USA > Louisiana > History of Louisiana Negro Baptists : from 1804 to 1914 > Part 3
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"The colored Baptist churches in New Orleans began to give monthly, and the little children from the Sabbath-schools came trooping in with glad songs, and put their offerings of money and provisions in the old wrinkled hands and received a 'God bless you.'
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Once George W. Cable sent me $10. Rev. Hart- zell, now Bishop Hartzell, did the same, also Dr. Holcome and other white people in New Orleans. 1 remained in charge about three years, and stood by the work until the property which cost $1,500 was paid for. The price was $2,500, but in an- swer to prayer the owner donated $1,000 without being asked to do so. I then gave the Home into the hands of the colored Baptists with the earnest request that they would not go into debt. They tried to obey, but when hungry, incurred debt, saying as an excuse, 'Sister Moore, we are trust- ing God to get us out of debt which is just as good as to give us money before we go into debt.' Their philosophy is very popular today, but not- withstanding all mistakes Faith Home has made, she has lived 24 years, and today shelters many poor of New Orleans. To God be all the glory. "Before I close this narrative I must refer to a lesson I learned in the Home. It is this: YOU MUST LOVE BEFORE YOU CAN COMFORT AND HELP. Referring to my first annual re- port of Faith Home, I find the following record : In starting this Home I hoped to accomplish three things. (1) To care for the aged poor. (2) To teach greater faith in God's promises. (3) We hoped that this Home would teach the people the Bible plan of giving-to lay by from thier income a portion for the Lord as He had prospered them, each according to his ability, and not resort to such wrong methods as suppers, concerts, fairs and such things; and going about begging contributions from the world."
Thus you see from the above what this veteran missionary, Sister J. P. Moore, has done for our people. Too much worthy of praise cannot be said
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of her. She has labored among us for more than fifty years with marvelous success; and is now (1914) active on the field. She was among the first to come and help us when freedom came. The First District brethren will always feel grate- ful to her. This mother association has worked well and accomplished much. According to the minutes of its forty-fifth annual session it com- prises today sixty-nine churches. Perhaps there are other churches that did not represent. The membership of the District is 3,397. This is the nestor association of the state, since it has in it the first churches organized after Emancipation. Its present officers are (1911) : Elder J. H. Flem- ing, Moderator; Elder Thomas Columbus, Vice- Moderator; Elder A. Hubbs, Recording Secreta- ry; Brother R. Johnson, Corresponding Secreta- ry; Bishop Jackson Acox, Treasurer; Bishop M. S. Gordon, Statistician. Executive Board Mem- bers: Bishops E. D. Sims, J. R. Lawson, G. W. Tony, John Brown, S. Wilmore, Levi Leach, L. H Ben, J. L. Burrell and Ed. Coleman.
SECOND DISTRICT BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
This is one of the state's oldest associations. Unfortunately I have not been able to gather full information as to when, where and by whom or- ganized. With all probability it is the work of pioneer fathers just after the order went forth to district the state. Like the other associations it has satisfied a long-felt want and rendered veo- . man service in the matter of lifting Christ up in South Louisiana.
At this time (1912) President Allen and his corps of officers are doing much in the way of
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spreading Gospel truth throughout the associa- tional bounds.
Officers: Elder T. Allen, President; Elder J. 'Payne, Vice President; Elder G. D. McGruder, Recording Secretary; Elder J. Dumas, Corre- sponding Secretary; Elder E. Stewart, Treas- urer; Elder B. Bell, Missionary. Executive Board including the above brethren : Elders J. Wallace, J. Tumor, H. Roe, R. N. Waters, A. J. Favors, V. Baily, G. Western, B. P. Lee, L. S. Hopkins, J. J. Ellis.
