Newspapers / Africo-American Presbyterian (Wilmington, N.C.) / March 10, 1938, edition 1 / Page 2
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The Africo • American Presbyterian REV. H. L. MeCROBET, DJ>„ LUD., Editor r W. E. HILL, Associate Editor WILLIAM S. ANDERSON. Business Manager . Devoted to the Educational, Mate rial, Moral and Religions interests of oar people in the Sooth, and pub lished at Charlotte, N. C., every Thursday. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION Single copy, one year .$1.60 Six months . 76 Three months . .60 Entered at the Post Office at Char lotte, N. C., as second-class matter. THURSDAY, MAR. 10, 1938 FIGHTING FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Christians in this country, where freedom of religious wor ship is a principle accepted ev erywhere, are deeply concern ed over the probable fate of the Rev. Martin Niemoeller, a Ger man pastor who has persistent ly protested against the gov ernment’s restrictions on church organizations in that country. Mr. Niemoeller has just under gone a trial for disobedience to government orders. He was convicted and sentenced to sev en months’ imprisonment, but as he had already been in pris on that long he was released. However, he was immediately taken into custody and is now being held in a concentration camp. It is not known except to officials what the govern ment’s intentions are, and fear is felt for Rev. Niemoeller’s safety. In a statement issued a few days ago President Roosevelt re-affirmed his faith in the soundness of the policies of the New Deal, and said he will con tinue in the course he has been pursuing. He thinks that if his plans-fail it will be due to the opposition of big business in terests and to reactionary Con gressmen. LIFE AS WE FIND IT By John Stuart Churchill for A.N.P. A mother writes: “I live in the South and am wondering if I should send , my son North to school. He has not made good grades, but he has always been able to pass. He has not made up his mind what he wants to be, but wants to enter a school of business.” ThiS question of going North to school is a question which can not be readily answered. First, the writer would like to ask what benefit does this moth er expect to gain by sending her son 1000 miles away from hon e to go to school? Are there no sufficiently competent schools in the South? It is against the policy of this column to recom mend any particular institution or product, but I am sure if she will send for the catalogues of several of the larger schools in her part of the country she will find that they offer very good business curricula and that they will be cheaper. Many of these schools promise placement for their graduates. As to this question of sending a child out of his locality to go to a mixed school: There are several pertinent observations to be made on the matter of going to white schools. At the present there are many good Negro schools which are rated as well as white schools. This is especially true in the held of undergraduate work. Since this is true from a standpoint of ef ficiency we have a point in favor of the Negro schools. The stu dent who lives in the South is very likely to return to the South to live. If this is the case he will be living with the mem bers of his own race and it is likely that they will be the chief means of his livelihood. A great educator has stated that school is life. If this is so, then the/ place for this student to get his education is in the South. The North is no Mecca; there are very few schools in which one cannot find many in stances of discrimination, and any idea of social equality or even participation is a fallacy. The Negro student in the school is very definitely handicapped. School is more than academic participation, it is an opportu nity to make social adjustments, j it is a chance to learn to live; with one's fellow man, and a chance to develop . & sense of moral values. Unless' one plans I to live is an environment that is predominantly white the writer believes that it is better that he go to school with those with whom he has to live. The writer will welcome any con tradictory ideas or contribu tions. NOTE: John Stuart Churchill will answer any questions sub mitted to him if inquiries are addressed to him in care of the Associated Negro Press, 3507 South Parkway, Chicago, 111. There is no charge for this service. S. C. STATE COLLEGE FOUNDERS’ DAY (From The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg, S. C., Friday, March 4) The period from 1896 to March 3, 1938, 42 years has been one of distinct achieve ment for State A. & M. College, but today was the first time that the college has formally observed Founders’ Day with a special program. Professor Robert L. Douglass, A. M., pro fessor of mathematics, State A. & M. College 1887-1903, now serving in the same capacity at Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N. C., was the main speaker. He spoke on this vi tal subject: “Education the Hope of a Democracy.” In his opening remarks tne speaker congratulated the President and the citizens of South Carolina upon the evidence of progress to be found at the institution. Professor Douglass lauded the ideals of Thomas Jefferson and Herbert Spencer who were ad vocates of universal education at public expense. He cited the small number of vocations taught, a half century ago, only 6 , as compared with over 150 today. This, he said, was indicative of the spread of knowledge which is a powerful influence for good. In a brief resume of the his torical background of the Mor rell Act and Land-Grant Col leges the speaker credited the farmers’ movement of the late 