- I " —- « T, , s , . .. .. . . ,- . s · «-.. . « , ·«« L- . - . -- rm>-> vol. vm. PETERSBURG, VA., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12.1884. NUMBER 50 CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE MINISTERS AND MEMBERS OF THE A^M. E. ZION CONNECTION IN • ALL PARTS OF tHE INITED STATES. TO THE STAR OF ZION. FROM SUMMERFIELD, ALA. - SUMMERFIELD, ALA., ) November 17, 1884. j Mr. Editor : I never like to intrude upon one’s precious time, and an editor’s needed patience, but do indulge me this once, and give space for a brie'’ sketch of our District conference of the third district of W. A. A. conference,which otice, through your kindness, has ap peared in the columns of the Stab for several months. At the appointed time Elder Butler read the 5th chapter Ephesians. Rev. A. L. Scott, lined the hymn : “Hark, how the watchman cry/' and after singing prayer was offered by Eider Banks. FIRST DAY. Presiding Elder Butler in the chair. On motion of Elder Scott, J. C. Saunders was elected secretary. H. B. Gaines assistant secretary. On motion of Rev. H. R. Gaines, Rev. A. L. Scott, was elected statisti cal secretary. There has been a remarkable turn around in the third district since our notice appeared in the Star calliug a district meeting; it has done much good for the third district. A vote of thanks were tendered to the general conference for conferring editorial honors on Elder Scott. Tuscaloosa is noted for its shady streets and educational facilities for all parties. There are institu ions for both white rnd colored. A normal school for the training of colored chil dren, with Mrs. M. A. Kernon, as principal; and Zion’s palace, with Elder Bynum, the leading colored minister of the city, as its pastor, for her aid. Our much esteemed presiding elder delivered his address, which cheered their minds and comforted the souls of the brethren. The Rev. J. M. Butler was looked upon as father of the entire confer ence. We all agreed, by motion that he was the right man in the right place. Elder Butler announced a large number of committees of various kinds,and then explained to the breth ren the great responsibilities that rest upon them, and that he had taken up < two ministers, Bev. S. F. Bandleson and Joseph Hanner. On motion of J. (J. ttaunders, our old and efficient superintendent, Bro. J. Barnes, was made an honorary member. Brother Barnes made a few brief remarks and then entered the bar. The Committee on Credentials then reported eight lay delegates in attend ance. Rev. A. L. Scott presiding. A message came to the conference that Elder Bynum was sick and could not be out. He [Elder Bynum! told the SIcter tW bis mind and heart was with him in the work. : TLie Committee on Derotion ikport ed that Rev* H. R. Grainee would preach at 7:30 p. m., and Rev. P. Goodrum would associate with him. Benediction by Rev. J. M. Butler. Rev Gaines preached a fine soul stirring sermon, from the words: “Ve shall see me again.” J^fcfer by Brother Saunders. ^ Elder Scott lifted a collection. Elders Scott, Gaines, H. Hamner, J Hamner and X G. Saunders made re ports of this year’s work. The great question, the presiding elder’s system, then arose. The chair requested the brethren to table it until the next day. Carried. Benediction by Rev. Gaines. SECOND DAY. Elder Scott read 2nd Corinthians, 11th chapter, and with matchless elo quence. Rev. Mr. Rosser read the 206th hymn. Prayer by J. Ruffin. Rev. J. M. Sutler presiding. Mrs. A. Kernon, (white) was introduced to the conference, she made a short but very lovely speech. She said : “I am not only willing to be introduced to this honorable body, but I am willing to take the front ranks in this great work.” Our hearts were made glad. Mr.. 8. W. Tahaterro also intro duced to the conference. On motion of J. C. Saunders, Elder Scott was requested to reply, which he did. I tell you he did, and thaf with credit to himself and honor to the con ference, amt strength to the connec tion, for his oratorical manner of re plying. Saunders moved that the speakers should be complimented by the con ference with a vote of thanks. Car ried. Revs. S. Booker and Banks report ed. Mr. Shepherd and Thomas Ma din, students of the ministerial school, were intirodnced to the conference. The conference was so much in sym pathy with the presiding elder that they all agreed to get him a new suit of clothes. A good many of the delegates ask ed for the return of their same preach ers. j The report of the Committee on Sunday Schools was very good. Adjourned until 7:30 p. m. After