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March 21, 1988
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GOp ouR ¥A
Vol. 137, No. 13
THER
4
CHRIST OUR REDEEMER
March 21, 1988
John Brown Russwurm—
Founder of American’s
First Black Newspaper
John Brown Russwurm
John Brown Russwurm’s beginning
was less than promising. Bom in
Jamaica to a slave woman and a White
American merchant, John Russ-
wurm’s future appeared bleak. John
Russwurm, Sr.’s concern for his son’s
education, however, saved the young-
ster from a life of almost certain slav-
ery. Despite terrible odds, John Russ-
wurm, Jr. would become a pioneer in
Black journalism, and Black national-
ist thought. _
Formal education provided Russ-
wurm with the necessary skills to pur-
sue a future as a journalist and acti-
vist. He attended Hebron Academy
and Bowdoin College, and, in 1826,
was one of the first Blacks to obtain a
college degree. He graduated at the top
of his class from Bowdoin.
Despite his academic success, Russ-
wurm felt alienated and separated
from his White classmates. His com-
mencement address expressed interest
in moving to Haiti, the only indepen-
dent Black nation in the Western
Hemisphere.
But Russwurm was attracted instead
to the excitement and activity of New
York City.
No longer sheltered by friendly
school walls, he quickly discovered
how harsh people could be simply be-
cause of his skin color. Blacks were
treated as inferior, and the majority
newspapers commonly expressed nega-
tive stereotypes.
Please turn to page 7
ay
Dr. Richard A. Chappelle, Sr.
Chappelle Seeks Retirement
From Secretaryship and Offers
Himself for Higher Service
TO: THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT-LARGE
FROM: RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE, SR.
RE: RETIREMENT IN JULY 1988
DATE: FEBRUARY 17, 1988
On June 16, 1976, in Atlanta, GA, the site of the Fortieth Quadrennial
Session of the General Conference, Dr. Russell S. Brown, Sr., the legendary
first General Secretary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, requested
and was granted the opportunity to retire after thirty years cf active service.
My odyssey as the second Secretary of this great Church began on that fateful
night with your suffrage.
For the past three quadrennials you have been supportive, prayerful and
understanding as I made a conscious effort to do an extraordinary job as the
General Secretary of this Church. I have been tremendously blessed serving as
Secretary of General Conferences, recording the historical actions of twenty-
five of the greatest Episcopal leaders in Christendom.
Please turn to page 7
YECORDE
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN
OF Lit ARRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
ba) ~
MAN.OUR BROTHER
PRICE; 50 CENTS
Easter a Time of Christian Victory Instead of Worldly Vanity. Read the Publisher’s letter
stating, Easter Should Be a Missionary Observance for Overseas Work, page 6.
Howard Beach Is Everywhere
by Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
The attention of the nation has been
focused in recent days on the verdict
handed down in the Howard Beach
case. For more than a year Howard
Beach has seemed the epitome of ra-
cially motivated violence. The image
of a hoard of White youths chasing
three African American men through
the streets like dogs, until finally forc-
ing one of them to his death, seemed
the ultimate horror.
However, no African American in
this country is exempt from racially
motivated violence—not even African
American police officers. A recent
case in Prince George’s County, Mary-
land, a suburb of Washington, DC,
has proven this all too clearly. The
county, which has a long history of ra-
cist violence, has a steadily increasing
African American population. How-
ever, the police force still remains pre-
dominantly White.
On December 14, 1987, James L.
Gordon, an African American mem-
ber of the Washington, DC, police
force, was shot to death in his own
home by a White policeman from
Prince George’s county. Gordon, 40
years old, was a 17-year veteran of the
DC police force. The White officer,
Cpl. Robert Raimond, though only 27
years old, had already been cited twice
for police brutality in Prince George’s
Please turn to page 7
PIA Awards Sunday School Union and
Five Nashville Graphic Arts Firms
Dr. A. Lee Henderson
Publisher
Five Nashville printing and publish-
ing companies and one graphic arts
supply firm were among 200 graphic
arts companies recently recognized for
over a century of service by the Print-
ing Industries of America, Inc.
A.M.E. Sunday School Union, Gos-
pel Advocate, Marshall & Bruce Co.,
the United Methodist Publishing
House, and Samual Bingham Co. have
all been in continuous business for
over a century. The ceremony honor-
ing 100-year-old member firms culmi-
nated a year-long observance of the
centennial anniversary of the founding
of Printing Industries of America, the
largest graphic arts trade association in
the world.
