Newspapers / The Star of Zion … / Jan. 21, 1915, edition 1 / Page 2
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The Third Annual Session of the South Alabama Annual Conference. The South Alalbama Annual Con ference convened in Mt. .Zion A. iM. E. church, Evergreen, Ala., Dec. tljie 9th (Wednesday) 1914. Promptly at 10 a. m., Rt. Rev. J. W. Alstork, D. D., ,L. L.D., presid ing bishop of the 5th Episcopal dis trict called the conference to order and led in devotions assisted by his three able presiding elders: Rev. L. 3>. Workman, D. D., Rev. John V. Catledge, D. D., and Rev. MoGlover, D. D. Dr. Workman ilined the 1st hymn, Bishop Alstork read the scripture lesson and Dr. Gatlage of fered a fervent .prayer. The Con ference iwas led in 2nd song which showed the touchings of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of the assem bled congregation. After roll call the election of officers as follows: Secretary Rev. Mack Glover Assis tant, Rev. L. Lewis; Statistician, Rev. G. W. Moorer; Reporter to the press, Rev. I. A. Chance; Timlst, Rev. J. C. Thompson, D. D.; Mar shall Jas. Artis: P O. Messenger, W. W. Herring; Rev. J. T. Jones was elected as private Secretary to the bishop; Dr. L. D. Workman financial Secretary. The Conference entered upon a busy day’s work. The crowd at the opening session was unusually large. IMiinisters lay offiofl|rts, Missionary ladies, distinguished educators were there to grace the very first ses sion of the conference. Of the six great conferences that Zion has in Alabama the South Alabama has tin largest attendance always crowded and in point of religious fervor and spiritual enthusiasm none excels her She is a well proportioned confer ence of young energetic thorough going ministers and a set of able refined middle age and older min isters alll combine to ilmake iZion succeed anywhere. The (persona: claims were paid. The bishop ap pointed his various committees at this session. The Committee on rules, lay delegate® and devotion i reported to preach the annual ser mon at 7:30 p.. m., Dr. W. S. Mead ows. Prof. G. W. Perkins principal of the City Schools was among those introduced for the day. He made able remarks and asked for a dele gation to be sent each day to visit the school. i NIGHT SESSION. At 7 a. im., Rev. S. P. Jordan and' Rev. J. J. Nicholson 'led a spiritual prayer meeting at 7:30; Dr. Meadows lined hymn No. 52 after scripture* reading prayer by Dr. J. Y. Catlage, Dr. L. D. Workman arose, and to j i a congregation that packed the en-j Meadows to preach the annua ser mon, Dr. Meadows took as a text iSt. j Luke 9:57, “Lord I will follow thee; whithersoever thou goelst.” Sulb- j ject: “Following Jesus.” Dr. Mead-* ows entered at once into the details i of his discourse and it could foe seen and felt at once a glorious ser mon was on. The way in which he handledw his sermon to spirit ualize and edify and electrify that immense congregations was remark able. Dr. Meadows is a great preacher. Rev. S. P. Jordan the great pray ing man was called to the altar and seemed to shake the heavens with his wonderful prayer, shouting and praising God was in ordeT.. The financial committee lifted a liberal collection. WELCOME ADDRESSES. With Rev. W. W. Herring as Mas ter of Ceremonies. The welcomes to the Conference were of a cordial broad-hearted nature. Every de partment of the church and church es and city delivered words of wel come. Bro. F. Purfoy, Mrs. A. M. Gamble, D. N. N. Nealy and together with the pastors of the white Bap tist church showed an unusual pow er of eloquence /On the stage. The addresses were ably responded to oy Dr. J. W. Jones and Dr. J. C. Thompson. Benediction by Dr. THURSDAY’S SESSION. | Thursday’s session was greatly in creased foy every incoming train. The Conference had the city in full grip. Rev. W. W. Herring the pastor who is a native North Caro linian had homes for all. His peo ple seemed crazy about him, a large square toped new parsonage an imi tation pipe organ together with one of the best choirs we ever heard gave evidence of the pastor’s pop ularity. The Conference opened with usual devotions Bishop Alstork read as a scripture lesson 2nd Tim. 4th chapter. His comment on the same was a touch as a coal of fire from the altar, while telling of the the hardships, trials and persecu tions of the apostle Paul, the con ference was bathed in tears. After roll, minutes read. Visitors intro duced: Mrs. .T. W. Alstork Vice President of the W. H. and F. M. Society; Rev. J. W. Wood Mission ary Secretary of Zion Connection and Rev. J. S. Jackson, D. D., Financial