The B. B. and O. Association has the following staff of officers : Bishop W. P. Darrington, Presi- dent; Bishop J. E. Walker, Recording Secretary ; Bishop R. W. White, Corresponding Secretary ; Bishop J. Gains, Treasurer, and J. W. Brown, Missionary. Executive Board (including above officers) : Elders S. H. McCall, S. H. Sneed, H. B. Bland, A. B. Stamper, A. D. Turner, R. C. Garri- son, J. Newman, T. H. Jefferson, S. A. Alexander.
THIRD DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
Inability to get data telling fully of the work of this body prevents me from saying all I would like to say about it. I am pleased to record, at any rate, that this organization has been a force for good in South Louisiana. The labors of these brethren have touched the work of charity at the Old Folks Home in one way or another; the educational work at Leland and other points, and have quickened Spiritual life throughout their associational bounds. Too much cannot be said in honor of the old ministers of this District for well done pioneer work. The younger preachers. have been and are standing today on foundations laid by the fathers of this District years ago.
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The following brethren comprise the staff of associational officers : Elder Robert Vernon, President; Elder A. P. Orlage Vice President; Bishop I. H. Perkins, Recording Secretary; Bishop E. A. Watkins, Corresponding Secretary ; Bro. H. Williams, Treasurer; Elder A. W. War- ren, Missionary.
OFFICERS OF WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF THIRD DISTRICT.
Sister A. E. Randall, President; Sister M. Daniels, Vice President; Sister F. D. Blanchard, Recording Secretary; Sister A. J. Baker, Corre- sponding Secretary; Sister E. Johnson, Treas- urer; Sister Mary Williams, Missionary, and Sister M. E. Jones, Assistant Missionary.
FOURTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
This Association was organized by the pioneer fathers in 1875 on the 12th day of April. Con- solidated December 10th, 1883; incorporated De- cember 12th, 1881; re-organized April 12th, 1895, and on January 24th 1901, it was re-incorporated.
In 1905 and prior the Fourth District Asso- ciation held jurisdiction over or in the following parishes : East Filiciana, West Filiciana, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Point Coupee, Iberville and Livingstone Parishes.
This body of Christian workers, in 1905, was led by the following staff of officers: Elder Robert Morrison, D. D., Moderator; Bishop W. M. Taylor, Vice Moderator; Brother L. F. Ger- many, Corresponding Secretary ; Bishop J. D. Smith, Recording Secretary; Elder Joseph Fos-
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ELDER J. L. BURRELL, D. D.
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ter, Treasurer; Elder J. Mitchell, Missionary for East Side of River, and Bishop P. W. Silket, Missionary for West Side of River.
Executive Board, including the officers : Bishops S. D. Nance, Isaac Anderson, L. Scott, C. C. Richardson, D. Palmer, W. W. Georgetown, A. H. Harbor.
Educational Board: Bishop W. M. Taylor, President; Elder R. L. Williams, Vice President; Elder Joseph Foster, Secretary; Bishop H. Rivers, Educational Treasurer, and Bishops R. Brooks, A. Freeman, L. Bullup, J. B. Williams, C. L. Washington.
Dr. T. A. Walker, M. D., Superintendent of Baton Rouge Academy, and Prof. J. S. Clark, Principal of Academy.
This Association has done, and under the lead- ership of Bishop W. M. Taylor is today (1914) doing a great work in the matter of lifting Negro Baptists religiously and educationally.
FIFTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
This Association was organized in 1876 by Elders Isaiah Lawson, Thomas L. Rhodes, I. C. Stewart and R. Coleman. Bishop Lawson was its first president. Then followed successively Bishops R. Coleman, I. H. Stewart and Dr. H. C. Cotton, who at this time (1912) stands as the Moses of this great Baptist host, numbering 3,200 as loyal Baptists as can be found anywhere in the Union. Dr. Cotton is a man who believes in doing things by DOING THEM. This fact is evidenced by what he and his great association have done and are doing. For more than twenty years he has led them in the work of lifting up the men, women and children "farthest down."
