Newspapers / Africo-American Presbyterian (Wilmington, N.C.) / March 26, 1931, edition 1 / Page 4
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PRAYER MEETING METH • ODS (Continued from page 1) _/• This idea not only increases spiritual strength, but prevents spiritual lagging and increases spiritual interest. A prayer meeting is neither a success nor a failure because of numbers. A prayer meeting is a success when the greatest amount of good has been re ceived by those attending. The main purpose of a prayer meet ing is to help those who attend the meeting, and to solve our tiocial problems if possible. A series of topics prepared for a church in Chicago, New York or some other large city, so to speak, will not meet local con ditions in our community churches. Experience has taught me that if we deal with local condi tions such as are facing us day after day, great good will re sult regardless of the numbers .that are working for the said cause. I recall an instance where about six other persons and myself had consecrat ed ourselves to a specific cause, praying for two unconverted pet*sons day after day, going from house to house. At the close of the meeting, as a result of our effort, the two adults, heads of families, who had been carried to Cod at each meeting, came forward and gave them selves to God: This was a re sult of constant prayer f n* lo cal conditions. we snoma not oecome dis couraged with our small num bers in our prayer circle, bpt only become concerned with consecrated men and women who are willing to make the sacrifices that are needed; with such men and women our pray er meetings will continue to grow in interest and in attend ance. But there are cases whers the ministers are largely re sponsible for the death of pray er meetings. That is done in this way: the minister uses up all of the time and good thoughts and leaves nothing in m:>ny cases for the members to say, unless they repeat some of the same thoughts. In many cases their prayers and talks are too long and dry; therefore the meetings die. Then it be comes our task to resurrect them. The Rev. Maurice Griggs, Paw Paw, Mich., offers this suggestion for the resurrection of a prayer meeting: He said that his prayer meeting was dying. What was the wise thing to do? Have a funeral service.' In place of the usual notice of the prayer meeting, the con gregation sat up Sunday morn ing when he read the following from the pulpit: “The funeral service of the late Mrs. Prayer Meeting will be held in the church parlors on Thursday evening at 7:30 P. M. The doc tor examined her pulse late. Thursday and could hardly find it. Cause of death, heart dis ease and lack of exercise. Spe cial notice: The elders are re requested to act as pall bear aM ■,t Some smiled. One lady, a little deaf, asked her neighbor, “Who is dead? I did not quite catch the name.” There was a good attendance Thursday 'evening. They wondered what was up. The minister followed the f un paid idea through the service, fje read the account of the death of Dorcas and spoke from the words, “This woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.” He tried to show what a blessing Mrs. Prayer Meeting had been all these years to the church; her labors of love, the part she played in building up the church, in the formation of character. Mrs. Prayer Meeting was not buried. She came back to Vfe. The attendance in creased one hundred per c-:it. Try an announcement of a fun eral service when Mrs. Prayer Meeting begins to get sick be fore her death. And now I leave you with the following for your considera tion in connection with the methods that are now being used in your local prayer meet ing: „ 1. Preparedness. 2. Definite Theme. 3. Good Music. 4. Reg ularity and Punctuality. 5. So cial Activities, and 6- Compul sory Methods. Do not let casual criticism wear you down. EtESBYTERJAN WORK, rOP TRE PROBLEMS .