USA > Kentucky > Golden jubilee of the general association of Colored Baptists in Kentucky : the story of 50 years' work from 1865-1915 including many photos and sketches, compiled from unpublished manuscripts and other sources > Part 6
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The election of officers resulted in the choice of Rev. J. W. Hawkins as Moderator, and Rev. R. T. Frye and D. W. Seals as assistant Moderators ; with the re-election of W. H. Steward as secretary, and P. H. Kennedy, corresponding secretary ; E. P. Marrs, Treasurer.
The 39th annual session of the General Associa- tion was held in Fourth Street Baptist Church, Owensboro, August 15-19, 1907. All the clouds had cleared away and this was a most harmonious and peaceable session. During the opening an enjoy- able praise service was conducted which was a new feature of the Association. Mayor Wm. O. Bryan welcomed the Association. In the educational col- lection a new feature was observed, that of enroll-
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ing the contributions of the individuals under the head of the Association with which they were con- nected. Each District Association in the State was represented in this collection. Among the interesting features of this session, not on the program, was the presenting of a gold head umbrella to Brother W. H. Steward, as a mark of appreciation of the brethren of his thirty years of service as secretary. The new President, J. R. L. Diggs, of State Univer- sity, made an interesting address during the session, concerning the work of that Institution,and received an encouraging contribution. This year there was no contest for offices, and all were re-elected under a suspension of the rules. The death of Rev. John Johnson, of Cynthiana; Rev. J. W. Lackey, of Stan- ford; and Rev. A. Merrifield, three of the oldest ministers in the State, was announced at this ses- sion, as was that of Rev. S. E. Smith and Rev. W. E. Glover, from among the younger pastors and a service in honor of their memories was held Sunday afternoon.
The 1908 session was held at the Virginia Street Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, August 12-16. Among the welcome addresses was one by Mayor C. M. Meacham, and among the visitors were noted : Revs. R. H. Boyd, W. L. Craft, Sutton E. Griggs, E. W. D. Isaacs, L. G. Jordan, C. H. Clark and Robert Short. They were all given a cordial wel- come and addressed the Association during the ses- sion. The officers were elected without any contest. Rev. E. Williams was elected Moderator and Revs. W. J. M. Price and W. H. Williams assistant Mod- erators. Rev. D. A. Gaddie, D.D., in his memorial sermon paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of Rev. C. Smothers, J. T. Wheeler, G. W. T. Russell,
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Primus Burris, B. P. Bush, who had entered into rest since the last meeting of the Association.
The 4Ist annual session was held in the First Baptist Church at Henderson, Ky., August 11-15, 1909. Among the addresses of welcome was one by Mayor S. G. Harris, W. S. Forward, representing the White Baptist Church, and A. Foster of the General Association of White Baptists. There was also present M. E. Dodd, fraternal representative from the White Baptist Association, and this in- dicated that the White Baptists were still interested in fostering the work among our people. Rev. J. R. L. Diggs after a service of two years with State University decided to accept a call to the Lynchburg School, and Dr. W. T. Amiger, who was Dean of the Theological Department was placed in charge of the University. Dr. Amiger made his initial ad- dress to the Association at this session and it was warmly commended by resolution. The officers were all re-elected under a suspension of the rule, and a committee on obituaries reported the death of Rev. J. W. Hawkins, Samuel Mack and Moses Allen, all of whom were well and favorably known to the denomination. There was only one objection raised to the admission of a new church and it was finally enrolled. There was a small increase in the number of churches to the Association in the membership and in the amount of money raised.
The 42nd session of the General Association met at State Street Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Au- gust 17-21, 1910. The report of the committee on credentials showed four new churches enrolled, in addition to the regular number of messengers, and the officers elected this session were: Rev. R. Mitch- ell, Moderator; W. T. Silvey and W. A. Jones, as-
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sistant Moderators. There was not the usual num- ber of visitors. The death of Rev. R. H. C. Mitchell, a member of the Board of Trustees, which occurred. December 30, 1909, was reported, as was that of Revs. R. H. Porter, J. H. Lewis, Wm. Allen, J. W. Chin, J. Ewing, John Hicks, all of whom were prom- inent in our denominational work. Rev. E. P. Marrs, who was elected treasurer at Bowling Green in 1886, was unable to attend this session on account of ill- ness, and prayer service was offered for his recovery.
