USA > Louisiana > History of Louisiana Negro Baptists : from 1804 to 1914 > Part 4
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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
District as such had no educational work going on at this time. A school known as Providence Academy, however, was being operated in its midst by a Trustee Board independent of the as- sociation. This school was the product of the great mind of Dr. A. M. Newman, who was its founder and Educational Supervisor. The teach- ers were Miss Blanch Sterrett, Miss Elizabeth Norrington and others, whose names cannot now be recalled. The Providence Academy accom- plished much under its efficient Board, able Su- pervisor and faculty. Bishop A. B. Daniels was the popular chairman of this Board.
In the fall of 1894 the Providence Academy Board and the Thirteenth District Executive Board met in joint session at the Antioch Bap- tist Church, Dr. A. M. Newman, pastor, and agreed on the dissolution of the Providence Academy and the organization of the Thirteenth District Academy, with Professor Wm. Hicks as Principal; Miss Blanch Sterrett, Assistant; and Dr. A. M. Newman, Supervisor. So to speak, the Institution got up steam and started out, sending word ahead "to close all switches because the Thirteenth District Academy was on the main line." The beginning of this school was small and humble. When Principal Hicks climbed the hill, October, 1894, on which he hoped to find a two-story structure completely equipped, instead he found an old "L" shaped cast-away dwelling house on whose top was the warm-hearted and education-loving Bishop A. T. Sumpter and the faithful Deacon Aaron Gaskin, with hammer in hand, stopping the leaks in the old building. After five years of successful labor the Principal moved this old house back, made a dining-room and kitchen of it, and on its site erected to the
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credit of the District a fine $3,000 two-story frame building. In a short while the District had paid every cent on it. No member of the Board worked harder and more zealously in the erection of this edifice and the payment of the debt than did Bishop. A. H. Samuels, chairman
of School Board. He stood ready at all times to encourage the Principal with both his money and his words. The enrollment of the school grew rapidly to nearly 300, and the term receipts from tuition, board, etc., to more than $2,000, when Professor Hicks resigned in 1903 and accepted the Deanship of the Theological De- partment of Coleman College, Gibsland, La. The Managing Board of the school was made up of the following brethren: A. H. Samuels, Presi- dent; C. S. Shelton, Secretary; J. M. Carter, Dis- trict Supervisor of Education; J. T. Alexander, A. T. Sumpter, L. W. Canfield, L. C. Capers, H. R. Flynn and Wm. Caldwell. The following teachers have served this school: Wm. Hicks, B. A., D. D .; Miss Blanch Sterrett, Prof. Harris Hamilton, Mrs. Desire Morse Priestly, Mrs. Olivia Madison Hicks, Mrs. Julia Carter Whalley, Mrs. Rhoda Brown Madkin, Mrs. Agnes Johnson Mick- ens, Mrs. Dr. Rainwater, Mrs. Lula Burgess Capers, Mrs. Dr. J. H. Henderson, Mrs. Harris Hamilton, Professor A. Cheatham, B. A., Profes- sor R. P. Player, Professor A. Leatherman, B. A., Professor A. C. Capers, B. A., Professor J. E. Wilson and others.
This school has grown from a minimum value or $600 or $700 to a maximum of about $6,000 or $7,000 in 1914. It comprises one two-story frame building with an attached boys' depart- ment, seven or eight city lots and 120 acres of farm land. The District's churches have in-
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BISHOP W. W. HILL.
creased to 94, with a membership of about 9,000. Elder A. H. Samuels has been recently elected Moderator (1913).
In connection with the Association of churches this body has three working auxiliaries that are accomplishing much.
The entire staff of District officers follows : Elder A. H. Samuels, Moderator; Bishop E. S. Stills, Vice Moderator; Bishop C. S. Shelton, Re- cording Secretary; Brother J. A. Steadman, Cor- responding Secretary ; Bishop J. J. Evans, Treas- urer; Professor R. P. Player, Auditor.
