
common school education. He was converted and joined
Shiloh A. M. E. Zion Church, 1879, and the A. M. E
E. Church, St. John, at Montgomery, 1883. Entered
the Alabama Conference at Troy 1883, Rt. Rev. A. W.
Wayman, D. D., presiding Bishop. He was sent to
Chatow Mission in 1885; to Matthews Mission, 1887;
to Kings Landing, 1888; to Girard where he bought a
lot and erected Gaines Chapel A. M. E. Church, 1889;
IN ALABAMA.
151
Multrees Circuit, 1890; Roanoke 1891; Auburn Mis¬
sion, 1892; Whitehall Circuit, 1893; Traveling Evan¬
gelist. This year he added to> the A. M. E. Church,
alone, 252 members. He traveled up until 1896. He
added over 700 to the church. He has conducted re¬
vivals in six Southern states. He has preached the
Gospel upon the Gulf of Mexico. He has spoken to
4,000 or more of both races at one time, 1897 he was
sent to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and bought and planted the
Church, 1898. He was pastor at Mulberry Station.
Here he led the state for Endowment Day. 1899 he
served as State missionary. He was appointed Presid¬
ing Elder for the Greenville District Central Alabama
Conference. He is now serving his second term on this
district. He was married to Miss Dora C. Harris, of
Allenton, Ala., 1901, Nov. 27th, Rev. Daniel Brown,
Presiding Elder of the Mobile District, officiating.
J. H. McGhee has served on poor work all of his
ministerial career and has added over 220 members to
the grand A. M. E. Church. He has had all kinds of
inducements to go to other denominations and hoi.I
larger appointments. He has been offered a large ap¬
pointment by a certain church since he has been pre¬
siding elder. But he has refused. He is a strong Af¬
rican Methodist. He reads Greek, Latin, French He¬
brew, Spanish and German, also the Italian language.
He has a fine library of books.
Rev. A. A. Lucas was born in Taylor County, Ga.,
in 1857; was converted and joined the church in 1875,
and commenced preaching the same year. In 1877,
joined the Alabama Conference, under Bishop J. P.
Mrs. Jane Graham.
liev. W. B. Johnson, A. M.
Mrs. (>. C. Claiborne.
Rev. U. W. Watson.
african methodism.
153
Campbell, and w-a's'appointed to the Lafayette Mission
and organized a church. In 1879, organized Dark
Corner Mission, and in i88o:i, Montgomery Mission,
in 18S2, he pastored Whitehall Circuit; in 1883, he
was appointed to Suggsville Mission; in 1881, he
was ordained a deacon by Bishop A. W. Way man; in
1883, Ward's Chapel; in 1884, Brownville Station
in 1885, he was pastor of Suggsville Circuit; in
'1886, was the missionary of the Mobile District, and
built the church at Greenville, Ala.; in 1887, was pas¬
tor of Bay Minette Circuit two years; in 1889 he was
pastor of Grove Hill Mission and built three churches:
1892, pastor of Stockton Circuit, and built one church;
in 1893-4, pastor at Marion; organized and built
"Mixon Chapel," 1895; pastor of Summerfield, Ala..
1896; pastor of Star of the East, Selma, Ala.; in 1897,
Orrville, Ala., and built a parsonage. In 1898, pastor of
of Faunsdale and Rock Chapel two years, and rebuilt
both churches and parsonage; in 1900 and 1901, pas¬
tor of Cedar Grove Mis'sion; the present appointment
is at Dutch Bend Circuit; in 1898, was ordained an
elder by Bishop Turner, D. D., LL. D. There was an
it:1 crease in all of the above appointments in every de¬
partment of the church, and many converts during the
above years.
REV. H. N. NEWSOME,
Pastor Emmanuel A. M. E. Church, Mobile, Ala.
CHAPTER XIX.
REV. JOHN HARMON, P. E.
The subject of this sketch was born* in Smithville,
Lee County, Ga., October i, 1861. In 1880 he left
this little hamlet then having less than 200 inhabitants
and located in Montgomery, Ala. There began his
public career in society, political and church circles.
For twenty 3Tears he has been identified with secret
societies. As a Mason, he served as junior and senior
warden and was representative to the Grand Lodge.
He was one of the organizers of the Independent
Order of Sons and Daughters of Jacob served in all the
local offices of the Knights of Tabor and was' ap¬
pointed international grand deputy of the world by
Rev. Moses Dixon, S. C. G. M.
As an-Odd Fellow, he has served every office in the
subordinate lodges, Household of Ruth, Past Grand
Master's Council and Patriarchie; served three years as
district grand master of the State of Alabama and six
years as a member of the S. C. of M. Hon. C. H.
Brooks, grand secretary of the G. U. O. of O. F., says
of him in his Manual of Odd Fellows: "He is the most
fearless and outspoken member of the S. C. of M.
He has strong convictions and is most positive and
severe in expressing them. He is progressive and
155
156 ,
AFRICAN METHODISM
riiiakes a worth}' member of the executive branch of
our Order/'
In 1885, Rev. John Harmon founded the Odd Fel¬
lows Journal as an independent enterprise, which
paper he published regularly for six years, and the
concensus of opinion was that it was the best paper
that the Order had ever had. He has delivered ora¬
tions to the Odd Fellows at Montgomery, Selma, Mo¬
bile, Birmingham, Huntsville, Eufaula, Troy, Annis-
ton, Ala.; Atlanta, Savannah, Americus, Albany,
Rome, Macon, Ga.; St. Louis, Mo.; Philadelphia, Pa.,
and Chattanooga, Tenn.
In politics he stood among the leaders in the state of
Alabama. He has been elected many times delegate to
the county, district and state conventions, and was elect¬
ed delegate to the Republican national convention at St.
Louis, Mo., June 1896, from the third congressional
district of iVlabama, and he has spoken from the same
platform with such statesman as George P. Harrison,
H. D. Clayton, of Alabama, and Judge George Tur¬
ner, the present United States Senator from the state
of Washington. This eminent divine canvassed hia
state for Harrison and McKinley. He joined the
church in childhood and has since been an active
worker in Sunday school and church work. At fif¬
teen years of age he was superintendent of the New
Hope A. M. E. Sunday School at Smithville, Ga., and
for three years he was superintendent of St. John's A.
M. E. Sunday School at Montgomery, Ala., and was
also treasurer of trustees and stewards' boards of said
church. He has the credit of giving the church new
life which gave it its present progressive condition.
IN ALABAMA.
157
Rev. Harmon organized and gave to the A. M. E.
connection the second church at Montgomery, Ala.,
which is now St. Stephens A. M. E. Church. While'
pastor at White Hall, Ala., he built the pulpit, altar,
seated the church, bought and paid for a bell for the
church, built a belfry, and in a two week's revival had
157 converts, some of whom are preachers and officers
in the church now. At Abbeville, Ala., he built and
paid for a three room parsonage; increased the mem¬
bership of the church from 61 to 149; also finished up
a church near Abbeville and paid it out of debt, and
greatly increased the membership of the same. At
Wells, Ala., he organized a church, bought land and
lumber for the edifice. At Eufaula, Ala., he pur¬
chased a bell for the church at a cost of $135, an or-
^an for $120, built a recess for choir, pulpit and altar,
wainscoated and plastered the church and also finished
up the parsonage at a total cost of $1,100, and paid all
of it except $190, with a membership of 125. He car¬
ried $101 to his conference from the same charge,
which was the largest amount ever reported from there.
