Africo
VOL. XLIX.
“AND YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH. AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.”—John viii 3B
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CHARLOTTE, N. C., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1927
_ . . >
l
NO. 35.
BLAZERS AND CHIPS
By Rev. Wm. L. Metz, D. D.
(By order of Atlantic Synod).
Article I.
While Generals Grant and Lee
were agreeing on terms of the
surrender of the latter to the
former at Appomatox Court
House, April 9, 1865, God was
making terms with a few Godly
men and women in the North
and South, who were willing to
sacrifice comforts of home, to
become separated from friends,
and became subjects of unpleas
ant discussions and objects of so
cial ostracism by their brethren,
to cast their lot among recently
emancipated slaves in the South
ern States to be lights unto the
path of the ex-slaves and their
children and a light unto their
feet, which had gone so far
afield in moral and mental train
ing by no fault of their own.
A brief history of these men
and women and of a few of their
products carries one back to the
days of small things in the mak
ing of the black man in the
South. In those days the Negro
was a social curiosity; intellect
ually, a babe; and politically, a
nonentity. Truly this is a re
trospect of the early 60’s, when
it meant for a white man of the
North or South to become an
object of hate and scorn by his
white brother in the South when
his Yankee brother or Godly in
clined Southern brother in white
ascended the Ethiopian’s chari
ot to explain to the Ethiopian
what his brother in black could
neither read nor understand.
Like Philip and his brethren,
these God-fearing men were few
—when they are confined to the
Presbyterian group—but their
influence and teaching had no
limit; for their spirit and good
works reached thousands teem
ing in and filing from Phara
oh’s brickyard, with Ephesians
6:5 constituting their entire
code of ethics: “Servants, be
obedient to them that are your
masters according to the flesh,
with fear and trembling, in sin
gleness of your heart, as unto
Christ.” But while they were
fow in number, the number is
far too large to give each even
honorable mention in a brief
sketch of these faithful blazers
and some of their chips.
As to whom credit goes for
striking the first light after the
Civil War, or in 1866, we have no j
record; but the writer of this I
sketch knows from an old record
of Freedom church at Dunlap,
N. C., that the Rev. Sidney
Murkland began service as a
self-appointed missionary among
the ex-slaves early in 1865; and
from reliable information re
ceived from the late Rev. W. A.
Yancey—for many years a most
faithful Sunday School Mission
ary —Mrs. S. J. Neil came to
Amelia County, Virginia, in the
year 1866, and began to teach
Negro children under a large oak
tree. This was the beginning of
Ingleside Seminary. But from
the record the Rev. Murkland
was preaching to the Negroes
of Bethany Township, Iredell
County, North Carolina, before
Mrs. Neil began her work so well
begun and is still bearing fruit
to her credit and to the glory of
God.
Soon after Rev. Murkland’s
activity among the Negroes as a
Godly force, the Revs. Willis L.
Miller and S. C. Alexander asso
ciated themselves with him, and
in October, 1866, these three
men met where Freedom church
now stands and set up a Presby
tery and called it Catawba Pres
bytery. Truly they were blaz
ers in a dense forest of ignor
ance, for the people were ignor
ant. But they wrought well, in
season and out of season, in or
der and out of order, which is
the meandering path to all great
things with a background of
chaos and contention.
True to the old Presbyterian
spirit, the Rev. Mr. Miller sug
gested that, since they had
things well on the way for the
organization of churches, a col
lege to educate Negro ministers
to lead these newly emancipated
people should be the next thing
in order. In 1867 this idea ma
terialized into Biddle Institute
with Rev. Miller and his son and
daughter as teachers. At this
time his son, Rev. C. H. Miller,
of Denver. Colorado; and his
The Rev. Ijams pursued a
brief course at Biddle Institute.
He cut short his course because
of the urgent need for preachers
with other circumstances. He
began his ministry at a time in
those pioneer days when colored
Presbyterian ministers were
few. He held at various times a
number of churches in Catawba
Presbytery. This faithful ser
vant of God was able to recite
from memory the history of the
formation of all the colored Pres
byteries and Synods. He as
sisted in organizing many of the
THE REV. WIL LIS L. MILLER,
Founder of Biddle University, 1867.
daughter, now Mrs. Annie Orr,
of Sallisaw, Okla., were mere
children. They were Biddle’s
first teachers.