Secretary of the Connec tion were introduced and all made remarks. Dr. Jackson said he had visited many conferences this year 5 but this whs tie largest attendance he had seen; the house being full at every session. Dr. L. D. Work man, P. E. of the Greenville Dis triict read a most excellent report of Ms district, of great revivals held, churches built and repaired. His report was a masterpiece; the pastors under him lined up and made their reports, Prof. N. E. i Henry Principal of a high school I at iChina, Alla., and one of Zion’s j strong sons was introduced and i made encouraging remarks . thubsday’s night session. With a house packed to the over flow a warm prayer meeting, Bishop Alstork who had been sick the night (before arose and in appropriate words introduced Dr. J. W. Jones, D. ,D., Dean of Theology at Lomax riannon High ■School, Dr. Jones took as a text St. John~9T4, “I must work the works of him that sent me,” subject: “Work.” 'Dr. Jones possesses great ability. (He is physically, intellectually and spir itually strong. He is a graduate of Phelps Hall Bible Training School, Tusikegee Institute, Ala., his sermon gave full proof of his calling to the gospel ministry and he sat down amid thundering amens, after pray er the Bishop arose and made some1 helpful enmarks, the committee lift ed a liberal collection. Benediction by Dr. Jones. Friday’s session. Friday morning opened with the usual devotions, scripture lesson hy Bishop Alstork; song and prayer, roll call, minutes read and approv ed. Visitors introduced: Rev. Berry of the Baptist church ibeing one of the number, Prof. J. R. Wingfield, Principal of Lomax-iHannon Indus trial School, the leading Zion school in the Southwest came before the Conference to repesent his work Prof. Wingfield is an ordained min ister, in this conference and this school is located in this conference Prof. Wingfield made a forceful winning speech. He never fails to win where he is heard. His report showed nearly 200 students in at tendance, $40,000 in property, two ■ large brick buildings, one frame, | 26 acres of land, the school is) equipped with telephone, gas lights, water works, with the chapel of the Alstork dormitory repaired new porches added and so on, nearly every southern state represented i with Africa. I. A. Chance and Dr. j J. S'. Jackson responded in fiery j speeches then a collection of $80., was taken in a few minutes, the conference showing the pride they always show for this school being in her bounds. Dr. John Van Cat lage, P. E., of the Georgiana Dist.,, read a report that held spell-bound ! the entire Conference, (Catlage His men lined up- (a nice set they were), and reported showing they had been following to success their leader (Catlage). Rev. A. L. Hudson fraternal Mes senger from the North Aabama Con ference delivered his message in strong tones and eloquent words which showed him equal to the task. After assignments and reports of committees, the Conference ad journed. : ( | FRIDAY NIGHT SESSION. | Friday night was a banner ses-' sion for the Conference for each day had brought many prominent. lady missionaries to the Confer-; ence also Dr. J. W. Wood was on the spot, »it looked like the whole, of Evergreen was out. Mrs. J. W. j Alstork was Mistress of ceremonies, j Miss Olivet Juzan ably presided at the organ the choir composed of the best voices of the Conference | rendered such music as would a,t- j tract celestial beings much less poor mortals as we. Scripture reading Mrs. E. M. Brooks, prayer, i Janie Zeigler; Lord’s prayer chant-' ■>d by choir, speech, subject: i “Education,” by Mrs. M. L. Salters, j Solo, Mrs. Lena Martin; paper, t Mrs. A. M. Gamble; solo, Josephine Gray; paper, Cora Maxwell; Solo, j Anna Bachelor; Recitation, Sefrona Gaston; this is a gist of the pro gramme while others participated, Mrs. Eliza Payne was prominent; among the number, Mrs. Melisa Carter was sick but sent her re port. Dr. J. W, Wood, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Missionary Secretary, was1 introduced by Bishop Alstork. Dr. | Wood’s address was billed as one j of the center of attractions for this occasion. Dr. Wood has traveled on the dark continent of (Africa, I preached to the natives took obser vations of needs to carry on the work. He addressed himself to the subject of “African Redemp tion”. His address was an eye opener and a heart rending appeal for the church to put on her strength and go to the rescue of the heathen Oh how his appeal rings on7 our hearts today as he spoke so earnest so powerful for a spiritual tidje to sweep the world