In January, 1898, he was transferred to the North
Georgia Conference and assigned to the Palmetto
Circuit. A new church was added to the connection
and a $50 bell was paid for and put on the church.
The membership was increased also and the work re¬
vived. He was next appointed to Newnan, Ga.
There he paid off the indebtedness of the church; gave
new life to the church and greatly increased the mem¬
bership. At the last North Georgia Annual Confer¬
ence of the A. M. E. Church, this distinguished pulpit
orator was appointed pastor of the Thomaston station,
158 AFRICAN METHODISM.
which position he now holds. In coming' to this
charge he followed one of the most excellent pastors
of this State, but his management, sermons and lec¬
tures since he has had charge here shows that, as' a
leader of men, pastor, preacher and manager, he is
second to none in Georgia. We realize that his ser¬
mons and lectures are the ripe fruits of many years of
active and earnest labor; the outgrowth of wide read¬
ing and rich experience. As a teacher of twelve years'
experience, I have not been only interested, but greatly
profited by his great store of practical counsel and in¬
tellectual and spiritual wealth. I thank Almighty God
for having given Rev. John Harmon to the church,
society and race, and for the vast amount of good
he has enabled him to accomplish in Georgia, Ala¬
bama, and especially here in Thomaston. He has ren¬
dered valuable service in this little city socially, intel¬
lectually, morally and spiritually. We recognize in
him a man of true worth and a great heart; a man
abreast with the times and a friend pf the ministry,
society and the race. He is now P. E. of the Newnan
(Ga.) District, Atlanta Conference, since 1901.
REV. E. W. LAMPTON.
Rev. E. W. Lampton, of Mississippi, has' been' elect¬
ed Financial Secretary of the A. M. E. Connection.
He fills the post made vacant by the death of Rev.
P. A. Hubbard, who was chosen as secretary of finance
at the general' conference at Columbia Ohio, in 1900.
Dr. Lampton was second in that race, having been
defeated only by a few votes. It was perfectly natural
Rev. A. W. Atwatkr and. Family.
160
AFRICAN METHODISM.
that he should have been the favorite at last weeks
council of Bishops "in Philadelphia. He was Dr. Hub¬
bard's logical success'or, and any other selection would
!have been a severe disappointment to the denom¬
ination everywhere. Seldom if ever has there been' an
election to such an important position that so> com¬
pletely satisfied the general officers' and the main body
of the A. M. E. Church. The Bishops showed their
respect for the popular will' by ratifying in a most
graceful way the expressed choice of the recent Gen¬
eral Conference.
Dr. Lampton was born in Hopkinsville, Ky., in 1857
and is, therefore, just in the prime of a vigorous man¬
hood. He is self-made, in the fullest sense, having
earned his way to success by well-applied personal ef¬
forts. His education was acquired at Alcorn A. and
M. College, Mississippi, and Shorter University, Ar¬
kansas, being a graduate of the theological department
of the latter school. The major portion of his liberal
training has been wrung from the great University of
Experience. At an early age he embraced the Christian
religion and twenty-seven years ago, was called to the
gospel ministry: he laid down the lucrative occupation
of an operative mason and began traveling the lagoons
and bayous of Mississippi, establishing missions, build¬
ing churches and preaching the gospel of enlightenment
and salvation to his people. He has been a most Suc¬
cessful pastor, and all the leading charges in his
adopted state have felt the impress of his worth. For
nine years he served most ably as presiding elder in his
conference and holds the proud distinction of "The
Do'lar Mcney King." / s a special mark of his fit-
IN ALABAMA.
161
ness and worth the Alcorn College conferred upon him
the LL. D. degree. Ex-Governor McLaurin, now U.
vS. Senator, was a member of the board at the time.
Dr. Lampton is an able preacher of great and powerful
command, and as a platform orator is forcible, sincere
and convincing. The entire church admires him as he
is and will be moved to the support of the broader
standards that have been placed in his care. In him his
associates will find a warm hearted brother, a sympa¬
thizing friend. His health of body and youth of years
will doubly fortify him for the task he assumes, and
with the co-operation of a loyal and faithful constitu¬
ency, such as he has at his1 service, we bespeak for him
in advance the highest financial mark ever reached un¬
der any past administration.
Dr. Lampton has always been a success'; he will be no
less now. Dr. Lamptom is no> amateur in the world of
finance. He brings to his department of the work a
ripe and matured experience from like trusts of the
past. Since 1895 he has stood at the head of the great
Masonic Order in the State of Mississippi, the largest
of the kind of our race variety in the world. In¬
trusted to his care and supervision is a 'reserve fund
of some $20,000, while during his service in office
over $300*000 has passed through his hands to the
widows and orphans of this order. Last year high-
water mark wras reached. In twelve months he col¬
lected and disbursed $82,000. His monetary standing
in his home city is a testimony of the financial ability
Ol one who, commencing as a youth in humble circum¬
stances, by untiring energy, thrift, frugality, economy-
11
St. Jamks A. M. E. Chukch, Columbiana, Ala.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
163
and perseverance has taken advantage of the commer¬
cial opportunities surrounding him. He is worth not
less than fifteen thousand or twenty thousand dollars
in fine real estate. The best argument that he who has
succeeded in his own affairs of no small dimensions
has the ability to assume management over the affairs
of others.
Besides having attained eminence in church and fra¬
ternal circles, Dr. Lampton is a successful newspaper
man. He has been* for several years editor of the
Pathfinder, a journal of influence in his section. He
has a warm spot in his heart for brethren of the craft
and the latcbstring of his headquarters will always be
found hanging out to them. Dr. Lampton will serve
until 1904, but it is certain that he will be re-elected
without opposition, unless he should prefer to be called
to the bench of Bishops in the natural order of promo¬
tion.
CHAPTER XX.
PROF. COUNCILL IN IOWA—AT CL A RIND A
CHAUTAUQUA.
The Clarinda Iowa Herald, says of Prof. Councill's
speech there on the 22nd of August, 1901 :
Yesterday was "Emancipation Day," and President
W. H. Councill, of Normal, Ala., probably the finest
specimen of the Negro in America, was the orator of
the day. As a speaker, in style, action and thought, he
is the peer of any one who has stepped upon the plat¬
form this year. Born a slave,—a "black" not a "tan,"
—his childhood and youth spent in the cotton fields
under a severe taskmaster, he is a living, undisputable
demonstration of the possibilities of his race. And
what he is, he insists all may become—and more. He
is not a "freaknot a genius; not an abnormal devel¬
opment. He is simply an ordinary man who by force
of character rose above his1 environments, towering like
an isolated mountain peak upon a plain, yet constructed
of the same kind of material that lies calm in lowly ob¬
scurity all around him. His speech was a clean, dis¬
passionate statement of conditions, and an earnest,
eloquent plea for sympathy, not charity; for justice, not
assistance; for equality before the law, not social recog
nition. He a£ks only that his race be given a chance to
164
AFRICAN METHODISM. 165
prove itself; he petitions' that his race be set free from
the shackles of prejudice and discrimination that bind
its development in tighter and more galling chains than
ever fettered the limbs of a slave; he pleads that the lash
of ignorant censure that is more brutal than ever was
whip of overseer may be suspended until actual facts
are investigated. Then, but not until then, he is will¬
ing that his race shall be judged by its works.