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Through his ability to do things two academies have been founded-one at Houma, La., and an- other at Belle Alliance, La. Both of these schools have been powerful influences for good in this part of the state, expelling ignorance and vice. The cost of these school buildings was more than $2,000 each. They are two-story frame build- ings and are completed throughout, very well furnished with the latest improved desks and furniture. Dr. Cotton took a single church, the Israel Baptist Church, and erected the Israel Academy building at a cost of $2,556.20. They were only six months and one day paving this amount.
The property of the District is as follows: two plots of ground, two school buildings and a credi- table Old Folks Home. The members of this District under their pioneer fathers and the great men they now have, have, without doubt, wrought well. Their present staff of officers (1913) follows : Bishop H. C. Cotton, President; Bishop C. D. Reese, Vice President; Professor D. F. Ross, A. M., LL. B., Recording Secretary ; Bishop C. S. Collins, A. B., M. D., Corresponding Secretary; Elder T. L. Welch, Treasurer, and Bishop S. L. McComb, Missionary.
S. S. Association Officers : Bishop O. Williams, President; Bishop J. W. Wickham, Recording Secretary; Prof. McWillis, Corresponding Secre- tary, and Elder T. L. Welch, Treasurer.
P. S .- Since the above' was written Elder Cot- ton has gone to his reward and Bishop Chas. D. Reese is now (1914) Moderator.
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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
SIXTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
This is one of the oldest and most active dis- tricts in the state. It was organized by Elder J. B. Livingston and other pioneer leaders in 1877.
Elder Livingston has been its honored head for more than thirty-seven years. This body of Christian workers has weathered many storms during these years, but this veteran leader has stood heroically on the bridge of this ship of Zion and kept her from going to pieces on the rocks. Brother Livingston and his co-workers began this work with but few churches, but to- day the Sixth District Association is among the largest and most influential in the state, having ordained preachers many and organized NOT A FEW churches.
In addition to the large amount of church work this District has wrought well educationally. Howe Institute, the pride of Sixth District Bap- tists, stands as a monument of educational inter- est. This splendid school began its existence among these brethren in 1890, and has borne much fruit. In point of commodious school buildings, the Sixth District leads; other Dis- tricts follow. In addition to a large two-story frame building, they have erected a beautiful two-story brick building at a cost of $8,000.
The Sixth District Association is officered by the following brethren: Elder J. B. Livingston, Moderator; Elder J. T. B. Labeau, Vice Modera- tor; Elder J. C. Rochell, Recording Secretary ; Bishop A. J. Horton, Corresponding Secretary ; and Bishop Prince Albert, Treasurer.
Sunday-School Association Officers: Bishop A. J. Horton, President; Bishop A. R. Butler, Vice
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President; Bishop (A. J. Willis, Recording Secre- tary; Elder J. W. Cooper, Corresponding Secre- tary, and Elder J. C. Rochell, Treasurer.
Women's Association : Sister S. Jenkins, Pres- ident; Sister N. L. West, Recording Secretary; Sister L. D. Bray, Corresponding Secretary, and Sister L. J. Green, Treasurer.
SEVENTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
In the year 1874 there was organized at Ope- lousas, La., an Association known as the Seventh District Baptist Association. The following brethren were the organizers: Bishops J. P. Davenport, Osborne England, Samuel Moore, James McNeil, V. Rideau, Isaac Hodges, John Horn and others. Its first officers were J. P. Davenport, Moderator; S. W. White, Secretary; V. L. Rideau, Treasurer. Its present offiecrs (1911) are: Bishop H. L. Stewart, Moderator; Elder E. W. Renty, Vice Moderator; Dr. G. M. Hunter, Recording Secretary; Brother P. L. Silas, Corresponding Secretary, and Brother L. J. Campbell, Treasurer.
These Christian workers have done much in the work of "lifting up" in their part of the state. Their work began in a hot-bed of Roman Cathol- icism with a handful of members, so to speak, but today they praise God for sixty-five strong churches with a membership of 5,000 or more marching under the triple declaration of "One Lord, one Faith and one Baptism." Bishop L. C. Simon, in 1900, founded one of the best high schools in the state, which under his fostering care has gone steadily on in the good work of saving our boys and girls. This school has a good annual enrollment and has grown in value
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from almost nothing to $20,000 in 1911. Elder Simon and co-workers deserve much credit for this great work.