Sunday-School Association officers: Brother J. A. Steadman, President; Mrs. S. C. Williams, Vice President; Prof. R. P. Player, Recording Secretary ; Miss Essie Bailey, Corresponding Sec- retary ; Brother H. C. Henderson, Treasurer.
Baptist Young People's Union: Brother H. S. Davis, President; Brother L. E. Murray, Vice President; Miss Johnetta Bradford, Recording Secretary ; Bishop I. A. Carter, Jr., Correspond- ing Secretary. 1
Woman's Home Mission Association: Mrs. S. C. Williams, President; Mrs. J. C. Carter, Vice President; Mrs. H. R. Flynn, Recording Secre- tary; Mrs. Margaret Chew, Treasurer.
NORTHWEST LOUISIANA BAPTIST ASSO- CIATION.
Among the oldest and most progressive asso- ciations in the state is the Northwest No. 1. Its organization was affected in 1872 by the follow- ing Bishops: William Newman, Cager Nelson, Peter McDaniel, Monroe Moore and others at Saint Rest Baptist Church, Minden, La.
Since its organization it has been victoriously
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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
led by the following officers: Elders William Newinan, Jerry Chaptman, W. W. Stewart, Matt Glover, Monroe Moore, Joseph Frank, J. R. Moore, James Newman, P. P. Mellon, Th., B., and the present (1913) intrepid and tireless leader, Bishop Jerry A. Moore, Th. B. The pioneer preachers began work in this part of the state when the darkness of ignorance and sin was dense. There was hardly a ray of light to guide them on their way, but their faith was strong in God. They got together a few scattered churches soon after freedom and set themselves to work. Their small beginning has grown into a strong and influential association with twenty- five or more churches and a membership of more than 2,500. This body of Christian workers is after "the man farthest down" and is gradu- ally getting him in hand. Its churches would number more but for the giving birth to the Springfield Missionary and Educational Associa- tion which is doing a great work throughout Bienville and other parishes. Besides church work well done these brethren have done and are doing a deal of educational work.
For a number of years many of its members gave liberally for the support of Colenian Col- lege, and since 1905 they have fostered the North- west Louisiana District High School No. 1, which was founded by Bishops J. R. Moore, P. P. Mellon, Th. B., J. M. Moore, A. G. McDaniel and others. The school comprises a two-story frame structure situated on about 33 acres of fine land valued at $3,000. Bishop J. A. Moore, B. Th., a man of great mental, moral and spiritual power, is the present (1912) head of this Association. He is leading this body to "higher grounds."
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Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
LIBERTY HILL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
In the year 1884, this body came into existence at the Liberty Hill Baptist Church. The or- ganization was effected by Bishops G. W. Jack- son, W. B. Washington, R. D. Malone, G. H. Gul- latt and others.
The number of churches was small, but today (1911) it comprises thirty-one of the best churches in the state. The pioneer New Testa- ment preachers of this period were men of sterl- ing character. They served the people faithfully in their day, and laid a foundation deep and broad upon which the young ministers coming after have raised creditable superstructures.
The association's Moderators and Secretaries from its organization to date (1912) follow: El- ders G. W. Jackson, Moderator, and G. H. (Tul- latt, Secretary; then came Bishops G. B. Washing- ton, Moderator, and A. J. Jackson, Secretary ; and last but not least, the present stalwart Chris- tian leaders, Bishops D. M. Brown, Moderator, and I,. W. Fuller, Secretary.
These brethren have wrought well, having preached the Gospel through their churches to thousands, bringing hundreds into fellowship with God and doing much in a Christian and edu- cational way to lift the people up out of the mud of superstition, ignorance and vice.
At this time the Liberty Hill Association fos- ters the Allengreen Normal and Industrial Insti- tute valued at $3,000. Under the leadership of Elder Brown these laborers in the Lord's vine- yard have done and are doing an abiding. work.
The following brethren constitute the present staff of officers and Executive Board: Bishop D. M. Brown, D. D., Moderator; Bishop P. B.