some reports, benediction by Elder Scott. The night session consisted of hear ing the reports from the delegates. The fourth session of the Sunday School convention of the 3rd district, of the W. A. A. conference, A. M. E. Zion church, They formed themselves under a rood constitution, which pro vided for a reunion at the next annu al conference at Selma. Programme for the Next Convention: Subject: Duties of Superintend' ents. By Stephen Potts. Subject: Good of Sunday Schools. By M. A. Hamilton.' Subject: Sunday School Teacher’s Qualification. By Edward Kassel. Subject: Value of Sunday School Conventions. By J. L. Spearer. . Stephen Potts., Secretary. More to follow. REPORT OP THE COMMITTEE ON THE STAR OF ZION. To the Presiding ISlder and Corner* enpe, brethren: We, the committee on the Star of Zion, beg leave to report: That it is the sense of all good men that a paper to any institution is not only useful, but very useful. Through whieh news go as though it were upon the wind. It carries comforts to the m nearest house, the, lonely has been reached, the sick has been helped* and the cast down Bind baa been nosed by the reading of agtSod paper, and through such mediums different na tions have understood each other. Thereiore be it Resolved, Tha$ every minister end preacher should subscribe for theater of Zion, our connectional organ, Resolved, That every member should subscribe for the Star ol Zion, for,we are satisfied that there are informa tion that would do them good if they would subscribe for and read it. 1%, solved, That every member of this conlerence take a copy in which these minutes shall be printed. Resolved, That it is the duty of every minister to get as many copies distributed through his station or cir cuit as possible, and that each super intendent take one. , J. C. Saunders, Zack Booker, J. Cutts, Committee. We were with the Sunday school Sunday morning; had a good time; we pray for the district conference to meet at that place again. The writer preached for them at 3. p. m. Subject: “The giving God.” Elder Hamner preached at night.— Subject: “Fight the fight of faith very good sermon. 1 hanks were tendered to the people and members of Hunter’s chapel for their kind greeting and hospitalities. Also the choir for' iheuMureet mptfc. Miss E. M. Winn performed at the organ with the skill of an organist, who was also thanked for her delight ful and melodious voice, which render ed 'comforts to all present. Just after the 3 o’clock sermon, Elder Bynum make his way to the church, although very sick. Elder Bynum is much thought of by the citizens of Tuscaloosa. Yours in Christ and Zion. John C. Saundebs. N. C. CONFERENCE. Newberke, N. C. Dec. 1,1884. We arrived in Newherne at 7:45 p. m., and in a few minutes we were in St. A ndrew’s chapel, where we found Kev. Mr. Meade, advocate of the tem perance cause, preaching one of his soul touching sermon on intemper ance. The manner in which he han dled the subject and the many incidents he related relative to human depravity and ihe scenes in the drunkard’s fam ily, and the use of of liquors brought solemnity and tears in many eyes* He concluded his discourse in such a touching and feeling manner that there was a glorious shouting all over the church. At the close of -the ser mon the conference re-assembled a$ the call of the Bishop, and the report on temperance and education wa#dis cussed at length by Elders J Thomas, Small and others, and was. adopted. The night session then adjourned to meet at 10 a. m. Tuesday. r SIXTH DAY. Bishop Lomax presiding. After the usual devotional exercises were had, the Bishop called for re ports from the -various committees, which were received and iadopted. He ran through the discipline questions, had them all arrenged accordmg to^ order. The question of the place where the next conference was to be held was asked by the Bishop. Kingston,Golds boroand Washington were put innojth iaationjand heatedly discussed by fie brethren patting each place in nomi nation, and Kington was made the choice of Us nett meeting, the 4th Wednesday in November, 1886. > The Bishop then put in nomination the foliotriag named brethren to be elected presiding eiders: W J Moore, A W Allison, J Hooper, and J H Mattocks; they were balloted for and elected. *h v ^ r »_-• -j - T Mrs. Freeman, vice-president of jthe Ladies Home ann Foreign Missionary Society, was introduced to the confer ence by the Bishop. She came for ward mid made a short address to the brethren of the conference, ashing their oo-operation in the missionary