USA > Louisiana > History of Louisiana Negro Baptists : from 1804 to 1914 > Part 11
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at the Baton Rouge College, Baton Rouge, La., where she now labors.
Bishop G. W. Toney within a few years has made his way like a meteor from ministerial obscurity to one of the highest positions among Louisiana Baptists, that is, Moderator of the First District Association. Brother Toney's kind disposition, energy and pushfulness have been deservedly rewarded. He has been serving a New Orleans church for many years, and has accomplished much for the Master. Bishop Toney is a lover of education, having spent sev- eral years at Leland himself as a student, and has encouraged scores of others to do likewise. His District actually carries on the work that Je- sus commanded and emphasized when He said: "Ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always." Matt. 26:11. "Whoso stop- peth his ears at the cry of the poor, he shall also cry, but shall not be heard." . .. . Prov. 21:13. The operation of the Old Folks Home proves that Bishop Toney is loyal to this teaching.
E'lder Guy Beck was one of the first preachers in the city of New Orleans recently after the war. He was a power for good in New Orleans, and pastored a church in Carrolton, where he did a deal of abiding work. Elder Beck was a grand old man-strong in morals, and powerful in the Spirit, leading hundreds to Christ and Heaven. He went to his home in Heaven late in the seven- ties or early in the eighties. leaving a consecrated widow to mourn his loss to earth. She has prov- en herself to be a widow in deed.
Elder George Byrd, an honored old pioneer, wrought well at Baton Rouge in early times. He came into the state from Virginia, and pastored
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the Shiloh Baptist Church many years. Brother Byrd was an old-school preacher believing wholly in the "What saith the Lord." He was respected by the people of Baton Rouge for his moral worth and Christian bearing. When called from labor to reward he had built up a strong church, and accomplished the work he was divinely sent to do.
Elder Charley Williams was the noted pioneer worker below Canal Street in New Orleans for many years. He was the much loved and hon- ored pastor of the Amazon Baptist Church. Al- though he was down there among many Roman Catholics, he held his own, preached "One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism" and built up a great church. Elder Williams was a great preacher, loved and respected by all who knew him. The work of Brother Williams goes on to- day through the untiring labors of Bishop Piercy, who caught the banner when falling from the hands of Elder Williams, and has been gallantly marching with it up the hill. Brother Williams hearing the blessed applaudit, as it were, "Well done thou good and faithful servant," left New Orleans for Heaven.
Among the many efficient Baptist teachers of the state, is Professor J. S. Clark, B. A., who for many years was the able instructor, head and builder of Baton Rouge College, and today through his energy and push holds the highest position of a Negro Educator within the gift of the State of Louisiana, being recently appointed by the Governor of Louisiana, President of the state school-Southern University. After fin- ishing a course of study at Coleman College, Professor Clark entered Leland University where
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he graduated with honors from the B. A. degree course.
Professors S. S. Gray, member faculty of Le- land University; A. C. Priestly, Principal High School in New Orleans; A. J. Lagard, B. A .; Francis Boley, B. A., Mrs. Amelia Boley, B. A., J. M. Frazier, B. A., Mrs. J. M. Frazier, Mrs. Betsy Planving, B. A., Harris Hamilton, William Boston, Principal City School, Lake Charles, John Jones, Principal City School, Lake Charles, Wil- liam Thomas, Principal, Alexandria Academy, C. C. Smith, B. A., and scores of other Baptist scholars are making good and accomplishing much. We are proud of these.
Bishop H. L. Davis was one of the first Secre- taries of the North West Louisiana Association No. 2. After many years of successful labor in Desoto Parish, he removed to Gibsland, La., Bienville Parish where he has with his own hands built a good home. Sister Mollie Davis, his wife, a zealous church worker has stood by him in the building of a Christian home and suc- ceeding in the ministry. Two boys and one girl bless their union. -
Elder Davis has pastored and now pastors some of the best churches in the state. The First Baptist Church at Minden, and the Republican Baptist Church, Furrh, La., being among the churches pastored. He pastors Republican at this writing.
Elder H. R. Flynn is among the oldest workers in the state. He came into the 13th District from the 10th District some years ago and ac- cepted the pastorate of the Avenue Baptist Church at Shreveport. He increased his member- ship of this church to five or six hundred, leading in point of numbers every other church in the
ADMINISTRATION AND DINING DEPARTMENT, COLEMAN COLLEGE.
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13th District. Brother Flynn now pastors the 20th Century Baptist Church, Shreveport, and churches in the 10th District. Mrs. H. R. Flynn who is deeply interested in church and District work has helped the Elder much in achieving his great success in the ministry.
