CHURCHES.
I shall not attempt to give a history of the various denominations with
which the colored people are identified. I simply desire to set forth
a few facts which indicate that they have, by vigorous efforts, made
the same wonderful progress along church lines that they have along
educational, industrial and professional lines.
The colored people are represented in nearly every denomination known
in the United States.
The Baptists, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Methodists Episcopal,
African Methodists Episcopal, African Methodists Episcopal Zion,
Colored Methodists Episcopal, Congregational Methodists Episcopal, the
Presbyterians, and other denominations are very well supported by the
colored people, and the church work has been a great help to the race
since 1865.
I cannot give the amount of space to this phase of the so-called Negro
problem that it deserves; but in order that my readers may get some
idea of the development of the race along religious lines, I offer here
a brief sketch of the Bethel A. M. E. Church, of Philadelphia, Pa., for
this is a fair representation of church work among the colored people
throughout the United States. And what is said of Bethel will apply to
all other denominations in proportion to their membership.
BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH.
[Illustration: THE BEGINNING OF AFRICAN METHODISM.]
In November, 1787, the colored people belonging to the Methodist
Society of Philadelphia (St. George's) convened together, in order to
take into consideration the evils under which they labored, growing out
of the unkind treatment of their white brethren, who considered them a
nuisance in the house of worship, and even pulled them off their knees
while in the act of prayer and ordered them to the back seats.
For these and various other acts of unchristian conduct, they
considered it their duty to devise plans to build a house of their
own, that they might worship God under their own vine and fig-tree
unmolested.
The causes which produced Bethel were race prejudice on the one
hand and an innate desire of the heart for religious liberty and
determination on the other to be content with nothing less than an
opportunity for the exercise of the fullest Christian manhood in the
house of God.
Hence the organization in 1787 (November) of Bethel Society, the oldest
colored church organization in America. In 1793, Richard Allen, a
preacher and leading spirit among his brethren, proposed the erection
of a house of worship on his own ground, at his own expense, which
being acceded to by his brethren, the first church edifice was erected
on the present site of Bethel, Sixth street below Pine, Philadelphia,
Pa., which house of worship was duly consecrated and opened for divine
service by Francis Asbury, the then Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, at the invitation of Richard Allen. And the house was named
Bethel notwithstanding the severest persecutions at the hands of their
white brethren for a number of years. Bethel continued to grow in
usefulness and influence, both locally and generally. So that in the
year 1816 the spirit of Allen and his coadjutors had become so powerful
that the hour was ripe for the organization of a connection to carry on
the work everywhere so well begun by Bethel in Philadelphia.
Rev. Richard Allen now became to the connection what he had been for
twenty-five years to Bethel--the acknowledged and honored leader,
as the first Bishop of the connection, Bethel remaining the pivotal
centre, around which the spirit of religious liberty and Christian
manhood revolved; ever extending its influence until, like in the
family, all over the connection it came to be known and called by the
endearing name of "Mother Bethel."
[Illustration: RICHARD ALLEN.]
This first Bethel served to meet the demands of the growing
congregation up to 1841, when it was found expedient to rebuild, and
June 2, 1841, the corner-stone of the Second Bethel Church was formally
laid with appropriate ceremonies by Rt. Rev. Morris Brown, the acting
Bishop, Bishop Allen having died in 1831. This church was completed in
the following year at a cost of $14,000, the first church having been
valued at about $10,000.
[Illustration: BETHEL A. M. E. CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
_Projected and Built under the Pastorate of Rev. C. T.
Shaffer, M. D., D. D._]
A most remarkable feature of this church has been, that notwithstanding
the fact that Union, Little Wesley (now Murray Chapel), Zion Chapel,
and finally Allen Chapel, were all colonies from this church, all of
which are now flourishing organizations, Bethel has maintained such a
hold on the community as to carry a congregation commensurate with the
capacity of the building, through the century of her history, and for
more than half a century sustained a membership ranging from 1,500 to
1,600 strong.
For some years the congregation, and especially the more advanced
thinkers, had felt the necessity of a new church, the old one being
both unsightly and unsafe, though no practical efforts had been put
forth in that direction until 1889.
The Rev. C. T. Shaffer, M. D., was appointed to the pastorate of
Bethel, May, 1888. He at once set about unifying and organizing, for
the purpose of rebuilding. He soon had plans laid, the church inspired
with larger hope, so that the people had a mind to work. And, during
his first year, had struck a blow for the new Bethel by conducting a
rally, the money being banked for the building.