Rev. Miller was a Southern
man and saw service in the Civil
War. He was once an alderman
of Charlotte and a jurist of no
mean ability, but studied the
ology in Union Seminary, Rich
mond, Va., and his wife studied
there with him.
He was a slave owner, and
fought to perpetuate slavery,
but when he was converted (re
THE REV. MATTHEW IJAMS.
“Hero.”
formed) he strengthened the
black brethren.
The Rev. Matthew I jams was
one of the first students, along
with Calvin McCurdy, of Biddle
Institute, when Rev. Mr. Miller
organized this institution. He
was born in Davie County, North
Carolina, January 29, 1836. The
greater portion of his life was
spent in the gospel ministry. He
was licensed by Yadkin Presby
tery and ordained by Catawba
Presbytery in the 60’s; the exact
date is not certain.
Though Rev. I jams retired
just a few years before his
death, he was strong in voice and
vigorous in spirit to the last day.
He was known among his col
leagues as “Hero,” and he well I
deserved the name. He was a I
brave soldier of the cross of
Christ in which he gloried. '
churches in the Carolinas.
The Church and the race are
blessed because this hero lived
and served.
Though born in the North, he
spent his best days in the South,
THE REV. S. C. ALEXANDER
I). I).,
The First Presid nil «■(', Middle
Institute.
in North Carolina. A brief
sketch of his ministerial activi
ty reveals that Samuel Caruth
ers Alexander, D. D., was born
at Shirleysburg, Pa.; and grad
uated from Washington and Jef
ferson College with the degree
of A. B. in 1858, and from Co
lumbia Theological Seminary, at
Columbia, S. C., in the year
1861. He was licensed in April,
1860, by the Presbytery of
Charleston; ordained December,
1861, by the Presbytery on Con
cord, N. C.; and after which he
became pastor of Steel Creek
church, not very from the insti
tution of which he became its
first President, from 1861 to
1865. After 1865 he became a
missionary about Charlotte.
From 1867 to 1871 he was in
Biddle as a teacher and head of
this historic school.
When Dr. Alexander left Bid
dle he returned to Shirleysburg,
Pa., and became pastor of the
church there from 1871 to 1873.1
Leaving there he became pastor I
of Upper Path Valley, Pa., and
there he remained from 1873 to
1887. Mlllerstown church, in
Pennsylvania, seems to have
been his last pastoral charge,
which be£an in 1887.
Dr. Alexander was a member
of the General Assembly when
it met in; Albany, N. Y., 1868;
in Madison, Wis., 1880; and in
Washington, D. C., 1893. He
was editor of the Freedman’s
Journal in Charlotte, N. C.,
from ’67 to ’68.
CATAWBA PRESBYTERIAL
The lUdlefonte Presbyterian
church, at Harrisburg, Dr. F. T.
Logan, pastor, was the meeting
place for Catawba Presbyterial,
July 21-22, 1927.
The meeting opened at 10:30
o’clock with a spiritual service,
led by Mi's. M. J. Alexander,
many taking part. This part of
of our meeting is always a treat
for the scad and this service was
no exception. Dr. G. E. Davis,
who is noted for his oratorical
ability, was present and made a
plea for each one of us to serve
God in his or her sphere of life
that he or she is best suited for.
Brother Wm. Phifer, our old
standby, put much stress on go
ing a little farther spiritually
and spreading our wings a lit
tle wider over humanity.
The regular order was then
called for by our President, Mrs,
G. E. Davis, which was the en
rollment of delegates. Delegates
from 29 societies, 3 guilds and
3 Light Bearers reported,
The minutes of last meeting
were read and approved. Ap
pointment of committees was
next in order.
Mrs. M. J. Phifer, our Synod
ical delegate, made a very full
and instructive report. Every
thing, Mrs. Phifer said, was
done as clock w-orlc. This report
from Mrs. Phifer was so full
and complete that the other
members of our Presbyterial
that attended Synod said they
had nothing to say. Mrs. Alice
Jewell, however, did add that
Mrs. McCrorey was our new
Synodical President. Mrs. Da
vis introduced Mrs. McCrorey,
who came forward and assured
us that the office was not sought
by her, and she hoped that the
Synodical had been led by the
divine hand, and that she will
ingly accepted. She also made
it plain that the members of a
local society are members of the
Synodical.