Mr. Councill denied that the Negroes of the South are
returning to barbarism. By statistics gathered exclu¬
sively by white men, he proved that the charge is with¬
out foundation. Referring to the awful crimes which
bring the race under such unrelenting condemnation,
he s'aid that any Negro who outraged a woman ought
to be burned to death. No punishment was' too great
lor the crime. But legalize it. Legalize burning; le¬
galize dismembering; legalize any torture that could
be devised, and he would approve it. It is not the
punishment, it is the manner in which it is meted out
that he objects to. The whole moral tone of the coun¬
try is lowered when the mob executes its laws. But
there is another feature of the Negro question that he
wished to mention. We of the North must remember
that while the South pours out the vials of its wrath
upon the Negro brute who outrages a white woman,
the people of the North pour out the vials' of their
wrath upon the poor honest Negro laborer who seeks
to earn his bread in their communities.
Mr. Councill does not believe that God made one
race superior to another, and then held both to the same
standard of accountability. When Caesar invaded
A. M. E. Parsonage, Dothan, Au.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
167
Germany and Britain he found the fair-skinned, light-
haired, blue-eyed inhabitants so low and degraded that
he said they were not fit to be made even slaves. To-
dav the Anglo-Saxon rules the civilized world. Give
the Negro a chance. He is not more degraded than
were the whites 2,000 years ago. The white man has
conquered because he had faith in himself and was
true to his convictions. So also can the Negro.
The influence of the "coon songs," Mr. Councill
thought, had been a potent and unfair factor in making
and perpetuating public prejudice. "All Coons Look
Alike To Me," was an insult to and slander upon his
race. Don't treat "all coons alike." Treat each one as
he deserves.
Not once in his speech did Mr. Councill say an un¬
kind word of the people of the South, because of their
treatment of the Negro before and since emancipation.
Slavery was a hard road, he said, but it was the road
that led 4,000,000 souls out of barbarism. His tribute
to the Southern white woman—her virtue, her charms
and her accomplishments—was as eloquent as could
have fallen from the lips of Henry W. Grady; and his
plea for the moral elevation of the black woman was
as pathetic as' a mother's tears at a fallen daughter's
grave. "No race," said he, "can rise above its women.
As they are lifted up the race is lifted. They are the
greatest civilizers the world has ever known."
And he plead most earnestly for the women of his
race. He pictured their deserted, desolate and unpro¬
tected condition. One little freckled-faced, snub-nosea
white girl holding up her hand for help can rally to
168
AFRICAN METHODISM
her support every white man in the nation; but who—
who will go to the assistance of a black woman ?"
Once more he came back to an appeal for justice.
''There is but one standard," he said, "by which to
judge a man. He is a superior man who does a su¬
perior thing to uplift mankind." The man who will
rule the future will not be a white man, he will not be
a black man, he will not be a yellow man; but he will
be the man who gives to> the world the best educated
muscles, the best educated brain, the best educated
character. Give the black man a chance. Draw the
race lines tighter socially. "Shinny on }rour own
side," should be the motto of both races. But give the
Negro justice before the law. Give him a chance, and
let him stand or fall on his merits, without regard to
the color of the skin.
At the conclusion of his lecture yesterday afternoon,
Prof. Councill was surrounded by a crowd of forty or
more men who for half an hour were entertained and
instructed by his talk concerning the condition existing
in the South. He is as interesting off as on the plat¬
form ; and what is more, he is consistent.
SAM JONES AND COUNCILL.
Of Prof. Council's lecture at Allerton, Iowa, the
correspondent of the Cordon Democrat says:
Prof. W. H. Councill, of the Normal and Industrial
School at Normal, Alabama, speaks from observation
and from experience, both before and since the war.
Prior to the war he toiled as a slave, but since the war
he has risen rapidly from one position of honor and
IN ALABAMA.
169
trust to another until now he has no superior in the
ebony race.
While we know nothing- of the culture of his par¬
ents, it is presumably true that he has attained honor
and fame throughout the result of self-sacrifice and ap¬
plication than through the inheritance of great intellec¬
tual and moral powers, yet no one who has heard him
feels disposed to discredit his native ability.
Following so closely—upon the heels as it were—
of Sam Jones, we cannot refrain from contrasting the
two. If—from Mr. Jones' introduction we learn that
Jones has a white skin and a black heart—we feel com¬
pelled to credit Councill with a black skin and a white
heart.
Councill's address was logical, progressive, free from
animus and vindictive expressions, while Sam Jones,
who spoke on the previous afternoon, was filled with
bitter sarcasm, was not intended to be logical, and
abounded in an aggressive vindictive spirit.
Councill was constructive, Jones was destructive; if
Councill found fault he suggested a remedy or better
way, while Jones slaughtered indiscriminate without
apology and without the intimation of better methods
or better instrumentalities.
Councill used good clean English, while Jones used
cotton-field dialect and provincialisms in profusion, and
pointed his shafts with the poison of coarse vulgar¬
isms. Councill was the educated gentleman orator,
while Jones was the ignorant, back-woods story-teller.
Councill has a mission—the uplift of his race in par¬
ticular, and all races in general, while Jones had a mis-
170
AFRICAN METHODISM.
sion, the uplift of Jones in particular and the humility
of all others.
The plan offered by Councill was the one pursued
by the Jews the past twenty centuries—the habit of be¬
ing- true to their Jewish characteristics and to their
God; so he would have the Negro true to his own na¬
ture and true to.his God.
Mr. Councill believes that the black race is better
off with the present educational restrictions to the right
of suffrage. This was a surprise to manv, but we
have heard no one question Mr. Councill's sincerity.
The Professor delivers his address to the Clarinda
Chautauqua this afternoon.
Bishop h. M. Turner, D. D., LL,. D., Receiving African Dei,b
CHAPTER XXI.
MYSTERIES.
"behold, I SHEW YOU NOW A MYSTERY."" I COR. 15 :i6.
Delivered by the author,, W. H. Mixoti, D. D., in
honor of Bishop J. P. Campbell, Selma, Ala., September
.3, 1891.
The home of the barren fig tree; the home of the
gods of Confucius, Mohammedans, Pagans and those
whose faith is Judaism; its location, surroundings and
doors of reception is a wonder to the world. Earth,
with her feathered tribes in the air; her cattle upon the
hills; her fishes in the waters; her sons and daughters
marking the dusty ball, is a wonder that is too won¬
derful for souls' that can be changed in a moment to
understand. Heaven, the eternal home of just spirits
made perfect! Heaven, a paradise! Heaven! Heaven!
beautiful city of God! Its mysteries are too high, too
wide and the depth too far-reaching for the human mind
to fathom. God himself is a mystery; His Son is a
mystery; His Holy Spirit is a mystery; all creation' is
a mystery. Omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent,
God is the only that can and does understand the
incomprehensible mysteries of space, time and eternity.
Way out upon the barren hills of eternity, nothing
172
AFRICAN METHODISM.
