THE
Quadrennial Address
—OF THE—
BISHOPS
—OF THE—
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
—TO THE—
EIGHTEENTH SESSION
—OF THE—
GENERAL CONFERENCE
—SITTING IN—
Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md.,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 1884.
DELIVERED BY BISHOP W. F. DICKERSON, D. D.
BALTIMORE:
PRINTED BY HOFFMAN & CO ,
276 A 278 W. Baltimore St
THE
Quadrennial Address
—OF THE—
BISHOPS
—OF THE—
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
—TO THE—
EIGHTEENTH SESSION
—OF THE—
GENERAL CONFERENCE
—SITTING IN—
Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md.,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 1884.
DELIVERED BY BISHOP W. F. DICKERSON, D. D.
BALTIMORE:
PRINTED BY UOFFMAN & CO.
270 & 278 W. Baltimore St
—delivered by—
Bishop w. F. Dickerson, d. d.
Beloved Brethren :
We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; pray¬
ing that Grace, Mercy and Peace from the Holy Trinity may dwell in all
our hearts and rule in our deliberations during this the Eighteenth Session
of our General Conference and preside over our lives and conduct now,
henceforth and forevermore.
Sixty-eight years of earnest labor in the cause of our Divine Master are
celebrated in the assembling of the Supreme Court and Council of our
branch of the militant church on this historic Methodist ground.
Singularly preserved and enlarged has been this church of which it was
prophesied that it would coma to naught, and which in a few years would
be held in a "single corn crib," by which, judging from our present di¬
mensions, must have been meant, Mr. Wesley's Parish—the world.
Still, we have nothing to boast of, but much indeed to be grateful for.
We have been crowned with blessings from the heavens above and bless¬
ings from the earth beneath. Nothing appears to be more clearly indicat¬
ed by our past eventful career, than that the future is already radiant with
promises of large success if we shall remain true to the history of our
church—to the traditions which have been handed down to us by our
fathers—which have been given to us by the Holy Spirit through our
founders, John Wesley and Richard Allen.
The King of Terrors has visited the ranks of those who composed our
last General Conference. Several names which appear on the roll called
four years ago, are to be found nowhere now on the records of the church
militant as lively members.
Those tried and true soldiers of the cross have been duly transferred to
the Church triumphant.
Among them were Rev. H. A. Knight, of the Philadelphia Conference,
a young man of most brilliant parts, who, when graduating from Wilber-
force University, selected for the subject of his oration "Pointing towards
4
Eden." May we not hope that he found that rest and calm which only
can be enjoyed in the garden of the Lord, where bloom eternal joys.
Rev. Deaton Dorrell, of the New England Conference, the time-honored
Chairman of the Episcopal Committee is no more; perhaps no form and
face will be more missed than that of this sturdy old warrior, whose
counsels had become almost a fixed institution in the several General Con¬
ferences for almost a generation past.
Rev. A. Thomas Carr, of the South Carolina Conference, a hero of
heroes, one of the most Christian, loyal and progressive men the A. M.
E. Church has ever had occasion to mourn—he literally died at his post—
expiring in the pulpit at Walterboro, S. C., Sabbath evening, Aug. 6th, 1882.
His devotion to the church, faithfulness to the cause of Christ, personal
consecration to all that was good, is a more enduring, monument to his
memory than brass or marble could ever be.
Rev. Wm. H. Nolle, of the Georgia Conference, died while in the dis¬
charge of his duties, at Tulip, Arkansas. He was a man of fine, physical
and mental proportion?. He was identified with that period of our Church
history, which historians will call the heroic period. It was a time that
demanded brave hearts strong nerves and a firm reliance upon Omnipo-
ence—when each sermon preached, because of the surrounding dangers,
was felt in some sense to be possibly the pastor's farewell to his flock—
when literally
"Dangers stood thick through all the ground,
To push us the tomb."
In that period when God called only brave men (the timid men received
their call later) Wm H. Noble was given to the church. He died while
in the discharge of his duties, only a few hours after declaring the mes¬
sage of God. Let us hope that he rests from his labors.
Rev. M. M. Mance, of the Columbia Conference, is not here. He will
be remembered by those who return to this session, chiefly as the sweet
singer who most frequently sang that precious hymn, "When Jesus comes
to reward His servants," singing with especial emphasis the question—
"Say will He find you and me still watching,
Wiih our lamps all trimmed and bright?"
It is not too much to hope that in that hymn he sang his own truest
requiem.
Rev. jII. D. Edwards, of the Columbia Conference, a pioneer of the pio¬
neers in our work in the South ; the story of his doings and daring would
furnish one of the most thrilling chapters in our Church history, if faith¬
fully written, He was a man of average native and acquired talents a
good preacher of the Gospel pre-eminent in prayer, abundant in labors
zealous in our Master's cause; faithful and true to his church, generous to
a fault—these all were combined with a humility that was as fragrant in
the church as it was precious before the Lord our God. His end was peace.
5
'fp Jfrtatuess aJ[ ty*
The business claiming the attention of this Eighteenth Session of the
General Conference of our Church, is. as always, vast and important. It
is earnestly hoped and believed that with the devout and experienced
brethren who are returned to this Conference, together with those who
are here for the first time, having been elected by their several Confer¬
ences because of their loyalty, wisdom and prudence, many of the scenes
of past sessions which are not written in the chronicles as evidences of
wisdom and grace on our part, may be entirely avoided by a cooler discre¬
tion, and perhaps by wiser business methods which may eliminate the per¬
sonal and augment the general interests of all individuals and of the
whole church.
In the transaction of business, however, we shall suggest that change
does not always mean progress; that radical changes every four years in
the Laws of the church, which are found to work generally well, are un-
healthful to progress and baleful to the permanent peace and prosperity of
the Church.
Nor would we fail to suggest that all our laws should be so framed as
that not merely local, but general interests should be most subserved ; in
other words, the laws should fit the entire Church rather than any one
part of the Church, for we find in very deed and truth that our Church ia
a unit—composed of many Stations, Circuits, Missions and Conferences;
like the great Union of States, which forms our Government, we find the
highest exponent of our church life and church liberty in the incompara¬
ble motto—E Pluribus Unum.
Next to the Holy Bible, is still our Church Chart and Guide. Our
fathers builded wisely indeed in the composition and compilation of oar
Book of Discipline, as they gave it us the Laws were more general than
special—wise also will we be, if, adding our experience to their wisdom,
we shall follow their example in framing wise laws, such as shall preserve
the church intact, producing the greatest harmony, and shall most pro¬
mote the glory of God and the welfare of our Zion.
To facilitate the transaction of business, we suggest that each morning
after the roll call, reading of the minutes and the general routine of open¬
ing is passed, the roll of Conferences be called and whatever revision,
change or addition is desired, to be offered by the delegation of any Con¬
ference or by any member of the General Conference, be then presented,
reading it by its title only and allowing it^ immediate reference to the prop.-
er committee, which committee should meet during that day, or before the
opening of the morrow's session, consider and pass upon the several sub¬
jects contained in the papers referred to them and report upon the same
the next day, the subjects being then read, discussed, and finally passed
^pon by the General Conference.
6
We further suggest that each motion or resolution as passed be signed,
immediately, if possible, by the Bishop presiding and countersigned by
the Secretary; this, together with the consecutive numbering of all mo¬
tions and resolutions, will, we think, prevent the loss or alteration of laws
as actually passed by the Conference. A majority of the council of the
Bishops should be appointed to arrange and supervise the publication of
our forthcoming Book of Discipline—as all the laws will have passed un¬
der their notice in signing, and it is possible that they may keep diaries of
the same.
The subject of Missions is of fundamental importance. The advance
and spread of the Redeemer's kingdom, the reaching out of the arms of
the gospel to take in and embrace the world is of far more importance
than the mere parceling out of that work which is already firmly estab¬
lished.