The Washington Street Baptist Church, Padu- cah, was the place, and August 16-20, 1911, the time, where the 43rd annual session of the General Asso- ciation was held. The praise service which has be- come a feature of the Associational meeting was con- tinued with the usual fervor and devotion, all through the morning. The ex-Moderators of the General Association and the officers of the conven- tion were invited to the platform and the Modera- tor's address read at three o'clock that afternoon. The reports were all fully interesting and showed steady progress on all phases of the denominational work, especially in that of the mission field. The death of Dr. E. P. Marrs, who had served the Gen- eral Association twenty-five years as Treasurer and for many years a member of the Board of Trustees was announced in that report. When the election of officers took place, Rev. J. H. Frank was elected to succeed him. The roster shows that there are now 443 churches registered in the General Association 73,226 members, and $2,669.16, the largest amount ever collected at the Association was reported.
The 44th annual session of the General Associa- tion was held at the First Baptist Church, Frank- fort, August 14-18, 1912. Rev. Robert Mitchell pro-
Rev. Wm. Dickerson, Hopkinsville, Ky.
Rev. C. D. Blakemore, Smithfield, Ky.
Rev. C. A. Hutchinson, B.Th. Louisville, Ky.
Rev. R. B. Butler, A.B., A.M., D.D. Versailles, Ky.
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S. J. Davidson, A.B., LL.D. Attorney, Washington, D. C. W.120
Rev. Richard Reynolds, D.D. Jeffersontown, Ky.
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The Fifth Street Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky.
First Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky.
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Rev. J. F. Thomas, D.D. Chicago, Ill.
Rev. Joseph F. Green, LL.B Louisville, Ky.
Rev. E. T. Offutt, A.B., Th.B. Lexington, Ky.
Rev. M. L. Porter, Nicholasville, Ky.
Rev. T. W. H. Gibson Pastor of Consolidated Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky.
Rev. P. D. Dennis, Providence, Ky.
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sided, and invited Revs. J. K. Polk, S. P. Young, J. H. Frank, C. C. Bates, G. W. Ward, E. Williams, all the living ex-Moderators, to the platform. The praise service was conducted by Rev. W. H. Wil- liams. The addresses of welcome were delivered by Mayor J. A. Polsgrove, W. T. Silvey, E. J. Jackson, Dr. E. E. Underwood. The response in behalf of the Association was made by Rev. E. W. Haw- thorne. There were three new churches enrolled. Dr. W. D. Powell, representing the General Asso- ciation of White Baptists presented the greetings from that body in a very earnest and impressive ad- dress. The death of Dr. D. A. Gaddie, which oc- curred, November 13, 1911, and that of Rev. G. W. Bowling, and Mathias Garner, were reported, and suitable memorial services were conducted in their memories, and those of the other brethren who had departed this life during the year. There were no grievances to consider at this session, consequently, no committee on grievance was appointed.
One of the largest and most enthusiastic sessions of the General Association was the 45th annual ses- sion held in Emmanuel Baptist Church, Louisville, August 13-17, 1913. Rev. Robert Mitchell presided, and Rev. E. Williams conducted the nraise service. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. W. J. M. Price, who preached from the text, John 4:35, it being the same text as the one taken by Rev. A. Heath at the session of the General Association in Harrodsburg, 1876. There was one new church en- rolled, which makes the number now 471, with 75,- 412 members, and $4,001.25 collection, which was the largest collection in the history of the General As- sociation. The officers were re-elected without oppo- sition. The Association appropriated $50 for the
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exhibiting fund of the National Baptist convention, to show the progress of the race in the 50 years of freedom since emancipation ; also $25 to pay the ex- penses of the State exhibit which was to be arranged by the State commissioner. In the banner contest to encourage enlarged contributions, the Fifth St. Church was awarded the banner for the largest con- tribution, $201, and Calvary Baptist Church, Louis- ville, second banner, for $160. These churches have over 1,000 members. In the churches reporting 500 or more members, the first banner was given the First Baptist Church of Frankfort, which report- ed $106, and the second banner to State Street Bap- tist Church, Bowling Green, which reported $105. In the list of churches of membership from 250 to 500, the First Baptist Church, Winchester took first prize, sending $100, and the First Baptist Church, Henderson, reporting $53.50. The Portland Baptist Church, Louisville, of 250 members, reported $50. Of the churches ranging 250, the Main Street Bap- tist Church, Hopkinsville, took the banner, reporting $50. This was a new method and proved quite suc- cessful.