173
but three members of an eternal council there. The
earth was made without a form and void. The face of
the deeo wore upon it the sad curtain or vale of dark¬
ness. God said: "Let there be light: and there was
light."
"Let there be light! The Eternal spoke,
And from the abyss where darkness rode,
The earliest dawn of nature broke,
And light around creation flowed.
The glad earth smiled to see the day;
The first-born day came blushing in;
The young day smiled to shed its ray
Upon a world untouched by sin."
Day and night were separated. Work is an exer
cise; work, constant work, with judgment, is the sup¬
port of man. Take these twelve hours. Sleep-rest is
a requisite; therefore these hours make night. Take
them, they are separated from' the day. A firmament
is made, with posts standing in the waters' dividing
the waters from the waters. God, who is able to
measure waters in the hollow of his hand, gathered to¬
gether all waters, put them in one bed and called them
seas. Dry land—earth came in sight; grass, herbs
and fruit trees came forth. The volume of creation is
still incomplete. The mystery is still great. Look
at the fourth day's work. See the Creator hang¬
ing up two great lights—the greater to rule the day,
the lesser by night. He made the stars also. The
mystery of creation goes on until the great whales and,
small minnows and the winged fowls of every kind
were made. Beasts, cattle and every creeping thing that
creeps upon the earth. But the greatest mystery of
all creation was when the Father, Son and Holy Ghost
held a convention in eternity and decided to make man
174
AFRICAN METHODISM
in the image of a Holy Triune. Well might it be said
that a pure and holy person is the noblest work of
God.
If we were to take the geological pick-axe and make
a road through the crusty earth, name, classify and pol¬
ish the silent rocks, they would still be rocks and still
be a wonder. Thev represent a Christian growing.
The difference in the two is the rocks grow without,
the Christian within. The mystery of the perfume
that rises from a modest violet, from a kingly mag¬
nolia and from all the plants in the botanical world
is too great for human conception. That massive ball
of fire traveling in his majesty, dashing in rays, illum¬
inating the benightedness of the earth, sea and sky,
ninety-six million of miles away, is a mystery. Who
can tell the kind of hinges he is hung upon ? Who can
understand his reflection that makes the beautiful
queen of the night shine? Who? Who can under¬
stand Arcturus with his worlds, the Orion and Pleia¬
des? Point out the man that can understand the ar¬
rangement and regulation of the worlds in the blue
ether. Who can understand the mystic powers of our
God? Job, with reverence in his heart, faith in his
God, bundles upon these two questions: "Canst thou
by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the
Almighty unto perfectionf" God is a spirit. He oc¬
cupies the boundless space of immensity. Let the
rational mind search for him and he will end with this
prayer: "O, that I knew where I might find him!
That I might come even to> his' seat! Behold, I go
forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I can-
IN ALABAMA.
175
not perceive him; on the left hand, where he doth
work, but I cannot behold him; he hideth himself on
the right hand that I cannot see him." The science
of mysteries is too scientific for men and angels to sift.
"O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and
knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judg¬
ments and his ways are past finding out!"
God made the Jews his agents before the advent of
the Saviour to scatter—transmit a religion to the peo¬
ple. The old historical races are the Oriental, Greek
and Roman.
Christ's kingdom.
The whole plan, of salvation is a mystery. Baby¬
lonian empires, with their golden images; the arms,
breast and silver representation of the Medes' and
Persians, backed with riches, power and grandeur,
died, was buried and will rise no more since the pome-
granite—Christianity, budded in Bethlehem of Judea
more than 1800 years ago. The Greeks learned in the
most perfect language in the ancient ages, ruling the
third kingdom, represented by brass, in the most beau¬
tiful diction, melted when the breath of Christ came
out of his mouth and looking over the pages of genera¬
tions, said, "Before Abraham was, I am."
Alexander of Macedon was scattering the seed of
Hellenism; Judaism became angry: each representa¬
tive incurred the displeasure of the other. But way
in the distance the voice of Paul was heard and like
vibration it is going through Africa, China, Japan,
India and before the end of time the whole globe will
Kev. T. W. Ooifee.
I{i-v. Win. I.oii.n-
Mrs A. M. I'ope.
Mrs. Margaret ISutler.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
177
hear this same sound: "Now if any man have not the
spirit of Christ, he is none of His."
ROME).
Rome, the iron kingdom, the mistress of the world,
located upon her seven hills; tried demonstration after
demonstration to put life into the lifeless dead. Im
perialism was a failure; Orientalism was a failut-e; Hel¬
lenism was a greater failure. Rome represented as be¬
ing like an eagle, rising out of the sea ahd stretching her
wings over earth, undergoing many transformations,
was rebuked by a lion, the tribe of Judah—Christ. He
walked upon the wings of the winds, his voice sweep¬
ing the imposing powers of the world, and with mag¬
netic influence is drawing the world to him and is giv
ing to his people as they come the holy city of Zion.
Charlemagne, Alexander, Caesar and Napbleon,
with their force established great empires. Christ es¬
tablished a greater empire—a greater kingdom. The
foundation of their's was force. The foundation of
Christ's was—Love. The holy man of God—Daniel
—in his prophetic dreams saw a rolling stone, repre¬
senting Christ cut out of a mountain. Egypt, with
her learning; Greece, with her culture; and Rome with
her power have all felt the shock made by the rum¬
bling of this stone. Listen, "And there was given him
dominion land glory and kingdom: that all people, na¬
tions' and languages should serve him; his dominion
is 'ah everlasting dominion which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
THE MYSTERIES GO ON.
jg'ehold, I show them to you. The staff of Aaron be¬
came a serpent and moved about upon the e^rth; the
( 1? ' " ' •' '
Kittrell College, Kittrell, N. C.
REV. G. E. TAYLOR, D. D.,
Editor Southern Christian Recorder-
180 AFRICAN METHODISM
river Nile made blood; frogs, lice, flies, murrain, boils,
thunder and hail, locusts, darkness, destroying the
first born separating the waters in1 the Red Sea, are all
wonders. Sweetening or curing the waters of Marah,
feeding with manna, water flowing from a rock at Re-
phidim for the people, a cavalcade and dromedaries,
raising the Shunamite's s'on, curing Naaman's lep¬
rosy, the bones of Elisha touched the bones of a dead
man and resurrected him, the deliverance of Shadrach,
Meshach and AbednegO' from the forked tongues of
the furnace and Daniel from the den of the bearded
lions are all miracles of mysteries. Let us go on turning
the pages until we shall have reached the miracles of
mystery and the mysterv of miracles on the right hand
side of the river of life, the New Testament. Turn¬
ing water into wine is a mystery, cursing the fig tree,
stilling the storm upon the sea of Galilee, the legion of
devils entering the swine, healing a man with a with¬
ered hand, healing the eyes and giving sight to blind
Bartimeus, walking upon the streams, healing the
daughter of the Syrophenician, and the raising of
Lazarus from the dead, are all mysteries—wonders
that have stifled the intellect of the infidel, made a dam
across the shallow points in the mind of Atheist and
removed the props that support the fallacy of the skep¬
tic. Let the unbeliever go on studying metaphysics
and studying all the ways of this little speck upon cre¬
ation—called earth—until he reaches this in holy writ:
"Though I have the gift of prophecy, an understand
all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all
faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not
IN ALABAMA.
