AND YE SHALL
iW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH S]
HE YOU FREE.”—John viii, 82.
m-wm
NO. 81.
VOL. L.
CHARLOTTE. N. C„ THURSD AY, MJ6UST 2, 1928.
STATE DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION ARE
WORKING TO IMPROVE SYSTEMS
By Leo. M. Favrot
Of the North Carolina Department of Education, in The Norfolk
Journal and Guide.
It is gratifying to record the
fhcT that practically all State
departments of education in the
South are systematically work
ing on State programs for the
improvement of Negro educa
tion. Attention has already been
called to divisions of Negro edu
cation in State departments. In
the beginning none of these di
visions were ..financed by the
States, even in part. Now,
however, some of the States are
sharing in' paying the cost of
these divisions. The State of
North Carolina is now spending
from-State funds nearly $20,000
a year bn its division of Negro
education. The present trend in
State departments, however, is
to have every division of the
State department and every field
worker concerned about the wel
fare and improvement of Negro
schools as well as white schools.
The State Superintendents are
seriously concerned about the
shortage of adequately educated
and trained Negro teachers. In
some States, notably North Car
olina, the State is providing
training teachers in private in
stitutions, in addition to provid
ing fdt the training of teachers
in State institutions. In other
States, the training of teachers
on a high school level is used as
a temporary expedient in an ef
fort to raise the level of scholar
ship a,nd professional training in1
backward counties, Florida has
supplied a special State fund to
help finance the work. In Vir
ginia, serous thought is being
given to the advisability of of-j
fering one year of intensive
teachers’ training following high
school graduation in a few select
ed high schools, while in Arkan
sas, State school officials are
turning their minds to the feas
ibility of establishing in two or
three sections of the State
branches of the State institution,
at Pine Bluff in order to supply
a sufficient number of centers
for training elementary teach
ers. Thus defpiite planning and
constructive thought in this
field are rapidly supplanting the
former go-as-you-please and
indifferent attitude.
In the matter of providing
public funds from State sources
to help bear the expenses of
county supervision, Maryland
does not stand alone. Virginia
contributes from State funds an
nually for the support of the
JeaiTes county agents, a larger
amount than is supplied by the
Jeanes Fund, while North Caro
lina supplies from State sources
nearly as much as the Jeanes
Fund. Tennessee pays from
State Funds one-third of the sal
ary of the Jeanes Agents iii
counties. Recent legislation in
V Alabama provides State funds
\’or the salaries of county super
visors to be apportioned under
_ Idtfh limitations as to insure ad
eqvtote service where the need
is greatest. Some counties will
quaify* for a Negro county su
pertisor the first year. Missis
sippi nee<*8 only a slight change
in its law, a change which it is
contemplated will be made at the
current session of the legislature,
to enable several counties now
needing and desiring the servic
es of Negro county school super
visors, to employ them.
In the field of secondary edu
cation, too, the outlook is bright
er than it has ever been. Men
tion has made of the effort to
accredit and standardize Negro
high schools. In States where
Stat^ aid is high schools is giv
en, Negro high schools are shar
ing each year to an increasing
exteftt in this fund. State funds
are available in Georgia and Ala
bama to assist in the develop
menf of at least one high school
in each county.- In Texas and
I Oklahoma provisions under State
law for the high school education
of Negro children are such as to
insure ample opportunities for
children completing the elemen
tary grades in both city and
country.
It is far from the purpose here
to lejpve the impression that Ne
gro public education has attained
high goals or achieved notable
ends. There are high points of
progress, but it is only too true
that in many sections of the
South almost nothing has been
done to make Negro schools bet
ter. Other sections are only be
ginning to awaken to the needs
in Negro education. Nearly
everywhere school revenues are
inadequate;, often pitifully so. In
numbers of places public senti
ment is still woefully indifferent.
But notwithstanding these ad
verse conditions, there are sig
nificant indications of genuine
interest and constructive effort
and these indications are found
at points of strategic impor
tance. Along with the active
county and city superintendents
leadership in State departments
of education is a growing local
leadership in the offices of
county an deity superintendents,
and an increasingly able and ef
ficient number of Negro educa
tional leaders laboring and sacri
ficing unceasingly in behalf of
■the advancement of the Negro
children. Each passing year
leaves stronger evidence of an
increasing purpose to bring
about, through a growing spirit
of mutual understanding and co
operation, a system of Negro
public education in the South
worthy of American enterprise
and perseverance.—The Bulle
tin.