work. She received by collection $3.53. Much business of interest was trans acted to a late hour. At 11:30 p m the Bishop read the appointments. ' We note that this conference was one among the heaviest of the four 'that we have just attended. Much important connections! business was transacted, and we were pleased to learn that Bishop Lomax presided over the conference with great ability and dignity ;* he won the confidence of the brethren. Full proceedings ofithe meeting will be published in our njext issue by our reporter. Ourselves, Bishop -Lomax, Kev. Jacob Thomas, Book agent, and Rev. W. J. Moore, left Newbeme at 9 A. M. Wednesday for Fayetteville, N. C., to meet the Board of Bishops. jWe had to lay over at Sandford all night, i arivingat Fayetteville by 3 P. M. We Arthernole-BmtFIder W.H. Thurber, bis members, and the good people of Newbeme had everything pleasant and comfortable for the con ference. We could read in the eye of every one we met, the word “web come.’' Our people in Newberne are advancing to a high point in intellect and wealth. Splendid new buildipgs. are in course of erection throughout the city owned by our people, the new Zion church located in a promi nent part of the city, is -soon to bejftn ished, which will add much to church edifices in the city of Newbeme. FROM ALABAMA. *' Sweet Uniow, West Ala., ) v November 26th, 1884. j Mr. Editor : As we seldom trouble you, allow us a small spaop in your valuable paper. I was almost discouraged when I took charge of ^he little church called Sweet Union, the congregation num bering only -fiye persons, aid one of them almost a cripple. While pur number has increased many of them are from ten to fifteen years of age, but thank Clod, happily converted,and striving to labor for God and the church. Fading my task a tedious one, I sought the Lord by prayer and endeavored to press upon the minds of the little band to exercise iatfh in God, for He will answer prayer. The little cabin I found had neither stool nor benchy the sills were alt decayed. We started to work without a dime, but felt assured of the promise: I will not leavethee nor forsake thee, ana again said thej&aljpjst* they that trust in the Lord shall hq as Mount Zipn, which cannot be moyed, surrounded with great opposition. I was deter* mined never storelax my holt, for I lelt that the Lord would be <|ur strength and our support. Many tried to d»OOU*age ttS, but I remember the Saviour’s advice, Enter into thy closet and {way to. thy Father,and thy Fath er, which seeth in secret shall reward the openly. X found their n«baln* for sysiy wound^acocdinliinsfyerytei .... i. I found comfort, joy and consolation. Truly it is said, ye shall reap if you faint not. We succeeded in repairing the church, and made it comfortable without owing a dollar when it was complete. Then came on the quarterly confer ence . at Jackson’s Chapel. At the close of the conference we requested, that the next quarterly meeting would be held at Sweet Union, which would take place in the month of September. The membership numbered then about 19 persons. We had an increase of 14. The brethren of the seveial churches laughed at us because we made the re quest that the conference should as semble at Sweet Union, looking upon it as a complete failure if the confer ence was appointed there. The little band acknowledged that they were poor, and very few in number. After having to meet the repairs of tie church so as to make it comfortable, yet they felt that the hand that sus tained them was an Almighty hand, they could trust him still, and as their was never a conference held there be fore for the good of those who live in that vicinity, and the cause that was dear to them, they desired it as a part and parcel of the whole. For Zion sake we will not hold our peace. It was then granted. It was then deci ded that the conference would be held at the little church Sweet Union.