Professor Albert W. Stewart was without question one of the greatest Baptist school teachers not only in Shreveport, but in all Amer- ica. He was kind in disposition, firm in decision, painstaking and thorough in his work as a teach- er. As a true husband he had no superiors and but few equals. When the Lord called him, he was standing loyally at his post, as the efficient Principal of the Peabody Normal, Shreveport, La.
Professor F. S. McKeel came to Louisiana many years ago from New York City, and became one of the first Negro teachers of North Louisiana.
When overtaken by affliction and called to his reward, he was the honored principal of the West End Public School, Shreveport. He had served this post for many years with credit to himself, denomination and race. Professor McKeel was a "Progressive" ever ready to do what he could for the uplift of his race and humanity. He was a devoted husband and father.
Mrs. Marget Thomas and Mrs. Grace Williams are among the honored pioneer teachers of North Louisiana, having taught successfully and with credit before many of the present teachers were born.
Mrs. Williams is at present one of the popular teachers of the West End Public School of Shreve- port.
Mrs. Margret Butler Thomas resigned the
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work of teaching some years ago for the higher and more honored duties of the home.
The writer of this History will always feel grateful to her for teaching him his alphabet before she left the school room.
ELDER S. D. NANCE-PIONEER AND EX- MODERATOR OF 4TH DISTRICT ASSOCI- ATION.
Brother Simon Daniel Nance was born of Mr. Simon and Mrs. Martha Nance in Walker Coun- ty, Texas not far from Huntsville, June, 1844. His father was of pure African blood; his mother was half Indian.
After the death of his owner-Captain Black- Elder Nance was brought to Mississippi. At the outbreak of the Civil War he ran away and joined the Federal Army. After the war he mar- ried Miss Amelia M. Pierce in 1871. Their union has been blessed. Miss Maggie Nance, their daughter, has developed into a splendid young woman, and serves at this writing as one of Tus- kegee Institute's best teachers.
As to Elder Nance's schooling ; he spent 5 days in school, so meager were his opportunities in those dark days. And yet with practically no schooling he forged his way to the front. On the 2nd Sunday in October, 1873, after conversion he was baptised into the membership of the Antioch Baptist Church by Elder John C. Williams, and January 9th, 1879 he was ordained by Elders John Carter, Ambrose Harris, and Caroline Weal.
While Pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, which grew out of a prayer meeting on his gal-
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lery commenced in 1881, he was elected Modera- tor of what is now the 4th District Association, which position he creditably held 19 years. Elder Nance was member and secretary of District Ed- ucational Board 9 years and Missionary 8 years. He has pastored the following churches: Mount Carmel, St. Paul No. 2, Antioch, Mt. Zion, Mace- donia, Magnolia, Bethlehem, Mt. Pilgrim, Beech Hill, Little Antioch, Belladonia and Cypress Grove. The Association presided over by Elder Nance was organized in 1883 under the name- First Regular Baptist Association by the follow- ing brethren and others .: Elders Daniel Dorsey, Isaac Langdon, Logan Peterson, Sam Tucker, George Tilly, Ruffin Thornton, Major Hamilton and Henry Hewley. No Pioneer in the state has labored harder and more zealously for the race and the Master's cause than Bishop Simon Dan- iel Nance. 3
SOME OF OUR MANY SCHOOLS.
LELAND UNIVERSITY.
Leland was founded by Deacon Holbrook Chamberlain in 1870 at New Orleans, La., in the basement of Tulane Avenue Baptist Church. The writer has often been told of this good man's self- denial and self-sacrificing spirit when establish- ing this great institution for the Louisiana Ne- gro Baptists and the Negro race. According to Dr. R. B. Cook in his "History of the Baptists in All Ages and Countries," it seems that Le- land's first President was an acting President- Elder M. C. Cole. Then follows the line of Pres- idents from 1870 to 1914-Drs. Gregory and
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Barker; Professor Traver, and then it appears that Dr. Cole acted President again until the election of Dr. Edward Cushing Mitchell in 1887. Dr. George H. Felton acted President a while after the death of Dr. Mitchell when Dr. R. W. Perkins was elected President. At present (1914) Professor Alfred A. Earl is President. Although he has been there only a short while, he has thus far made a successful fight for a greater Leland and made many improvements.