181
charity (love) I am nothing-." Books and pamphlets
have been written, sermons and lectures have been de¬
livered against the great truth and mysteries of salva¬
tion. But these would-be stumbling blocks have been
prized up and rolbd out of the way by these words:
"Without controversy great is the mystery of Godli¬
ness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the
spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, be¬
lieved on in the world, received up into> glory."
"Behold, I shew you a mystery." It is in yon hill,
yon valley. The beautiful flowers are mysteries; the
life in the sprigs of p'rass is a mystery. Who* can nu-
derstand the frost and snow, summer and winter, day
and night? No man can understand an egg; take one
and examine it and you will find therein bones, feath¬
ers, blood, eyes, mouth, feet and sensibility.
MAN.
Man is fearfully and wonderfully made. He rep¬
resents a house. His mouth is the door. His hands
are the keepers of the house, his eyes the windows, his
nose the chimney, his ears are openings in the building
for the sound to be heard; his strong men are his limbs;
his hair is his protection or cover; his feet are the
foundation. Who can understand the putting together
of this house? Not one. Man is made, wrapped
and tied in a mystery. Obscurity is his habitation
when it comes1 to understanding him. Solomon says:
"There are fcur things' I do not understand, yea, they
are too wonderful for me. The way of an eagle
in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way
of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man
Bishop Auen's Wife.
African methodism.
183
with a maid." My addition to this catalogue of won¬
ders is, man is a wonder.
"Father, how wide thy glory shines!
How high thy wonders rise
Known through the earth by a thousand signs,
By thousands through the skies."
Who can understand the way of life and the way of
death? Man can come as near stopping the sun dial
or abandoning creation or measuring the waters of the
earth as he can to tell the ways of life and the ways of
death. There is no uncertainty connected with death.
There is no wTay to compromise the t>vo. Eight times
in the fifth (5) chapter of creation, or Genesis, we are
told of the deaths of patriarchs. The days of Adam were
930 years. "And he died." Seth's days were 912 years.
"And he died." The days of Enos were 905 years.
"And he died." The days of Canaan were 910 years.
"And he died." All the days of Mahaleel were 895
years. "And he died." Jared lived 962 years. "And
he died." Lamech's years were 777. "And he died."
The last one I will name in this catalogue of death is
Methuselah; all of his years were 969. "And he died."
Death passes upon all men; it takes the drunkard out
of the gutter; the beggar out of the street; the humble
man out of his hut, and the king out of tbe palace.
Death has his fan in his hand; he is fanning out the
lights' of the Goulds, Vanderbilts and Rothschilds. It
took the first star of African Methodism that shone in
Philadelphia, Pa.—Richard Allen. After him went
Morris Brown, Edward Walters, William Paul Quinn,
Willis Nazery, Wm. Fisher Dickerson, Richard Harvey
Cain, James Alexander Shorter and Richard Randolph
184 AFRICAN METHODISM.
Disney. On the ioth of August, this year, death
sorting up in the home of Right Rev. Jabez Pitt Camp¬
bell and accompanied him to his home, his eternal
home. He was a doctor of divinity and a doctor of
laws. He was a polished Christian gentleman, a mis¬
sionary, a scholar, a theologian; he was a great man'.
The Biblical definition of "Jabez" is, "causes sor¬
row." That is a fitting definition for his death. When
the cablegrams and telegraphs whispered under and
over the waters that Bishop J. P. Campbell is dead, the
veil O'f sorrow covered more hearts than those among
us, and more churches felt the shock than ours.
"Great God! on what a slender thread
Hang everlasting things!
The eternal state of all the dead,
Upon life's feeble strings."
Let it be long or short, it will be a gloomy day with
the church, a gloomy day with the race, when death,
with his meritorious way of untying heart-strings of
princes, potentates, bishops, ministers, members and
friends taken frdm1 earth to heaven to join the disem¬
bodied saints, Bishops Daniel Alexander Payne, Alex¬
ander Washington Wayman, Thomas M. D. Ward.
John M. Brown, Henry McNeal Turner, Wesley
John Gaines, Benjamin William Arnett, Benjamin
Tucker Tanner arid Abraham Grant. The apocalyptic
visions of John says he saw the Son of man, the Son of
God, "clothed with a garment down to the foot and
girt about the paps with a golden girdle." His hand
and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow;
and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet like
Rev. R. D. Brooks, D. D.
Prof. J. S. Moten, A. M., LL. B.
Re". W. S. Dugged, A. M.
Rev. Win. Messenger.
186 AFRICAN METHODISM
«
unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his
voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in
his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth
went a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance
was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I
saw him I fell at his feet as' dead. And he laid his
right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not! I am
the first and the last; I am he that liveth and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen. And
have the keys of hell and death. The mystery of the
seven stars thou sawest in my right hand are the
seven churches', and the seven candlesticks which thou
sawest are the seven churches. It is well that John
defined the mystery of the seven Asiatic churches, or
darkness would this moment be our habitation.
THE: LAST WORDS OF CHRIST FROM THE CROSS.
He s'poke seven times. Every word is a mystery.
Hear him as he speaks, (i) "Father, forgive them."
(2) "To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." (3)
"Wbman, behold thy son." (4) "My God, my God,
Why hast thou forsaken me?" (5) "I thirst." (6)
"It is finished." (7) "Father, into thy hands I com¬
mend my spirit."
"He dies! The friend of sinners dies!
Lo! Salem's daughters weep around."
JERUSALEM.
The Holy City of God is a wonder. It stands to¬
day upon twelve foundations made of precious stones.
The first is1 jasper; the second is sapphire; the third,
chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx;
the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth,
iN AtABAMA.
beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus1; the
eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth, an amethyst. The
city is protected with great and high walls. It is four-
squared, measuring 12,000 furlongs. The streets of
the city and pure gold. It has twelve gates, and at
every gate an angel. Names are written there repre¬
senting the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.
Those in the snow-tipped regions of the North can
come up from that side. Those in the golden sands of
the West can come up from that side, and those in the
burning sands of this Arabic South can come up from
this way. Thank God! Our uneducated fathers and
mothers, who represent slavery while we represent
freedom; who represent the past while we represent
the present; who represent old age while we represent
youth, have a chance through the foolishness of preach¬
ing to be saved.
"The happy gates of Gospel grace
Stand open night and day."
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all
sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet
shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed." Transformation will take
place in a moment's time. All nations will be gathered
together. Good and evil will be there. The judge of
all the earth in that court will do right. The prophets
will be there. The apostles will be there. The mar¬
tyrs, whose tears' watered the plants of Christianity,
and whose blood fertilized their roots, will be there.
I see the judgment throne now. Look at the separa-
AFRICAN METHODISM. 189
tion, trie iron-headed oppressor, the evil-doers, all pro¬
fane persons, as well as the good, are there waiting
for their eternal sentence. Eternal love arranged for
the judgment, eternal truth said it would be; and eter¬
nal justice—equity—will preside. The malignant de¬
mons will spend their eternity away from; the presence
of our Father, in woe, misery and remorse—without
understanding the mystery thereof. "Behold, and holy
is he that hath part in the first resurrection." O!
Church of the living God, Grief-stricken Church, af
flicted, lamenting the death of your prelate, editor and
ministers! Endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ.