In a few short years this District has accumu- lated the following: School property, $20.000; church property, $95,000; total, $115,000.
SECOND EIGHTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
In the year. 1872 this body was organized by Bishops C. H. Ellis, F. Boyd, A. January and others. This being one of our pioneer associa- tions, it necessarily began its existence with a few churches, but it has grown steadily and worked hard in carrying the Gospel to its remot- est territorial bounds. So that today (1911) the membership numbers 872 or more, and under the leadership of Moderator Smith they are pushing on to higher grounds.
In addition to the large amount of religious work done, this body of Christian workers has done a great deal by way of encouraging and supporting schools for the education of its young people. Many strong young men and women have gone out into life's work from this section of the state, and have touched communities for good wherever they have located. Prominent among these young people who have forged their way to the front is Professor C. C. Smith, B. A., who is (1911) a member of the Faculty of Le- land University.
OFFICERS OF ASSOCIATION.
Elder Alonzo Smith, Moderator; Elder I. Young, Vice Moderator; Elder W. T. Purvis, Re- cording Secretary; Elder Henry Brew, Corre-
J. W. WILEY, M. D.
ELDER C. L. ROBERTS, D. D.
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sponding Secretary; Elder J. H. Ellis, Treasurer, and Elder H. R. Norris, Missionary.
Executive Board (including above officers) : Elders L. T. Tison, O. Smith, C. H. Thomas, S. T. Wilkins, E. Griffin, W. M. Banks, G. W. Pan- nell.
S. S. Association Officers : Brothers L. T. Ti- son, President; E. L. Parker, Vice President; R. C. White, Recording Secretary; E. Fobs, Cor- responding Secretary ; W. M. Phillips, Treasurer, Mc Burns and L. W. Wallace, District Directors.
Officers Woman's Association: Sisters Carrie Payne, President; H. Johnson, Vice President; J. B. Wilkins, Recording Secretary; M. L. Wil- kins, Corresponding Secretary; M. Jackson, Treasurer, and L. Johnson, District Missionary.
Both the S. S. Association and the Woman's As- sociation have done and are doing much good for the cause of Christ.
TENTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
This organization covers a large territory in Northeast Louisiana. It was organized in 1872 in Cloudy Creek Baptist Church by the following Elders : T. II. Johnson, who was the first Presi- dent, Phillip Robinson, John Strauther, Stephen Baller, Isaac Grant, Mitchell Sims, H. A. Scates, I. Verwood, J. Jacob and A. Johnson. Drs. J. Tresvant and J. Mangham (white) assisted the brethren.
They began with seventeen church, member- ship about 2,000; today (1912) they number more than 10,000. This body has wrought well, and greatly improved conditions in this part of the state. Not only have they preached the Gos- pel, organized and built up churches, but they
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have and are now doing a deal of educational work. The North Louisiana Industrial High School located at Monroe with the scholarly Prof. M. J. Foster at its head, is sufficient proof of the District's interest in education. Elder H. R. Flynn, who for years has been chairman of the Trustee Board, Bishop Hill and the late Bishops Hamilton and Flood and scores of other strong men have labored hard for the educational work of the District.
Professor Foster, its efficient principal, is a college graduate of Leland University and a man of experience in matters pertaining to school management. With his able faculty, he is doing head, heart and hand work that measures up with any state district school. This school was founded in 1895 by Elders Wm. Hamilton, W. P. Darring- ton, J. B. Bolden and others. Its present valuation (1912) is $3,000. This host of Christian work- ers has been led from 1872 to 1912 by the follow- ing Moderators: Elder T. H. Johnson, C. Gard- ner, William Hamilton, Auder Back, Flood and W. W. Hill. Bishop Hill, the present Moderator (1912), is an untiring worker and stands shoul- der to shoulder with any District Moderator in the state in point of devotion to the Master's cause. No District in the state is more loyal to the Convention. She easily holds her place among the banner districts of the state.
TWELFTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
In August, 1870, this Association came into existence. It was organized in the First Bap- tist Church, Natchitoches, La., by the following brethren : Elders A. R. Blunt, Martin Kiles, Ben-
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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
jamin Perrow, Professor John G. Lewis and others who names cannot now be recalled.
For many years this body was successfully led by the following officers: Elders A. R. Blunt, Moderator; Martin Kiles, Vice Moderator; Ben- jamin Perrow, Treasurer, and Professor John G. Lewis, Recording Secretary.
These brethren deserve much credit for
pioneer work. Present-day conveniences of travel were unknown to them, yet they pressed their way to the remotest bounds of their Dis- trict, planting the gospel banner as they marched. Elder A. J. Harris succeeded Bishop Blunt. The younger men under Bishop Harris have been and are carrying the work on nobly, building on the foundation laid by the fathers. They have gone on with the work of organizing churches, ordain- ing preachers, until the entire District has been flooded by gospel light. Years ago it took its place among the banner districts of the state, and up to this writing (1914) it has held its own in the great work of Christianizing Louisiana .. This association has evidenced its interest in education by doing what it could by way of fos- tering and encouraging schools. Moderator Har- ris, a broad-hearted and liberal-minded man, is always ready for any movement. that promises to lift his constituency spiritually and educa- tionally.
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD.
Elder A. J. Harris, Moderator; Elder B. A. Amons, Vice Moderator; Elder George W. Green, Sr., Recording Secretary; Elder M. A. Gurst, Treasurer; Elder A. D. Anderson, Corresponding- Secretary; Elder John Loveless, District Mis-
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sionary, Ringold, La .; Elder George W. Green, Sr., District Missionary, Campti, La .; Elder S. Carter, District Missionary, Montrose, La .; El- der Wm. Clayton, High School, Treasurer; El- ders S. Horton, F. Hatcher, L. S. Hodge, R. A. Nash.
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LOUISIANA BAPTIST STATE S. S. CONVEN- TION.
After the organization of churches, associa- tions and conventions came the institution of the Louisiana Baptist Sunday-School State Con- vention.
Bishops S. T. Clanton, C. J. Hardy and other pioneer leaders were responsible for the introduc- tion of this work. These brethren wrought more than they knew in that they set in motion a movement that has blessed thousands of chil- dren in the state, and quickened spiritual life in old people as well.
In 1887 the officers were: Bishop C. J. Hardy, President; Elder A. L. Reese, Vice President; Bishop S. T. Clanton, Corresponding Secretary; Bishop H. K. Barret, Recording Secretary, and Elder B. Dorsey, Treasurer.
Bishop A. J. Horton, of New Iberia, was for many years the honored President of this body. He and his co-workers accomplished much. Other Presidents whose names I cannot now recall fol- lowed in the wake of Elder Horton's well done work.
At this time (1914) Elder D. M. Brown leads the Sunday-school hosts of the State. They held a splendid session recently at Crowly, La. They adjourned to meet next year (1915) at Homer, La.
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The present staff of officers follows: Bishop D. M. Brown, President; Elder H. C. Ross, Vice President; Bishop T. H. Evans, Recording Sec- retary ; Bishop J. W. White, Corresponding Sec- retary; Brother J. A. Steadman, State Mission- ary ; Bishop G. S. Lee, Sub-Missionary, and Elder J. R. Rodney, Sub-Missionary. Brother Stead- man is a splendid Sunday-school worker, and is also under the co-operative plan of the Southern White Baptist Convention.
Bishop Evans is accomplishing much at Oak Ridge, and is one of the Tenth District leaders. Bishop White is one of the leading workers at Bunkie and is helping his people no little bit.
TWELFTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION .. THE WOMAN'S HOME MISSION ASSOCIATION.