(Continued from page 1) the regular roll. The clerk may leave; the book is turned over to Brother B., and in that same year Brother B. will give the number of names appearing on the roll. Church records should oe left in the church as far as possible. Third, and possibly the sad dest of all: Ministers and elders making out reports on the floor of the Presbytery, when they should have made them out at home in a regular meeting of the session. What do they dp? They cut down the roll to keep from paying for them; they pay for as many as they have the money for. We are not los ing so many members; its sim ply neglect of duty and badly kept records. But let us look and see just who is responsible for this. To a very large extent this is practiced by ministers coming into our Church who are not up on the Presbyterian law; they do not know the Presbyterian Church operates according to system; they do not know and they are not willing to pay the price to find out. I am more and more convinced that this is true when I see so much irreg ularity practiced by such men. The time has come when we should stop taking ministers in to our Church until they have had a prescribed theological course in one of our schools. How are they to teach our doc trines without knowledge of what to teach? How can they execute the law of our Church without knowing what the law is ? On the other hand, it is not rair to our young men in uw seminaries. When they come be fore the Presbytery for exam ination, they are examined in Greek, Hebrew and Theology, and if they fail in Greek or He brew we send them back to the seminary for another year. Here comes a man into our Church who can not produce a high school certificate; we ask him a few questions from the Bible and then take him in as a regular Presbyterian minis ter. If our Church is to maintain its hi^h educational standard we must see to it that ministers from other denomi nations comply, with our educa tional standard. The Laity in' our Church This, I am sure, is a very delicate spot,,but as I am at tempting to point out some of the handicaps affecting our work surely there are some handicaps as to the laity’s atti tude towards. the Church. No church can be a forward-going church, a progressive church, without progressive and conse crated laymen linked up hand in hand with pastor and people. I believe that for what our churches are today much credit is due those old elders who stood by it in time of war and prayed with earnest hearts for her growth. Yes, they prayed for their pastor that God would let him down in wisdom’s well so that he could preach in such a way as to compel sinners to be saved. But today, in this swift age in which we live, the average lay man’s ‘ attitude toward the phurt;h is no <?mfore than jfche average floor member’s. He has no sense of his responsibility as an officer. Very seldom do you find them going in... some secluded place and praying for the expansion of the church. They are not interested in the church as * the early - elders were. I had the pleasure two years ago to attend a conference of more than five hundred minisr ters from every denomination. Church problems were dis cussed. One problem was that the educated layman should be of great service to the church and in the ehureh but almost in ev«-y case he is the greatest handicap in the church. He op poses every constructive plan; he is an obstructive force in the church. ' He simply rides through onjkhis office. Such statements * were made by church experts. Some of us did not agree with all of these charges because we ■ know we have consecrated laymen in our churches whose motto is “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” giving of their means for her spiritual growth; I refer to INGLESIDE SEMINARY &V ' ' BURKEVILLE, VIRGINIA In a moot healthful section of the “Old Dominion.'’ Now giving complete preparation for entering college. Growing each year in equipment and in quality of work done. Living in many States in the lives and in the work of its Alumnae. Every expense most moderate; every consideration given worthy need. Supervised study periods give unhampered opportunity to achieve results. Individual attention for every student in every depart ment. Developing a sense of responsibility—the fundamental in character building. Endeavoring to develop a devoted love for “Christ and the i Church.” Stressing Daily devoted love for “Others.” Engrossed in developing winsome, womanly “homomak ers—woman’s highest vocation. Molding leaders for school, church and home, sml lnfrlMl for the leaders. Instilling the law of love and the love of law. No other school with an atmosphere so “like home.” Aims always for a clean mind in a clean body. Reaching out for girls who covet the Master’s words: “She hath done what she eould.” Yes: two grammar grades; four high school ones; piano and vocal lesson; sewing; Bible. For catalogue or other information, write: REV. ROBERT L. ALTER. Ph. D., Pres. MARGARET BARBER SEMINARY ANNISTON, ALABAMA. | A Christian, Home-like Boarding School for girta, un der the direction of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., Division of Missions for Colored* People. Junior and Senior High School Courses, as o utlined by the Department of Education, with an “A” rating by the State; College Preparatory, General, Home Econom ics and Sewing. Music: Piano and Vocal Lessons, Chorus Work, Music Appreciation. Bible: Old Testament History, Life of Christ, The Apostolic Church, Memorizing of Scriptures. An Attractive and Comfortable Building, modernly equipped, beautifully situated in the Blue Ridge Moun tains, affording healthful climate, delightful scenery, pure water supply. A Physical Examination .given and close attention paid to matters of health. r Special Emphasis on maintaining a Christian Atmos phere and developing the relgious life of our girls. Tech ers selected with this in view. Terms the most moderate- For information and Appli cation Blank address the President, REV. H. M. HOSACK. such men as Dr. George L. Wip* stead, A. R. Donnelly, A* E. Spears, G. E. Davis and a num ber of others whose names we can not call. I may add, however, in most cases where you find educated elders in our churches (not these I have just named) most of them think of what they mean to the church rather than what the church means to them. The laity of of our church should be spirit ually aroused by attending our church courts so as to be in formed on all lines regarding our work. A church can ad vance only as far as the vision of pastors and officers. “Where there is no vision the people perish.” I am anxious to see the day when our laymen will or ganize a laymen’s council and come together and discuss our work and formulate plans which will add to the same. Benevolence Some of our church leaders can not understand why we do not raise all of our benevolenc es from time to time. Our be loved Dr. J. M. Gaston made this very wise statement a few weeks ago: “The Presbyterian Church moves through the head and not on foot.” Truly this solves our problem. It is not that we have na desire to respond to the benevolences of the church. In cities &nd towns this program is carried on with out any trouble because the people are well trained,\but in our rural work, where most of the large Presbyterian church es are, for the last ten years it has been a course of trainmg, line upon line, precept upbn precept, here a little and therk a little. We have succeeded in' training many to respond to the needs of benevolence and even now many do not know what it is all about. They will ask you, “What is this money for? As ministers we should preach on Stewardship. My short experience is that people will give when they know what they are giving for, and it is the minister’s job to instruct his flock along this very impor tant line. Finally What is the solution to some of these problems? First, as ministers we need to pray for a deeper insight of God's word and preach only Jesus and His love. Second, in pastors, elders and church members prayer life must be awakened. Third, we must not be satisfied with our present condition, but seek for greater expansion. Fourth, we must seek to maintain our in tellectual ministerial standard Fifth, we all should take on new zeal at the beginning of the new church year to do our full duty, realizing that we are la borers together with God, and that God is working through us to establish His church, which is built upon faith in every hu man heart. BORDENTOWN SCHOOL BAND TO TOUR STATE OF NEW JERSEY Bordentown, March 16.