USA > Louisiana > History of Louisiana Negro Baptists : from 1804 to 1914 > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
BISHOP W. M. TAYLOR, ONE OF THE MOST ELOQUENT OF LOUISIANA PREACIJERS.
·
In the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Septem- be: 17, 1867, there was born a preacher who was named Washington M. Taylor. His parents, though ex-slaves, were much interested in their son's education, and sent him to the Parish Pub- lic School. Here he showed a keen desire for knowledge and won the confidence and esteem of schoolmates and teachers. He was converted and notified of his call to the ministry at the age
--
1
-
137
Negro Baptist. Beginnings in America. £
-
1
-
SABINE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE.
1
of 17 years. Elder Hannibal Williams baptized him into the membership of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, La. Feeling very keenly his need of preparation to preach, he began sav- ing his earnings, and in due time entered Leland University and became a diligent student. While here at Leland he accomplished much, but on ac- count of the urgent request of his people that he take up some work at home, he was compelled to leave before finishing his course.
He was licensed to preach January 21, 1893, and six months thereafter was called to the pas- torate of the Morning Star Baptist Church. His; success with this church moved New Rising Sun Baptist Church to call him also. More well-done work added to his list of churches the Ebenezer Baptist Church. When Elder Hannibal Wil- liams, pastor of the "Big" Mt. Zion Baptist Church, went to his reward his pastoral mantle fell upon Brother Taylor. Accordingly he was elected January 6, 1901. He entered this new field with a strong determination to win. How well he has done is told by the work he has ac- complished here. In 1900 he received a call to another Baton Rouge church, Jerusalem. Per- haps no pastor in the state presides over more people than Elder Taylor. He is now (1910) serving his fifth term as Moderator of the Fourth District Association. He resigned recently but after his successor had ruled only a short while he was re-elected.
His District is one of the largest in the state, and operates one of our leading Baptist schools, the Baton Rouge College. The building is a large brick structure. Bishop Taylor t. aveled and lectured no little throughout the length and breadth of his District in the interest of this
139
138 History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
school. In 1907 he was elected Vice President of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention, and when Elder Flood went to Heaven succeeded to the presidency. Brother Taylor is a man of keen perception and lofty ambition, possessing many winning traits. His life is not an empty shadow, but a real line of thoughts and deeds. He can easily preach to his people both of a home on earth and a home in Heaven, since he owns sev- eral houses and lots in Baton Rouge. He has a nice home, his wife being a graduate of the Baton Rouge College. As a speaker this clergyman is logical in his reasoning and witty in his argu- ment. He swayed the great National Baptist Convention in session at Columbus, Ohio, like a mighty tempest sways a forest, when on behalf of his state with pleasing manners and persua- sive eloquence he delivered the invitation invit- ing the greatest body of religious workers in the world to meet (1910) in the city of New Orleans, La. He swept this great body, so to speak, from its feet and forced it to cry out, saying, in sub- stance, "we are willing, we are coming, Father Abraham, 2,500,000 strong." Bishop Taylor, be- ing comparatively young, has a great future be- fore him.
ELDER BRYANT WRIGHT, AN HONORED PIONEER PREACHIER.
Brother Wright is among the oldest pioneers of the state. He was born in Montgomery County, Alabama, December 2, 1837. He has the following to say concerning his early start in preaching : "When I was six years old the white people gave me a suit of clothes for preaching. They saw in me the work of the ministry." When
-
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
:
1
1
Elder Bryant was only 17 years old he was fully inducted into the ministerial fold. Leaving Ala- bama he came to Louisiana, and took his place among the first gospel preachers of the state. He not only did pioneer work in Louisiana, but pushed his way into Texas; and in those early, perilous times preached the Word with power and demonstration at Marshall, Marion County, and Douglass Mill, Ark. He preached the Word with much acceptance along the Red River coast at Alexandria and other points, on steam boats and on land, thereby setting up several of the state's first churches. Elder Wright, like many others of our pioneer fathers, did great and abid- ing work.
He organized many of the first Sunday-schools, and therefore stands among the first Sunday- school superintendents, thus opening the door for the young superintendent of today. In those early times many souls were converted unto God through his preaching, and baptized into the membership of the state's first churches. On one occasion at the risk of his life he broke the ice in December, plunged into the icy waters and baptized five happy souls. On another occasion for preaching and standing for what he preached his life was threatened. He says: "One man made three shots at me and never hit me, and walked off a piece and said, 'I will kill you.' I told him to shoot ahead. His will was my pleas- ure." This veteran was hidden behind "The Blood," and was safely wrapped in the folds of "The Blood-Stained Banner," and could not be shot. He was protected (Matt. 18:6). He ac- complished much in his day.