Deacon Chamberlain wrought more than he knew. He has established this institution for us and gone on, but his good works follow him. Le- land has been and is the Educational Mother of Louisiana Negro Baptists. From lier walls have gone out some of the best and most serviceable men our race has produced-some of whom are: T. A. Walker, A. M., M. D., Professors Jonas Henderson, A. M., John Jones, W. O. Boston, Francis Boley, B. A., Alfred Priestly, A. M., S. S. Gray, A. M., A. J. Lagard, B. A., A. L. Yates, B. A., John Yates, B. A., J. S. Clark, B. A., J. D. Stewart, B. A., J. L. Crosley, B. A., J. M. Frazier, B. A., M. J. Foster, B. A., Drs. C. L. Fisher, A. M., A. F. Owens, John Marks, Taylor Frierson, C. S. Collins, B. A., M. D., A. H. Brown, B. A., M. D., Wm. Hicks, B. A., D. D., and scores of others too numerous to mention here. Through these and her other great sons and daughters, the power and influence of Leland touches every part of Louisiana as well as extends into other states and Canada. This school is beautifully situated on St. Charles Avenue. It comprises two large brick buildings and about 10 acres of verv val- uable land. It has an endowment of $100,000 or
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REYNOLD'S HALL-GIRL'S DORMITORY, COLEMAN COLLEGE.
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
more. Dr. Simmons (white) was Leland's first instructor.
Coleman College is easily one of the greatest Negro Baptist Schools not only in Louisiana, but in the South. It is beautifully located at Gibs- land, La., on one of the most picturesque hills in the state. The ridge on which sits two three- story brick buildings; one two and a half story brick building; and two two-story frame build- ings, is nearly a complete horse shoe made by the hand of nature's God. This institution is the life-work of Professor C. L. Coleman who found- ed it in 1888. Brother Coleman began practically with no house, but to-day the above mentioned stately buildings beautify the campus.
Valuation about 26 years ago practically noth- ing; today, its valuation is $60,000, and it is the largest school in the state owned exclusively by Negro Baptists. Through President Coleman's influence and push it is supported more liberally by the white people of the North than any other school of its kind in the South.
It is supported by the following: The Home Mission Society of Boston; The Home Mission Society of New York; The United States Govern- ment Bureau of Agriculture; and by the Negro Baptists of Louisiana. It has been and is now doing untold good for the Baptist cause in Louis- iana, having sent out many splendid young men and women. Coleman College emphasizes Chris- tian training, not failing each session to lay aside books for a week or ten days, and engage in re- vival work, with wonderful success. Present Faculty : O. L. Coleman, A. M., President ; J. D. Stewart, A. B., Associate President ; A. L. Yates, B. A., O. W. Gray, C. R. Dickerson, Principal
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District Department; T. J. Jordan, Bishop P. B. Lewis, Mrs. M. A. Coleman, B. S., Mary Clay, Rosa Lewis, and Katie Smith.
Houma Academy, Houma, La., fostered and operated by the Fifth District Association. It was founded by this Association under the lead- ership of the late Dr. H. C. Cotton-a man of sterling worth and ability. The Academy's val- uation is more than $2,000. Professor A. J. Lagard, B. A., renders excellent services as Prin- cipal.
Israel Academy was founded by the late Bishop H. C. Cotton. It is a large well equipped two story frame building. This school is fostered principally by the great church at Bell Alliance of which Dr. Cotton was the honored pastor for many years. Miss Philemine Joseph succeeds here as Principal. Valuation of this school is more than $2000.
Minden Academy, located at Minden, La., was founded in 1905 by Bishops: J. R. Moore, P. P. Mellon, Th. B., J. M. Moore, A. G. McDaniel, and others of the North West Louisiana Association No. 1. Its main building is a two story frame structure situated on about 33 acres of good land. Total valuation $3000. It is doing good work under (1913) under the management of Professor J. D. Johnson, B. S.
Mansfield Colored Industrial High School, Mansfield, La., is fostered by the North West Louisiana Association No. 2. It was founded in 1902 by Professor John H. Whaley and Trustees. It comprises both a boy's and girl's dormitory, situated in a valuable plot of ground. Valuation of school (1909) was $5000 and still it grows under the successful management of its efficient
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head, Professor J. H. Whaley, graduate of Straight University and a summer student of Chicago University.
Howe Institute was established at New Iberia, La., in 1890. The sons of Peter Howe of We- nona, Ill., who out of filial regard for the wishes of their revered father, placed this beautiful property under the control of the President of Leland University for a number of years. In 1904 they gave the property in simple fee to the school management, and added a handsome dona- tion. At this time (1914) the Institute is fos- tered and controlled by the Sixth District Asso- ciation. In 1905-6 the Association erected a splendid two-story brick building costing $8000.