80’s with the establishment of Clemson College and later State College for Negroes, having as its first president, Dr. Thomas E. Miller, a likeness of whom was unveiled yesterday by his grandson, Willie Earl II. Professor Douglass concluded by telling of the liberality of South Carolina, citing the fact that the first free school for Negroes was built in Charles ton in 1692 and admonished the students and teachers to keep the fires of learning that kind led here over 40 years ago burn ing and extend them to every corner of our commonwealth from the mountains to the sea board. A LESSON IN BREVITY A beginner in journalism picked up in a Southern town what seemed to him a “big sto ry.” He hurried to the tele graph office and “queried” the editor of a New York daily: “Column story on—. Shall I send?” The answer arrived prompt ly; “Send six hundred words.” This was depressing to the enthusiastic correspondent. “Can’t be told in less than twelve hundred,” he wired back. Then came this reply: “Story of creation of world told in six hundred. Try it.”—Selected. TIME EXTENDED TO MARCH 25 Mrs. Hallije Q. Mayberry, President of Catawba Presby terial, requests us to say that the final date for sending in Presbyterial assessments has been extended from March 10th to March 25th. It is hoped that all our Missionary and Young People's Societies will raise their quotas in full on or before the last date. NOTICE The Spring meeting of Yad kin Presbytery will convene in the Grace Presbyterian church, Winston-Salem, N. C., Wednes day, April 13, 1938, and contin ue through FYiday. 1 All persons planning to at tend will notify Rev. A. E. Fortune, 1409 E. 14th St., Wins ton-Salem, N. C., not later than April 6, 1938. j. e. McMillan, . Stated Clerk. Presbyterians of Charlotte arid their friends are happy hosts to the Workers' Confer ence this week. REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM TOLD WHAT THE NEGRO WANTS Chicago, LL, March 2—(CNS) —The nine colored members of the recently formed Republican Program Committee responded to the call of Dr. Glenn Frank, its chairman, in a two day ses sion at the Palmer House here this week. These representa tives took active part in the cre ation of the basic machinery with which the committee plans to sound out the rank-and-file sentiment throughout the coun try. Mrs. Sara Pelham Speaks, of New York City, in an address at the banquet meeting on Mon day night “sounded the tocsin” when she declared that “the Negro, like other disaffected groups, will readily return to the party the moment the party shows an understanding of the needs of his people.” The speech, listened to with marked attention, drew great ap plause at its close; and was re ported as voicing the combined views of all colored members of the committee. Mrs. Speaks spoke as follows: “Mr. Chairman: It is a priv ilege to stand before you to night as a member of this fine Program Committee which can mean so much to the Republi can party at a time when the party faces the most serious crisis in its history. “I speak tonight as one of a group of 13 million citizens— the Negro group. These are the citizens who, in addition to the handicaps pertaining to the other underprivileged, have the fatal barrier of a prescribed race. These are the citizens who for years, with little political reward, have cast their solid block of votes for the Republi can party. These are the citi zens whose loyalty to the Re publican party was unquestion ed for scores of years. “Nineteen thirty-six found the majority of these citizens voting the Democratic ticket. Democratic Congressmen from Northern cities and communi ties were elected to Congress with their votes. Many of you here tonight are wondering why. this happened. “Well, after the Reupblicdtn party had an illustribus record as regards the Negro; won freedom for him, built for him the War amendments to secure that freedom, and recognized him as entitled to equality in American life, — this party which was founded upon the principle of freedom, began to worship strange gods—to play with that idea which now again rears its evil head; of merging the Bourbon Democrats of the South with the intolerant Re publicans in the North. Many gained the general impression that the Republican party was concerned mainly with proper ty rights. “With the advent of the New Deal, so suspicious had the Ne gro become of this unholy al liance and its new doctrines, that, as a protest, he supported the New Deal even though this Democratic party introduced the principle of government fostered segregation, and its wage differentials and relief policies made the Negro an in dignant ward of the Nation. “It has been erroneously stat ed by certain persons that the Negro vote is lost to the Re publican party forever. That idea is shared by many of you present. That is definitely un true. The Negro, like other dis affected Republican groups, will readily return to the party the moment the party shows an un derstanding of the needs of his people. “The idea that the Negro has become enslaved by the Frank lin Roosevelt myth is wrong. Negro citizens are aware that the greatest betrayal perpetuat ed upon them in connection with the defeat of the Anti lynching bill was the complete silence of Franklin Roosevelt. Also, they are aware that the New Deal seeks to perpetuate for them an inferior status in American life. Negroes would gladly abandon their historic enemy, the Democratic party. But if we would have them re turn to the Republican party which they once supported so loyally, the Republican party must make radical changes wherever needed to meet the desperate present-day necessi ties of the