141
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
140 History of Louisiana Negre Baptists.
ELDER A. H. SAMUELS, ELOQUENT PREACHER AND VETERAN EDITOR.
May 15, 1857, in Desota Parish, Louisiana, there was born Elder Andrew Henry Samuels, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cato Samuels.
The real progress of Bishop Samuels began with his conversion. Like Isaiah, a live coal touched his tongue when he realized his call to tell the "Story of the Cross." This he has been doing with power and telling effect. In the Thir- teenth District he is known as the "Silver-Tongue Orator." Being born a slave, his opportunities for schooling were few, but by dint of persever- ance in study he has pushed on and today stands among the denominational leaders in the state.
He was ordained in 1888, and since that time has served with marked success the following churches : St. Rest Baptist Church, St. Luke Bap- tist Church, Red Chute Baptist Church and Wil- low Chute Baptist Church, Shreveport, La., and Union Mission Baptist Church, Waskom, Texas. He has been managing-editor of the News En- terprise for years. He is and has been deeply interested in the education of the children of his race. Like a stone wall Bishop Samuels stood with the writer and others in the work of found- ing and developing the Thirteenth District Academy. There was not a man in the District who held the principal's arm higher than did Elder Samuels. He has been chairman of the Education Board for more than fifteen years.
In 1875 he and Miss Esther Chew were united in holy wedlock. Through life's combats and shifting scenes, they have guarded the matri- monial vow and today (1914) are together in their cozy little home on Christian street, Shreve-
port, La., in which city he has lived for thirty- six years, enjoying the confidence and respect of his white and colored friends. The St. Rest Bap- tist Church edifice, the last church building erect- ed by Brother Samuels, is one of the most beau- tiful frame buildings in the state-"a thing of beauty and a joy forever."
Bishop Samuels has been recently elected Mod- erator of the Thirteenth District Association, one of our largest associations. He gives prom- ise of much more usefulness.
ELDER FRANCIS JAMES DAVIDSON, PREACHER AND EDITOR.
This veteran preacher and editor was born of Mr. Nero and Mrs. Malinda Davidson, October 31, 1862, at Nealsboro, Rapides Parish, Louisi- ana. The first school he attended was in a lit- tle log cabin M. E. Church on Williamson's Creek Parish of Rapides, 1869-72. Next he attended a public school at Greenwood, Laftlore County, Miss., to which place his parents moved in 1873. Young Davidson also attended a Missionary school during the summer months. From Green- wood he removed to New Orleans, January, 1878, where he attended night school at Straight Uni- versity.
During the winter of 1869, Brother Davidson was converted on Williamson's Creek and fol- lowed the M. E. Church regularly although he re- fused to join. After earnestly, carefully and prayerfully reading his Bible, he became con- vinced that the Baptist way was the right way, and in 1878 was baptized into the membership of St. Mark Fourth Baptist Church, New Orleans, by Bishop R. H. Steptoe. Impressed of his call
ك
INTENDED THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT, COLE- MAN COLLEGE,
143
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
to the ministry he began the work of prepara- tion. He studied under Dr. H. C. Green, Presi- dent Bothwell of Columbia University, attended theological lectures delivered by the late Presi- dent E. C. Mitchell, of Leland University; later he studied under J. Lewis Smith, A. M., D. D., LL. D., and attended the Washington University, Tacoma, Wash.
Bishop Davidson has held the following churches: St. John, Dorseyville, La .; St. Mat- thew, New Orleans, La., 1889-1902; First Baptist Church, Mandeville, La .; Starlight, Slidell, La .; Zion, Ponchatoula, La .; Olivet, Tacoma, Wash .; Mt. Herob, Greenville, Miss., 1905; First Bap- tist, Cairo, Ill., 1907; Centralia, Centralia, Ill., 1908; First Baptist, Metropolis, Ill .; Trinity, Shreveport, 1910; Shiloh, Alexandria, La. He now pastors at Leesville, La. Elder Davidson has edited the following papers: The Teller, 1890; the New Orleans Tribune, 1891-1902; Tacoma Tribune, 1903-04; the Bulletin, Greenville, Miss., 1905-06; the Tribune, Centralia, III., 1908-09; The Christian Herald, Mound City, Ill., 1909-10, and Louisiana Baptist, 1910-11.