and Christ’s kingdom come among all men even every creature, Dr. Wood sat down when tears were streaming, hearts burning: Bishop Alstork to add fire to fire . made some stirring remarks then came the tug of war; a collection by the districts and conference resulted In raising nearly $150. Benediction by Dr. J. W. Wood. satttdday’s session. After the morning devotions scripture readiife song and prayer. The roll was ;»lled minutes read and approved.,! misitors introduced l>r. L. W. Kb'A, Editor of the Quarterly Review, Secretary of the Brotherhood a|ii®had arrived and re ceived a iwanm deception. He made a strong speecnm Rev. F. W. Ward one of the fir&g pastors of Mont gomery also yjJRde able remarks. Rev. Me Gfldver P. E., of the Brewton Dietifct read. a splendid report of his district. He has made things hum ifnder ' his administra tion. His report-" was a detailed re port. His ipen had more round reports than any other District. The day wailjtaken by hearing re ports of cowinittees. The Missionary ladies made their report to tlj. conference and they were spokenTto by able men. The 'Committee on Admission, ordination, 1st 2nd, 3rd and' 4th year’s studifs, V. C. E., Education, Temperance/ Sunday School, State of the Country all Tefported. Rev. I. 4.I Chance was appointed to preach affr:30 p. m. SATUKDRY NIGHT SESSION. After prayer meeting. A lively song servici. The speaker arose and took asyi text Gen. 19:29, “And ,and it cam*/ to pass, when God destroyed to® cities oi. the plain that God remenjflfwered Abraham and sent Dot out of the midst of the over throw, when he overthrew the cities in which -Lot dwelt.” Subject: “Intercessory* prayer.” After the sermon the conference indulged in an old fashioned hand shake, col lection, benediction. SUNDAY’S SESSION. Sunday School was addressed 'by Dir. J. W. Jones, D, D., Rev. M. fclopton. The hour for preaching having arrfred Dr. J. Wood lined “My hope built on nothing less.” Bishop lAlstork after iprayer arose and in welll'chosen words introduced Dr. , L. fW.Kyles, Editor of the Quarterly Review to preach the or dination sermon iDr. Kyles took as a text Roil. 15:13. Subject: “Hope a 'Potential Factor in the devel opment of the Christian character,” Any one i ho ever preached to a large congi egation of various minds knows how hard it is to satisfy all b,ut Dr. K; les proved equal to the task. To the spiritual as well as the intelle' tiual he iwas master. After he 1 Id led his hearers into the deep tl i|ngs of hope. He seem ed to hav >| first gotten hold of their mine d then their hearts be gan to ca jh on fire of the Holy Ghost. Di.‘I Kyles seemed to have been fully It himself. His sermon had a wo Jerful bearing conference land Dr. Kyles already h J. J. Nich C. Hilson. ference. fitter the collection Bish op Alstorl : ordained elders David Kelly, A. ] 1. Dickerson, Joseph Ash, olson, W. J. Prymus, T. Deacons: Hood John son, Will iam Andrews Steward. Benedictio i by Dr. Kyles. im., Eulogistic services, Moorer eulogized Rev. on sang, “When my life nded.” Rev. Me Glover Rev. S. M. Washington, At 3 p. Rev. G. W A. Middiet work is eulogized Rev. |John V. (Oatlage, Dr. More land, Dr. F. K. Bird, Mrs. Daisy Lyman. A Collection of $6.05 was taken for 1 lev. Washington’s family. SUNB AY NIGHT’S SESION. Prayer meeting was led Rev. /Wan. Mitchell hymn No. 770. “I love thy kingdem Lord;” Rev. John V. Oatlage, D. D., read St. Matthew 13th chapter, Rev. Me. Glover of fered a fervent prayer; 2nd hymn No. 797, “Blest be the ties that binds” Dr. Oatlage then introduced Dr. J. W.j Wood to preach the closing seifmon Dr. Wood took as a text 13t l chapter 33rd verse of Matt. “Thu Kingdom of heaven is like Unto leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, Subjject: “Faith.” He liken ed the lefaven to the ultimate evangelization of mankind by the gospel of Christ. He said the gos pel win never loose its power on mankind and said it was planted in men’s) hearts. The task of preaching behind so many sermons in one day and to so large congre gation but Dr. Wood proved equal to the tas t. Rev. M. C. Crawford approach . he throne of grace, col lection. £ olo by Cooper Armstrong. The coj ference had much work to finish ind labored . until a late hour in he night. The reports showed nearly $50,000 raised for sea. The general fund little over $2,000 mark. all purpi fell just a Appointments. Greenvi le District, Presiding El der, i )r. L. D. Workman. Jreenville Station, Dr. J. C. Thomp son. Searcy Circuit, J. W. Jones, D. D. dt. Olive loircuit, Rev. F. L. Bell, rt. Deposlj;, D. C. Kiser, hdian Hill Circuit, Rev. L. Lewis. 