(a) The Home Mission work has been moving on as well as was possi¬
ble under our meagre arrangements for its perpetuity and enlargement.
The several Annual Conferences have retained their sixty per cent , and
have disbursed the same among needy brethren in most instances, and in a
few cases helped needy churches, and in still fewer, planted new Missions.
All this is well, indeed is necessary, but the home work needs to be
brought under a system that will insure its certain advancement.
At each session of each Annual Conference the whole field within its
borders should be carefully scanned, and the probabilities of success
measured where new work is considered desirable. Then the minimum
amount should be named which would probably open the field and estab¬
lish the church. This amount should then come before the General
Board of Missions, and be by them collected and apportioned according
to recommendations under letter "d."
(b) Our Foreign work has not accomplished all that we could desire,
for the reason that our treasury has not afforded the means to carry for¬
ward the work as vigorously as was necessary. One missionary alone,
struggling against social odds and battling against diseases and an insalu¬
brious climate, may accomplish some good for a season, but reinforcement
becomes necessary when the work is increased.
Oar work on the Continent of A frica is sadly needing supervision and
strengthening. The Rev. S. F. Flegler, who was last in charge, has been
in this country for the last three years, and the work has been cared for
by local brethren, who possibly have done their best to make it a success.
There can be no doubt that the time has fully come for us to enter more
largely upon the work of extending our church into foreign fields. The
wait-until-the-last sinner is-converted-at-home policy will not do for this
age of the Christian world. The forces which stand opposed to the army
of the living God are not content with arraying themselves against civili-
7
zation in Europe and America, but seek to prevent the entrance of that
light-giving Word where nations sit in darkness and in the region of the
shadow of death.
The day has not yet come when the righteous hosts can merely stand
guard over the possessions already obtained—but the day has come and
now is, when a vigorous, powerful, forward movement all along the line
of the militant church is needed, in order that this world may be given to
Him whose right it is to reign universally.
Let us seek to plant firmly the banner of the African Methodist Episco¬
pal Church upon the ramparts of the forts of the enemy on the shores and
in the heart of Africa, following the openings that commerce has made.
And we most earnestly hope that the legislation of this General Confer¬
ence concerning our African work, may be aggressive, liberal and wise.
The Island of Hayti has had far more of our direct attention, and has
shared more largely in our prayers and offerings than our work in Africa.
The situation in the two countries is entirely different. In Africa the
untrained mind, and, to a large degree, the unbiased heart, present them¬
selves for gospel impressions—no previous mental or moral bias having
taken possession of the inhabitants; some vague traditions of former great
men and greatness are nearly all that are left to influence their spiritual
condition—these are easily overcome by the light and power of the gospel.
In Hayti it is not so. The natives have already received the insinuat¬
ing instruction of a professedly Christian church—an organization which
puts the church before and above the Christ, its author and finisher,
which grants man the power to absolve from sin, which carries symbolism
to the point of idolatry and makes even the elevated host an actual sub¬
stitute for the body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Here then, is a condition of imbred error that enters into their spiritual
organization, and that is woven into the very warp and woof of their moral
existence All of these things form a wall of opposition so nearly impreg¬
nable, as to command the very highest order of talent, as well as the most
ardent piety and thoroughly consecrated living in the Missionaries, that
the church can afford. Indeed, removing it is a work so difficult that one
of the messengers who wait before the throne in heaven might find here a
task not unworthy of even his exalted powers.
Our church is to be congratulated in that it has found and sustained so
worthy a Christian brother as the Rev. Charles W. Mossell, A. M., whose
report, with that of the corresponding secretary, will we trust, give you in
detail the work accomplished and point out the roads and methods which
experience has shown them we should follow in order to encompass the lar¬
gest success.
Our missionary to Hayti has met with almost indescribable opposition
and troubles during the quadrennium now closing. "In perils oft, on
land, if not on sea, and also among false brethren." The frequently re-
8
curring revolutions have proved a source of great hindrance to the pro¬
gress of the gospel there.
In the last one of these our missionary had his home and household
goods destroyed by fire: and that too, as it appears, by the recklessness,
if not by anything worse, of the government troops. It is earnestly
hoped that the government will, in this instance, show itself as friendly
to the cause of Christ as it has, through its chief officers, made us feel
that it was to our missionary personally.
The deeds of noble Christian women should receive faithful chronicle as
well as those of men Mrs. Mary Ella Mossell has been more than a com¬
panion to. her husband. She has been an assistant missionary to him in
our church. While he has preached to adults, she has instructed the
children, not merely in secular studies, but in the Christian doctrines as
well. Her's has been the gospel of an early culture and an early piety.
We speak not of her because she has attempted it merely, which would be
praiseworthy, but because she has, in most difficult surroundings, suc¬
ceeded, not as she and we could wish, nevertheless succeeded far beyond
our right to expect. Let our prayers ascend to heaven that our Father
will multiply to us, as a church, many more whose Christian spirit and
devotion shall be akin to Mrs. Mary Ella Mossell's.
Santo Domingo also must be included in our thoughts, prayers and ap¬
propriations during this session and henceforth.
The people there too, have been calling for attention from the A. M. E.
Church. The Rev and Hon. H. C. C Astwood, United States Consul
to Santo Domingo, has accomplished something for the church in organi¬
zing and strengthening it on that part of the island.
It may be possible that the Bishop who is soon, we hope, to visit that
country may be able to organize a Missionary Conference out of the entire
work, uniting both the French and Spanish portions of the island.
(c) The Women's Mite Missionary Society is now one of the mighty
arms upholding our foreign missionary enterprises. It is almost certain
that our Haytian work could not have attained to its present degree of
efficiency without their aid We think the records will show that nearly
one half, if not more, of all the material aid given our missionary in
Hayti was contributed by and through the Women's Mite Missionary
Society.
It is one of those peculiar organizations suddenly brought into exis¬
tence by the hand of Divine providence, at a time when just such a socie¬
ty is needed; but where to look for it no one knows; suddenly, however,
the Divine hand discloses it to the joy of all Christians who have prayed
for the relief it brings.
Mrs. Mary A. Campbell has been from the beginning the central figure
and the motive power of this marvelously useful organization. God lays
special burdens on certain hearts; happy are those hearts which do not
refuse them, but cheerfully accept them and bear them. In all her labors
9
she has been greatly aided by a large number of Christian ladies of almost
equal zeal and efficiency with herself.
We ask for these ladies that, should they desire from you any legisla¬
tion, you will cheerfully grant them whatever is in your power, as a means
of enlargement in usefulness, and perpetuity in organization of our Mite
Missionary Society.
Rev. James M. Townsend, D. D., has labored earnestly during this
quadrennium. What degree of success his labors have met with will be
seen by reference to his quadrennial report. It is true, that if zeal and
sacrifice count for anything in the work of the Master, certainly his efforts
are to be commended highly for those qualities.
(d) A Missionary Financial System.
We would advise that each department of our church work be so sepa¬
rated from all the other departments that in its operations it shall be dis¬
tinctive, organic and self-sustaining. To that end we think the entire
separation of the missionary department from the financial department
(where it has had a place only in name, except as to the secretary's salary)
will work no ill to either.
This is not designed to interfere with the burden of expense in cases of
distant travel, as already provided in our department of finance.
We recommend that the Board of Home and Foreign Missions be com¬
posed of all the Bishops and all the general officers, with one itinerant
member from each Annual Conference, and one layman from each Episco¬
pal District; that the itinerant members be elected by the several Annual
Conferences (save those to be appointed immediately, who should be ap¬
pointed by the presiding Bishop,) the lay members should be appointed
by the Bishops.
This general Missionary board should meet annually.