As a preacher Dr. Davidson is fearless and progressive and preaches "a what saith the Lord" Gospel. As an editor and writer he is conscien- tious and bold. In the language of the lamented Dr. Wm. J. Simons, "Some men are often brave from experience with arms and the scenes of war; others because of the recklessness of life, and a dare-devil spirit, and still others are born for deeds of bravery and glide easily to places of danger as if led by unerring instinct; they are bold, aggressive, determined and venturesome." Such a man as the last is Bishop Davidson, when it comes to driving the quill. When editing the
145
144 History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
New Orleans Tribune, he was the gamest Negro editor in Louisiana. He has and is accomplish- ing much.
BISHOP SOLOMON TRUMBULL CLANTON, A. M., D. D., A TEACHER OF PREACHERS.
Dr. Clanton was born at Glenco, La., March 27, 1857. His parents were Mr. Solomon and Mrs. Maria Clanton. After his conversion he was baptized into the membership of the Auster- litz Street Baptist Church by Elder George W. Walker.
His parents being unable to help him all the way through school, he began in early life to help himself. He trusted God and worked his way through New Orleans University, graduating with honors from the B. A. degree Course in 1878. After holding a professorship in Leland University 1878-80, he entered the Baptist Union Theological Seminary, Chicago, Ill., graduating therefrom in 1883 from the B. D. degree Course.
Being conscious of a call to the ministry, Bishop Clanton made same known to his breth- ren and was ordained in 1881 in the Olivet Bap- tist Church, Chicago, Ill., by the following Bishops: T. J. Morgan, Richard DeBaptist, E. B. Hubbard, Dean of Divinity School, University of Chicago, Wm. Laurence, J. T. Burhoe, George C. Lorimer and J. W. Polk. Dr. J. T. Morgan was chairman of Presbytery and Bishop R. De- Baptist, clerk; ordination sermon being preached by Dr. Hubbard.
After returning South and throwing himself into the work of human uplift, Brother Clanton pastored the following churches: Austerlitz Street Baptist Church, 1891-94, and Bethany
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
Baptist Church, New Orleans, La. The follow- ing positions have been creditably filled by him : Sunday-School Missionary of American Baptist Publication Society, 1883-90; District Secretary of American Baptist Publication Society, 1890- 95. This secretaryship covered all the Gulf States. He rendered valuable service both to the Society and his denomination while filling these positions. This is not all; the first Secretary of our great National Baptist Convention was Dr. Solomon T. Clanton, being elected at the Con- vention's organization, August, 1886, in the First Baptist Church, St. Louis, Mo. He served until 1896. He was elected Recording Secretary of the Foreign Mission Convention in 1885 at New Orleans, La., and continued in that office until 1895 with the exception of one year (1887). 1903-04 the subject of this sketch served as prin- cipal and chaplain of A. & M. College, Normal, Ala. October of this same year he was called to the principalship of Helena Academy, Helena, Ark. After working for some time as Field Sec- retary of the John C. Martin Educational Fund, he was called to the Assistant Deanship of The- ological School at Selma University. After serv- ing in this capacity under Deans W. H. McAl- pine, Albert F. Owens and C. O. Booth, Brother Clanton succeeded to the Deanship in 1909 when Dr. Booth resigned. At this time (1914) he is Vice President of Selma University.
June 6, 1883, he was joined in holy wedlock to Miss Olive Byrd, of Decatur, Ill. Eleven children! bless this union, the eldest being Miss E. M. Clan- ton, stenographer Houston College; Georgia E. Clanton, Benjamin Griffith, Attorney-at-Law; S. T. Clanton, Jr., Attorney-at-Law; Johnetta B. Clanton, Music Teacher in Western College, Ma-
146 History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
con, Mo .; Dwight Lorimer Clanton, Jannitta B. Clanton, Robert Stewart, Pheobe Nan and two others who have gone before.
The Louisiana Baptist brotherhood will always think kindly of Dr. Clanton for services rendered. For years he stood shoulder to shoulder with the early state leaders. Such men as Bishops John Marks, A. S. Jackson, A. R. Blunt, J. M. Carter, H. B. N. Brown and others.
BISHOP WARNER WASHINGTON HILL, A PROGRESSIVE YOUNG PREACHER.
