Held in Tuscaloosa, November, 1873. The officers elected were: Rev.
J. A. Foster, Montgomery, president; Rev. M. Tyler, Lowndesboro,
vice-president; Rev. P. Murrell, treasurer; and Bro. H. J. Europe,
of Mobile, clerk. Three other Associations reported. Rev. A. Butler,
Mobile, joined at this session. Rev. W. H. McAlpine introduced the
following, which was adopted:
“_Resolved_, That we plant in the State of Alabama a theological school
to educate our young men.”
This threw life and aim into the Convention and the signs of activity
immediately appeared. Four other Associations entered. Lively
discussions ensued. The white Baptist Convention assembled in the
same city at the same time advised against the educational scheme.
The question whether God needed help in preparing his ministry--the
question which fifty years before had agitated the white Convention of
Alabama--was now stirring the souls of black men. Sunday Schools were
allowed representation in the body.