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Lewis, Vice Moderator; Bishop L. W. Fuller, D. D., Recording Secretary; Bishop A. L. Adams, Corresponding Secretary; Elder G. B. Washing- ton, District Missionary; Deacon G. S. May, Treasurer; Bishops F. W. Winbush, S. M. Man- nings and C. L. Woods.
WOMAN'S HOME MISSION SOCIETY AUXILIARY TO LIBERTY HILL ASSOCIATION.
The aim and object of this organization is to inculcate in its members the true spirit of mis- sions, to aid and assist worthy young women in becoming trained missionaries.
The object of these women is indeed noble. Up to this time they have done a deal of work, and under the leadership of Sister Brown and her able staff of officers they are destined to do un- told good.
Officers : Sister L. R. Brown, President; Sister Mary J. Lewis, Recording Secretary ; Sister Sadie Hollis, Corresponding Secretary; Sister Katie Peevy, Treasurer; Sisters Nellie May and Eva Derrett, First District Missionaries; Sister Re- gina Dorson, Second District Missionary, and Sister M. Sanders, Third District Missionary.
GUM SPRING ASSOCIATION.
In the town of Farmersville, 1872, the Gum Spring Association was brought into existence by the following Bishops: W. Gray, P. Shepherd, Ezekiel L. Jones, C. Morse, G. W. Jackson, W. G. Head, J. D. Dunn, N. T. Abbott and others.
This pioneer body was organized with twenty- five churches. Today it more than doubles this number, and from time to time new churches are
Negro Baptist Beginning in America. 67
being added to its membership. The present membership is 5,642. This organization has ac- complished, perhaps, much more than it knows. I speak with special reference to the fathers, who took no note of their labors, but worked steadily on, doing in the Lord's name what their hands found to do. Too much cannot be said honoring these veterans. Their day was dark and full of inconveniences. They had no V. S. and P. R. R .; and no Rock Island R. R. to help them on their way. When too poor to go on horse or mule-back, or by way of buggy or wagon, they went forth on foot with the torchlight of Gospel truth, walking miles to preach in some old gin house, barn or log cabin with dirt floor. By so do- ing they made it possible for the present day min- ister to preach the Word in brick and stone build- ings with their pulpits not on dirt floors, but on tongue-glued floors and Brussels carpets. THREE CHEERS! Not only for the pioneers of Louisiana, but for the world. So vigorously and persistently did they push this propaganda that within a few short years after the white Baptists had turned them loose to stand or fall, they had nearly all of the parishes of Louisiana dotted with churches.
Most of the fathers have crossed the river, but their sons in the Gospel are on the scene, carry- ing on the well-begun work. This band of Christian workers has not only organized churches and preached the Word, but they have and are now moving things educationally. They own and operate the Ruston Colored Normal, valued at $3,000. This school is ably principaled by Prof. I. S. Powell, B. A., one of the most scholarly Christian teachers in the state. He has accomplished much for God and his race.
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The Moderators of the Association since its or- ganization are as follows: Elders W. Gray, Ezekiel Jones, Prince Jones, W. G. Head, J. D. Whalley, F. T. Delley and the present Moderator, Bishop Albert Henry.
Secretaries as follows: Elders W. G. Head, T. J. Brown, J. M. Dade, Prof. S. S. Gray and J. F. Rhone. Bishop Head was the first Secretary and served with credit to himself and his denomina- tion for years. The value of this Association's church and school property is estimated at $55,285.
CALVARY ASSOCIATION.
This body was organized in 1872 at Rocky Mount, La., Bossier Parish. The first Modera- tor was Elder A. Windham (white), who did much in organizing and assisting the ex-slaves religiously. The next Moderator was Bishop Charles Jones; the third, Elder F. J. Cook; fourth, Bishop H. C. Dickerson, and the fifth Moderator (1911) is Elder L. Ford.