“Since we were celebrating our
100th anniversary, we wanted to salute
those members which have also reach-
ed the century mark,’’ noted Robert
Houk, PIA Chairman of the Board of
Directors. ‘‘It takes a special commit-
ment for a company to remain in busi-
ness for over 100 years and we salute
them all for this outstanding achieve-
ment.’”
Please turn to page 7
———
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2 The AME Christian Recorder
A Commendatory Statement for Bicentennial Books Written for
Church’s Celebration
In the Book of Books, First Kings,
Chapter Four, the author says, (29)
‘*And God gave Solomon wisdom and
understanding exceeding much, (30)
And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the
wisdom of all the children of the east
country, and all the wisdom of Egypt,
(31) For he was wiser than all men
... In the Book of Ecclesiastes
12:12, Solomon said, ‘‘And further, by
these, my son, be admonished: of
making many books there is no end,
and much study [research] is a weari-
ness of the flesh.’’
To my certain knowledge, there
were at least seven books written for
the A.M.E. Church’s Bicentennial-
year celebration. The Bicentennial Pri-
mer, by Editor Robert Henry Reid, Jr., a General Officer of the A.M.E.
Church, is titled, Jrony of Afro-American History: An Overview of A.M.E.
History and Related Developments.
The second book, titled, Proclamations From a Bench, Sermons by African
Methodist Episcopal Bishops, was compiled and authored by Bishop Vinton
R. Anderson, the 92nd elected bishop of the A.M.E. Church.
The third book was written by an A.M.E. layperson, Mrs. Ruby Nell Doyle
of the West Kentucky Conference and member of Young’s Chapel A.M.E.
Church of Louisville, KY. Her book is titled, Twenty Daring Decades: An
A.M.E. History/Text Book for Young Readers.
The fourth, fifth and sixth books are by the 95th, 87th and 93rd elected
bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Frank Curtis
Cummings’ book is titled, The First Episcopal District’s Historical Review of
200 Years of African Methodism. Mrs. Martha C. Cummings is First Episcopal
District W.M.S. Supervisor, and the Rt. Reverend Frank Curtis Cummings,
Presiding Bishop.
Bishop John Hurst Adams’ book is titled, African Methodist Episcopal
Church—200 Years—The Bicentennial History—2nd Episcopal District. Dr.
Dolly D. Adams, Episcopal Supervisor of the W.M.S., the Rt. Reverend John
Hurst Adams, Presiding Bishop.
Bishop Frederick Calhoun James’ Bicentennial book is titled, The Seventh
Episcopal District Historical Record of South Carolina, Mrs. Theressa G.
James, Episcopal W.M.S. Supervisor; the Rt. Reverend Frederick Calhoun
James, Presiding Bishop. South Carolina boasts that 75% of all Black church
members in Charleston are A.M.E.s.
Each of these three exciting episcopal district books cover all their annual
conferences, churches and institutions of the district, including bishops,
general officers, presiding elders, pastors, ministers, and missionaries, and is
replete with pictures, biographies, histories and other pertinent information,
These works are most commendable and worthy of any library. They are
rich in research and recovery of the life experiences, labors, sacrifices, recruit-
ment, expansion, development and achievements of a people disadvantaged by
the American system and society, whose record and deeds were hidden away
from the world purposely, or allowed to die because of that system. These are
histories of a survival population that succeeded against the greatest odds and,
therefore, a rare treasury in the literary world. Other episcopal district books
are either on the press or being made ready; all will be available by the 1988
General Conference.
The seventh book is authored by a connectional officer, Mrs, Julma B.
Crawford. It is titled, The DMC’s Bicentennial Tribute to African Methodism,
Past and Present, Mrs. Crawford’s book was officially unveiled, with much
fanfare, at the Bicentennial function in Savannah, Georgia, in the month of
ROBERT H. REID, JR.