—The band and glee club of the Bor dentown School for Colored Youth, a State institution, are to tour New Jersey, during April, it was announced today by W. R. Valentine, Principal. A number of -engagements have already been made, both band and glee club being scheduled to play in Englewood on April 16th. Another concert by both band and glee cluh, will be given on April 17th in Belleville for the Veterans’ fund to aid the unemployed. Prior to the tour of the State i of New Jersey, the Bordentown School Band will go on April 12 to Washington, »D. C., to give a performance in aid of the National Training School for Girls headed by Miss Nannie Burroughs. I; - THE STAMM HIND Xhe following iaa bat of the persons who hove paid on or subscribed to the Stadium pro ject at Johnson C. Smith Uni versity : GASH Mrs. Johnson C. Smith #600j00 Ur. H. L. McCrorey _ lOOiOO Dr. Gibbs Ghishohn — 60jOO Knoxville Smith Scotia Chapter --- 60.00 Charleston Chapter, John son C. Smith University Alumni__50.00 A. Friend __ --26100 Dr. Chas E. Bom&r —- 25100 Dr. B. F.i McDowell _ 26.00 Prof. E. A Armstrong 5.00 Dr. F. J. Anderson - 6100 Mr. F. M. Beavers- 1.00 Mr. C. R. Blake, . Jr. 5.00 Miss Willie Blacktedge 5.00 Mr. Joan Beatty —- 5.00 Prof. W. H. A. Booker . 5.00 Prof. C A. Blue -- >5.00 Mrs. C C. Berry - 5.00 Gol. L P. Berry — 9.00 Dr. C. J. Baker —_ 1.00 Rev. J. L.-Brewer_ 3.00 Mr. C. S. Blue_ 4.60 Rev. P. N. Boykin _ 4.60 Mr. I. H. Blue _ 4.60 Mr. J. H. Carson __ 1.00 Rev. James H. Cooper 12.00 Mr. Bishop Dale _- 5.00 Dr. G. E. Davis_ 20.00 Dr. I. D. Davis - 6.00 Mrs. I. D. Davis _ 5.00 Rev R. J. Davidson — 1.00 Dr. G. T. Dillard_ 5.00 Dr. Z. A. Dockery- 4.60 Rev. S. L. Fulwood- 5.00 Dr. A. W. Foster_ 1.00 Rev. A. H. George - 5.00 Rev. A. A. Hector- 5.00 Mr. W. M. Hines _ 5.00 Mr. S. B. Harris- 6.00 Dr. W. 0. Hargrave _ 5.00 Mrs. Hettie W. Henry _ 1.00 Mr. John E Harris- 1.00 Rev. A. C. Johnson_ 8.00 Prof. T S. Jackson 1.00 Rev. J. C James _ 5.00 Rev. A. A. Jones __ 5.00 Prof. H. D Johnson 4.50 Dr. T. A. Long —. 10.00 Dr. Geo. S. Leeper_ 10.50 Prof. W. G. Lino__ 1.50 Dr. Wm. Mann _ 5.00 Dr. G. W. Long_10.00 nev. xv. Li. moare - o.uu Dr. T. C. Mitchell _ SiQO Rev. S. Q. Mitchell_ 5.0fr Rev. H. McFadden _ 12.00 Mrs. J. D Martin _ 5.00 Dr. J. D. Martin _ 6.00 Rev. W. R. Mayherry_ 10.00 Mrs. M. B. Marks- 6.00 Prof. I. M. Martin_ Rev. H. T. McFadden— Mr. W. H. Pearson - Dr. W. E. Partee - Mr. Jostf.il Pace _ Rev. W. S. Plair __ Rev. A. H. Prince Mr. W. P. Robinson ... Dr. P. W. Russell _— Rev. I. H Russell _ Prof. J. W. Seabrook _. Students - Capt. J. E. Smith ...—. Rev. S. H. Scott - Prof. A. O. Steele — Rev. O. E. Sanders _... Dr. C. H. Shute_J Dr. E. F Tyson -- Mrs. M. L. Trapp .. Prof. C. R. Taylor - Rev. Chas. H. White . 5.00 Dr. A. J. Williams _ 1.00 Prof. M W. Wise _ 5.00 Mrs. R; P. Wyche _ 1.00 Rev. H. Wilson_18.60 Rev. J. F.. Westberry _ 1.00 Rev. A. A Wilson _ 2;00 R. W. Williamson, Esq. AM Rev. J. H. Ward __ 4.60 Rev. C. A. Washington 8.50 Dr. R. P. Wyche _ 4.50 Dr. C. M. Young _ 4.60 Rev. J. B. Francis —- 6.00 Dr. J. D. Martin, Jr._. .60 Rev. E. U. D. (Soring 1.00 SUBSCRIPTIONS 4.60 4.50 l&OO 16.00 5.00 6.60 8.60 5.00 5.00 2.60 10.00 7.50, 14.00 2.00 Student .body -.—-— 286.60 Rev. G. G M. James — 5.00 J. E. Bowman ^- 50JH) Dr. Geo. L. Winstead ... 