These early laborers began this work with a very few members in the early seventies; to-day, they number more than 3,000. Interest in the educational uplift of their people is evidenced by their High School, which was organized in 1907 by Elders S. H. Ralph, L. Ford, S. W. Jackson, Z. Flenouy, W. H. Hall, I. S. Mitchell, Jr., Bishop Ralph worked hard and wrought well as princi- pal of this school. It is valued at $1,000 and has an annual enrollment of 150. It is destined to do much good in this part of the state. In fact, Calvary Association, under the leadership of Bishops L. Ford, F. J. Cook, S. H. Ralph,
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ELDER F. J. DAVIDSON, A. M., D. D.
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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
Jesse Byrd, James Moore, Mitchell and others, lias done and is doing much in this part of the moral vineyard to dispell the darkness of ignor- ance, superstition and vice.
Bishop Ralph was among the first or the first Negro Baptist newspaper man in North Louisi- ana, his first paper being about the size of a let- ter. Elder Jesse Byrd, although working prin- cipally in the bounds of the Thirteenth District Association, weilded much influence for good in this body also. He is often called "Father Byrd."
NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION NO. 2.
Among the Baptist state organizations, none labors harder for the religious and educational uplift of the people than the Northwest No. 2. It is among the oldest associations in the state, and was organized in the year 1873 by the fol- lowing brethren : Bishops Thomas B. Smith, Henry Jackson, Joseph Satterwhite, Carolina Fuller, Rial Wickwire, S. Presley and Brother Henry Farris. Bishops that have served this body are T. B. Smith, R. B. Gant and J. J. Fuller. Bros. Smith and Gant have served acceptably and with credit to themselves and denomination, and gone to their reward. Elder Fuller is at present the Moses of this band of Christian work- ers. What he may lack "in the letter" is more than made up "in the Spirit, in moral power and in executive ability." At the time of its organi- zation this association had but few churches; to- day it has 56 splendid bodies of baptized believers with a membership of 4,000.
Besides this marvelous spiritual growth, the organization's educational growth has been phe- nominal. Moderator Fuller has backed and
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stood by Professor J. H. Whaley, in matters edu -. cational, "to the last ditch," consequently the District School has grown from almost nothing just a few years ago, under Professor Whaley, to one of the leading District Schools in the state. See more about this and other of our schools elsewhere in this volume.
Association secretaries that have served fol- lows: Bishops B. F. Edwards, J. M. Carter, H. L. Davis, W. B. Purvis and William Caldwell. The Mansfield Colored High School at Mansfield is owned by this body. The valuation of the Dis- trict's property is not less than $5,000. With Moderator Fuller at the head, it is safe to predict that this good work will go on. Officers: Bishop J. J. Fuller, Moderator; Bishop R. B. Sloan, Vice Moderator; Elder B. F. Edwards, Recording Sec- retary; Bishop W. B. Purvis, Corresponding Sec- retary ; Brother H. H. Farris, Treasurer, and Prof. J. M. Peace, Auditor.
NEW HOPE ASSOCIATION.
In the year 1873 at New Hope Baptist Church, Jackson Parish, La., there came into existence the New Hope Association. It was organized by the following Bishops: I. S. Flournoy, Modera- tor; Ezekiel Jones, Will Gray, W. G. Jackson and other brethren. They began with eight churches. Now (1913) the younger brethren who are in charge of the work are thanking God for twenty- four or more of the best churches in the state.
These brethren have taught and preached. Their work of teaching goes on in the Chatham District School which is owned and operated by them. The valuation of this school is $1,000.
In addition to this work within their own bor-
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ders they contribute to representatives of Cole- man College, Ruston Normal Institute and others who may appeal to them during their sessions. The following Bishops have presided over this body since its organization : I. S. Flenouy, H. P. Pierce, Elbert Scott, Stephen Jackson and C. B. Collins. Brother Collins, the present Moderator, is leading the host on to victory.