The 46th annual session of the General Associa- tion held its meeting in the First Baptist Church of Winchester, August 12-16, 1914. There had been some little controversy as to the meeting being held as arranged, but finally all doubt was removed and the session proved to be a very harmonious and profitable meeting. There was the usual contest whenever a program has been prepared, but this time it was adopted with the proviso that the neces- sary changes be made as the circumstances would suggest. The contest for officers was spirited and the following elected. Rev. C. H. Parrish, Moderator, and
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Revs. W. R. Richardson and V. S. Smith, assistant Moderators. The other officers were elected as usual. Considerable attention was paid to the matter of the Jubilee session to be held in 1915, in compliance with the recommendations of Moderator Mitchell. The committees were appointed to arrange for the same. The finance committee reported $3,008.28, as the amount raised during the session. As a mark of the approval of the brethren of the work of Moderator R. Mitchell, it was voted to present him a testi- monial. Looking back through a half century of years, viewing the sacrifices and achievements of these sainted men, who, without training and direc- tion, had established an organization for the re- ligious development of their people and had founded an institution for their intellectual training, shows that they must have been divinely guided. Then the younger men who followed their leadership and grew to the full measure of manhood added to the work these pioneers had accomplished. The young men of this day with sterner wills and brighter hopes have a legacy in these experiences that should add strength and influence to this great denomina- tion. A half century of association with the lead- ers of all these classes adds a charm to a life which is worth the living. Revere the memories of those who have gone before and take on fresh courage to do more glorious things and make a brighter and a better future.
,
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Historical Report of Educational Work of the Baptists of Kentucky.
R. B. Butler, D.D.
The Educational Work of the General Associa- tion of Colored Baptists of Kentucky began in 1879. For several years before this the question was warmly discussed by our great leaders of that day ; looking toward the formation of the very wisest plans.
At first it was proposed to establish the school at Frankfort. For said purpose, fifty acres, more or less, were purchased from Peter and Tab Smith, who were at that time prominent members of the First Baptist Church at Frankfort. This purchase went into history known as the "Hill Property at Frank- fort." After much careful thought and wise de- liberation with respect to a more permanent loca- tion for the school, and a location that would be more suitable in every respect, the "Hill Property" was disposed of, and a site was purchased in the city of Louisville. This property consisted of two and one-half acres with a large brick building com- modious and roomy. Upon this spot, the school was opened in 1879, with Rev. E. P. Marrs as prin- cipal. In 1880, the next year, Rev. Wm. J. Simmons, who was at that time pastor of the First Bap- tist Church, Lexington, was elected to the presi- dency. President Simmons resigned his pastorate and took charge of the work under flattering pros- pects, but had very little financial resources from which to draw. But he started out in the work, be- ing very optimistic and hopeful of the future. He was in a field of which he was justly proud, and for
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which he felt himself fully prepared and compe- tent, and one which he felt was the great need for the race and the denomination. The field was a new one as an experiment for the Colored Baptists of the South. The General Association of Colored Baptists of Kentucky, was the first to lead off in the work of establishing a high grade college for the special training of preachers and teachers. In this special line of work, President Wm. J. Simmons felt that he could master the situation and bring things to pass for Kentucky Baptists. With Simmons at the head the school began where Rev. Marrs left off. In those days it was known as the "Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute."