[Illustration: REV. C. T. SHAFFER, M. D., D. D.]
On his return from Conference, and entering his second year, on the
first Sunday of June, he held another rally, the last service in the
old Bethel. The next Sabbath worship was held in Horticultural Hall,
on Broad street, adjoining the Academy of Music. The old Bethel was
torn down, and, on August 8, 1889, at 9:15 A. M., ground was broken
for the new building, excavations made, and on November 7, 1889, the
corner-stone of the new Bethel was laid, with imposing ceremonies, by
the Rt. Rev. H. M. Turner, D. D., LL. D., assisted by the pastor, C. T.
Shaffer, D. D., and associate pastors of the city and vicinity, from
which time there was hardly a day lost by the workmen until the church
was completed, which was done and formally dedicated to the worship
of Almighty God, October 23, 1890, and a congregation equal to the
capacity of the new Bethel returned to continue the worship of God on
this sacred spot which they have held in undisputed possession for one
hundred and three years as a church site, and the first piece of ground
ever bought, and now held for church purposes, by colored people in the
United States, and on which three churches have been erected by the
congregation: the first in 1793; the second in 1841-2; and the third in
1889-90. This building is heated throughout with steam, and is one of
the most completely modern in all its appointments, solid and massive
in construction, of this great city of churches, and has not a superior
in the whole connection of which it is the mother.
The cost of this building was about $50,000 and it is valued to-day at
$85,000.
The Revs. W. H. Heard, D. D., Consul General to Liberia, and W. D.
Cook, D. D., have served with marked success as pastors since the
erection of the New Bethel, and the Rev. Theo. Gould, who served this
church very successfully twenty years ago, is its present pastor.
The connection of which this church is the mother has fourteen Bishops,
eleven general secretaries of departments, 4,365 itinerants, and 15,885
local preachers, full membership, 543,604, probationers, 35,287; total
membership, 599,141. Church edifices, 4,575, valuation, $8,650,155;
parsonages, 1,650, value, $75,950; schools, colleges and universities,
41, value of buildings and grounds, $756,475; grand total valuation of
property, $9,482,580.
What hath God not wrought!
Is not this the fulfilment of that prophecy, "And Ethiopia shall
stretch forth her hand unto God?"
Verily it would seem so.
Dr. C. T. Shaffer, the builder of Bethel Church, has a very interesting
history. I am only sorry that space will not admit of a full account
of his life. He is a splendid type of manhood that shows what can
be done by push and energy. Dr. Shaffer is a native of Ohio; in his
younger days he learned and worked at the plastering trade and in
that way earned money enough to educate himself and a younger sister.
He graduated at Berea College. He also had the honor of serving his
country as a soldier in our late war. As a pastor, he has held the
largest and best appointments in the connection. While he was pastor
of different churches in Philadelphia, he took advantage of the
opportunity and read medicine, graduating with honor in a class of 208
in 1888 from the Jefferson Medical College, Phila. He has never engaged
in the practice of his profession, although it would pay him far better
than church work, but he feels called upon to serve his church. At the
present time he is general corresponding secretary and treasurer of the
church extension department. This department of church work he created
and has been twice elected to fill his present position.
Before closing this chapter I wish to mention the names of the general
officers of the A. M. E. Church, in order that my readers who may not
be familiar with the great work of the "African Methodist Episcopal
Church" may form some idea what a work is being done, also a better
knowledge of the men who stand at the head of the connection. I only
wish I had the space to give a short history of each of the men whose
names will be mentioned. To begin with, the church has fourteen
Bishops, who are all able men, and we head our list with the senior
Bishop, H. M. Turner, D. D., LL. D., who is a native of South Carolina.
He was never a slave. I regard Bishop Turner as one of the most
remarkable men I have ever met. He was the first colored man appointed
a commissioned officer by President Lincoln, his appointment was as
Chaplain of the First United States Infantry during the late war. When
mustered out he was recommissioned a Chaplain in the regular service
of the United States Army by President Johnson. He has been a member
of the Georgia Constitutional Convention, and has served two terms as
a member of the Georgia Legislature, was twice appointed to positions
of honor by President Grant. He now represents the Liberian Government
in the United States. He at one time was the manager of the publishing
department of the A. M. E. Church, and was consecrated a Bishop in
1880. So it is very easy to see that Bishop Turner has led a busy and
useful life. I have been personally acquainted with the Bishop for
years, and I am only one of thousands who know him to love him. In the
State of Georgia, where Bishop Turner resides, I found him very much
thought of by the leading white people.