CATAWBA SCHOOL OF
METHODS NOTES
By Frank C. Shirley
A steady stream of registra
tions is pouring into headquar
ters. The prospects were never
brighter for a large and repre
sentative delegation. Many of
the leading churches of the Syn
od that have always had large
delegations to the School of
Methods are this year surpassing
their former record. For in
stance, Calvary church, of Wil
son, N. C., has already registered
15 delegates and the prospects
are bright for additional dele
gates. Brooklyn church in
Charlotte has registered 5 dele
gates representing as many or
ganizations in the church. Blan
donia at Sanford sends 7 regis
trations and asks for additional
cards to register others.
The Boys’ Camp project is
shaping up fine. Our only regret
is that we must limit the num
ber because of the limited equip
ment that we have at our dispos
al. Among the churches that
will have representatives at the
Camp are Biddleville, Calvary,
Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, Blando
nia, Timothy Darling, St. James,
Holbrook Street and Davie St.
Our Convention music has
been fine in the past, but this
year it promises to be better
than ever. Dr. Long, the musical
director, with the assistance of
Mrs. B. G. McMillan, of Sanford,
is planning for the Convention
an excellent musical program.
All those who play string or wind
instruments are requested to
bring them when they come so
they can join in with the Con
vention orchestra.
(Continued on page 2)
CENSUS OF REU
GIOUS BODIES-1926
African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church.
Washington, D. 0., July 19,
1928.—The Department of
Commerce announces that, ac
cording to the returns received,
there were in the United States
2,466 churches of the African
Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
in 1926, with 466, 813 members,
as compared with 2,716 churches
and 257,169 members reported
in 1916. The difference in mem
bership between 1926 and 1916
does not represent an actual
growth in this denomination, as
furnished on the same basis. At
the data for both periods was not
the census of 1926, all members
including all baptized persons
were reported, and in 1916 a
large number of pastors report
ed only “dollar money” mem
bers.
The total expenditures for
1926, as reported by 2,464
churches, amounted to $4,757,
066, including $4,091,023 for
current expenses and improve
ments, $662,993 for benevo
lences, missions, etc., and
$3,050 not classified. The total
expenditures reported by 2,641
churches in 1916 were $1,700,
737. The value gf church edific
es (including lurniture and
equipment), as reported by 2,370
churches for 1926, was $18,515,
723 which may be compared
with $7,591,393 reported by
2,475 churches in 1916.
Of the 2,466 churches report
ing in 1926, 650 were located in
urban territory (incorporated
places of 2,500 inhabitants or
more) and 1,816 were in rural
areas. Of the total membership,
193,926 were in the urban
churches and 262,887 in the ru
ral churches; and of the total
expenditures 649 dhurchfes re
ported $2,576,570 and 1,815 ru
ral churches, $2,180,496. The
value of church property report
ed by 615 urban churches was
$13,451,618 ;and. that reported
by 1,755 rural churches was
$5,064,105.
Sunday schools were reported
by 2,429 churches of this denom
ination in 1926, with 45,087 of
ficers and teachers and 267,141
scholars. The number of offi
cers and teachers in the Sunday
schools as reported for 1916 was
18,982 and the number of schol
ars, 135,102.
MARKING TIME AT HOT
SPRINGS, ARK.
Though our work has been af
flicted for some time with mani
fest neglect and indifference of
its membership, valiant efforts
are being put forth to infuse
new life and enthusiasm in its
corporate being. Outside of the
hearty cooperation of Dr. and
Mrs. Mebane and two faithful
women the minister has no
other dependable assistance for
constructive plans for the
church’s progress. True it is
that financial conditions are dis
tressing at this time of the year,
but there is abundant opportu
nity for more industrial life,
manifest interest and active co
operation in the welfare of the
church. The members of every
other church, excepting ours and
the Episcopal church, are busily
entertaining in one way or an
other, raising funds for their
expense budget. This “grand
pair” seem perfectly satisfied
with thetr names and the boast
of help from their Boards.
Just now money is being
raised to repair the church
building, especially in the neces
sary roofing, so as to make it fit
for service. At present, through
the courtesy of Dr. Mebane, our
services are held in the school
building. The response to the
needy call is very slow and fee-!
ble.
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Thom with
Misses Stinson and Mayle, en
route to fjCamden, Ark., for
evangelist^ meetings, were
guests forft night of Dr. and
Mrs. Meblhe. The occasion
brought ft th many pleasant
memories tof past associations
from their Meep recesses.
Rev. Dr«and Mrs. Savage are
here enjo|fng the benefit of
these mecicinal baths. Mrs.
Stinson, of Pine Bluff, is in our
midst also for similar benefit.