It should ascertain how much is needed to sustain and develop the work
in each Annual Conference, and also how much is needed to sustain and
develop the work in foreign fields. Having ascertained the total amount
necessary to continue and enlarge the work at home and abroad, then it
should apportion the amount to the several Annual Conferences, according
to their membership and wealth ; then the missionary board in each Annual
Conference should apportion the amount among the several stations, cir¬
cuits and missions within its bounds. This money should be collected
and forwarded to the missionary treasurer monthly, during the whole year.
The corresponding secretary and treasurer of the Home and Foreign
Missionary board should disburse this money through the conference
missionary boards to the missions and missionaries in each Conference;
but the disbursements should be made directly through the corresponding
secretary to our mission stations in foreign fields. Both the home and
foreign disbursements should be made monthly, (or as nearly so as possi¬
ble,) according to the condition of the treasury.
10
In this connection we would suggest most earnestly that the several
treasuries in the departments of our church be made more effective; that
they be made, indeed, our money repositories, that all monies be sent them
and that they pay it out on the order of the president and corresponding
secretary of the department. This becomes necessary from the enlarged
condition of our work, and from the delicate circumstances in which the
handling of trust funds is always placed, as well as from the terrible strain
which we place upon our managers and secretaries by compelling them to
perform double duty, when their own legitimate labors are all that should
be laid upon their shoulders. Nor should this General Conference adjourn
without throwing proper legal safe-guards around each one of our church
treasuries.
II10 ynfcHrafitm Jbftmtfmpi
This department is the oldest in our denomination. Its importance can¬
not be easily over-estimated : if a keel is important to a sea-going vessel to
hold it steady —if utensils are necessary to a farmer,—if implements are re¬
quired by a mechanic, then all of these are met in the necessity of a well
conducted and economically managed church publication department.
The difficulties attending the management of the business of this depart¬
ment, are far greater than the difficulties of most of the others. The Press
has come to compete with all the methods of oral communication and address.
While the living voice will, perhaps, never be surpassed for immediate
effectiveness, yet, for wide spread dissemination, and for the literal embal¬
ming of thought, the Press stands in the world without a single compeer.
This agent, with all its multifarious powers, must be ours in a sense not
hitherto eDjoyed by us. Embarrassments of old and new debts have been
handed down from one general business manager to the other, until we have
come to expect them at each recurring quadrennium.
A liberally distributed church literature, the publication of the books,
which the rapidly increasing culture of our brethren is giving the church, the
regular publishing of our weekly newspaper and our Quarterly Review,
and these too, given to the churca at the same rates that other- publishing
houses would print them, are the prime wants of cur church to-day.
Our present Business Manager, the Rev. Theodore G-ould, like his pred¬
ecessors, was called by the last General Conference, to assume charge of
this department at a time when it was, as usual, very greatly embarrassed.
He brought to the discharge of his duties the reputation of a fair busi¬
ness talent, a personal purity in life, such as is especially desirable in the
heads of all departments, a previous knowledge of the wants of the Book
Concern, as derived from an experience gained as deputy to his immediate
predecessor,, the Rev. Dr. Turner (now Bishop) ; but with all these advanta¬
ges he has not been able to accomplish as much in the last four years as
he had expected and desired.
11
Under our old methods calls were frequently made upon the liberality of our
members to contribute money to aid in cancelling the debts of the ' 'book con¬
cern," while under the new methods no such calls have been made, the better
and wiser course being pursued, of aiding it directly from the already gathered
contributions of our people, which they liberally and freely give in the
annual connsctional donation of one dollar from or for each member.
Two thing? are imperatively needed : first, that the department be speed¬
ily relieved from its embarrassing surroundiDgs, and secondly, that all our
publications, with our church and Conference perquisites, shall be furnished
at the average rates giveD by other publishing houses.
A judicious retrenchment may aid in accomplishing the first, and the
proper application of the trite business maxim of "quick sales and small
profits" may help largely in giving the church ihe second desideratum.
We urge upon this General Conference that it shall so legislate upon our
publishing interests as that these two aims shall be certainly accomplished
during the next quadrennium
We call especial attention to the fact that large amounts of money are
due the department from various parts of the church, and that under ex¬
isting laws, and the methods in vogue of executing them, it is very nearly
impossible to collect thesu debts We advise that the Committee on Pub¬
lication Department have before it the manager's list of debtors with the
amounts of their indebtedness, and that the committee prepare and offer
such amendments to the laws governing the department as shall enable the
present outstanding and the future debts to be collected with certainty.
And in this we do not include any supplies furnished by the manager,
which were not given in the order to him, although these, if not returned,
should be included and paid for.
We urge this upon the attention of the General Conference, because the
amount of the outstanding indebtedness is more than sufficient to cancel all
the debts of our publication department.
We do cheerfully commend the hard and earnest labor performed by the
present manager; his zeal for his work has been unbounded, and his labors
most abundant.
We ask that a branch department be established in fact, in the city of
Atlanta, Ga., say, or some city as happily situated in the iSouth. Again
we ask that you make this definite ; rest assured that it will be an import¬
ant and useful auxiliary to our publishing interests.
Has been kept in regular circulation. It is growing in usefulness. Each
year makes it more and more necessary to our growing church. Its con¬
tents are considerably improved from what they were a few years back—
the correspondence has been growing in thoughtfulness. The editorials,
however, are in all papers sought as a matter of chief interest, for they are
12
supposed to voice the sentiments of the constituency of the editor. When
the church has been assailed from withovt, Editor B. T. Tanner, D. D-,
has never been wanting in courage to defend it. He has especially cham¬
pioned the largest and fullest liberty for all men; with herculean ^ blows
and persistent effort he has striven to forever obliterate the line of invidi¬
ous distinction between all races and all men. The inculcation and practi¬
cal development of that idea are necessary. For, after all, it indeed
represents the genius of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
We advise that the Christian Recorder shall not in the future be made a
vehicle for the dissemination of evil tidings, even though they be evil
truths, except in such cases as the Discipline orders.
When, after expulsion, credentials are retained, and the demand to sur¬
render them is disobeyed, the publication then should be terse and without
bitterness. This ruie should be followed under all circumstances.
Has become a permanent help in our Sabbath school work. It is quite
extensively, but should be universally, used in the Sabbath schools of our
church. This will be done when all our pastors and Sabbath school officers
shall be generally informed as to the actual needs of the work, and shall
feel and take a personal interest in the same.
The Recorder, of which Rev. M. E. Bryant was elected Editor, the La¬
dies? Magazine, and the A. M. E. Quarterly Review have not yet made
their appearance.
¥fj0 Jcpnrlmwt Ultimas
Has steadily grown in popular favor, until now there is no question about
its permanence. The uniting of the church in one general financial com¬
pact is second only in importance to its moral and spiritual union.
The church treasury, established by the General Conference of 1872, in
Nashville, Tenn., has steadily advanced in prosperity until now it yields,
in a single year, fifty-one thousand, nine hundred and sixty-eight dollars,
and sixty-four cents ($51,968.64,) and in a single quadrennium, one hun¬
dred and sixty-nine thousand, three hundred and eighty-nine dollars, and
seventy-five cents ($169,389.75) The thirty per centum retained by each
Conference has assured a much larger amount for Conference purposes than
was ever obtained under the law which collected amounts separately for
widows and orphans, and worn-out traveling preachers and other interests.
Our Financial Secretary, Rev. B. W. Arnett, D. D., has labored assidu¬
ously, and wherever he has spoken upon it, has added friends to the church
treasury.
The law governing this department, we think, will need but very little
reyising—perhaps the striking out of such items named ia its disbursing
IS
Column as do not properly belong there, and suck as cannot be assisted
even by the growing strength of the department, is nearly all the needed
legislation on that subject.