Staff of officers (1911) follows: Bishop C. B. Collins, Moderator; Bishop A. B. Harris, Vice Moderator; Professor William McDonald, Re- cording Secretary ; Brother L. J. Nelson, Record- ing Secretary; Brother H. N. McCarty, Treas- urer, and Elder J. W. Cassy, District Missionary.
UNION MOUNT OLIVE ASSOCIATION.
In 1900 this body of Christian workers was born in Ascension Parish, La. The following Elders took part in the organization : A. Steven- son, H. C. Johnson, James Roberson, M. P. Vin- cent, F. Coleman, F. Willis and others. This body began with a small number of churches- only twelve, but today their number is doubled and they are pressing on, covering more terri- tory, organizing more churches and planting the blood-stained banner wherever opportunity per- mits.
In addition to the religious work that they have done and are doing, this association shows its loyalty to that part of the Great Commission which makes it binding "to teach" by fostering Leland Academy at Donaldsonville, La. This is one of our District Schools which has accom- plished much, being valued at $6,000.
Bishops Stevenson, Johnson, Roberson and their followers are pushing steadily on in the
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matter of educating and Christianizing the peo- ple in this part of the state. They are going on with the Gospel propaganda and are "making disciples."
Association officers are (1910) as follows: Bishop A. Stevenson, Moderator; Elder F. Wil- liams, Vice Moderator; Brother Hy Henderson, Corresponding Secretary; Brother G. H. Hill, Corresponding Secretary; Bishop F. Coleman, Treasurer, and Bishop James Bruley, District Missionary. Board Members: Elders J. J. Jen- kins, Thomas Brown, F. Burnett, H. Williams, H. White, E. D. Reditt, H. Butler, R. W. Allison, Wm. Davis and Brother D. C. Nelson.
SPRINGVILLE MISSIONARY AND EDUCA- TIONAL ASSOCIATION.
This organization is among the youngest, but it is one of the most influential for good in the state. In point of numbers it is small; but in point of actual, tangible and constructive mis- sionary and educational work, it is THERE with the largest association in the state. When the Apostle of Education of North Louisiana, Prof. O. L. Coleman comes before it with an educa- tional appeal, it is an ordinary thing for the mes- sengers to give from $40 to $50 with additional contributions during the associational year, and when the Foreign Missionary comes and tells them about dark Africa, they count $25 or more for the preaching of the Gospel across the wa- ters. In addition to this the churches send to Dr. Jordan foreign mission money during the year. Bishop J. D. Stewart, A. B., Moderator of this body, is one of the most liberal foreign mis- sion contributors in the United States.
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ELDER A. H. SAMUELS.
This association is a child of the Northwest No. 1. It was organized November 7th, 1907, at Springville Baptist Church, Gibsland, La., after the above mentioned association had granted sev- eral of her churches letters of dismission to af- fect a new organization. The mother associa- tion granted these letters in peace, being im- pressed that said churches would do better and more affective work.
Meeting to organize was called to order on above mentioned date at 10 a. m. Devotionals were led by Elder R. Booker. After a part of the 8th chapter of 2nd Corinthians was read, prayer was offered by Brother E. D. Johnson. Appropriate words of welcome were then deliv- ered by the pastor, Bishop J. D. Stewart, which were aptly responded to by Bishop T. H. Mc- Donald. The association was then organized by Bishops J. D. Stewart, T. H. McDonald, A. B. Amons, W. L. Gibson, Wm. Hicks and others. The following officers were elected: Bishop J. D. Stewart, Moderator: Brother T. M. Egan, Vice Moderator; Brother B. G. Hewitt, Recording Sec- retary; Bishop T. H. McDonald, Corresponding Secretary, and Brother H. H. Henson, Treasurer.
The following brethren were elected to consti- tute the Executive Board in connection with the officers : W: L: Gibson, W. L. Lewis, B. A. Amons and G. W. Smith. In this first meeting after an able introductory sermon, preached by Bishop W. L. Gibson, the brethren gave so liberally that Bishop Wm. Hicks easily lifted a collection of $26. Total raised in this initial session was $159.80. The baptizing that this first session of the association received at the hand of the Holy Ghost will be long remembered and never forgot- ten. This body of Christian workers is destined
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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
to do much good under God and their tireless leader, Bishop J. D. Stewart, A. B.