Elder Hill is a great church builder, because God has used him to preach men and women out of darkness into light, and he is a church house builder, because through his leadership and man- agement beautiful church edifices have been erected. Our brother was born of Mr. Warner and Mrs. Angeline Hill in Franklin Parish, La., March 10, 1870. His parents were Alabamians from Sumpter County near Gainsville, being sold into Louisiana before the war. Bishop Hill's father was an unusually bright slave, serving his young master as secretary and Negro driver until freedom came. He then began to accumulate property and help in the establishment of pub- lic schools for his race. Being a leader of his people during those dark and perilous times, he was elected to the State Legislature.
But this father who was bent on educating his son was called to his reward when Elder Hill was but 12 years of age. His prop having gone, young Hill began at once to apply himself, to study as best he could, taking lessons from any one able to teach who would come his way. In church work he was apt and studious, doing with
1
MAIN BUILDING, COLEMAN COLLEGE.
149
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
148 History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
a will whatever his hands found to do. After his conversion and baptism in 1889 he was added to the True Vine Baptist Church, Bishop H. R. Flynn, pastor, Delhi, La. Realizing his call to preach, an insatiable appetite for Bible reading seized him, and he read the Bible through twice. Since his ordination by the Tenth District As- sociation, fifteen churches have honored him with calls. He served as President of the Sunday- School Association and District Missionary for three years. After Elder Wm. Hamilton went to his reward, the Zion Travelers Baptist Church, Monroe, La., called him to its pastorate. Since entering upon this work he has spent five years in the Tenth District High School, graduating therefrom with honors. For more than eight years he has pastored this church successfully, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of both races at Monroe and his brethren throughout the state.
He succeeded the lamented Bishop A. B. Flood to the Moderatorship of the Tenth District Asso- ciation. He has filled this office creditably, taking up the work where Brother Flood left off and carrying it on toward perfection. During his short term of office more than $3,000 were raised and a debt of 15 years' standing against the Dis- trict School liquidated. Brother Hill is among the youngest District. Moderators of the state. His work places him among the highest minis- terial stars of the state.
BISHOP C. S. COLLINS, A. B., M. D., PREACHER AND PHYSICIAN.
Of Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Amelia Collins, Dr. Collins was born in Houma, La., March 12, 1867.
Though his school facilities were meager, his parents were proud of their boy and did what they could to train his mind, heart and hand.
Accordingly they sent him to a Terrabone Parish public school, where he studied until he entered Leland University, where he graduated with the writer and others from the Normal Course, May, 1893, under the world-renowned scholar, Dr. E. C. Mitchell. Not contented, he continued his voyage on the scholastic sea until he finished the highest course at the University. thus graduating Bachelor of Arts. This did not satisfy his intellectual longing because he entered Flint Medical College, New Orleans, La., where lie won the M. D. degree, 1910. It is clear that while this young man has waited on the Lord, it is evident that he has "hustled" while he waited.
Inf the year 1886 he was converted and added to the Litttle Zion Baptist Church, after being baptized by Bishop S. T. Smith. He at once be- came aggressive and progressive in church work, and was notified of his call to the ministry. His interest in the education of his race was attested by well-done work as Principal of Cheneyville Academy, Cheneyville, La. He held this position successfully until he was called back to his home town (Houma) to take charge of the Boy's High School there. After making good in this work, Bishop Collins accepted the pastorate of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Houma, La. His election to the secretaryship of the Fifth District Sunday- School Association and to the presidency of Houma Academy Educational Board prove his · standing with his brethren and point to his future usefulness.
.
151
150 History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
ELDER CAROLINER FULLER, A VETERAN OF PIONEER DAYS.
Far back in the darkness of American slavery, Bishop Fuller was born, in South Carolina. At an early age he was baptized, after being con- verted, and joined the Missionary Baptist Church. Soon afterwards the Spirit notified him of his call to preach the "Everlasting Gospel."
Convincing the Louisiana brethren of his call, by actual works, Bishop Scott (white) and others ordained him to take charge of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Kingston, La. Leading this flock onward and upward he was called to pastor Mary Evergreen Baptist Church, Grand Cane, La., and also Zion Hill Baptist Church, of the same town. This veteran preacher did a great work back there in those pioneer days, his fame as a preacher of power spreading the country around.
His was a sainted wife, Mrs. Patsy Fuller. Their union was blessed with a number of chil- dren, most prominent of whom is Bishop Jack- son J. Fuller who, like his sainted father, is felt as a power for good not only in his own District, but throughout the state. This man of God buried hundreds in baptism, celebrated many marriages, and by his earnest preaching and Godly life led a multitude to Christ. Too much in a commendable way cannot be said of him and all the other pioneer fathers of the state.
