Semi=Weekly Graphic

OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Now in 21st Annual Session at Fordyce—The Proceedings.

Fordyce, Ark., Nov. 11.—The city is crowded with the most learned colored preachers in the State who are attending the 21st annual session of the West Arkansas conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church which opened this morning in the A. M. E. church.

The conference represents the oldest and most aggressive church organization in America. Its organization dates back to the dark days of slavery over one hundred years ago by Richard Allen, who withdrew from the M. E. church and established the church of which he later became the First Bishop.

The church did not make much progress until after the Emancipation of the slaves, its borders being confined to Philadelphia where it was organized in a blacksmith shop. From a membership of 25 they now have over 500,000 in the United States, 30,000 of which are in this State.

The conference now in session is presided over by the most noted negro Bishop in the world. Although a young man he has established a national reputation as a scholar, pulpit orator and public speaker. For eight years past he had charge of the missionary department of the church which elevated him to the Episcopacy, last May, in the general conference held at Wilmington, N. C., and was placed in charge of the Eighth Episcopal District, embracing the Arkansas, Western Arkansas, Southern Arkansas, Mississippi, North Mississippi and Central Mississippi conferences.

The Bishop arrived yesterday afternoon from Newport, Ark., where he held the Arkansas conference. He was accompanied by Rev. H. F. Johnson, Philadelphia, Penn., editor of the Christian Recorder, the church organ, W. C. Cox, Morrilton, Secretary of Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, D. D., LL. D., Senior Bishop, of the A. M. E. church, and editor of the Voice of Mission; L. W. W. Manaway, M. D., of Mississippi, the traveling companion of the Bishop; J. Lowe, D. D., Presiding Elder of the Clarendon District.

The opening exercises this morning at 9 o'clock were conducted by Bishop Derrick, who was assisted by the Presiding Elders and others. Rev. W. H. J. Phillips, lined the opening hymn. Rev. S. L. Winstead made the opening prayer and Dr. F. H. Jackson read the Scripture lesson. After the annual sermon by Dr. H. C. Beasley, the Holy Communion was administered by the Bishop. The election of officers followed and the Bishop made his address to the Conference. He outlined the work of the ministers of the gospel and admonished them to use their pulpits for holy purposes.

Fordyce, Ark., Nov. 12—Representative colored men are coming in the city on every train, to attend the West Arkansas conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church, which opened yesterday morning.

A large number of citizens were present to witness the opening exercises presided over by Bishop Wm. Benj. Derrick, who is recognized as one of the most noted negro Bishops in the world, and a leading man of his race.

Rev. H. C. Beasley was elected chief secretary over Revs. E. M. Argile, and J. E. Carter, who in turn appointed his assistants. Revs. Gaskin and J. K. Beaver were appointed marshals. Chas. Stewart was appointed official stenographer.

A large number of visitors were introduced to the conference and made some remarks.

Yesterday afternoon the pastors spent their time in reporting the result of their past year's work and paying in their contributions to the support of the general departments of the church. Each pastor's report showed that in spite of hard times they had been able to do great work, in many cases raised large amounts for their support and brought an increase of money for the general fund.

This was received with a large degree of appreciation by the Bishop, who, with a dignified smile, said: "Well done."

But the Bishop in outlining his policy, told the ministers in plain language what he expected of them in the future. He said that he was for the upbuilding of his race in this country, and that education was the best plan of elevation. For that reason he wanted the boys and girls in the State to be educated.

"It is your duty my brethren," he said, "to see that the parents of children in your respective charges send their children to school.

"The standard of the ministry must be raised," he continued. "Men in this conference with charges and expect to hold these charges, must study. The young men who are knocking at our doors for admission must be up-to-date from an educational stand point, or we do not want them," he told the preachers who did not carry out his instruction, and thought it hard to apply to him for his transfer.

The Bishop spoke of the Shorter University, at Arkadelphia, and requested all to rally to its support. The school is owned by the A. M. E. church and is supported by the three conferences in this State.