In 1884, the Institution was made a university- hence the name was changed to its present name, State University. The first college class was gradu- ated in May, 1886. The class consisted of Rev. C. H. Parrish, Dr. C. F. Sneed and Miss Sarah E. Nel- son. Since that time young men and young women have graduated from its courses at each annual clos- ing. Since that time the theological, normal and college courses have been developed and enlarged, and other courses have been added so that in its cur- ricula it ranks as one of the leading universities of this country. Hundreds of men and women in these years have finished the several courses, one or more, and have gone out to bless the world. And, too, there have been hundreds who by force of cir- cumstances, could not finish, but were trained, helped and strengthened by the Institution; they too are now out in the world bringing things to pass.
Dr. Simmons served the institution ten years. He was followed by Dr. J. H. Garnett. Dr. Garnett
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served from January 1, 1891, to May, 1894. Dr. C. L. Purce succeeded Dr. Garnett and served until his death, which occurred in August, 1905.
Rev. J. E. Ford was elected to succeed Dr. Purce, but owing to the discord and lack of harmony among the brotherhood of the State, he would not serve. Dr. J. R. L. Diggs followed the resignation of Dr. Ford. Dr. Diggs served acceptably from 1906 to May, 1908. Dr. W. T. Amiger was chosen to fol- low Dr. Diggs. Dr. Amiger is yet in the position and fills it with honor and dignity to himself and to the State.
By constitution and charter this branch of the work of Kentucky Baptists is under the special and direct control of a Board of Trustees, consisting of twelve of the ablest and wisest men in the denomi- nation. Brother Wm. H. Steward the efficient Re- cording Secretary of the General Association, is the chairman of this board, and has held this position since the work began. Even as it is not possible to write the history of this work without the names of its presidents, so indeed is it not possible to write it without the name of Wm. H. Steward, who has been all these years of its history, and who is now the efficient Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Because of his long, close, continuous and most vital relation with the work, we believe that Bro. Steward knows more about it than any other man living. In this place, he has served the Baptists well. We pray that our brother Steward may live long and depart in the peace and hope of the faith and in the love and confidence of his brethren. Re- turning to the question-The Educational Work of the General Association, what can we say more? This paper must not be too long, but some other
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things ought to be said; and they ought to be said with emphasis. We know that it is not possible nor even a mark of wisdom to give every detail and item of the university's history. Thirty and six years of the doings and deeds of this great institution are too much to be put in a paper of this kind. Rather than attempt this, we shall state several other little items and then we shall close.
In the thirty-six years that the institution has been in operation, much of worth has been done, and much remains to be done. The grounds have been improved and renovated, the old buildings have been kept in repair and several new buildings have been constructed. There is the new chapel, which was built under the presidency of Dr. Garnett, and the new Dormitory and Domestic Science Build- ing, which was erected by the Baptist Women's Educational Convention. This building was per- haps planned by Dr. Diggs, but erected under the presidency of Dr. Amiger. We are not sure, but think that the idea to have this new building origi- nated and was put into operation under the presi- dency of Dr. Purce. Our Baptist Women's Conven- tion, under the leadership of Mrs. Wm. H. Steward, deserves all praise for taking the initiative in this task and we feel that they have done themselves honor, and have brought credit to the race and de- nomination, and have made for themselves a name that can never die. This Convention was organized at the suggestion of Dr. Simmons to assist the Gen- eral Association in this special line of work. It has been in the field now thirty-two years. How well it has done may be seen by its records and reports during these years. This Convention has raised each year for the university a sum ranging from a
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few hundred to twenty-one hundred dollars. The time is not far ahead, when this Convention will raise five thousand a year, and the General Associa- tion will come through with not less than ten thou- sand. O happy thought, and God speed the day !
The courses of study in the university are such as are given in other colleges of its nature. . But for the present we will pass over the courses of study ; the philosophical, scientific and general literary fea- tures, and will give a short statement as to the re- ligious life of the school.