They acknowledge (and indica
tions are djanifest of their im
proved healths.
s ago a lively com
uates and students
r assembled around
en table of delecta
ble and palatable
memoration of Dr.
irthday. Knowing
ety of such, the
ot expect the writ
rhich anniversary it
umor and pleasant
orable pasttimes in
various church as
A few dl
pany of
with anotl
a heavily
ble, relist
foods, in ct
Mebane’s
the improj
public does
er to say
was. Wit,
ries of mer
school and
semblies punctuated the celebra
tion with
The several
sented as
Drs. Savage
writer; Johi|
leasurable delight,
schools were repre
follows: Lincoln—
Mebane and the
on C. Smith, Mr.
Alvin Cav^iess; Scotia—Mes
dames Mebane, Stinson and Rid
dell ; and Barber College for Wo
men—Miss [Thelma Christmas,
still a student. Mrs. Mary
Chambers, 4pnt of Mr. Caviness,
completed tpe happy circle. The
icture of the group
;olnites” who dove
her in their educa
tional careers. Dr. Savage fin
ished leaving Dr. Mebane, and
he, in due process of time, fin
ished, leaving the writer.
C. H. UGGAMS.
outstanding!
was the “Lii
tailed each <3
YOUNG PRESBYTERI
an minsters MAK
ING GOOD
It was my pleasure while at
tending the Ministers’ Confer
ence at Hampton Institute, Vir
ginia, a few weeks ago, to make
a few side trips to visit my old
college friends, being accompa
nied by Mrs. Murray and D. Tal
mage, Jr., dreams of long ago
are now being fulfilled because
while in college we often talked
about the future—how we were
to visit each other in our big
churches, and look back over our
college days. However, I might
say that these days are just a
little different from what we
thought they would be.
Our first visit was at Norfolk,
Va., where we spent a few days
in the home of Prof, and Mrs.
J. R. Dungee, Sr., and Rev. and
Mrs. F. D. Nance.x Rev. Nance
is the successful pastor of our
church in Norfolk, and is push
ing Presbyterianism to the front
because Norfolk is truly a Bap
tist city. Mrs. Nance is a splen
did young woman and is deeply
interested in church work and
is sparing no pains to make her
husband’s ministry a success.
From Norfolk we journeyed
to Newport News, Va., where we
spent a most delightful week in
the lovely home of Rev. and Mrs.
J. Metz Rollins. Rev. Metz is
pastoring my ideal of a church—
not only the beautiful building,
but the fine Christlike spirit that
prevails throughout the entire
membership. It was said by one
of the leaders at the,Hampton
Conference that the educated
layman is a great hindrance to
the church. While some of the
brethren said amen! some of us
thought otherwise. Rev. Rol
lins’ session is constituted of ed
ucated laymen, and these men
are working with whole soul,
heart and mind for the develop
ment and progress of the church.
Rev. Rollins is wonderfully
blessed in having a wife who is
intensely interested in his work.
From Newport News we
journeyed to Washington, D. C.,
where we spent another delight
ful and happy week because we
were at home with Mr. and Mrs.
W. J. Pearson, the parents of
Mrs. Murray. They are very
influential members of Tabor
Presbyterian church, of which
Rev. R. A. Fairley is pastor.
Rev. Fairley preached for
three years in the Y. M. C..A.
building after leaving the semi
nary to a very small member
ship, not becoming discouraged
he labored on with faith in his
work; so today they are wor
shipping in a beautiful brick
structure with a membership of
more than two hundred. He,
too, is blessed with having a
splendid wife, whp is assisting
him in his life’s work. All of
these young ministers are mak
ing good, doing much to spread
Presbyterianism on their respec
tive fields.
D. T. MURRAY.
Harbison College,
Irmo, S. C.
DAILY VACATION BIBLE
SCHOOL WINS AWARD.
Denver, Colo., July 24, 1928.—
The Glenarm Y. M. C. A. School,
the only Vacation Bible School
for colored children in the Pres
bytery, won highest award in the
recent exercises held in the
fashionable Central Presbyterian
church after a four weeks’ pe
riod during which time more
than forty schools were conduct
ed under the supervision of the
Commission on Christian Educa
tion.
The work of two pupils, broth
er and sister, Vera and Harrison
Duncan, attracted the attention
of the director, Miss Esther Von
Reuceau and the other instruc
tors of the various schools. Both
young people made perfect score
.iu.ihe .difficult memory .exercis
es covering the whole scope of
work of the school, consisting of
Bible verses, songs and patriot
ic exercises, together with credi
table attendance and deportment
records. This showing was
noteworthy in view of the fact
that few of the schools produced
a single perfect entry in the
competition, and the successful
contestants were awarded a
handsome token as the gift of
the Presbytery.
The Glenarm School won sec
ond place in the track and field
meet, being defeated by only one
point at the annual outing held
at City Park.
HOLMES CHAPEL CHURCH,
MONTICELLO, ARK.