We therefore advise that the general law be allowed to remain, only
that the cause of Christian education, as represented in our universities and
colleges, receive more liberal and systematic assistance from the church
treasury.
of J&nrntimi*
This work, as an organized department of our church, has not met with
the most gratifying success.
The law governing the Bureau of Education, seems to lack but little in the
way of furnishing rules and methods for a successful organization. Our
Commissioner of Education, Rev. B. F. Watson, has not succeeded as we
had hoped he might, in making this one of the strong, very strong, depart¬
ments of the church. This department should focalize all the educational
interests of our denomination. Here should be found the actual aud accurate
statistics of our educational work—here should all our universities, colleges,
academies, parochial and common schools look for advice and general direc¬
tion at times when local aid of this kind seems important.
The commissioner, if well versed in the management of educational insti¬
tutions, and in their needs, could be sought as a referee in troublous times—
as such times will come within the history of all schools of learning.
And here should be found that advice with reference to the establishment
of schools of high grade as to time and place; it should quicken the church
when too tardy, or prevent it from rushing toward bankruptcy when an ill-
directed zeal should possess it; as also, to this department should all our
schools look for some aid when financial embarrassments crowd the doors
almost to closing.
The head of this department should be a man who could not only arouse
the whole church from lake to gulf, and from ocean to ocean, until a wave
of enthusiastic benevolence should sweep millions of dollars into our bureau,
but should also be able to enlist the practical sympathy of philanthropists
in this sacred cause.
The flood-tide of interest in educational work is at this time sweeping
over the United States of America. At no time since the founding of this
government has such a deep concern been manifested in the education of
illiterate masses. The statistics of illiteracy in the United States are per¬
fectly appalling.
We call especial attention to the following statistical summaries as taken
from the census of 1880. The total population of the United States of
America is estimated at 50,155,783. Persons of ten years of age and up¬
ward, 36,761,607. Unable to read, 4,923,451. Unable to write, 6,239,
958. White persons of ten years of age and upward, unable to write,
3,019,008. Native white persons unable to write, who are ten years of
14
age and upward, 2,255,460. Foreign born white persons of ten years of
age and upwards, unable to write, 763,620 There are estimated to be
4,601,207 colored persons in the United States of ten years of age and up¬
wards, and of that number there are 3,220,878 who are unable to write—
70 per cent, of our school-age population unable to write. There are in
the United States of America 2,056,463 white persons, twenty-one years
of age and over who cannot write ; and of colored persons, twenty-one years
of age and over who cannot write, 2,147,900.
These figures speak for themselves, far too plainly to be misunderstood.
This blot of illiteracy becomes in form and effect a national ulcer. As to
where the blame lies for the existence of this monstrous evil, it is not per¬
tinent here and now to inquire. Sufficient to know that it exists, and that
by God's grace it must, it shall be destroyed.
At the door of the race most largely represented in this General Confer¬
ence lies the largest share of the task to be accomplished—there it is.
Much of it we must perform in person, and much still, that we may be un¬
able to accomplish, we must move others to aid in doing.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, by reason of its age, members
and resources, must do its full share of this work.
Happily for us, we have long since begun. Before the toosin of civil
war was sounded our church had entered the field and waged a destructive
war against ignorance.
The complete statistics of the number and efficiency of our parochial and
common schools are not at hanl. We know however, that there are a good¬
ly number of them, and that they are accomplishing much good. These must
be preserved and fostered even at great sacrifice. We advise that our bu¬
reau bring all our church-schools nearer the heart of the church, so that
there shall be a common thrill of interest running through all.
Wilberforce University is our most venerable institution of learning. It
has already accomplished a vast amount of good. It has graduated seventy
(70) students. It bas aided very many more in securing a partial training
which has rendered them exceedingly useful in training others.
Your attention is directed especially to the imperative need of an early
endowment of Wilberforce, as well as to the equally pressing need of the
appropriation of a sufficient amount of money to cancel her present pressing
indebtedness.
The report of the president, or of the Committee on Education, will no
doubt detail all the circumstances which are necessary for your guidance
in the work before you concerning Wilberforce University.
Our next oldest institution of high grade is Allen University.
It succeeds Payne Institute, and has been removed from Cokesbury to
Columbia, S. C. Its growth since the change has been almost phenomenal.
It attracted immediate attention, and during its first year in Columbia it
reached a degree of success not attained by Payne Institute in ten years.
15
It has primary, intermediate, normal, collegiate and law departments in full
operation, and each under competent instructors. From the law depart¬
ment four (4) young men of great promise have just graduated at the law
commencement on the 28th of April past.
The students in the University represent many of the counties in the
State, also other States.
The work progresses satisfactorily. Full information will be furnished
the Conference, with reference to the working of the University, by itg
president, or through the usual committee.
The institution needs your practical consideration, and we feel fully
assured that you will not be wanting in liberal action to make certain the
perpetuity of Allen University.
Paul Quinn College, Waco, Texas, will claim a liberal share of your
attention It is located in the very heart of a populous district, with
natural surroundings most desirable, indeed, it ought to be placed by your
legislation beyond the possibility of failure. It is too valuable as a means
of aiding us to a larger culture in the lower South to be passed b^ or mea¬
grely helped. The future of Paul Quinn College will depend largely upon
the wise legislation of this body in its behalf.
You will be fully informed by the usual report as to the details of its
needs, and we -feel assured that you will not be slow in doing your utmost
in supplying them.
Morris Brown College is projected to be located in Atlanta, Georgia.
The most beautiful site within the bounds of that city has been selected
and paid for, comprising four acres. $3,500 were paid for the land, for which
four times that amount was offered shortly after purchase.
The work of instruction has not yet begun, but by Divine grace will be
begun the coming September. We most earnestly desire that the fostering
care of the church should be thrown around this, the youDgest of our insti¬
tutions, and that in its prayers and benevolence it may not be forgotten.
JL ft*
This school was established by Mrs. Mary Ellla Mossell, within a com¬
paratively short time after her husband had re-established our Port-au-Prince
church. Its importance can readily be perceived when we understand that
the future church there must depend entirely upon the intelligent adhe¬
rence of those who are now children. Nor can we look too deeply into this
matter or give it more wise consideration than is meet.
While we should hold on to, build up, foster and maintain our adult work
there, we should also see to it that the children are gathered and made both
intelligent and christian.
We advise that the bureau of education take this school under its own im¬
mediate care, and that competent assistance be given Mrs. Mossell, and that
16
the school be properly furnished, and that as far as possible, all things be
done to insure its permanent success.
The establishment of The Historical, Literary and Educational Associa¬
tion ordered by the last General Conference, was faithfully and fully accom¬
plished by the Council of Bishops at their first meeting in this quadrennium,
at Newport, R. I.
It has accomplished some good—it has served to awaken thought on lite¬
rary, historical and educational subjects in the rank and file of our ministry
and laity jnore than anything else has done since the organization of our church
We advise that the constitution be so amended, as that the operations of
the association shall be enlarged and its efficiency increased.
Where the Presiding Eldership obtains, the district meetings might be
made another place where the association's exercises might be held—giving,
if needed, one and-a-half days' to the work of the district meetings, and the
same amount of time to the reading of Essays and the general work of the
association. Where the Presiding Eldership does not obtain, the Confer¬
ence might be made into one literary district, or be divided into two or more
literary districts; the meetings to be held at such places as should be agreed
upon by the District Conference, and at such times as should be appointed
by the Presiding Bishop, or in his absence, the Presiding E|der.
We are especially pleased to note the progress made by our church in the
production of a literature which, in a church sense, might be called indi¬
genous.