Bishop W. J. Gaines, D.D., is a native of Georgia and at one time was
owned by that famous Toombs family. His first work in the church was in
a very humble way, that of member. As a preacher he did a great deal
for the church in Georgia. He wrote a book on African Methodism in the
South that was both interesting and useful. It was through the efforts
of Bishop Gaines that Morris Brown College was established at Atlanta.
He was elected as Bishop in 1888.
Bishop B. W. Arnett, D.D., is a native of Pennsylvania and is entirely
a self-made man. He, like Bishop Turner, has held some high positions
of honor. He was at one time a member of the Ohio Legislature and while
serving his district in that capacity he introduced a bill, known as
the Arnett Bill, that wiped out the old and infamous black laws that
were a disgrace to the State of Ohio. Just before he was elected Bishop
in 1888, he served the church as financial secretary. He is the father
of several very intelligent sons. Is also very active in Christian
Endeavor work.
Bishop B. T. Tanner, D. D., is also a native of Pennsylvania. He began
life as a barber, and has held every position from lay member up to
the Bishopric. He was editor of the _A. M. E. Review_, and at one time
editor of the _Recorder_, the church organ. Bishop Tanner was elected
in 1888 as Bishop. Few men in this country have been harder students
than Bishop Tanner; he has a magnificent library, and one can see at
once that he has taken advantage of his fine collection of books, and
is regarded by the connection a very able man.
Bishop A. Grant, D.D., is a native of Florida and was born a slave and,
what makes this man more remarkable, was born in an ox-cart, while his
poor mother was being taken from one plantation to another where she
had been sold. Some men are born to lead others, and it would seem that
Bishop Grant was one of them. I have never met any man who had such
a magnetic influence over his hearers. I had the pleasure of being
present at the A. M. E. Missionary Jubilee held at Ocean Grove, July
24th, 1896, when the Bishop presided, and his address to the thousands
who heard it was a gem. He was elected Bishop in 1888.
Bishop M. B. Salter, D.D., was elected to the Bishopric in 1892. He is
a native of South Carolina, and he too was born a slave. His owner was
a watchmaker, and he taught the trade to Mr. Salter when he was a young
man; that of course made him a valuable piece of property. And when
freedom came it was a great blessing to Mr. Salter to have a trade.
Bishop Salter grew in the church from the walks of a member up to the
Bishopric, and is much loved by men under him.
Bishop Jas. A. Handy, D.D., was elected Bishop in 1892. He is a native
of Maryland, and I am told never had any schooling except what he got
in night school. He is regarded as a very able man, and is a great
lover of education. He at one time represented the church as its
financial secretary, and when in the ministry was pastor of some of
the largest churches in the connection.
Bishop B. F. Lee, D.D., is a native of New Jersey. He went when a young
man to Wilberforce University, Ohio, to obtain an education, but being
poor, he had to work his way through. In thirteen years from the time
he went there as a student he was elected President of the University.
He was for quite a number of years editor of the _Christian Recorder_.
Bishop Lee was made a Bishop in 1892 and I am sure the church never did
a better thing for its interest than to elect him. He is not only a
Christian, but a magnificent scholar.
Bishop J. C. Embry, D.D., who was elected as Bishop in 1896, was one of
the most profound scholars in the church. For twelve years he managed
the A. M. E. Book Concern in Philadelphia, Pa. He only lived about two
years after his election.
Bishop J. H. Armstrong, D.D., was elected as Bishop in 1896. For four
years he had filled the office of financial secretary with great credit
to himself. He lived about three years after his election.
Bishop W. B. Derrick, D.D., was elected Bishop in 1896 by a very large
vote. For eight years he had been secretary of Missions. Dr. Derrick
was known far and wide as a powerful orator, and has been associated in
great meetings with some of our greatest white leaders. I give here a
beautiful tribute he paid to the American flag, on one occasion.
"The American flag has been washed, and cleansed from the foul stain of
Negro slavery until it is to-day among the most beautiful of national
emblems. The stars represent the stars of heaven; the blue the sky;
the white a higher Christian civilization; the red the blood of the
various nationalities who fought to make the principles of the Republic
more lofty and enduring. It is our purpose to continue agitating until
beneath its silken folds shall stand as equals before the law the
inventive German, the wily and industrious Irishman, the trafficking
and cunning Jew, the musical and wandering Italian, the polite
Frenchman, the hospitable and tenacious Englishman, the granite-minded
and scholarly Scotchman, the pagan Chinese, the unconquered Indian, and
last, but not least, the industrious, kind-hearted and forgiving Negro."