Last night 700 people crowded in the little church; it was the annual celebration of the publication department. Bishop Derrick presided, and after song and prayer service lasting one hour, he made the opening address, speaking of the Book Concern and the publication house of the church under the management of the Dr. T. W. Henderson, of Philadelphia.

He said that the department published the oldest negro journal in America, the Christian Recorder, which is the organ of the church. He introduced its editor, Rev. H. T. Johnson, Ph. D., whom he said was one of the most scholarly men of his race, and was at one time pastor in the West Arkansas conference. Dr. Johnson spoke at length, giving the condition of the department, and making some suggestions as to the future of the work. He said that the A. M. E. church was doing more for the elevation of the race than any other organization in the country.

Fordyce, Ark., Nov. 12—A large number of distinguished visitors were present at the opening of the conference this morning. Bishop Derrick called the conference to order promptly at 9 o'clock and Rev. Dr. D. K. Turner lined the opening hymn and the Rev. S. L. Winstead made the opening prayer. Dr. J. L. Lowe conducted the ritualistic services and Prof. J. E. Carter read scripture lesson.

In declaring the conference opened for business Bishop Derrick spoke of the importance of the members giving their attention strictly to business. He gave the ministers a practical lecture on the duties of a preacher of the gospel. He was opposed to preachers walking through the streets puffing away on cigars and the like, and did not hesitate in expressing his disapproval of the evil.

He wanted the standard of the ministry raised, and this was the starting point.

He had come to this State to work for the elevation of his race, and as the preachers were the recognized leaders they must be in reality. He wanted them to educate or they would perish. "No man will be admitted into these conferences," he said, "who cannot pass a creditable examination, and the men who are holding charges, if they expect to continue them, must study."

Rev. Dr. L. W. W. Manaway, the distinguished physician and traveling companion to the Bishop, was introduced to the Conference and made a short address.

He was pleased to note the improvement that was being made by the members of his race in this State. He said that he felt encouraged, and predicted better things for the colored race in the South.

Fordyce, November 13.—The Arkansas conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church spent yesterday in discussing education. Rev. Dr. A. A. Williams, Secretary of Shorter University, made the report for the school showing that over $2,000 had been used by the school during the past year. His report shows that the race was making rapid progress along all lines and especially education. Bishop Wm. B. Derrick presided during the day.

Every available seat in the church was occupied in the church and it was impossible to gain standing room. Rev. L. W. W. Manaway, of Miss., made a practical business talk from 7 to 8 o'clock. He told the colored people to save their money and get education which would soon win for them a place in the world. Dr. Manaway is one of the most noted negro physicians in the country and is posted on the matters of his race.

The services were opened by Bishop Wm. B. Derrick, D. D., who lined a hymn. He stated the object of the meeting and closed by introducing Rev. Dr. Thos. H. Jackson, President of Shorter University, who made the opening address, speaking on the importance of his race becoming educated. He has been engaged in educational work for the past 26 years.

Prof. John R. Hawkins, A. M., commissioner of education of the A. M. E. church was the next speaker. He said in part:

"The educational department of the A. M. E. church represents one of the most important factors in the uplifting of humanity and the enlightening of the negro race. Our several schools, colleges and universities are the exponents of the most practical training, the deepest thought and broadest culture.

Wilberforce University, Allen University, Kittrell College, Paul Quinn College, Morris Brown, Shorter University, Edward Waters College, The Western University and thirty others covering the land, here and there stand as beacon lights reflecting rays of light from shore to shore.

"Our motto is better homes; better workmen; better teachers; and better ministers.

"The purest sentiments and principles of the most exalted character must pervade every heart and every home.

"Our workmen must learn to put their brain into their fingers, and apply their tools and brush with skill. Our teachers must aspire to the highest development of mind and soul. Our ministers must stand as the representative of the deepest piety with profound thought and exalted character.

"What we need most is a strong class of the most representative."