No want is more imperatively felt at this time than the proof of an inven -
tive genius; a broad and high literary ability and attainment residing in
the descendaats of Ham, especially the American Negro, which shall for¬
ever put to silence the assertion that the race does not and cannot possess
these exalted capabilities. We can no longer rest our claims to distinction
in Art, Science and Literature upon the post-diluvian records of Egypt and
Carthage. This Age examines closely and personally. It asks what num¬
ber of inventions have you registered in the Patent Offices of the World ?
Where are your great contributions to the literary wealth of our day ?
Where are your great master-pieces in the halls of Art? What have you
in the great gallery of the Louvre, in Paris? These questions must be an¬
swered ; and we are most happy to record are being answered by the brush
of H. 0. Tanner, of Philadelphia, and others—by the inventions of many
others in different parts of this Country and elsewhere. By the original
and profound productions from the pens of Drs. Steward, Tanner, and
many others. We must here state, however, that our productions must
stand on merit, and that the day has passed when they would attract atten¬
tion and have a lasting and useful existence because colored men were the
authors.
17
Hip jlitlittntfj jltfjaoi Jbpnrhtmih
No department in our church has received such a forward impulse, and
been so thoroughly aroused, as the Sabbath School during this quadren-
nium ; indeed, hitherto it did not exist as a department of church-work;
but the Council of Bishops, seeing the great necessity of organizing the
Sabbath School work of the church, did so at their meeting in Cape May,
N. J., August, 1882. From then until now there has been a steady for¬
ward movement in that department. The term Sabbath School has receiv¬
ed a new definition. A new interest has been awakened. It has been
brought nearer the great heart of the church. And by what has been
denominated The Connectional Sabbath School Union, a real connectional
interest has been awakened in this great and growing branch of our church-
work. Through it we have learned how greatly we have needed concen¬
tration of effort. How sadly we have lacked the means to establish new
schools, and to help weak and struggling ones. How the future church is
likely to be dwarfed or retarded by the straying off of our children, or the
neglect to gather in the children who are the promise and pledge of the
perpetuity of our church.
We have learned how disproportionate is our Sabbath School member¬
ship to our adult membership: how the former is less than one-half of the
latter, while it should be equal, and more than equal, in numbers.
The union has given us the "The Jubilee Gem," a neat little leaflet eut-
lining a proper service for such church festivals as Christmas and Easter.
Children's day, if continued, will soon grow into the importance of a reg¬
ular religous and literary anniversary among the little folks and their friends.
"The Sabbath School Review" fills a long-felt want in our Sabbath
School work. It is a medium for conveying important information to and
from our Sabbath School workers, with reference to the methods pursued
in the best schools, as well as to keep them informed concerning new
appliances and helps, which the rapidly advancing interest in general Sab¬
bath School work is constantly producing. The Review for the adults, and
the Child's Recorder for the juvenile members of our schools, are par ex¬
cellence.
The Connectional Union was established by the concurrent vote of all the
Bishops present at the Cape May meeting. The reason for this great
unanimity as expressed in their vote is outlined in the above statements
concerning the paramount necessity for such an organization.
We are more than pleased to note that an overwhelming majority of all
the Annual Conferences have approved our work. We feel assured that
your confirmatory vote will be added to the vote of your constituency in
giving it a legal position among the great departments of our church.
We called to the executive management and corresponding secretaryship
of the Connectional Union, Rev. C. S. Smith, to whose indefatiguable la¬
bors is almost wholly due its present degree of efficiency.
18
Through him, or the Committee on Sabbath Schools, will be presented a
Constitution for the government of our individual schools, as also one for
the control of the Connectional Organization, for your consideration.
y icr tmi} H[mrati^ Hp JOIam
Our church is now in the sixty-eighth (68th) year of its organization as
a separate and distinct ecclesiastical denomination, and in the ninety-seventh
(97th) year of our actual existence as a separate and distinct body of
Christian worshippers, having the form, and for the first twenty-nine years
seeking the power of independent denominationalism.
In fact, the centennial of the beginning of our struggle for independence
comes only three years later than the celebration of the one hundredth an¬
niversary of the establishment of American Methodism crystalized in the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
We recommend that a monument of bronze be erected to the memory of
our founder, the Right Rev. Richard Allen.
He holds no doubtful place in history. At his home he is known as a
philanthropist, elsewhere, and as far as the name and work of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church are known, he is also the recognized founder
of the largest and most successful organization among the colored Ameri¬
cans ever attempted on this Continent.
His church, of course, is his greatest monument; but surely a grateful
people ought not to withhold from his memory some one distinctive mark,
which would at once embalm the history of his achievements and record
the gratitude of his faithful followers.
In the first place this monument should be erected by the members of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, and their friends alone, and secondly}
a method should be adopted in collecting the funds necessary to accomplish
it that would allow the entire membership of our church and Sabbath
schools to participate and share in the cost of its erection ; thirdly, five
cents from each member of the church and Sabbath School, if faithfully
collected, would be quite ample to erect the monument; fourthly, the most
appropriate place for its erection would seem to be his native city, Phila¬
delphia.
We have only to say that we believe no wiser law could be enacted than that
which allows each Annual Conference to decide upon its establishment or its
abolition for itself; this is our solemn conviction, gained by a close observa¬
tion of its working wherever established. We think no trammel should be
placed on any Conference in reference to it, either one way or the other,
and therefore, recommend the re-enacting of the present law as far as the
liberty to establish it or not is concerned.
19
tfijf* limn JniMwrarij
v,T!vf q"®Btl0,n we should like to have the General Conference answer, is
whether the change from six to three months probation or trial has been con¬
ducive to a more healthy growth of vital Christianity in our church: and
whether the past evidence concerning it, justifies its continuance, or a return
to the older methodistic rule of six months probation; which latter we favor.
©tttl ©iitrar uf ©|urrf|
There is much need of a greater uniformity in the matter of conducting
our church services and sacraments—in passing from one church to another
in the same city, we often find the orders of service so varied as that we
might well feel that we had reached the borders of a strange communion,
rather than that we were still at home in our own beloved Bethel
The Order of Service should be one throughout our entire church—it
should be sufficiently simple and yet elaborate to meet the wants of all wor¬
shippers. While early Methodist usuages should not be discarded, yet, am¬
ple room should be reserved for the cultured growth of the church ; always
remembering that responsive reading of the scriptures and a moderate and
prudent use of the church Ritual, is not a departure from methodism.
As to the Weslyan Ritual, which was ordered to be printed by the last
General Conference, for use in our churches, we have to say that the work
of preparation has been attended to, but for several reasons the committee
found it impracticable to give it to the church prior to this time.
We would suggest, however, that the abridgement of it, prepared by
two of our Bishops, and which has been in use for about three years, seems
quite ample for the present wants of our church. It provides for a fair
proportion of the service to be engaged in by the worshippers conjointly
with the officiating clergyman. It awakens thought with reference to cer¬
tain moral delinquencies absolutely forbidden in the decalogue, it arouses a
consciousness of guilt in those who have trespassed against God and His
laws, and the constant repetition of a prayer for divine mercy and for a
heart inclined to keep these laws, must eventually work a permanent re¬
form in all those who are not yet beyond the reach of mercy, or whose
hearts are not hardened beyond the power to save of that grace which saves
even to the uttermost.
We recommend the continuance of the use of the abridged ritual with
suitable verses of hymns interspersed throughout.
Our services, we think, should be made more impressive. Greater em¬
phasis should be placed on the absolute necessity of our congregations being
present at the opening of divine service, and upon their remaining to re¬
ceive the benediction.
It should be distinctly understood that an invocation will be made in the
opening of the service for a special blessing to rest upon all who are pres-
20
ent; then it should be understood that this prayer for special blessings
upon the persons, homes and business of the worshippers will have its
close when the Apostolic benediction is pronounced upon all who remain
to the close of the service to have its efficacy applied to them.