3edar Hill (Circuit, Rev. Joseph Ash. lopewell Circuit, Rev. L. R. John son. 3andy Ridge 'Circuit, Rev. T. C. Hilson. Oak Grove Circuit, Rev. W. E. Escutte. Calhoun Circuit, Rev. T. S. Jones. ^tev. I. A. Chance was appointed raveling agent for Lomax College. Georgian? District, Presiding El der Dr, John Vam Oatlage. Jeorgiana circuit, Rev. M. Jackson. Zion cihapel cireuit, Rev. T. L. Holt. Forest Home circuit, To foe supplied. Braggs Hill circuit, Rev. ;G. W. Moorer. ,St. Luke circuit, Rev. C. W. Thomas Iduma circuit, Rev. G. H. Gafney. River Falls circuit, Rev. Wm. Wil son. Florala circuit, Rev. Henry Warner. (Warner. McKenzie Mission, Rev. J. S. M'c Kezie. >■ Kelly’s Mission, Rev. ©avid Kelly. Brewton District, P. E., Rev. M'c. Glover. Brewton cirout, Rev. W. S. Mead ows. Twin iBeach circuit, Rev. G. 'C. Champion. , Atm ore circuit, Rev. J. J. Nicholson. Monroeville circuit, Rev. S. P. Jor dan. Evergreen cireuit, Rev. W. W. Her ring. ■ Milledgeville circuit Rev. r. **• Hubbard. Castleberry circuit, Rev. R. H. Kemp. Garland circiut, Rev. E. A. Moorer. Burnt Corn cicuit, To foe supplied Poland Mission.— / THE EAGLE’S ALARM FROM ARKANSAS. Retrospective Comments. Bev. C. W. P. Mitchell, B. S. The Fall Conferences are all over; and while most instances they were marked by “'financial fall-offs,’ yet whatever happened, has hap pened and the men have gone to their respective fields of labor to set sails for aonther year’s voyage. (While the southern wing of Zion’s watchmen is taking the “long breath” that is so naturally the last trace of a hard years service, brought on by the adjournment of their Annual Conference sessions, the nothern wing is feeling the radiations of heat coming from the Episcopal blazer and Connectionai departmental “sweat boxes” that tell them that “they are to the margin come.” May I say to these Brethren “Fear not, Brethern, joy ful stand, on the borders of our land.” We of the South in spirit, one, “Bids you undismayed, go on.” For the third year I pick up the reins of authority with which I must hold the fiery steed of Zion Methodism on the Little Rock dis trict of the Arkansas Conferences fes Presiding Elder for anotheryear. While last year was in many re spects a hard one, yet we have rea sons to thank God that the Grand Old Little rock District, though one - least of-ail the districts in the State from the standpoint of membership, led in the amount of Gentefial /Claims reported fio|r the year. Not unto me, not unto me, but to God, the ministers, and the faithful members be the praise for this success and distinction. Dr. J. B. Colbert, A. M., LL.B., the hustling -P. E., of the Louisville district of the Kentucky Confer ence, Editor of the “Columbian,” one of the best edited papers of the race, and a strong candidate for the bishopric at the next General Conference; with Dr. W. A. Black well, A. M., one of the greatest platform speakers of the race, a great pulpiteer, and a formidable candidate for the Editorship of the “Star oe Zion, who pastors in Cin cinnati, Ohio, were present; they were of great service to the ses sions and great inspiration to the brethren. Their speeches and ser mons so electrified the ministers un til in spite of the Bishops disposi tion to object to conference endorse ment to candidates, the men “got ’oose,” and endorsed the candidacy of Dr. Colbert for the bishopric and Dr. Blackwell for the editorship of the Star. These are great men than whom Zion has produced no greater. Each of them would do credit and great service if elected to the positions to which they aspire. Bishop G. L. Blackwell, A. 'M., S. T. D. ruled over the delibera tions of the conference with both ease and dignity, and in the “School of the Prophets” told the men how to plan so as to prevent “panic straits,” brought on by "Adminis tration Crisis,” bad cotton crops, and other social conditions from hindering them in the work of financing the church. We visited the Arkansas Con ference, the session of which was held in Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and In spite of financial conditions from without, and rainy weather within the city, a happier set of ministers would have been scarcely found anywhere. Drs. Colbert and Blackwell were there also, and after making a like impression upon them as upon the brethren of the North Arkansas Conference, they too thought it pot robbery to endorse their candidacy. Revs. G. R. Nelson, of the North Arkansas and R. B. Macon of the Arkansas, with their good members, ehtertained their respective confer- j ences in creditable style, and