Drs. McCrorey; ~^ker, Melton,
L. B. West and 1 . Bell were
made honorary members. Each
gave encouraging words. Dr.
Baker’s statement on unity,
and stewardship will live long
in the hearts and minds of those
who were so fortunate as to
hear him. The Benediction was
pronounced by Dr. Bell and all
retired to the lawn and partook
of the bountiful supplies that
the good people of Bellefonte
church had prepared for us.
At 2:30 P. M., Mrs. Davis
asked that the “Biennial Hymn,”
“Christ, Thou Dost Call Our
Souls,” be sung as the opening
song. Prayer was offered by Dr.
Melton and remarks made by
the President.
As there was no new business
at this time the reports of del
egates were taken up. Twenty
nine delegates reported. For
some reason there were not as
many reports as last year, but
they were more encouraging,
and the financial standing was
higher than last year. Cedar
Grove Society, the banner soci
ety for the year, brought for
ward at this meeting over $40.
The total amount reported at
this time was $278.70.
Mrs. McCrorey spoke of our
young people and asked that
each year our young people be
given a place on the programme
and be given something definite
to do. Mrs. C. N. Jenkins and
Miss Annie Chresfield, who are
wrapped up in young folks,
spoke and made a plea for more
patience with and encourage
ment for them.
Mrs. M. L. Harrison intro
duced Mrs. Erwin (white) a mis
sionary worker from the white
Presbyterian church. Mrs. Er
win said she came for three
things: 1st. To see how we get
our women to attend the Pres
byterial meetings. 2nd. How
the rural people entertain a con
vention. 3rd. To learn of col
ored missions, Mrs. McCrorey
told Mrs. Erwin how grateful we
were for the help our white
(Southern) women were ren
dering the colored women.
The meeting then adjourned
until 8:30.
At 8:30 o’clock the song ser
vice was conducted by Bellefonte
choir. The music was sung with
telling effect, the voices of the
members blending well.
Next the prayer was offered
by Rev. 0. E. Sanders. It was
a soul stirring prayer. Rev. San
ders knows the value of prayer,
and when he prays he makes
others feel the presence of God.
A very cordial welcome was
given by Mrs. M. L. Harrison.
This address was full of sin
cerity and from the depths of
her heart. She said that it had
long been the desire of the peo
ple of Bellefonte church to have
our Presbyterial meet there, j
Their hearts, homes and church
and community were at our dis
posal and open for our entertain
ment.
Mrs. R. Z. Beatty, in a few
well chosen words, responded to
this address.
Mrs. M. G. Davis, the Presi
dent, gave a resume of the work
for the past 28 years. As we
listened to this address our
minds were carried back and we
began to review the history of
the society. One could readily
see the progress that had been
made. Mrs. Davis told of one
instance when the society was
in its infancy. There were nine
churches which had societies
when the Presbyterial met at
Woodland. Three members were
present at this meeting that
were present there: Mrs. M. J.
Phifer, Mrs. Lila Davison and
Mrs. M. G. Davis and the great
sum of $15 was taken then as
compared with more than $300
' today.
lvirs. r. w. Kussen was aosent,
therefore we were much disap
pointed at not having a report
from the General Assembly.
The next number on the pro
gram was an address on “The
Call of the Local Church,” by
Dr. L. B. West. This call was
wonderfully stressed. Dr. West
said the Missionary Society had
devotional programme, a finan
cial programme, and a social
programme and an educational
programme. Each point was well
discussed as only Dr. West can
do.
The collection was taken
amounting to $15. After the as
signment of homes adjournment
was taken until Friday morning.
The re-election of officers
brought about quite a ‘strong
and sudden feeling when our be
loved President, Mrs. M. G. Da
vis, offered her resignation. Mrs
McCrorey made such a forceful
and earnest plea to Mrs. Davis
not to resign at this particular
time that she reconsidered and
said she would serve another 12
months, at which time she will
resign to our regret.