May we not gather some idea of the opening and closing services in the
Apostolic Church from the opening and closing of their Epistolary corres¬
pondence ? And are these not clear and distinct prayers for divine favors
under the then present circumstances? Were those prayers idle words?
If not meaningless, then is it not clear that the Apostles understood that
blessings would follow their petitions, all the other conditions being met as
to efficacious prayer? And now, we think, our services will become more
interesting and profitable by a full and hearty return to that earnest belief
in efficacious prayer, as bringing needed blessings upon those worshippers
who shall so far meet the divine requirements as to be present in His sanc¬
tuary sufficiently early to receive the benefits asked for in the first invoca¬
tion, and shall remain to be blessed in the benediction.
In order to bring our people back to the real Episcopal Methodist duty
of kneeling at prayer in God's house, we would most pressingly advise that
kneeling stools be attached to the back of each pew; that they be properly
covered, so as to avoid soiling the dress, and that they also be placed in
every pulpit, and that the pastors be specially charged with the duty of
seeing that these provisions are carried out within twelve months from the
rise of this General Conference throughout our entire church. This being
done, our pastors should pressingly invite not only our members, but all
the congregation, to devoutly kneel with us at prayer.
lifjc d^nbu^nj uf[ Jferiijmt
One hundred years ago (1784) American Methodism took on its organic
form on these shores. Forty-five years before that (1739) its seed had
been sown in England. Its growth from then till now in this, as well as
in its native, land has been marvellous. Its achievements in helping to
conquer the world for Christ, with the kind and extent of the agencies it
employs, can scarcely be rated one whit less than wonderful.
All the great branches in America feel that this American Centennary
is of such transcendent importance that its celebration should be carried out
in the most tangible and permanent manner. We can feel no less as to our
part in this great work. What is the best method ?
We suggest that in each meeting house and in each society, throughout
the bounds of our entire connection, a series of meetings be held, begin¬
ning on Friday and ending on Monday night, to be called "The Great Cel¬
ebration of the One Hundredth Year of the Organization of American
Methodism." That in those meetings sermons and addresses be delivered
pointing out the work accomplished by the Methodist Church in general,
and the African Methodist Episcopal Church in particular, in short, give
all the salient points in Methodist history, sing the hymns and music of
21
Mat^ ^ f16 °n ot^er hymns and music, however.
?pl92 l?r5,TUl inspiring. Make all our people to un¬
derstand what Methodism has done, is doing, and will do for them, if they
followe/ Richard6Allen ^ ^ principles of John Wesley and his faithful
In the next place, these meetings should be arranged so that all the
-Bishops, general officers, presiding elders, presidents and professors of our
colleges should be able to attend as many of them as possible, and lend all
their powers to assist in making the meetings in every respect a complete
success, rhe pastors, also, should so arrange the time of holding their
anniversaries as that they could mutually assist each other.
And lastly, the object of holding these anniversary meetings, after the
matter of training, should be the collecting of a sufficient amount of money
to aid in putting the work of our educational, our church extension, and
our publishing departments on a firmer footing.
In order to accomplish this, we would request a contribution from each
one of our churches or societies, according to the following ratio of mem¬
bership :
Churches having one thousand members and upwards, $100.
" " eight hundred " " " 75.
six " " " " 50.
five " " " " 40.
" " four " " " " 30.
<< " three " " " " 25.
two " " " " 20.
«' " one " " " " 15.
<< " seventy-five " " " 10.
All churches having less than seventy-five members, 5.
These amounts have reference to each individual church or society, not
merely to each station, circuit and mission. This fund should be collected
separately and distinct from all other funds for the same purpose. The
bishoDS presiding elders and pastors should see to it that no church m our
^nomination should be left without its anniversary and its opportunity to
advancing the Redeemer's kingdom, and in helping to dispel the
1 thnt now hovers over the intellects of more than one half of our dear
gloom. castor should send equal parts of the amounts he collects
people treasurers of our Church Extension Society, of our Ed-
lmmedia e y 0f our Publication Department, each to be disbursed
ucational bureau a ^ q( And ^ wiU we rear a lagt.
under the d , honor of our first American Methodist Centennial,
ing monument to tne m»uui
, and re-modeling churches constantly. In many cases
"We are nu1 e^er Upon the work, and having no experience, oftentimes
zealous breformed in a manner quite unsatisfactory, and at a cost often
is p
22
greatly exceeding the value of the labor and material famished. How to
avoid this perpetual waste in building and re-modeling is a question well
worth your attention. The way which at this time suggests itself to us is to
hare a committee of three of the most experienced elders appointed in each
Conference by the Presiding Bishop, who shall be known as. "a consulting
building committee." All, or a majority, of whom shall go to any point at
the request of the pastor and trustees of that church, and counsel and ad¬
vise with them as to the best and most economical way to proceed iu pur¬
chasing land, erecting or re-modeling the church, parsonage or school
house. This committee, of course, should be invested with authority to
direct in the matters specified above.
We suggest that the time has fully come to organize a Church Extension
Society. It will be a right arm to our missionary board in the matter of
building small churches in city and country. It will afford relief to our
great metropolitan churches, when heavily embarrassed with debt, by assist¬
ing them when their people have reached a point of discouragement. We
therefore advise that the department of church extension be organized and
officeted.
§§im$br$ tmm$ JJrwtt n
ufj dcrtH^ttro^nt
We are greatly and frequently blessed by the presence among us of
brethren who come from, other denominations, who, being attracted by
some form of excellence, unite with us, and are greatly helpful in extend¬
ing the Redeemer's kingdom.
Many af these come from churches having a non-Episcopal form of gov¬
ernment—if in orders, they have been ordained but once, while our Epis¬
copal form takes two ordinations to reach the Priesthood or Eldership.
We prescribe a liberal course of study for our students and candidates
for the ministry; this covers four years, during which time they become at
least fairly instructed as to the genius, doctriues and history of our church.
The questions which you will please consider and answer are, whether
receiving those, as elders, coming to us from a non-Episcopal church does
or does not put those who have to regularly graduate from our course of
study at a disadvantage ? Is their probation of two years in our church
equivalent to our four year course of study ? Ought not those coming
hereafter be received as deacons and then, after two years' faithful study of
our prescribed course, be ordained elders, providing, of course, that when
coming to us they will stand a fair examination in oi^r studies for admis¬
sion, and in the first and second year's course ?
23
1% Hmcm Jjstijpj&fet mtfr Jritklj
fUJeijjatrist Jlpstiijral i|«rd|e$t
The recollection of the thrill of joy which ran through nearly the entire
General Conference at St. Louis, Mo., upon the appointment of a commis¬
sion from our church to meet a similar commission of the B. M. E. Church,
in Toronto, Ont., to consider and arrange for the organic union of these
two branches of G-od's church, cm scarcely have died away from the mem¬
ory of those who were members of that Conference, even if it has passed from
memory, it is not likely that the hearty good wishes and earnest prayers for
the success of the enterprise have in the least diminished.
No single act of the last General Conference was more heartily unani¬
mous than the motion passed to direct, as far as we could, the re-union of
these two churches.
It was stipulated that should the General Conference of the B. M. E.
Church concur, then the terms of re-union should be submitted to our An¬
nual Couferenees, and two-thirds of the entire number of conferences then
existing should be sufficient on our part to ratify and make permanent the
proposed union.
We are happy to say that your commissioners faithfully attended to the
duty assigned them They ;net the B. M E. General Conference; very
thoroughly discussei the subject, indeed, as we think, canvassed the whole
ground; the terms of union were eventually agreed upon; the subject was
laid before the Annual Conferences of the A M. E. Church, and more thaa
the required two-thirds were obtained. Therefore, so far as our church is
concerned, the union is legally established according to the terms laid down
by the last General Conference.