. LOUISIANA FREEDMEN'S ASSOCIATION.
This is one of the oldest Christian organiza- tions in the state. It was constituted in the city of New Orleans in 1869 by Elder Thos. Peterson, its founder, and others. It was incorporated June 16th, 1880. These veterans organized , it with only seven churches, but at this writing, Modera- tor Brown and his followers praise God for sixty churches. Not only have they won stars
for their crowns by doing church work, but by main- taining and supporting an Old Folks Home in which they have cared for scores of our old mothers. No race will live long that neglects its old and its young people. This Association, like the First District and a few others, is nobly living up to that phase of Christian religion which makes it BINDING to "visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction." Their asylum for the old people is a nice, large, commodious building valued at $5,000. It has a campus com- prising 19 lots with a value of $10,000, making a total valuation of $15,000.
The association's present membership is 3,000, and under the undaunted leadership of Modera- tor Brown this number will grow numerically, inorally and spiritually. Bishop Brown is com. paratively young in the work, but under God he has more than made good, and with his able staff of officers promises to do much more by way of bettering conditions in the city of New Orleans.
The Association's first Executive Board was as
follows : Elders Tom Peterson, Charles
Brooks, T. B. Evans, Palmer Elkins, Thomas Jones, Brothers Joseph Kion and Wm. Kelley.
The present 1912 corps of officers and Execu- tive Board follows : Bishop E. L. Brown, Modera- tor; Bishop N. Melrow, Vice Moderator; Bishop A. Guilliott, Corresponding Secretary; Bishop E. N. Webb, Recording Secretary; Bishop B. J. Stewart, Statistical Secretary, and Bishop R. W. Williams, Treasurer. Board Members: Brothers G. S. King, Wm. Brown, Robert Rush, James Roberson, Arthur James R. Carter, J. Thomas, C. V. Thomas, E. Scott, E. Washington, D. D. Marcell, C. Barber, Robert Riley and Sister Mamie Willis.
LOUISIANA BAPTIST STATE CONVEN- TION.
The wonderful growth of the few associations which were at work in the state in the early seven- ties, and a desire among the brethren to more closely associate themselves in the work through- out the state, brought about the organization of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention.
The Louisiana Southern Baptist Association, in session at Baton Rouge, La., February, 1872, passed a resolution inviting the other associa- tions and churches to send delegates to meet in joint session at the First Colored Baptist Church, New Orleans, La., for the purpose of organizing a State Convention. This call was hailed with joy all over the state, and on the appointed date, the brethren came from the north, east and west and accomplished the great work. It appears that a pioneer preacher by the name of Madison Allen was the first president; then came the fol-
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History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
lowing brethren: Elder Henry White, Hon. C. F. Ladd, Bishops John Marks, A. S. Jackson, A. M. Newman, A. R. Blunt, J. B. Livingston, H. C. Cotton, J. L. Burrell A. B. Flood and W. M. Tay- lor.
Bishop Taylor is President at this time (1914). Since the organization was affected, this body has done much by way of stimulating the broth- erhood and encouraging the work in every nook and corner of the state. As early as 1883, signs of immense moral and intellectual progress were apparent. There were 500 churches connected with the Convention; 70,000 members, 650 min- isters and 350 Sunday-schools. The officers of the Convention at this time were: Bishop John Mark, President; Bishop A. S. Jackson, Record- ing Secretary; Bishop S. T. Clanton, Correspond- ing Secretary, and Bishop Ambrose Hubbs, Treasurer. Officers of State Sunday-School Con- vention follow: Bishop C. J. Hardy, President; Bishop A. L. Reese, Vice President; Bishop S. T. Clanton, Corresponding Secretary; Bishop H. K. Barrett, Recording Secretary, and Bishop B.
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