Jackson Advocate

Natchez, Miss., July 31 (Special to Jackson Advocate)- The 60th Annual Session of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, convened with the churches and Natchez College, July 19 through the 23, 1948. Rev. Henry Harrison Humes, President; Rev. W. M. Walton, Secretary, in the historic city of Natchez Mississippi. Long before the Civil War, a large majority of the members of Wall Street Baptist Church were Negroes. Some of them were free, while others were slaves.

The Negro Baptist Church is co-existence with that of the White Baptist in this State. The city of Natchez, Mississippi is known far and wide as the headquarters of Negro Baptist in Mississippi. According to history, the Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church is the oldest Negro Baptist Church in the State of Mississippi.

The Executive Board of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, met on the above named dates, according to the official call of President Humes, and was called to order by the First Vice-President, Rev. C. A. Greer. Devotions were conducted by Revs. Willis and H. B. Dupree. Dr. Greer made remarks, stating that on the account of the absence of President Humes, that the members of the board could, during the absence of the President, make expressions relative to the work of the convention. Rev. B. J. Sykes, Memphis, Tenn., led the way and was followed by Rev. E. D. Straughter, Mrs. E. D. McGowan, Rev. W. H. Whiting and others.

President Humes arrived and took over. Recommendations were presented by President Humes, and approved. The various committees were appointed to serve through the convention session.

Mrs. E. D. McGowan, President of the Womens convention was presented. She spoke in glowing terms of the work that the women were doing in the interest of Christian Education. The following visitors were recognized: Rev. B. J. Perkins, Treasurer, National Baptist Convention, Dr. E. Arlington Wilson, Corresponding Secretary, Educational Board. National Baptist Convention and Miss Primrose Funches, Illinois, representing the Foreign Mission Board, National Baptist Convention.

Welcome Program: Music. Natchez City Chorus. Remarks, Rev. J. J. Bell. Welcome on behalf of the city. Mayor Lucien Gwin; A. M. E. Association, Rev. C. R. Anderson Baptist Churches of the City, Dr. J. N. Rucker: Minister's Alliance, Rev. E. W. Rhone Music, Natchez City Chorus; White Baptist, Rev. W. A. Sullivan; Business Men, Mr. W. J. Oates; Methodist Churches, Rev. (Continued on Page 8)
GENERAL BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION OF MISS. (Continued from Page 1)

R. M. Stevens, Slo, Mrs. A. J. Brown; White Methodist. Rev. C. C. Clark; Presbyterians, Rev. Stuart Henry; Physicians, Dr. A. W. Duman, Jr.; Dentist, Dr. A. M. Mackel, Rev. J. J. Bell, Master of Ceremony. Response. Rev. Fred B. Black, Vicksburg. Miss., Dr. D. V. Jemison, Alabama, President, National Baptist Convention, U. S. A., incorporated, was masterly presented by Rev. C. A. Greer. Jackson, Miss., First Vice - President. Dr. Jamison based his address on 1st Kings. 8th chapter and the 29th verse "That thine eyes may open towards this house night and day even toward the place of which thou hast said'. Subject. "Sheep".

He said that people should go to church at night as well as day. Preach your special sermons at night. A sheep is of non retaliation. If your enemy treat you wrong. don't strike back Prof. P. M. Smith. Mound Bayou represented the interest of the
State Sunday School and B. T. U. Congress of Miss. The address was based on 'Teacher Training"

Approximately $43,000.00 was raised through the various sessions of the convention.

"The Status of Natchez College", Dr. Calvin Perkins, President, will live a long time in the hearts of those who heard him. Touching grace, he is a saved man; touching life, a dynamo; touching scholarship, a master with a radio mind. He is superb in training, filled with an unparalleled zeal for his conviction; yet open minded. The field of education will eternally claim the attention of ministers. In the Old Testament dispensation, it was God's prophetic ministers who brought to bear the force and power of training and poise to the home, and taught the people social justice.

The President's annual message was delivered in an auditorium which was packed and jammed with eager listeners.

President Humes based his address on John 8:32-36, "If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed". He said that we will have to admit that we have come a long way, but we will also have to admit that we have seen many injustices and unfair practices towards the Negroes dismissed. We have thought that America's fight was for God given rights Religious freedom, industrial freedom, educational freedom. freedom of speech, and freedom of the press.

We thank God there is a new demand today for freedom and liberty. This road is marked by the sign post of the Tenth Commandment, the road back to Christ. and the teachings of his personal life.

Following the address, a motion was made and seconded that the rules be suspended and that President Humes be re-elected to succeed himself The motion was unanimously carried. A second motion was made and passed that all of the remaining officers be re-elected to succeed themselves.

Laymen and Usher parade, led by Dr. L. M. Owens, P. M. Smith, Charles Stringer, T. J. Huddleston and others, was interesting and pleasing.

Rev. L. W. Williams preached the Missionary sermon. The sermon was an inspiration to all who heard the worthy clergyman.

The George Washington Carver hour, with his honor, B. A. Green, Mayor of Mound Bayou, Miss., guest speaker, gave the delegates something to think about.

Mr. Green is known everywhere by his character, sincerely. honestly. and race loving leadership. He
is an example of what Grace can do, once it is a part of a man's life.

Rev. Roland Smith, Georgia, Statistician, National Baptist Convention, and Evangelist Coleman W. Kerry. Texas, were recognized as National visitors. They are two of our foremost representatives of the Negro Race in America.

The closing message was delivered by H. H. Humes, President of the convention. W. P. Whitfield and W. E. Brandford, reporters.