On the other hand, our daughter-church, the B. M. E., ordained that
the terms of union as agreed upon by the two commissions and ratified by
the General Conference of the same church, should be submitted to the
members of the several societies of that church, and that a majority of all
the members should be necessary to consummate the much desired union.
This was done, and we are informed that a majority of all the members of
the B. M. E. Church voted to sustain the action of the joint commission
of the two churches.
On their side, also the union is legally established.
The last step to be taken, as ordained by the commissions, was the is¬
suance of a proclamation by the Bishops of the two churches declaring the
facts as outlined above. Then the B. M. E Church would become the
Tenth Episcopal District of the A. M. E. Church, presided over till this
General Conference by the Rt. Rev. R. R. Disney.
This last step was not taken. Why? (1) Because the opposition to it
in the B. M. E. Church at that time was fierce and uncompromising on the
part of a large and powerful minority. (2) Because that opposition ap-
24
peared to be intent upon rending the most powerful and opulent Conference
of that denomination. (3) Because it appeared to have the power to do
much toward accomplishing its intent. (4) Because the majority vote ap¬
peared to have been obtained in favor of the union by specious arguments
used by the friends of the union in the B. M. E. Church, which, when put
to the test of action, seemed to be absolutely certain to cause many of the
majority to join the minority votes, and thus practically defeat the primal
object of the union, which was to unite the two churches for the mutual
benefit of each (5) Because our mission to the B. M. E. Church was one
of entire friendliness and helpfulness, when it appeared that the opposite
might obtain as a result of the issuance of our proclamation, we could not
help refraining from entering upon a course which might tend to hinder
the progress of a useful Christian church.
There the union stands to-day, legally consummated, except the procla¬
mation of the Bishops.
Perhaps we cannot honorably recede from the position already taken,
which is simply that of holding out the olive branch, or that of standing
with open arms.
The latest information from the B. M. E. Church seems to show that a
substantial growth of sentiment, favoring organic union with our church,
taking root in the fertile soil of intelligence and enlightenment, is soon to
produce an entire change of sentiment—allowing the spirit of the age—the
advancing spirit of Christian nuity—the spirit of Christ to prevail.
We would therefore recommend that we await the arrival of such sub¬
stantial information as will show that the union may be consummated, with¬
out hurt or hindrance to our daughter-church or ourselves. When that
day shall come then let the proclamation be issued, and the best robe be
placed upon the graceful form of our returned daughter.
We would be glad to be able to convey to you to-day information con¬
cerning the progress of the initial steps taken by us toward organic union
with the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church of America, but are sorry to
say that we have not as yet met with such encouragement from the repre¬
sentatives of that useful member of the great Christian household, as would
warrant us in speaking even hopefully of the desired union.
dmtffcmta of[ 1881*
Methodism to-day is fraternal in such a sense as has not been known
before since it divided into different branches.
The Methodist household was gathered together in the old homestead,
City Road Chapel, London, England, in 1881. We think that but a single
member of the whole family was without representation : of the twelve
delegates to represent you, ten were present. We come to say in advance
of any formal report which may be made,-that your representatives had no
pccasion to feel ill at ease from lack of attention or because of noA-apprepi-
®'0?' English hearts and homes were opened wide to receive them—the
/bristianity of John Wesley's English successors was entirely devoid of
taint of caste or other preiudice. Your representatives shared in all
the honors, ecclesiastical and social, which English Christianity and hospi¬
tality could bestow.
You will perhaps take some pleasure in noting the several parts taken in
the deliberations of the Conference by those who represented you.
The good work accomplished by Bishop Campbell, who was our fore¬
runner, cannot well be over-estimated. We are prepared to say that mon¬
ey spent in having our Church properly represented in all great ecclesias¬
tical gatherings is in very deed money spent well and wisely.
We may expect the richest harvest of the rarest fruit soon to be gathered
as a result of the meeting of the Ecumenical Conference.
To the American Conference to be held in Baltimore, in December, 1884
and to the next Methodist Ecumenical Conference to be held in America,
in 1887, let the African Methodist Episcopal Church be fully and well
represented.
liintB utfjctt dcrfifirafy* off ffemftorsfjtp sfjaif
In some parts of our work there seems to be a difficulty constantly
arising from the indisposition or intentional neglect of some of our mem¬
bers to deposit their Certificates of Church Membership until many months
or more than a year have passed away in the Church whither they have
removed. Perhaps it would be well to limit the Certificates of members
removing from one church to another to six months, from date of issue, so
that after that they shall be null and void, except in circumstances where it
may be shown to have been impossible to deposit them earlier.
These meeting held within the bounds of each Presiding Elder's District
have been productive of much good, especially in parts of our work where
the Annual Conferences are very large. They have enabled the Bishop
and Presiding Elder to come into closer relationship and intft more imme¬
diate contact with the pastors. Instruction which could not be given in
the Annual Conference, for want of time, has been successfully imparted
in the District Conferences. The work of the Conferences is not judicial,
except in the matter of Presiding Elder's Assessment. We advise that they
be made judicial also in the matter of the District Conference Literary, His¬
torical and Educational Associations, according to our recommendations
given on Educational Associations This will add very great interest and
importance to these gatherings. We would have the business to come before
these meetings a little more clearly stated, and we think the membership
might be composed of the Presiding Bishop, the Presiding Elder, all the
traveling Elders, Deacons and Preachers in the District and one Steward
from each Quarterly Conference within the D^trict;,
26
inaeimnj itx If uft f|emftct[$frtjtxn
The customs which prevail in different parts of our Church concerning
the reception of persons on probation and into fall membership, are in some
cases vastly dis-itnilar, because, perhaps, that these customs are general,
applying to all Christian Churches in those localities, it might be unwise
to interfere with some of them; but with reference to the matter of full
communion or fall membership in the church and the prerequisites for en¬
trance thereupon there can scarcely be a reasonable difference of opinion.
It would seem also that the question, " Have you saving faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ?" with it answer, " I trust I have," ought to be suffi¬
ciently explicit to keep from within the inner fold who are not regenerate
in heart or who have not in the New Testament sense "passed from death
unto life." But such seems not to be the case always. There are, we be¬
lieve, several thousands to-day on our church rolls who have received the
right hand of fellowship and have been received into full membership in
church who have never professed salvation through Jesus, nor have they
believed that they were saved from their sins—some of these, we have rea¬
son to believe, have in this condition passed into the ranks of the Chris¬
tian ministry.
These are they who at divers times and in different places seek to dis¬
rupt the Christian Church because without the cleansing blood applied to
the washing away of their sins, they could have no spiritual, nothing
higher than a secular, or possibly a moral interest in its existence and per¬
petuity.
We feel, dear brethren, that the time has fully come to close up this gap
all along the line. Let the following, or equivalent, words be inserted in
the chapter on receiving persons into full membership who have served out
their term of probation:—"No persons shall be received into full member¬
ship in our church who have not a conscious belief in their acceptance with
God. Are you thoroughly satisfied that you have experienced a change
of heart and are holding such a spiritual union with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ, that should you pass out of this world that you would
rest with God forever? Ans.—I am so satisfied and do most devoutly be¬
lieve that should I pass from this world I should be forever with the Lord.
Beside this each pastor should give specific instruction in the doctrines
of the Christian religion to all who are young in the faith as often as is
compatible with his other duties in the church.
JhmnrjeHslhi KJorfc. uf ©fmstfim
Among the very important helpers in good work in all ages of the world
must be recognized the women who have shared the labors, responsibilities
and sufferings with the men whom God has called to go forth and labor in
His vineyard.
27
The number of those women who feel called upon to preach the un¬
searchable riches of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, is constantly increase
ing in our Church. So greatly are they increased, and so fully are their
services acknowledged as in the highest degree helpful to the faithful
Christian minister, and so emphasized by the seal of Divine approval as
that we can no longer, it would appear, delay to fix her status in our
Church.