Elder and Sister Fuller carried out their matri- monial contract by living happily together until death did them part. Like hundreds of others of his day, Elder Fuller, under very adverse cir- cumstances and in the face of many odds, "worked the work of him that sent him," until
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
he was called from earth to Heaven August 26, 1886, his wife following him four years later in 1890.
BISHOP ALBERT HENRY, GUM SPRING ASSOCIATION MODERATOR.
Brother Henry was born.in 1868 of Mr. Char- ley and Mrs. Margret Henry. After conversion, he was baptized into the membership of the Wood Chapel Baptist Church, Cedartown, La. In 1887 his church being convinced of his call to preach set him apart to the work. He was baptized by Elder J. H. Jackson.
Notwithstanding his educational advantages were meager, he had enough iron in his blood to push himself upward. After reaching school age he picked up what learning he could here and there until he was blessed with the opportunity to en- ter Ruston Normal Institute, where he studied hard under Professor I. S. Powell, B. A., and graduated from the Normal Course 1904. Prin- cipal Powell has the following to say of him : "He is now a successful minister and pastor, hav- ing been divinely called to preach the gospel and after pastoring several churches a number of years, he felt it necessary to make fuller prepa- ration for his calling. He therefore entered this school where he applied himself zealously and finally graduated with honors. He was the first to enroll as a theological student when that de- partment was attached to our school, and studied God's Word faithfully for three and a half years. He has built more church houses than any other one minister in this section. His terms of pas- torate tell how successful a pastor he is, having presided over one church 23 years. The terms of his other churches range from five to eight years.
153
-
BOYS' DORMITORY, COLEMAN COLLEGE.
-
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
He has baptized 1,050 converts. In 1905, he was elected Moderator of the Gum Spring Association and has presided over it from that time to this (1913). He with his earnest helpers has long struggled to foster education. Through his in- fluence the Association has adopted this school, and under his leadership with the co-operation of his staff of officers and with God as the sovereign power, the school will achieve success."
It is clear from Prof. Powell's statement that Bishop Henry has wrought well and accomplished much good religiously, having served his brethren as Secretary, Treasurer and Moderator, and hav- ing served the following churches: Woodlawn, Wood Chapel, Pine Grove, Hopewell, Lincoln Parish ; Hopewell, Union Parish ; Blooming Grove, Harmony, Jerusalem, Chapel Hill, Providence, St. John, Palestine and Pilgrim's Rest.
ELDER LORENZO SMITH, A PIONEER OF MUCH USEFULNESS.
In the Parish of Caldwell, 1850, Bishop Lo- renzo Smith was born of Mr. Nathaniel and Mrs. Amy Smith. Although bound by the ropes of slavery, these parents were hopeful of their son, and perhaps prayed secretly that some day the shackles would be broken off and that their boy would make the mark he has made.
When Brother Smith reached school age there were no schools for him to attend, and unlike the Negro boy who came after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, he had to start upward without a single ray of light or an iota of encouragement. He scuffled along as best he could, studying perhaps at night by light from the torch and the pine knot until he learned his
155
Negro Baptist Beginnings in America.
154 History of Louisiana Negro Baptists.
letters. After the war he entered the public school and there got a little more preparation for life.
He was converted in 1874 and baptized into the membership of Raven Camp Baptist Church by Elder Levy Sawyer. He was ordained in 1881 by the following bishops: Thomas E. Harris, Thomas Epps, Thomas Clark, H. K. Barrett, A. M. Newman, D. D., Ed Daniels and Joe Wash- ington. Brother Smith is one of the most active Louisiana pioneer preachers, having pastored the following churches: St. Paul Baptist Church, St. Peter Baptist Church, served as Vice President State Sunday-School Convention two years; Cor- responding Secretary of the Eighth District Asso- ciation three years; Treasurer Eighth District Association No. 2 thirteen years; and now (1913) President Eighth District Sunday-School Asso- ciation and Moderator of Second Eighth District Association.
He has done well in the matter of educating his children. All of them are won to Christ save one; all have been sent to school, one having grad- uated from the B. A. degree course at Leland University, where he now (1912) holds a pro- fessorship. Bishop Smith has given more than half his days to his Master's cause, having bap- tized more than 850 souls and married more than 355 couples.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.