The school proposes to educate and train for the churches. It was not established for the sole pur- pose of making mere classical scholars, but for the express purpose of giving to our churches and to our race and to our country a trained soldiery of men and women, well prepared and fully equipped for Christian service. The University makes much of classical and intellectual training, but it makes much more of religious training. Hence, its faculty of instructors from the president down are men and women who are supposed to know the Christ and who are not ashamed to own their Lord nor to de- fend His cause. The faculty of the Institution so teach, so work and so live that at certain times of every school year special revivals are held in the chapel and the class rooms for such as are out of Christ. In many instances students have entered the University unconverted, but before leaving they have embraced the hope and professed faith in Christ, and thus have left the institution a blessing to themselves, and prepared to render the needed service to others. If the institution had rendered and was rendering to the Baptists in particular and to the race in general no other service than this one-
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that is being the agency by which students are con- verted to Christ-indeed it would be worthy of our most loyal support. Then, again, the University has made the present leadership in Kentucky Bap- tist pulpits what it is today.
What is true of the pulpit, is true largely of all of our Baptist bodies in the State. Go into any of the Associations or Conventions, and you will see evidences of the great work which this institution has accomplished in the thirty and six years of its history. If the institution has a past record, which is splendid and worthy, it indeed has a future, which is both hopeful and encouraging.
In writing this short history we feel that it is not out of place to speak of the aid which we have received from the American Baptist Home Mission Society, New York. Through the aid and influence of this society our institution has received thousands of dollars. We also acknowledge aid from several organizations, Baptist women (white) and other white friends North and South. We also appreciate the help and encouragement which the white Bap- tists of Kentucky have given us. But we feel to say that the American Baptist Home Mission So- ciety has ever stood by us in this work, and in all these years it has not left us. If the institution has been able to do anything for the race and denomina- tion, it is due largely to the fact that this great So- ciety, which has for its motto, "North America for Christ," has helped us to "bear the burdens and the heat of the day." In short, we appreciate the aid that has come to us from any source. The institu- tion is what it is today because our friends have helped us. Just this word and we shall close this paper. The life of the Baptists in particular and of
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the race in general is in, and very largely rests in, the well conceived principles of a Christian educa- tion. A trained leadership for the churches, and trained leadership for the race is the great need.
The Negro Baptists of Kentucky should not be satisfied nor rest until the University has a half a million dollars of endowment. This should be the next great task to claim our attention. It is such a legacy and trust committed to us, that we must now awake, arise and bestir ourselves to make the work of the fathers what it ought to be, and what the present age demands. So feeling and so praying, we hope that the Jubilee Meeting of the General Asso- ciation will not adjourn without taking some steps looking toward the raising of a permanent fund for the special endowment of the Institution.
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Missionary Work
MISSIONARY WORK OF THE COLORED BAPTISTS OF KENTUCKY.
By Rev. P. B. Kennedy, D.D.
The gauge of any church is its missionary spirit and activity. The study of missions is the study of the life, spirit, activity, method, and object of the church, and the means for the establishment of the kingdom. If we would pray "Thy kingdom come" with sympathetic intelligence we must have a knowledge of what the petition implies.
We are patriotic and manly when we love our country, but we are God-like when we love the world, for "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
The study of God's plan and purpose to extend His kingdom, as revealed in the Bible should be il- lustrated, supplemented and enforced by the study of the development of God's Kingdom, as it is being wrought out through Christian missions.
Our church members, especially the young peo- ple, should receive definite instruction in systematic and proportionate giving as they do in any of the other exact sciences. Christ said "Give and it shall be given unto you, for with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
We should be led to recognize that we are called of God for service, commissioned to be evangels of Jesus Christ as opportunity offers. Serviceableness
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is the divine idea and measure of true culture. Op- portunity is obligation. Sympathy is the motive power of ministry. If, therefore, our church members, young and old, are to have the true education for Christian service, they must be brought to the knowledge of God's revealed will through study of the Bible, to the vision of human need and to per- sonal sympathy through the study of Christian mis- sions, and to efficient personal ministry through the study and practice of systematic and proportionate giving to the missionary activity of the church.
The early Christian Church was a witness-bearing church. Its marvelous success was largely due to the fact that every Christian was a missionary. The church of today strongly demands personal Chris- tian service in the community and the dedication of the life to the various forms of missionary work. In order to realize this there must be an enlistment and training of leaders and workers for all the depart- ments of the local church. This lies at the founda- tion of all missionary endeavor and Christian activ- ity. A presentation of the call to Christian service as a life-work must be made to the young people, emphasizing the ministry and the work of missions.
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