You will please address yourselves to the answer of this question:
"May they be regularly licensed to preach?" Should an affirmative an¬
swer be given to this interrogative, a proper adjustment of the pronouns
may serve to give notice to all that we have risen to that height where sex
is no barrier to the enjoyment of some of the priviliges of the Gospel Min¬
istry.
J[ Jftsftojt to mtar Jbjmdmtmh
With reference to this we make but the bare suggestion that one of our
Bishops be appointed to preside over the Department of Missions, another
over the Department of Education, another over the Sabbath School De¬
partment, one over the Department of Finance, another over the Depart¬
ment of Publication ; indeed over each Department now in existence or that
may be brought into existence by the legislation of this General Conference
uf[ Hnw$l}sr$+
An entirely unmethodistic feeling is growing in the Church to the effect
that Ministers are members of the Annual Conferences only and not of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church in general; hence, when brethren are
transferred from one Annual Conference to another they are not greeted,
sometimes, as brethren beloved, but rather as foreigners to the household
of our Israel. This is not only unmethodistic> but is absolutely unchris¬
tian if our vows are remembered.
This feeling is confined to no one section of the Church, nor is it partic¬
ipated in by broad-hearted, Christian brethren, for these last welcome all
wh'o come to help conquer the world for Christ. ^
Let there go forth from this General Conference, through the delegates,
the influence of the Spirit of Christ and Christianity, in which Spirit there
is declared to be "neither Greek, nor Jew, Barbarian, nor Scythian, bond
nor free," but where all are one in Christ Jesus our Lord.
in dammuit farriers ttitlpto Ittj
Jfcttu nf %
Since our last session, three of our Bishops, we lament to say, have been
insulted and even assaulted upon railroad trains while traveling quietly in
the discharge of their Episcopal duties, for no cause, except that they had
•28
purchased first-class tickets as others had done, and afterwards desired to
enjoy the rights, privileges and comforts for which they had paid. That
such conduct upon the part of public carriers, when tolerated by public sen¬
timent, is a disgrace to our National civilization needs no argument to estab¬
lish. It displays a species of barbarism, the very thought of which should
make a great country like this shudder. Yet, with a regret that can find no
expression in words, we are forced to announce with bowed heads, that the
National Supreme Court by an unholy and most cruel decision has swept
away the only law, which we had hoped would bring relief from these un¬
just discriminations by deciding the Civil-rights Bill unconstitutional. Now
we are not only driven, in many parts of the country, into cars used for
smoking, and often dirty and even oily, after having paid first-class fare,
but we are told that the Supreme Court has authorized this treatment.
Thus the Court of last resort where Justice should sit enthroned has not
only turned the rabble of the country loose to prey upon us, but has em¬
powered public carriers all over the land to literally rob us as a race.
Several States, however, recognizing the force of this injustice and be¬
ing ashamed of such an unjust decision, and desirous to wash their hands
of the terrible crime, have, through their legislatures, enacted laws similar
to the one the Supreme Court destroyed.
We recommend that our condition as a race, who have ever been true
and loyal to the country, be made a subject of fasting and protracted pray¬
er and supplication to the Giver of all good, asking Him to afford us that
relief which is denied us here among our fellows.
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At each session of almost every Annual Conference the supply exceeds
the demands of the already established pulpits.
What to do with these earnest, Christian brethren who really feel that
they are called to the work of the Christian Ministry, often becomes an
embarrassing question. It would hardly seem proper to remand them to
their homes after they have met all the requirements of our law for admission,
nor does it appear just that they should be left without work.
There seems Nothing to do then but to give them to understand before
admission that there may be no established pulpits for them at the then
present session of the Conference, and that the best they may expect at that
time is an opportunity to go somewhere and establish a church and build a
house of worship so that each new comer may become a pioneer in the
planting of new work.
To this plan earnest, Christian, self-sacrificing, young men will object,
others need not apply.
JL in far dfjmiian
There was a period in the history of this world when a proper reverence
waft had for all the holy men of God, especially for His ministers—when
HO Unseemly levity was indulged in their presence. For while these men
were not forbidden in their words or manners, they, at the same time,
mutely forbade that familiarity which breeds contempt; they were rev¬
erenced.
Can it be that the difference between the present and the past reverential
demeanor towards Christian ministers is the result of a radical change of
sentiment on the part of the laity, or may it be that there is such a differ¬
ence between the rank and file of those who once filled the office and those
who fill it now, as that to the present incumbents of the holy office is due
this lack of reverence.
If this latter be true, might it not be well to press home upon the hearts
of all our ministers the necessity of that gravity which is so becoming and
so necessary to adorn our holy calling, and this gravity is not incompati¬
ble with a joyous heart and a smiling countenance, for of the many things
which detract most from the Christian minister is a pretentious, affected
sanctity, entirely unbecoming, a complete disfigurement of the minister and
his calling; but a return to that gravity and dignity which shall inspire a
reverential awe, and beget a holy confidence in us and our work, can cer¬
tainly do nothing less than good. Nearly all the denominations appear to
be affected similarly in this matter.
JHmsian ttf ©antral H[arL
We are here for work. Our Conferences and lay colleges expect that much
of us. We have no right to disappoint them. We must not disappoint them.
We must bear in mind that the committees are the important factors in
shaping legislation; that there is an imperative obligation resting upon
each member to attend the meetings of his committee with as much punc¬
tuality, and to take part in developing the work brought before it, as it is
for him to present himself in this General Conference as a representative of
the ministry or laity.
To facilitate the work of the Conference we would urge upon the several
committees to begin and prosecute their work at once! aonce !!
We advise that our general work be so divided as that the committees
will know beforehand upon what days they must report, and that those de¬
siring to address the General Conference on certain topics, may be prepared
to do so on certain dates. Something like the following might obtain as a
guide in our work :
Set apart Friday and Saturday, May 9th and 10th, for the work of the
Sabbath School Department.
Set apart Monday and Tuesday, May 12th and 13th, for the work of
the Missionary Department.
Set apart Wednesday and Thursday, May 14th and 15th, for the work
of the Educational Department.
30
Set apart Friday and Saturday, May 16th and 17th, for the work of the
Financial Department.
Set apart Monday and Tuesday, May 19th and 20th, for the work of the
Publication Department.
A plan like this, we think, giving the committees time for their work,
will greatly facilitate our labors. Of course, other matters will be consid¬
ered on the same days as usual; but it should be understood that the com¬
mittees having charge of the specified subjects for the days named should
have the right of way.
Thus have we endeavored to present to you an outline of duty. A re¬
view of the most urgent matters of legislation which, we think, should
claim your first and closest attention.
We most devoutly implore the divine favor upon your deliberations, and
do most earnestly pray that "harmony and enlightened zeal" may rule in
your thoughts and actions. May unholy ambitions have no place among
us. May the yet lingering light on the low bending horizon, which clearly
marks the pathway traveled by the fathers who are sweetly resting where it
is eternal noon, inspire us to lives of goodness and deeds of greatness.
May we, by the grace of the eternal God, press on hard after them, bearing
upon our hearts this great church; press on, amid Summer's heat and
Winter's cold; on, through tempests and hurricanes; on, till our feet shall
stand within the gates of the New Jerusalem, having transmitted this
sacred trust to our successors, may receive of "the only-wise God" the
"well done, good and faithful servants, enter into the joys of your Lord."
D. A. PAYNE,
A. W. WAYMAN,
J. P. CAMPBELL,
J. A. SHORTER,
T M. D. WARD,
JOHN M. BROWN,
H. M. TURNER,
WM. F. DICKERSON,
R. H. CAIN,
Bishops of the A. M. E. Church