This noble band of Christian women has worked shoulder to shoulder with the brethren and has accomplished much. Under the leader- ship of Sister F. M. Washington they give prom- ise of continued great work as the years come and go.
Officers and Board members are as follows: Sister F. M. Washington, President; Sister Ella Cloud, Vice President; Sister Eugenia Allen, Recording Secretary ; Sister A. J. Thompson, Cor- responding Secretary; Sister Ann Ladson, Treas- urer; District Missionaries, Sister M. T. Ander- son, Sister Rosa Carter, Sister E. M. Brown, Sis- ter Ella Cloud, Sister Ann Ladson, Sister E. M. Washington and Sister Clara Williams.
Executive Board, including officers: Sister L. H. Morris, Sister Charlotte Russell, Sister E. M. Brown, Sister M. T. Anderson, Sister Katie Fri-
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ELDER L. ALLEN, SR.
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erson, Sister Annie Levy, Sister Bell Speed, Sis- ter Katie Chatman, Sister Catherine Miles, Sis- ter E. L. Primm, Sister Martha Felix.
NEW. BEULAH ASSOCIATION NUMBER 4.
This body of Christian workers is doing splen- did work in and around Natchitoches, under the leadership of Bishop Z. Z. Harrison. Twenty- five churches represent in this Association, with a membership of 2,000. Elder Z. Z. Harrison is the efficient Moderator; Brother W. M. Allen is the worthy scribe, Among other associational leaders are: Bishops Henry Douglas, D. January, E. A. Adams, S. L. Hamilton, John Gains, B. R. Holmes, M. C. Holmes and J. L. Cole.
THIRTEENTH DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
This is one of the largest and most progres- sive districts in the state, and is the home dis- trict of the writer. Its beginning and work. date back to 1876 when Bishop Wm. Massy, of Marshall, Texas, was appointed by the Louisiana and Texas brethren Educational and Financial Agent. Half of what he raised went to start the FIRST educational work in North Louisiana, while the other half was used to foster educa- tional work in Texas. One hundred dollars was raised in the first Educational Rally.
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After the Louisiana brethren withdrew from the Texas brethren they formed local associa- tions, the first being organized in 1880 with Bishop L. C. Capers as Moderator. This first organization was effected by Elders L. C. Ca- pers, Luke Allen, Sr., N. W. Winston, Jackson Powell, Eli Adams, Dave Grantham, Tom Luke
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and others. Bishop Robert Taylor was elected Missionary-the first to go forth in this part of the state.
The North Louisiana Association No. 1 was organized in 1869 with the following officers : Bishop John Jones, Moderator; Elder Dave Gran- tham, Vice Moderator; P. W. Shivers, Secretary, and a Treasurer whose name cannot be recalled. Others helped to set up this body, whose names are lost to this history, but their names are on the "Record on High" to be known when the roll is called in Heaven.
The Thirteenth District Association is the re- sult of the union of local bodies, and was con- stituted in the year 1888 at Antioch Baptist Church, Elder L. Allen, Sr., pastor, Shreveport, La. The following brethren affected the organi- zation : L. Allen, Sr., C. S. Shelton, Allen John- son, Daniel Gross, L. C. Capers, Robert Taylor, J. M. Carter, H. C. Coleman, F. J. Cook and others. Bishop J. M. Carter was chosen to be the Association's first Moderator, and Deacon A. A. Pradd its first Secretary. The rest of the officers were elected and the Association got down to business. Elder L. C. Capers was subsequently elected to the Moderatorship and served accept- bly for a number of years.
In the year 1894, during the session held at. Mansfield, La., with the St. John Baptist Church,. Elder Albert Isaac Carter, by the will of the asso -. ciation, came to the Moderator's chair. This. body has wrought well religiously and educa- tionally since this grand old man has had his "hands upon the throttle and his eyes upon the rails." He took the work up where his prede -. cessors had creditably left off and brought it; forward with marked success. This Thirteenth
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