The officers are:
President, Mrs. M. G. Davis.
1st. Vice-President, Mrs. A
L. Shute.
2nd. Vice-President, Mrs. M,
L. Harrison.
3rd. Vice-President, Mrs. Eli
JewelL
4th. Vice-President, Mrs M. J
Phifer.
5th. Vice-President, Mrs. Irma
Grier.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. L. Rollins.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. R
Z. Beatty.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs
H. F. Russell.
Secretary of Literature, Mrs,
K. 0. Alexander.
Assistant Secretary of Liter
ature, Mrs. E. B. White.
Secretary Associate Mem
bers, Mrs. N. Bell.
Secretary Missionary Educa
tion, Mrs. M. J. Alexander. .
Secretary Young People, Miss
Annie Chresfield.
Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Hes
ter Roscoe.
Secretary Stewardship, Mrs.
H. L. McCrorey.
Secretary Oversea Sewing,
Mrs. A. H. Spencer.
Secretary Westminster
Guilds, Miss J. B. Dixon.
Secretary Division of Mis
sions, Mrs. H. Wilson.
Secretary Social Service Work,
Mrs. J. H. Gamble.
Friday Morning, July 22, at 10
o’clock.
Mrs. Lila J. Davison had
charge of the praise service. It
was participated in by many
others and was very inspiring.
After 30 minutes in devotionals,
meeting was called to order for
business.
Rev. H. Wilson was accorded
a seat as a corresponding mem
ber. He came forward and ex
plained the purpose of the
School of Methods and as Presi
dent, urged more women to at
tend. Dr. Shute, Mr. Grier and
wife and daughter were accord
ed seats as corresponding mem
bers.
Mrs. White was not present,
therefore no report was given as
Secretary of Literature. Mrs.
Davis stated for Mrs. White
that her phase of the work was
of vast importance. Mrs. K. O.
Alexander, Assistant Secretary,
made a brief report.
Mrs. Eli Jewell, Secretary of
Associate Members, reported 82
members. . The -Missionary Edu
cation Secretary,- Mrs. M. J. Al
exander, made a brilliant report.
She spoke of having the coopera
tion of such members as Drs.
Melton and West and Revs. H.
Wilson, A. P. Corley, F. C. Shir
ley, which was more than grati
fying. Rev. Shirley was ac
corded A^seat as corresponding
member.
Miss J. B. Dixon was absent.
Mrs. Roscoe, Assistant Secreta
ry, made a few statements.
The Stewardship Secretary,
Mrs. H. L. McCrorey, gave a
brief summary of the meaning
of Stewardship. Stewardship,
said Mrs. McCrorey, means that
we belong to God. She also told
of her part in the conference
which voted to ask to send col
ored missionaries to Africa. She
said women could do and would
do if given a task. Mrs. Davis
spoke of the prejudice that ex
ists in bouth Ainca as being
more intense than any one can
imagine.
Mrs. A. H. Spencer, Secretary
Oversea Sewing, informed
the Presbyterial that she had
been successful in sending a real
nice and needed box to Mrs.
Hedrick to be sent out to some
needy school.
The report on Westminster
Guilds was given by the Secre
tary, Miss Annie Chresfield.
Mrs. H. Wilson, Secretary, on
the Division of Missions for Col
ored People, gave an encourag
ing report.
“How we have answered the
call on Missions” was answered
by our President, Mrs. Davis. It
was stated that the work done
in the present meeting bespoke
for us how the call had been
answered.
Rev. Shirley spoke on how to
get the young people marshalled
for the Daily Vacation Bible
Schools,
The report of Treasurer, Mrs.
Rollins, as always, was interest
ing.
All the reports were received
and approved.
Drs. Davis, Melton, and Wil
son all spoke concerning an
overture" that will enable us to
have a colored representative
among us from the Board to
study our work. A committee
was appointed consisting of Mrs.
McCrorey, Mrs. Jewell and Miss
Chresfield to prepare this skel
eton outline to present to the
Synod.
The Committee on Memorials
reported several workers as hav
ing passed, one being an exec
utive in the person of Mrs.
P. N. Dockery.
(Continued on page 3)