You will see your bishops again ; you will see your
ministers again; you will see our class leaders again;
you will see the members of your church and the mem¬
bers of your families again. Where? Where? Where
will you see them? The answer comes, "At the judg¬
ment seat of Christ. Christians, be faithful. Work!
Watch! JJTait! And you will spend eternity with God.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor
crying; neither shall there be any more pain; for the
former things are passed away." Eet these words
convince you :
"God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain."
190 AFRICAN METHODISM.
Campbell is in the saint's everlasting rest. He is at
home. All about in Christendom his voice is still
heard, saying, "Preach the Word." I caught the
sound; you catch it and let it go to every mystery-
hunting servant. Let it get in the heart, in the mouth
and upon the tongue. Let the spark of grace go. Let
the sound of vibration go to every nation, kindred- and
and tribe, saying, "Preach the Word! Preach the
Word!! Preach the Word!!! And die with your
gword in your hand.
PISHOP ABRAHAM GRANT, D. D.
CHAPTER XXL
WORDS DELIVERED BY REV. W. H. MIXON,
at philadelphia, pa., may ii, 1892, in honor 01?
the: late rev. manseiEld Edward bryant, d. d.
"He was more than the place he occupied."
One of the flourishing' palm trees in the forest of
Methodism has fallen. One of the stars in the con¬
stellation of literary geniuses has been extinguished on
earth to shine ever in heaven. A Samaritan with un¬
bounded love for humanity; a factor in the living issue
of this great Republic; a man who swam the rivers of
prejudice, waded through the deep waters of adversity
and walked the narrow thoroughfares of caste, fear¬
less of both men and demons, has closed his career on
this mundane sphere and is now at rest in the great be¬
yond.
A man who could not be circumscribed by the nar¬
row limits of one vocation, but was found at home in
all the most important avenues **of human develop¬
ment and whether as a teacher, minister, editor, or as
a politician, he was the same fearless, bold and coura¬
geous leader.
In the morning of his life, his sun not y££ having
reached its zenith, and while his whole church, extend¬
ing from where the broad and turbulent Atlantiq
191
194 AFRICAN METHODISM
bathes the face of the eastern shore, to where the calm
and peaceful Pacific views the setting sun, and from
the silent lakes on the North to the calm quietude of
the Gulf on the South, admire him for his bravery,
like the gigantic oak of the forest, he submitted to the
Father's axe—fell. Job says: "But man dieth and
wasteth away: Yea, man giveth up the ghost, and
where is he?" He is1 with his God. For
"Who, who, would live alway, away from his God,—
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,
Where rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns?
There saints of all ages in harmony meet
Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet,
While anthems of rapturte unceasingly roll
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul."
We pray for the will of the Father to be done;
when the prayer is answered we shrink. There will be
weeping and mourning with families and nations, when
the ranks of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
shall have been broken. When ? When our bishops
Daniel Alexander Payne, Alexander Washington Way-
man, Thomas M. D. Ward, John M. Brown, Henry
McNeal Turner, Wesley John Gaines, Benjamin Wil¬
liam Arnett, Benjamin Tucker Tanner and Abraham
Grant shall have marshalled their armies on earth for
the last time. Their eyes to-day are upon Christ, upon
Christianization and the advancement of the cause we
represent. Some day they will be let down in the pit and
their bodies will rest together in th<? dust, but their
deeds and names will live. O! it is pleasant to hand to
generations after generations the names of Richard Al¬
len, Morris Brown, Edward Waters, Wm. Paul Quinn,
IN ALABAMA.
195
Willis Nazerv, William Fisher Dickerson, Richard
Harvey Cain, James Alexander Shorter, Randolph
Richard Disney and Jabez Pitt Campbell.
On the 15th day of February, 1891, death took
Mansfield Edward Bryant. He has gone.
"Great God! On what a slender thread
Hang everlasting things!
The eternal state of all the dead,
Upon life's feeble strings."
He was a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Divinity.
He was a cultured Christian gentleman, a church dis¬
ciplinarian, theologian and missionary. His scholar¬
ship no one would dare to question. He had"a strong
volition. He believed in bending the people to the law,
and not the lawr to the people. He was a great man
and "made others great by being great' himself."
After having served his church as pastor, as presid¬
ing elder, and after having published circular papers
in the interest of "liberty, justice and equity," in the
judgment of the law-maker of the church, the great
General Conference of^ 1888, in Indianapolis, Ind., he
was made editor of The Southern Christian Recorder,
a paper designed to supplement the work of our great
church organ, especiallv in the South. In this, as in
oilier duties assigned him, he was " more than the place
lie occupied."
A man who had struggled with the pfoblems of life
and had plodded his wav up the ladder of success and
fame for near thirty-nine years; deprived of the coun¬
sel and advice of a father, the only child and support
of a mother, born in or near Opelika, Ala., in 1852.
He has gone to his reward—heaven.
REV. J. Q. JOHNSON, D. D.,
Formerly of Alabama, now Pastor of St. Paul,
Nashville, Tenn.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
197
Rev. C. S. Smith, D. D., reviewed his life and works
in Brown Chapel A. M. E. Church, Selma, Ala., Feb¬
ruary 17, 1891. He was afterward laid to rest by his
friends in Live Oak Cemetery of the city.
No mathematician can calculate the greatness, the
worth of Mansfield Edward Bryant. My words are
inadequate to depict the value of such a man! His
foundation was laid with material more lasting- than the
rocks of Gibraltar. His identity, ethnologically was
equalized. Yet his mother's friends were his. He
loved them most. Slavery, oppression, ostracism and
ignorance made him ambitious. The light that ema¬
nated from his pen, his electrifying voice, united with
the characteristic of a Bonaparte, L/Ouverture, or a
churchman in the van of a Christianization, "bedimmed
l.is errors, eclipsed his mistakes and rectified his blun¬
ders."
The episode which led to his imprisonment in the
be?fry of the A. M. E. Church in the "Central City" of
Alabama bv his friends nor his imprisonment in the
habitation of evil-doers in Tuscaloosa by his enemies,
"neither, neither," crushed his manhood. He had the
most enduring protection—"God and the people." He
recognized the greatest and the lowest as his kinsmen.
He knelt in supplication by the side of the sick form;
his arm of help was beneath the dying and the dead.
His words of cheer and comfort were felt alike by
the high and the lofty, the poor and the lowly. His
benevolent acts knew no bounds, but penetrated the
hovels of the poor and lowly as does the light of the
sun creep into the earth on a cloudy day. His acts of
PROF. H. T. KEALIJNG, A. M.,
Editor of the A. M. E. Church Review.
AFRICAN METHODISM. 199
charity were not spasmodic efforts like the rushing of
the great Niagara, which is here all turbulent with roar¬
ing waves, and there quiet and still, but like the quiet
and constant flow of the gentle river down the channels
of poor, unfortunate, suffering humanity.
EDITORIALLY.