It has been some time since
the readers of the Africo-Amer
ican Presbyterian have heard
from us at Monticello, Ark.
Since our great Church this
year is emphasizing evangelism,
we thought some might be in
terested to know howr our field
has been affected by the spirit.
Dr. Sandy Thom did not get
to us at Monticello, but we had
with us Rev. W. W. Mayle, who
conducted evangelistic services
in the evenings, while Rev. C.
N. Shropshire held Daily Vaca
tion Bible School in the day. We
closed up this period of Bible
School and evangelistic meetings
with communion services on
July 22. We baptized 6 persons
and had 15 additions to the
membership of the church.
Most of these members came
to us through the influence of
our mission work. Our church
has done school work in this
community 40 years and the
field is whitening to harvest.
'The church and sclfcool work
hand in hand ; they live for each
other. We have a live, energet
ic, growing Sabbath school. We
want you to rejoice with us for
this ingathering of souls, and
May the Lord add others, for the
future is still encouraging for
us. Pray for us at Monticello,
Ark.
Yours in His name,
MRS. W. H. CARROLL.
HIGH POINT CHURCH CELE
BRATES THE FIFTH AliNI
VERS ARY OF THE PAS
TOR.
The 5th anniversary of Rev.
C. A. Washington as pastor of
Cherry Street Presbyterian
church at High Point is being
celebrated with exercises which
began Sunday, July 29th, and
will continue through Monday
evening, August 6th. The pro
gram follows:
Sunday, July 29th, 11 A. M.
Annual Sermon.
Music, Cherry Street. Com
bined choirs.
Sunday, July 29th. 3:30 P. M.
Deacons, Deaconesses and
Pastor's afternoon.’ -
Church Street Presbyterian
church and Choir, Salisbury, N.
C. Rev. J: M. Moton preaches.
Monday Night, July 30th.
Elders’ Night.
Brooks Memorial M. E.
church and choir. Rev. W. E.
Hairston preaches.
Tuesday Night, July 31st.
Deacons’ Night.
St. James Presbyterian church
and choir. Rev. H. C. Miller
preaches. !
Wednesday Night, August 1
Superintendent of Sunday
School.
Morris Chapel M. E. church
and choir. Rey. W. L. Ash
preaches.
Thursday Night, August 2nd.
The C. E. Society and the
Guild Society.
The Second Congregational
church and choir. Rev. J. A.
Bobber preaches.
Friday Night, August 3rd.
Ladies’ Missionary Society.
St. Stevens A .M. E. Zion
church and choir.
Rev. C. W. Carver preaches.
Sunday, August 5th, 11 A. M.
Sermon by the pastor*
rShffiJI^*A«g^r5fli, 3:3TP. M.
Castors’ and Deaconesses’ Af
ternoon.
Grace Presbyterian church, of
Winston-Salem, and Shady Side
Presbyterian church, of Lexing
ton, and congregations arid
choirs. Rev. Dr. J. A. Bonner,
of Grace church, peaches. Rey.
Dr. W. J. Rankin, pastor of
Shady Side, will read the Scrip
ture and pray.
We are extending an invita
tion to all the churches in the
city of High Point to come and
worship with us in all of the
services.
]*!cnday Night, August 6th.
A. reception will be given at '
the church for all the members
of the church and our friends.
The roll of the members of the
church will be called at the re
ception. All services at night
begin at 8 o’clock P. M.
Officers:
W. M. Torrence, Clerk of Ses
sion.
Deacons—D. N. Moore, W. M.
Paige, A. Carpenter, W. L. Mc
Cain, Chairman; Theo. Boger,
Treasurer; A. Snipe, Secretary.
Elders—H. R. Keno, C. W.
Robinson, C. R. Robinson, Dr. L.
L. Campbell, Andrew Stevenson,
L. B. Kearns, A. R. Graham.
Deaconesses—Mrs. W. M. Tor
rence, Mrs. A. Carpenter, Mrs.
L. Simson, Mrs. W. H. Saund§rs,
Mrs. A. Stevenson.
Presidents of Auxiliary—Mrs.
W. M. Paige, the Guild Society;
Mrs. L. Simpson, The Ladies’
Missionary Society
Mrs. Daisy Alexander, Chris
tian Endeavor.
Elder L. L. Campbell, Chair
man of Program Committee.
Rev. C. A. Washington, Pastor.
Dr. J. C. Morgan, Supt.
The church has raised seven
thousand fourteen dollars and
twenty-six cents during the pres
ent administration. One hun
dred and twenty members have
been added to the church. There
have been only five deaths in
the five years Rev. Washington
has been here, and twelve offi
cers have been ordained.
Pray that God will continue to
bless these good people and thffit
we may have more courage,
more faith to work.