100.00 ; Dr. G. P. Watkins _ 26.00 Knoxville Biddte-Scotia Chapter - -— 100*00 Mr. W. H. Pearson 26*00 Prof. S. H. Adams _ 5.00 •Rev. G. W. Long .100.00 Dr. I. H. Blue_ 15.00 Prof. J. N. Brown 26.00 Mr. Wm. Hines _ 5.00 Dr. F. L. Lander, Jr— 25.00 Rev. C. A. Washington 15.00 Rev. H. C. Miller _ 10.00 Rev. J. W Smith _ 10.00 Dr. C. H. Shiite _ 26.00 Dr. J. B. Wright- 25.00 Aaron A. Womack — 10.00 Dr. W. H. Williams _ 10.00 L. T. Lightner _ 5.00 Dr. G..S. Leeper_ 5.00 Rev. 6. E. Sanders__ 25.no Dr. L, J. Melton-20.00 Dr. Ytorfce Jones _ 10.00 Rev. Edward Goring _ 5.00 Dr. H. B. Taylor-10.00 Prof. F. D. Davis_10.00 Mr. Z. S. Hargrave — 25.00 Prof. W. H. Stinson _ 22.00 Prof. A. A. Adair_26.00 Mr. -G. F. Woodson _ 5.00 Mr. J. T. Jones _ 10.00 Rev. R. L. Moore_ 25.00 Rev. A. P. Corley_ 25.00 Rev. J.#M. Miller _ 5.0C Dr. R. L. Douglass _ 25.00 Rev. R. J. Davidson _ 5.00 Rev. J. H. Ward __ 25.00 Rev. J. H. Toatley _ 25.00 CEDAR GROVE CHURCH NOTES By Mrs. Hatie A. Russell Sunday, March 22nd, was wery cold and rainy but our services were warm and inspir ing. Dr. Melton came to us with a message from Acts 21:14, theme, “The Will of the Lord Be Done.” Sunday school was observed at the regular hour with a good attendance. On the fifth Sunday Rev. Diggs and congregation, of Rock Hill A. M. E. Zion church, will worship with us. We are glad to say that Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Forney and daughter, Eugenia, are able to be out again after being shut in for two weeks with influen za. Mr. E. C. Lytle, who has been very sick, shows a little improvement We were delighted to have with us again Mrs. Julia Alex ander, who spent several weeks in Durham undergoing treat ment for her eyes. Mrs. Alex ander is President of our Mis sionary Society, so we are glad to have her take her regular place. The ladies will give an April Fool Party on the first night in April at the home of Mrs. Dora Davidson. March 14th Miss Olelia Rus sell,! a student of Barber-Scotia College, was the week-end guest of her parents, Mr. and Mis. J. S. Russell. Teachers of the Cedar .Grove School are making espe cial plana for a group com mencement to be held on April 10th. The following schools will group with them: Beth ipage, Meadow View and Pleas ant Grove. MRS. MARY JOHNSON MORGAN DIES Mrs. Mary J. Morgan, of Charlotte, died March 12, 1931. She was born near Mooresville in Iredell County, North Caro lina, in the year 1883. She came to Charlotte 28 years ago. Shortly after she came she took up nurse training at the Good Samaritan Hospital as hen life’s; profession. For twenty years she practiced her profes sion in and about Charlotte. She was very efficient and faith fa 1 and served both races. So jit can be truly said of her that sphe Jived for others. '- In her early life she became a Christian and joined the A. M. E. Zion church at her old home near MooreBville. After coining to Charlotte she con nected with fhe Little Rock A. M. E. Zion church, A few years ago she bought a home in North Greenville. She thought it would be better for her to move her membership to the Greenville A. M. E. Zion church, near her home. On Sunday, March 15, at 2 ’clock Rev. D. L. Conyers, pas or of the Greenville A. M. E. lion church, preached her fun ral at Bethesda church at her Id home. He took for his text ob 16:22, “When a few years re come then I shall go the rav whence T shall not return. funeral was largely at tended. Tl-e floral designs were tia/.y and very beauvui. The asket was a beautifu. gray >Uish and was co»vt id a im lowers. Four trained nurses ,cted as flower girls. Mrs. Morgan leaves to mourn heir loss two sisters, three •rothers and a host of relatives ,nd friends. Mr. W. H. Pearson, Char ntte’s most popular undertak r, had charge of the remains. Phe body was laid to rest in the amily plot at Bethesda ceme y. ISA E. TURNER FULWOOD. SVaxhaw, N. C.
Africo-American Presbyterian (Wilmington, N.C.)
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March 26, 1931, edition 1
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