Bishop Evans Tyree, D.D., was elected as Bishop in 1900. He was born
Aug. 19, 1854, of slave parents, and was twice sold as a slave. His
education was received at Central Tennessee College. Bishop Tyree never
held a general office before his election as Bishop. He received a very
large vote--in fact the largest ever given any one man.
Bishop M. M. Moore, D.D., was elected to the bishopric in 1900. For
four years he had served the church as financial secretary. He was a
native of Georgia. He was elected Bishop in May, 1900, and died in
November of the same year.
Bishop Charles S. Smith, D.D., who is a native of Canada, was
elected as Bishop in 1900. He was for seventeen years manager of the
_Sunday-School Union_, a department of church work he created. As a
scholar he is regarded as one of the best in this connection.
Bishop C. T. Shaffer, M.D., D.D., was elected as Bishop in 1900. He
had been for eight years secretary of the church extension department.
Splendid mention of Bishop Shaffer will be found on page 383 of this
book.
Bishop L. J. Coppin, D.D., who was for eight years editor of the _A. M.
E. Church Review_, was elected as Bishop in 1900. Mention of his life
and work can be found on page 359 of this book.
Rev. H. B. Parks, who is a very able man and was for years a prominent
pastor, is now secretary of the missionary department.
Rev. R. H. W. Leak, of North Carolina, is now business manager of the
A. M. E. Publishing House, 631 Pine street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Rev. P. A. Hubbard is secretary of the financial department of the
church located at Washington, D.C.
Prof. John R. Hawkins, A.M., secretary of education, is mentioned on
page 132 of this book.
Rev. W. D. Chappelle, D.D., of South Carolina, is secretary of the
_Sunday-School Union_, at Nashville, Tenn.
Rev. H. T. Johnson, D.D., Ph.D., editor of the _Christian Recorder_, is
mentioned on page 356.
Prof. H. T. Kealing, editor of the _A. M. E. Church Review_, is
mentioned on page 373.
Rev. G. E. Taylor is editor of the _Southern Christian Record_, located
at Atlanta, Ga.
Rev. John T. Jenifer, D.D., is Secretary of the Preachers' Aid Society,
located at Baltimore, Md. I regret that, for want of space, I am not
able to give a more extensive account of the general officers, who are
all worthy men, and most of them have been prominent pastors, holding
charge of some of the largest churches in the connection.
The next largest body of Methodists among Colored people is the A. M.
E. Zion Church, which is organized on the same principle as the A. M.
E. Church, with an able force of Bishops. They also have a publishing
department, located at Charlotte, N.C.
Bishop J. W. Hood, D.D., stands as the leading spirit of the Zion
connection. He has done a great work for the church and the race at
large. He is the author of two books, in the way of a book of Sermons
and a history of the Zion Church.
Bishop C. R. Harris, D.D., is a graduate and was, before his election
to the Bishopric, connected with educational work at Livingstone
College, also general steward of the Zion Church.
Bishop C. C. Petty, D.D., is also a graduate and before he was made
Bishop was one of the leading pastors.
Bishop I. C. Clinton, of South Carolina, has been one of the most
useful men in the connection as a church builder and organizer.
Bishop A. Walters, D.D., was, when elected, the youngest Bishop in the
country. He is a very energetic and hard worker for the cause of his
Church.
Bishop T. H. Lomax, of N.C., is also known as a church builder. At
their last General Conference at Mobile, Ala., in May, 1896, they
elected three new Bishops in the persons of Rev. George W. Clinton,
D.D., Rev. J. B. Small, D.D., and Rev. J. Holliday.
Rev. Clinton I have known for years, and I regard him by far one of the
ablest men in the connection, both as a speaker and writer.
Rev. J. B. Small is one of the best scholars in the country, and should
have been a Bishop long ago.
William Howard Day, who is mentioned in another part of my book, is
their financial secretary, and Rev. J. W. Smith, also mentioned, is
editor of the _Star of Zion_.
Bishop J. W. Alstork was elected as Bishop at the last General
Conference, held by the A. M. E. Zion Church in 1900, at Washington,
D.C. Rev. Alstork is regarded an able man.