Negro. “This Committee will have an opportunity to say whether the Republican party will correct this injustice and return to its historic and famed champion ship of the Negro’s rights to equal opportunity in American life. “It is one of the great oppor tunities, I believe, of our Com mittee on Program to evolve the answer for our Party to these pressing problems. “It can make fateful recom mendations as to these ques tions of grave import to the Negro: “(1) Isn’t it the proper func tion of the United States gov ernment to prevent the segre gation and elimination of any minority race either by govern mental or private agencies? “(2) Isn’t it the proper func tion of the United States gov ernment to aid the integration of a minority race into all phas es of America’s productive life? “(3) Shouldn’t the Republi can party do all within its pow er to protect the life of the Ne gro against mob violence, even at the cost of limiting debate in the United States Senate? (4) If business leaders are going to substitute intelligent self-regulation for ignorant gov ernmental meddling shouldn’t they hire Negroes as a means of correcting the virtual barr ing of Negroes from careers in productive occupations ? “The Negro wants for him self and his family the very same things that the other cit izens of America want for them selves and their families. The burden of sickness and ill health, old age and unemploy ment, weigh as heavily upon him as upon the other working people of America. They want a safeguard from these dan gers, and are unwilling to be sat isfied with the present legisla tion in this direction as long as it excludes from its benefits those tremendously large groups of workers—the farmer, the la borer and the workers in do mestic and personal service. “The Negro wants jobs and is unwilling to accept the dole as synonomous with prosperity. He wants child labor to be abolished; an anti-lynching law enacted; discriminatory practi ces in civil service done away with. He wants an opportunity $b live in decent* quarters away from the disease-infested slums. “It is important that the Re publican party recognize the fact that because of his most distressing social and economic situation the Negro will no longer accept the sentimental appeal to reconstruction days as the basis for supporting a party. “Negro Republicans urge the party to re-establish the ideals that have made the Reupblican party a great party in the past —to unequivocably and with complete courage dedicate it self to those principles. If the Republican party deserves to win, it will win—with the help of the Negro voters of Ameri ca,” said Mrs. Speaks in closing. Nine regional sub-committees were set up for active work throughout the country and one of the nine colored members will serve on each sub-commit tee. They are as follows: Frederick M. Roberts, Editor, New Age Dispatch, Los Ange les, California; William E. King, State Senator, Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. S. Joe Brown, housewife, civic interests, 1058 Fifth Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa; Joseph S. Mitchell, law yer, Boston, Massachusetts; John 0. Hopkins, Jr., theatri cal producer, Detroit, Michigan; Francis F. Rivers, lawyer, New York City; Mrs. Sarah Pelham Speaks, lawyer, New York City; Bishop David N. Sims, clergy man, Philadelphia, Pennsylvan ia; and Thomas G. Nutter, law yer, Charleston, West Virginia. KIAMICHI PRESBYTERY. The Presbytery of Kiamichi will convene with St. Paul Presbyterian church at Eagle town, Oklahoma, April 14, 1938, at 7:30 P. M. The sermon will be delivered by Rev. Allen S. Meachem, retiring Moderator. All churches are required to pay their full assessments and back dues for General Assem bly, Synod and Presbytery. Those expecting to attend from other points please notify Elder Tom Brown so that ample pro visions may be made for your entertainment. Churches are required to send their Sessional Records. JULIUS W. MALLARD, Stated Clerk, Kiamichi Pres bytery. HOLBROOK ST. PRESBYTE RIAN CHURCH, DAN VILLE, VA. - By R—A—B Hello, everybody! This is station H. S. P. C. speaking. Holbrook Street Presbyterian church, Danville, Va. It has been sometime since we’ve broadcast, but we have been thinking about you, nev ertheless. Since you heard from us we have done some worth while things and are rather proud of ourselves. Among them is the securing of a pas tor, Rev. W. G. Anderson, who came to us from Oxford, N. C. He is a very wide-awake, straight-forward and energetic man who seems to be the per son for this field. Since coming here, Rev. An derson has organized a Young People’s Training class and has been instrumental in securing the services of Miss Naomi Freeman, Special Worker for Young People, to visit here. She certainly impressed our young people and aroused much enthusiasm in our adult leaders. So much so, that under the di rection of Miss Vera Bruner a Valentine Party was planned and successfully earned out. About sixty young people and a few parents enjoyed this oc casion. Miss Bruner also served some refreshments which sur prised as well as pleased every body present. On January 30 our young people celebrated Young Peo ple’s Day. We feel that this was a wonderful day. Our Junior choir, under the direc tion of Mrs. Hattie Henry, sang beautifully. The Primary choir, under the direction of Miss El nora Reynolds, also rendered beautiful music. The morning message was given by two of our young people, Miss Ardelle Henry and Mr. Edward Wilson. The offering was lifted by Mr. Milwood Motley and Mr. Ed ward Wilson. A special offer ing was taken and sent to the Board of Christian Education. Miss Vera Bruner acted