Professor Jonas Henderson, B. A., A. M., is at the head of this institution. He is one of the leading educators, not only of his state but of his race. For many years he was an honored mem- ber of the Faculty of Leland University, filling with credit to himself and denomination the chair of History and Mathematics. The writer being one of his old pupils knows personally of the worth and ability of this great man. His wife- a splendid woman and a graduate of Leland Uni- versity, is matron of this school.
Leland Academy is located at Donaldsonville, La. In 1892, its Trustees made application when it became auxiliary to Leland University. Prof- fessor S. S. Gray, A. M., was at one time Prin- cipal of this school.
The Tenth District High School at Monroe, La., is in a prosperous condition under the manage- ment of Professor M. J. Foster, B. A. Its recent enrollment reached 208. At present it comprises a large two-story .frame building, a smaller one
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and a large plot of ground. This school is fos- tered and controlled by the 10th District Associ- ation. It stands as a beacon light in North Louis- iana, and is accomplishing much.
Opelousas Academy was founded in 1900, by Bishop L. C. Simon, Opelousas, La. Its valuation was $20,000 in 1911. This institution has a good enrollment and is doing splendid work under the principalship of Professor B. J. Hurd, B. A.
Central Louisiana Academy is the widely known school of the 8th District Association. It was established under the management of Prof. Warner R. Wright, Elders C. L. Roberts, H. B. N. Brown, Israel Thomas and others were with Pro- fessor Wright in founding and building up this institution. It has done a deal of good and last- ing work in the central part of the state.
Cheyneyville Academy was founded by Dr. C. L. Roberts with the assistance of his three local churches, and it has been operated with marked success, helping the Baptist cause in and around Cheneyville. It has been principalled by some of the race's strongest men : C. S. Collins, A. B., M. D., A. J. Lagard, B. A., A. L. Yates, B. A., and Wm. Thomas. The present encumbent (1913) is Professor Charles A. Martin.
Bunkie Academy is beautifully located in the town of Bunkie, La. Professor A. J. Willis is the efficient principal. He is "on the wall," do- ing a great work for Bunkie and cannot at this time come down. He has enlarged the building twice and yet there is not enough room.
WOMEN'S WORK THROUGHOUT THE STATE
Almost every Association of brothers, from the Gulf to the line of Arkansas and from the line of
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ELDER C. W. BROOKS, 1136 Cherokee St., New Orleans, La.
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Mississippi on the east to the line of Texas on the west, has an Association of Sisters working by its side.
These Christian women have done and are do- ing much good in their respective districts. In the First District, the 13th and the Freedmen's the women are loyally supporting Old Folks Homes. In other Districts they are helping the brethren to foster schools.
I tried to get the work of these Sisters more in detail, but could not. It must be said to their credit that they have already won the blessed ap- plaudit "Well done."
SOME OF OUR MANY SCHOOLS.
Thirteenth District Normal and Collegiate In- stitute in the city of Shreveport, is owned and fostered by the 13th District Association. It was founded as the 13th District Academy by Wm. Hicks, A. B., D. D., the Trustees of Provi- dence Academy (who afterwards went into dico- lution) ; and President I. A. Carter and his Ex- ecutive Board of the 13th District Association. The school afterwards took the name-13th Dis- trict Institute at the suggestion of Bishop Hicks. Dr. A. M. Newman was elected Supervisor of Education ; with Brother Hicks as Principal. The Institute got down to work. 13th District Baptists accomplished much during the 9 years of Professor's Hicks' encumbency. He opened the school in an old dilapidated dwelling house in 1894, which he soon moved back; converted it into a dining room and kitchen; and erected in 1899, a magnificent $3,000 two-story structure. The enrollment in the Boarding Department
Elder C. L. Fisher, D. D.
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reached about 40, and of the entire school nearly three hundred, with a maximum annual receipt of $2,000. Professor Hicks organized a School Land Saving Association composed of both his converted and unconverted friends; by means of which five lots on west side of the two already paid for school lots were secured as
District property. During the successful labors of Dr. J. H. Henderson as Principal, 120 acres were se- cured (about seven miles out from town) and added to the school property; and also the Boys' Department was enlarged
Other Principals who have served this school successfully are: Professors A. C: Capers, B. A., A. Letherman, B. A., A. Cheatham, B. A., and Harris Hamilton. The Institute is getting on nicely now (1914) under Professor J. E. Wilson. The buildings and land of this institution easily value $10,000.
Benton Colored High School was organized in 1907 by Elders S. H. Ralph, L. Ford, S. W. Jackson, Z. Flenouy, W. H. Hall and I. S. Mitch- ell, Jr. Bishop Ralph has wrought well as Prin- cipal. This school is valued at $1,000 and has an enrollment of 150. It is destined to do much good in this part of the state, being within the bounds of the Calvary Association.