He moved among men, among philanthropists, among
Christian heroes, with a manly learning, honoring the
school which moulded his scholarship, the Alabama
Conference, which established his going, and the Gen-
ei'al Conference of 1888, which robed him with the
power to drive the quill into the mind of nations. The
voice of M. E. Bryant, which was both polished and
eloquent, and which was loudly sounded forth on the
General Conference floors of 1888, is hushed! It will
be heard no more until the day, when at the sound of
the trumpet and the shout of the archangel, the earth
and sea shall give up their dead. Such was the char¬
acter of this noble man, his worth, valor and fortitude,
that his untimely death elicited the sympathetic vibra¬
tions of the hearts' of more races than one, for a true,
noble and angelic wife, loving daughter and faithful
sons.
Truly a gallant knight in the chivalry of civilization,
Christianity, evangelization, has fallen. Reluctantly
and with a feeling of sadness, we gave him back to
Mother Earth. On the 17th of February, 1891, in the
Live Oak Cemetery, at Selma, Ala., we returned his
dust to its native clay, and his1 soul was wafted, wafted,
wafted to its immortal home, to join the disembodied
saints in Glory.
rev. f.;h. goodman.
Pastor St- Luke a, m. E. Church, Opelil<a, jAla.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
201
"Death walks with an equal tread,
At the palace gate and the cottage shed."
Earthly duties may separate us; we may be scattered
East, West, North and South, but we are blessed with
the ever-abiding hope that somewhere, at some time in
the providence of God, we may meet again. For "some¬
how, somewhere, must we meet." Duties and circum¬
stances in the affairs of men, many and various, cause
separation. But man takes his flight; his immortal
spirit, like unto an uncaged bird lightened of its heavy
load of trials, difficulties and besetments, dressed in
habiliments of glory, goes to the Father's throne, to. be
crowned with everlasting diadems and eternal joys,
and into the beautiful home of the soul, where sorrow
and sighing shall flee away. Streams of everlasting
joy are flowing forth from the testimonies of those who
have lived and died, trusting in the processes of the
world's redemption. May the work which has been
begun by our noble heroes, who have lived and died,
never cease until there is wiped from our land the last
vestige of that dreadful, evil prejudice which is the
daughter of ignorance, the foster-child of debauchery
an d vice and the twin sister of superstition and folly.
Bryant, art thou dead? No! No! Thrice comes back
the answer. No! Reverberating through this ma¬
jestic, historic and holy temple; this spot on which was
born African Methodism, the symbol of true manhood
and independent thought. He is not dead, but sleep-
eth. We say to him: Sleep on, friend! Let nothing
disturb thy peaceful slumber. Sleep on! Sleep on!
Let the voices of the slanderer and hypocrite ring out
their vain speculations against a people' who have en-
H. T. JOHNSON,
EMitor of the Christian Recorder.
PROF. J. R. HAWKINS, M. A.,
Secretary of Education and President Kittrell College, Kittrell, N. C
204 AFRICAN METHODISM.
dured a servitude the most degrading, and a slavery
which was worse than death—"the sum of all vil¬
lainy!" Naught can disturb your peaceful slumber.
"O! What is death? 'Tis life's last shore,
Where vanities are vain no more!
Where all pursuits their goal obtain;
And life is all retouched again;
Where in their bright results shall rise,
Thoughts, virtue, friendships, griefs and joys."
Inspired by the life of this great man, this leader
among leaders, generations who will yet come upon
the stage of this great amphitheatre world, will grasp
the sword of liberty, equality and justice and religion,
and, Caesar-like, will never let go, but will die with this
implement of warfare in hand, fighting for the value
of dollars ! For the value of manhood! For the value
of human blood! "L,ive peaceably with all, if possible;
if not, fight! Fight! I repeat it—Fight!" Die with
your sword in hand, leaving the result with God.
CHAPTER XXII.
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED IN HONOR OF
BISHOP JOHN M. BROWN, D. D., D. C. L,
BY REV. W. H. MIXON, AT BROWN
CHAPEL, SELMA, ALA., MARCH
29, 1893.
ALL MLN DIK.
"What man is he that livcth, and shall not see death."
—Ps. 89 .-48.
Death is as old as creation. There are twelve
million, six hundred and ninety thousand, one hun"
dred and fifty two (12,690,152) families to-day in the
United States. The Creator has tied the millions of
the globe into one bundle. He takes out a blade in the
morning" and feeds our Mother Earth. He takes a
hank at noon, and hanks1 at night for the grave an J
eternity. Death unties the heartstrings of the follow¬
ers of Confucius; makes his way among- the Mo¬
hammedans, chills the blood of the Pagans and those
wrapped in Judaism.
Yes, he comes to all. To some without a moment's
warning; yet they must surrender. • He makes the
feathered tribes fold their wings, the cattle lie down
and rise no- more, the fishes in the water to give up,
206
BISHOP DANIEL A. PA\NE, D. D., EE. D.,
Founder of Wilberforce University; Presided at Ecumenical
Conference, 1881.
CHARLES STEWART,
Stenographer and Newspaper Man.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
209
the poisonous serpent while in his coil waiting for
something to feed upon, death feeds upon him.
We have the division of time and of seasons: "A
time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and
& time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill,
and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to
build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time
to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to1 cast away
-stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to
embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a
time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a
time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew;
.a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to
.love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of
peace."
What wonderful words in Holy Writ! Twenty-eight
times in one chapter we have time for this and time
for that. It makes' us know that vanity has been added
to the human family. His physical classification is
made with that of the beasts. "For that which be-
falleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing
befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other;
yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no
pre-eminence above a beast: for all is vanity."
Again saith the wisest man that ever associated
with Adamic tribes — Solomon — "All go unto one
place. All are of the dust and turn to dust again."
In the antediluvian as well as the postdiluvian days,
the nations have adjusted their national festivities, as
well as paternal and maternal collations to the seasons.
But the rider upon his pale horse has made no agree¬
ment with the seasons. Listen!
l
210
AFRICAN METHODISM
"Leaves have their time to fall,
And flowers to wither at the Northwind's breath,
And stars to set; but all—
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death."
Here we are unacquainted; we cannot always recall
dates, places and names; memory fades, but the King
knows where his' subjects are; he is with them at home,
and when they migrate he is still their comlpanion.
This King moved about in Paradise. He has been
moving ever since.
To-night he is in the sweet fields and fertile plains
of the East, making the keepers of the house tremble.
He is moving about with the balmy breezes of the
South, making the strong men bow themselves. Dash
through the golden gates of the West, and you will
meet the king there making the grinders cease. Stand
at the telegraph and talk with those in the Elbo Moun¬
tains of the North, and they will ans'wer. The silver
cord has been loosed, the golden bowl has been
smashed, the pitcher has been broken at the fountain
and the wheel has stood still at the cistern. "What
man is he that liveth and shall not see death?" Oh,
what a question.
Death passes upon all men. Oh what an ans'wer!
Your steps may become uneven, your breath may be¬
come short. Your ivory rows may lose hold on nature.
Yet, yet you will see death. He stoops down and lifts
up the life out of the drunkard in the gutter; changes
the home of the beggar in the street; he takes the in¬
dignant man out of his' hut and dismounts the king
that sits on his throne. Man lies down at night with
his millions, wakes up a beggar; he closes his eyes in
time and wakes up in eternity.
IN ALABAMA.
211
"Death enters and there's no defense,
His time there's none can tell;
He'll in a moment call thee hence
To heaven or down to hell."