as mis tress of ceremony for this morning message. The day’s activities ended with, a general program and music by the Junior choir at the Christian Endeavor hour. Miss Naomi Freeman was pres ent and gave an inspiring talk* The sponsors of this program were Jifrs. Hattie Henry, Misses Ida M; Allen, Vera Bruner, and Elnora Reynolds, under the guidance of the pastor, Rev. Anderson. Another interesting thing that aroused not only our church but all of Danville was the coming to us of Rev. W. E. Houston, Evangelist for Atlan tic and Catawba Synods. Rev. Houston Came to us at a mc^t opportune time and brought us forceful, truthful and inspir ing messages that we can’t soon forget. Rev. Houston is cer tainly a dynamic person and we hope for him much success. He made us want to be more loyal and of more service to our church. One of the most im pressive services was conduct ed on Thursday night of our revival which was set apart for young people, who filled one whole side ol the church, me Junior choir, under the direc tion of Mrs. Hattie Henry, furn ished music. The offering was taken by two Junior boys, Mr. Edward Wilson and Mr. James Finley, who, our pastor said, would be junior deacons or eld ers in our Junior church, which he plans to organize after Pres bytery, which meets here. All of Rev. Houston’s services were interesting, but three were most impressive — “The Back to Church Night,” on Friday eve ning; “The Family Day,” on Sunday morning, and “The Cure for the World’s Ills,” Sun day afternoon. Members from all of our sister churches at tended. The Presbytery of Southern Virginia meets with us on April 5th, and We are looking forward to a good attendance. We hope those who plan to attend will send their names to our pastor, Rev. W. G. Anderson, 349 Hol brook £>t., Danville, Va., in or der that we may make ample preparation for their stay. Au revoir, till we meet again. NOTICE OF MEETING The Presbytery of Rogers ville will meet with the Taber nacle church, Greeneville, Ten nessee, Thursday, April 14, at 8 P. M. All planning to attend, notify Rev. J. H. Fort, Greene ville, Tenn. The churches are also urged to pay up benevolent quotas. C. A. EDINGTON, Stated Clerk. INMEMORIAM Professor J. P. Murfree By Luna Dunn I The curtain of life has fallen On tiie final act of this play, But it marks the beginning of an* other It is his Commencement Day. n He has passed his examination. Been promoted to another class, He is now drifting on clouds of rap ture, Sailing the sea of glass. m By living the life of an adviser, By helping both children and men, God allowed him to reach the mar gin Of his three-score-years-and-ten. IV He was one who believed a French proverb That has echoed throughout school halls, It declares that man is nothing— It is his work that is all. Y Think of what he has meant to our High S. Just think of the struggles he has won. Fancy him listening to his Master s Well done, worthy servant! well done! VI It will grieve us! Oh how we shall miss him! But God knows that which is best. He knew when his day’s work had ended— That his soul needed quiet and rest. VII The verdict on his life has been rendered, He is now resigned to his fate. Let us look up the past chapters of our lives, Before,—Alas! 'tis to late. VIII We pave the way of our future With loyalty and truth, He paved his with service To his fellowman through youth. ’J ' -. IX ' The world at large was. to him Just one big, eager school; His diversion has been the sorting Of the-wise man from the fool. The roads of his students will cross, Although their range be far; They all will be gathered together At the “Crossing of the bar.” : ■ ‘H : . A ’ (Lovingly dedicated by a student and friend, on behalf of the Fuller Memorial Presbyterian church, Chad bourn, N. C.) i THE TRIBUTE OF A FRIEND By Rev. W. H. Carroll, D. D. Mrs. T. J. Smith passed away February 4th at her home, 123 W. 122nd St., New York, N. Y. Mrs. Smith accompanied her husband from British Guiana, S. A., in the year 1896. He en tered Biddle University, (now Johnson C. Smith) taking the Theological course. While her husband worked hard to finish his course she was not idle. Mrs. Smith was talented, musical and a lover of children, and seemed to possess a deep consciousness that these quali ties were not hers to keep for self-adornment, but to be used in teaching people how to live in this world as God’s children. While her husband came to prosecute his Theological work, her coming was not purposeless. She had high aims to do what ever her hands found to ac complish. Wherever her sta tion might be she felt the urge to find those that needed teach ing, that needed help to find their place in life and to show them how to make the best and the highest use of their powers. Being at the General Assem bly in Syracuse, N. Y., 1936, I took advantage of the nearness and went down to New York City to visit and spend some time with the Smith family. Mrs. Smith was ill at the time; but the talents and willingness and readiness to serve had rip ened into a meek and sweet sub mission to the Master’s will. On such trying occasions, I always endeavor to think my best and most appropriate thoughts, so while I talked with her there came into my mind the words of the blessed Jesus which he spoke in defense of a woman bent on doing good, “She hath done what she could.” Mrs. Smith leaves to mourn her loss, a loving and devoted husband, Rev. T. J. Smith, M. D., who usually spoke of her (Continued on Pago 8)
Africo-American Presbyterian (Wilmington, N.C.)
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March 10, 1938, edition 1
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