— When at the appointed time they met, according to adjournment, we had a very pleasant and happy time, a great many visitors attended. The meeting was Conducted by Elder Evans, as the Presiding Elder could not convenient ly attend. His address was such as cheered our hearts and caused us to feel that it was good to be their at 2 o’clock P. M. We retired to dinner, and a sumptuous table was spread with good things, for the accommoda tion '■ of at least 8u persons. Being agreeably surprised they all returned satisfied and well pleased. At 3 o’clock the meeting was called to order, the Sabbath school matched in singing one of the sweetest songs of Zion. After singing another of their beautiful songs we were seated. The superintendent then introduced the school to the conference. Here they extemporaneously repeated several psalms and other pieces. We never had before a Sabbath school or day school. Our advantages here has been very limited, but thanks be unto God, our heads are above the wave. We think we hear him say who is yet alive, it is I, be not afraid. We have been encouraged while we have pon dered over letters that was written in the Star where sister churches with preachers have had like struggling, and have succeeded. It gave me en couragement to persevere, and with God’s help the little band now num bers 23. We have engaged an acre of land and expect ere long to builji a new church. I thought to let you know that Zion is not asleep in the South; her interest is to build up Zion. Yours very truly. Handy Washington. Tallulah Station, La., ) October' 22, 1884. J , WANTED. Information concerning the where abouts of Peter Fields, Nancy Fields and Sarah Hampton, lived in Richmond, Ytt*» the ypf 1870, with *maa by the name Seahan, a gunsmith. Any information concerning party will be thankfully recei? Address Rev.H. W. Babnstt, Tallulah Station, La. — FROM MARYSVILLE, TENN. Marysville, Mr Editor: Allow me space at your valuable journal to inform yoer many readers the condition of my church. The Bishop^ and conference saw fitin their judgment to leave me here for another year, which seemed to please the pec* -j_ pie. On the first Sunday after con ference adjourned, I began my labor by collecting general fond. And to encourage my members I .went to the printing office and had 1,000 tickets struck off, which we gave to the mem bers &s a receipt for the general fond, that they pay from time to time,which seems to please them. Though my members are not hard to please, so they ale workers for Zion. The people say that Prof. J. C. Price, Elder Petty, and Elder Me H.Farley, told them SO much about Zion that they intended to work for the connec tion. So we collect general funds every Sunday, and even in class too. Mr. Editor, don’t you think that it is a nice way to collect the general lund? Our free school will soon close, and as soon as it is out I am going to attend college another year at this place. We have 107 scholars enrolled. They all seem to be advancing in their studies. i Now I shall speak of what happen ed to me last Saturday night, while I was reading at a late hour. Behold, at once it’seemed to me that 50 persons (began tg sing this song at the «.oor of | th^ parsonage: Seek and you shall | find,1* knock and the door shall be ! opened, and* the love came twinkling down Kincade; Jesus called you Kin cade. Jesus called you and the love came twinkling down. And I sprung up and opened the door, and it seemed to me like that there was still 50 per sons in the yard. I asked them in.— And so in they came with basket, pa pery and bundles of all kinds, and filled my table with the many good things. These are the parties: Sisters Eliza A Coffine, Sintha Coffine, Vilet Aannum, Vilet Asbry, Maggie Wil son, Sallie Owens, Betsy Pleasant, Willey Hannum,Clody Porter, Maria Lillard. So brethren, pray for us. Yours for Zion. G. W. Kincade. A PRESIDING ELDER CANED. On Monday night December 1st, 1894. at the close of the night session, (the North Carolina conference) Pre siding Elder W J Moore of Goldsboro district, was presented a very fine gold headed cane, gotten up by the various ministers of the district, over whom he had presided for four years. The presentation was made by Elder* J H Mattocks, who yr a brief speech assured Elder Moore, that the cane was presented £o him from the breth ren, as a token oi respects and high regajjs to him for the impartial, -dig nified, and satisfactory manner in whieh he had discharged the duties of a presiding elder for four years. El der Moore, in a very modest and ap propriate manner, thanked Elder Mattocks, and the donors, for such a valuable and serviceable present, he assured him that he would keep it as an esteemed .present, he requested Hon J C Dancey, to further, respond on the occasion, which he did m a splendid speech, characterising the fkithful labors of Elder Moore for the four past years in the presidingelders work, he urged the rest of the breth ren to be faithful in their high office andwin the esteem and respect from their various districts, and recieve from the hands of the ministers and people a like token of respects as El der Moors has. The was a solid grid IMecLose. t ■