This world is an amphitheater. The actors are the
human family. One steps on the stage and another
steps off.
He closes his career with these words: "I know that
thou wilt bring- me to death and to the house appointed
for all living." There are those who may depend upon
their strength; that would not save them, or it would
have saved Sampson from death. We cannot depend
upon meekness to save these bodies, for if we depended
upon that we would be shaking hands with Moses; if
upon patience our afflicted Job would be present; age
is insufficient, or Methuselah would be with us to-night.
Preparation for holy dying is necessary—absolutely
necessary. Only one safe way; that is the way blazed
by Christianity. If a man makes' his way through the
Bible, he cannot get lost. The Bible is the world's
chart; it is the nation's guide, the children's directory:
the Christian's oasis, minister's compass, the mission¬
ary's flambeau and the sinner's fountain.
Wait! We are at the junction. Let us take the ex¬
press train of thought, with orders to make but one
stop. That is at the capital of the nation. We will
go to Graveland and visit the city of the dead. We
see a fresh grave; upon it rests the beautiful floral trib¬
ute from the hands of the President of these United
States, Grover Cleveland.
Take a shovel or spade and remove the cold clods,
unbolt the silver mounted bolts, lift uo the lid, wipe
the tears from your eyes and bend over the casket, and
212
AFRICAN METHODISM
you will behold the silent form of Bishop John M-
Brown. You have found his body. Where is his soul?"
It has gone where the righteous shall hunger no more,
where they shall thirst no more, where they need not
the light of the sun. He is with our heavenly Fa¬
ther in glory, fed and led to living fountains' by him.
He has reached his home, where God with his own.
hand has wiped all tears from his eyes.
He was born in Odessa, Delaware, on the 8th of
September, 1817; died March 16, 1893 at his1 home in-
Washington, D. C. His was a great age—seventy-five-
years. In his youthful days he remembered his Cre¬
ator. With firm faith in God, confidence in himself,,
he was made a man—a great man—a great leader. As-
a shepherd, none excelled him in herding his flock. As-
a theologian, he was pure. As a logician he was
sound. He was a scholar, a cultured gentleman. He
wrote what he thought and acted what he believed, and
that without an apology.
With the courage of an Alexander and with the for¬
titude of a Hannibal, he slept behind the iron bars in*
the Crescent City. All for Jesus' sake.
It was the General Conference held in Washington-
in 1868, that clothed him with a sacerdotal robe, that
elevated him to the episcopacy. He was a doctor of
divinity and a doctor of canonical laws.
He is dead, but his1 deeds are alive. He was a man-
who would not bend his convictions as to racial and
party manners. Bishop John M. Brown, the fore¬
runner of African Methodism in Alabama, has gone.
The eyes that have seen him will see him no more. Jol>
speaks; hear him: "As the cloud is consumed and van-
IN ALABAMA.
213
isheth away, so he that goeth down to the grave shall
come up no more." The words are striking. He shall
not return to his houe. So we say with his devoted
wife, his two sons in the ministry, and the rest of his
household and with his millions of friends, Farewell*
Bishop Brown, till
"At the crystal river's brink,
Some sweet day by and by
We shall find each broken link,
Some sweet day by and by."
Bishop Brown to-night is with the first luminaries
of the old superstructure—the African Methodist Epis-
copalship. I fancy I see him in a heavenly catechism
meeting with Bishops Allen, Morris Brown, Edward
Waters, William Paul Quinn, Willis Nazery, William2
F. Dickerson, Richard H. Cain, James A. Shorter,,
Randolph A. Disney and Jabez P. Campbell. But
thev are not alone. I see another dressed in habili¬
ment of glory, one who walked and talked with us,
who issued living words from this rostrum, who was
protected by his friends on the belfry of this historic
Brown Chapel—one whose career was brief but bril¬
liant. That seraph is our lamented Mansfield Edward
Bryant.
"There is no death in heaven,
For they who gain that shore,
Have won their immortality
And they die no more."
Death has left us eleven prelates whose lives are con¬
secrated to God for the betterment of mankind. As
their ranks have been broken, the question may be pre¬
sented to them, Who will be the next? I think of the
day when death with his scissors shall have clipped
214
AFRICAN METHODISM
the life cords of Bishop D. A. Payne, A. W. Waymanr
T. M. D. Ward, H. M. Turner, W. J. Gaines, B. W.
Arnett B. T. Tanner, A. Grant, B. F. Lee, M. B. Sal-
ters and J A. Handy. Upon whom will their mantles
fall ? Oh, I thank God for the space of earth that this
church is upon, for the name that it bears of our hon¬
ored dead. When it was established, Bishop Brown
was in his bloom. Here your sons and daughters
have married. It was .around this altar where they
found our blessed Redeemer. The funerals of your
mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, have been
preached, eulogistic services have been held and heavy
burd'ens made light within these walls. They are now
with our bishop in glory. "All now rest."
Bishop Brown had unbounded love for the poor and
needy. He preferred to suffer wrong rather than do
wrong, to suffer affliction rather than afflict, to suffer
oppression rather than oppress. "Precious in the sight
of the Lord is the death of his saints." Then go on,
thou art precious in God's sight, precious in the sight
of his Son ! Precious in the sight of the Holy Ghost!!
Precious in the sight of heaven is the death of His
saints!!!
BISHOP M. B. SALTER.
Rev. R. Gray and Wife.
CHAPTER XXIII.
ELDER HENRY M. TURNER, 0E GEORGIA, LOOKING FOR"
ELDER TURNER.
In the days of Ku Kluxism, when the smoke of shot
and shell were thick and heavy, and the "paterolers1"—
men who had been detailed to dodge and catch slaves—
Elder Turner, Presiding Elder in Georgia, came to Ope-
lika by invitation of Elder Lipscomb and a few others.
The white men said if he came to that town to organize
the people they would kill him. When the train pulled in
the station, about twilight, the great crowd was stand¬
ing looking for Elder Turner. When he dismounted
somebody whispered, "They are looking for Elder Tur¬
ner to kill him." When that godly woman broke the
news to hiin he rushed for the crowd, looking for El¬
der Turner—helping the crowd to look for him.
Thoughtfulness on his part perhaps saved his life. He-
afterwards collected a few people about him at mid¬
night, and in a quiet manner organized the African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Opelika. He did sim¬
ilar work in Eufaula. These incidents marked an im¬
portant page in the history of the A. M. E. Church.
THE METHODIST PREACHER—A HERO.
Every Methodist preacher who has amounted to any ¬
thing; had any success in life or achieved any victory,
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AFRICAN METHODISM.
has certainly been; a hero—a hero not in battle wittr
arms; not in rescuing persons in time of great calam¬
ities; not in accomplishing mysterious feats; but in
conscientious efforts, self-denial and numberless pri¬
vations.
John Wesley was a hero; Richard Allen was a hero;
Henry M. Turner is a hero; the old organizers, who-
walked hundreds of miles' to plant the seed of the
gospel and organize churches, were heroes. There-
were no railroads in many places, no stages leading to
points, no steamboats entering the sections, yet the
gospel had to go, and Mr. Wesley said, "The world is-
my parish." The commission of the Son of God is:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things what¬
soever I have coinnnunded you: and, lo, I am with you
alzvay, even unto the end of the world. Amen."