East Carrol Normal and Industrial Institute is one of our schools in North East Louisiana. It is located at Lake Providence on 60 acres of fine land. This school comprises three build- ings. It was founded in 1898 by Bishop J. E. Brunswick. Under the present efficient man- agement of Professor Emmett Louis Washburn, B. A., it bids fair to do much good as the years come and go.
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Ruston Colored Normal Institute, Ruston, La., is one of the best Baptist schools in the state. It was begun about 1896 by Professor S. A. Williams and others. After Professor Williams' encumbency, Professor I. S. Powell was elected to the Principalship. That Profes- sor Powell has succeeded here and done a great work nobody doubts. This school comprises two large two-story frame building situated on a nice plot of ground. The grounds and buildings easily value two or three thousand dollars. Some of our most brilliant Baptist sons have been connected with this school; prominent among whom was the late Professor William Allen, B. A .- one of the most scholarly young men that has graduated from Leland. He was bril- liant, pleasing in manners, morally strong, and a teacher of whom all Louisiana Baptists were proud. But the Lord took him after he had worked here successfully only a short while.
Professor Powell did not make excuses here at this school; he made good.
Homer Industrial and Bible Training School was founded by Bishop R. A. Mayfield in 1898. A Board of Mission sisters and brothers as- sisted him in the organization. Elder Mayfield labored hard but with marked success in the es- tablishment of this school. Having just gradu- ated from the Ruston Normal Institute, he came to this almost forsaken field and threw himself into this work. As a result of his labors he has built up one of the best schools in the state, val- uing $3000 or more. It is one of the North Louisiana Beacon Lights. After the establish- ment of the school, Bishop Mayfield became Presi- dent. The following have served as Principals :
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T. C. Compton, B. A., and B. C. Lewis, B. A. The Lord has taken Professor Compton to heaven. He was a splendid young man-strong in intel- lect and morals. To know him was to respect and love him. After well done work at Homer, he accepted the principalship of the Junction Arkansas Baptist Academy, Junction, Ark., where he was doing splendid work when he was called away. The Baptists lost in his departure an efficient teacher, a loyal husband, and a de- voted father. Homer Industrial and Bible Train- ing School gives promise of a deal of future use- fulness.
A SUPPLEMENTARY CHAPTER.
NEGRO BAPTIST BEGINNINGS IN AMERICA.
Dr. Richard B. Cook in his "Story of the Bap- tists in All Ages and Countries," says that the Island of Jamaica, W. I., first belonged to Spain, and then to England. After the Indians were driven off, the Island became populated by Span- iards and English. Negroes from America, and not Missionaries from England first began Bap- tist Missionary work on this Island." The Voice of Jubilee" said that as early as 1814, the English Baptist Missionaries on arriving at Jamaica found that black men from America had preached the Gospel there, and prepared a people to hail their coming, to receive their message and to as- sist in propagating the Gospel through the Island of Jamaica.
As early as 1783, Elder George Lisle went from Georgia to Jamaica as the slave of an Eng- lish officer. At the close of the Revolutionary War and at the death of his master, he was left
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free. He preached the Gospel here with telling effect and organized the first Baptist Church on the Island.
At Kingston, moved by the ignorance and vice of his race, he preached to them at the race- course and in his own "hired room." He organ- ized a church of four members, who were refugees from America like himself. Like the Apostle Paul, he supported himself, as he preached the Gospel, by labor with his own hands. This Pioneer of pioneers told the story of the Cross to bond and free on neighboring plantations and to distant parts of the Island. His labors were blessed so abundantly that in about seven years he had baptised five hundred converts, and in 1793 built the first dissenting chapel in Jamaica. This subjected him and his followers to every kind of insult and persecution. He was thrown into prison for preaching sedition "loaded with irons and his feet fastened in the stocks, not even his wife nor his children were permitted to see him." He was imprisoned more than once, and was at one time tried for his life, but acquitted. Elders George Gives and T. N. Swingle were co-laborers of Brother Lisle They organized a Second Church of 700 at Kings- ton. Another church was established by Moses . Baker, a converted drunkard, at Crooked Spring. One of Brother Lisle's contemporaries whose name I cannot obtain was "hung for preaching and baptising." Notwithstanding a rigidly en- forced law from 1805 to 1814, forbidding preach- ing to slaves, the Word was preached with power and sinners converted by the hundred. Through the preaching of the Gospel these pioneers brought liberty to the souls of these bondmen;
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