were retained in their respective charges. . i Eider lYLaioou, ai»» of Pine Bdiuff “His way,” and seems to Ibe content to remain. Judging from the hat, suit, and shoes given hirn by his good members as well as form their high regards for him (as a Christian gentleman, I decided that he ha? really learned that ‘‘‘Godliness with contentment is great gain.” TIKe Negro Ouffraige League a political organization of the city made up of such men as | Messrs. Price, Havis, Jones, Powell, j Taylor, and others tendered the I Bishop, Oils cabinet, and few of | his Heading pastors a reception. It was a high class affair, and is an index finger pointing to the pop ularity of Elder Macon in Pine Bluff. Because of the ill-health of Rev. W. L. Clayton, ex-presiding Elder of the Montrose district, he ac cepted the appointment as pastor of Mt. Pisgah, while Rev. J. M. Irvin was appointed P. E., in his place. While we have to lose the strong and matchless preacher, parliamen tarian, and companionlble Elder Clayton from the galaxy of P. E’s., in the State, we welcome Elder Irvin and feel that under his care ful oversight the grand Montrose district will lose no ground in the “District March” of the State. Common sense, it seems to say nothing of other qualifications should teach those who as ministers consider themselves big men ip the church, that they can never make their landing by continually pouring out vituperations upon the so-called little men. When ever a man condescends to strike at a man beneath him, he i|S tihe^i seen upon a leve{! 'iwith the man he has conspired to fight. A heavy weight should always stay in the heavy-weight class. But Brother, “Forget not the day of small thingsj” for he it useless or not useless, to oonsu]t these “Jack legs” as some consider them, they outnumber the other legs in Zion or other church: and if any man is elected to any position in Zion church, it will he, ifor the moist part, the results Of the ballots cast by these “little men.” Remember that these “Jack-legs” are not all •logger-heads.” They will never allow one to mock them three years and eleven months, and then the twelfth” month use them as stilts to step into a general office on dur ing the Genera! Conference. I am no prophet*, neither am I the son of a prophet, hut I believe with the araostle James that “If any man offend not in words the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body.” When one reads such things from the pen of a so-called wise man? he is forced to ask with the same Apostle, Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversa tion his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envyings and strife in your hearts, glory not, and Hie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above but is earthy, isenisuoil, devihsh. For where envyings and strife is, there is confusion and evepr evi! work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be iptreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and with out hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace to t^tbat make peace.” James, This is the diseiption of the man that Zion wants and delighteth to honor. We are looking for a man of this stamp to fill the editors chair when in 1916 the Zion Church/ win say to Dr. Clement come up higher. “The last word has been said.” Little Rock, Ark. Things Tabulated for the En suing General Conference. By Rev. J. T. McMillan. 1st that the ensuing General Conference should enact a law, that not in no case make new appoint ments to a charge until said church shall have paid the full amount agreed upon for the support of the former pastor and family; or shall have given him satisfaction con cerning the same. This would en able the pastor to pay his debts and thereby relieve him of much embarrassment. 2nd. That in no case shall a pas tor serve a church without a writ ten contract, that said contract shall be signed by the officers of the church. 3rd That the term of the presid ing Eldership in the A. M. E. Zion Church, shall be four years; how ever, that, he shall not serve anoth er term in succession, unless he is elected by a majority of the annual conference. This rwould give re lief and encouragement to the brethren in many sections of the Church. 4th. Now as to the question of «qual lay representation in the •Genierail Conference, that the *A. M. E. Zion Church has not sufficiehtly developed to undertake such a mighty matter. Tuskegee, Ala.
The Star of Zion (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Jan. 21, 1915, edition 1
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