37203-4181. Second Class postage paid at Nashville Tennessee
The A.M.E. Christian Recorder was established in 185-
cashier's checks payable to A. Lee Henderson
Dr. A. Lee Henderson, Publisher
EDITORIAL STAFF
Dr. R. H. Reid, Jr., Editor
Mr. Churche! Swarn, Subscriptions Promotions
Career Development editor; Dr
ing Editor
ject or edit any letter or article to contorm with good taste. style and space requirements
The A.M.E. Christian Recorder
The Christian Recorder of the African Methodist Episcopal Chureh (USPS 016880) is published bi
weekly by the A.M.E.C. Sunday School Union 500 Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee
Executive and Editorial Office: 500 Eighth Avenue South, Yasnvilie Tennessee 37203-4181, Adver
tising rates available on request Subscription rate $15.00 per year by mail Make ali money orders and
Or. J. W. Yancy, !I, The Roving Editor, Or, Cyrus Keller Religious Literature Editor, Mr. HL Felix
Special Editor; Dr, Jimmie James, JF Music Editor, Rev. Miss Nurjahn Govan, Women Ministries
Editor, Atty, Leroy Nesbitt Social Action Editor, Rev. W. F Ball, Jr., Public Relations Editor Mrs
Theima A. Wills, Contributing Editor Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams, General Features Editor, Mrs
Wilhelmina Lawrence, Senior Missions Editor, Mrs Ruth Hill Jones, Consulting Editor, Rev. Alonzo
Middleton, Regional Editor, Rev. E. L. Blankenship Regional Editor, Rev. W. J. Jackson Regional
Editor; Atty. Mary R. Turner, Basic Law Editor; Or. J. W. P. Collier, Overseas Correspondent Or W. D
Johnson, Roving Photographer/Reporter Or. Kenneth S. Robinson, Medical Ministries Editor, Capt
Carroll R. Chambliss, Special Columnist Mrs. Sheridan Reid Banks, Special Features Reporter, Rev O
Urcille Ifill, Sr., Contributing Editor, Or. Henderson Davis, Archives Editor, Or, William P. DeVeaux
Dennis C. Dickerson, Contributing Editor Rev. Cecil Murray, Contribut
The A.M.E. Christian Recorder welcomes letters trom i's readers on matters of general interest, All
letters must be signed and contain the address of the writer, The A.M.E. Christian Recorder will occa
sionally withhold the name ot a writer of a signed letter it there is a valid reason given. No defamatory
libelous or slanderous letters will be printed; and the A M.E. Christian Recorder reserves (he right to re
December. Author Crawford, in her Preface, said, ‘‘One feature of the book,
‘Personalities,’ brought income as well as gave every individual who desired a
chance to record his/her biographical profile, along with memorials, in this
Bicentennial work. These personality sketches primarily include people who
are unknown beyond their local churches, but their work has helped to make
African Methodism a leading citadel throughout the world.’’
Mrs. Crawford went on to say, ‘‘Great pride went into the preparation of
this book. I beamed many times over as I read of the great deeds of our
Founders. Their greatness became ever so much clearer as I walked with them
and talked with them in their travails to live as free men and to make a way for
their followers. I hope that the finished product is a symbol of hard work,
dedication and overwhelming esteem for a history unequalled in glory, honor,
majesty and most of all, to the magnification of our Lord and Redeemer.”’
The Introduction to the Centennial Encyclopedia of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church was written by Bishop L. J. Coppin, D.D., LL.D., for the
editor, Dr. R. R. Wright, Jr. Richard R. Wright, Jr., A.M., B.D., Ph.D., was
Editor of the A.M.E. Christian Recorder, and wrote many books that are yet
in use. Bishop Coppin’s Introduction begins with the following statement:
‘*A complete history of the Negro in America is unwritten and
unwritable. Much that would be most interesting and valuable
went to the grave with those who had no possible means of trans-
mitting it except by the uncertain and unreliable method of tradi-
tion. Much that comes down to us through the maze, either writ-
ten or by tradition, is, indeed, somber and sad. It becomes the
historian of the present day to throw side lights upon the dark past
by exhibiting some of its better products, lest the skeptical
continue to ask, ‘Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ ”’
Everything we do should magnify and compliment the past. I suppose it’s
easier said than done.
Before I commit the sin of omission, which, in this instance would be
unpardonable, let me mention an eighth Bicentennial book that comes to
mind. It is titled, Meditation Messages in Celebration of African Methodism,
Bicentennial Year 1787-1987, the Rt. Reverend Samuel Solomon Morris, Jr.,
Presiding Bishop, Reverend Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram, compiler.
‘Meditation Messages’’ is a 357-page devotional book of daily readings for a
365-day year, written by ministers and laymen of the Fourth Episcopal
District. Bishop Morris wrote the Preface and General Officer Henderson
Davis wrote the Historical Statement. The book is designed to be a “‘living
devotional book,’’ usable continuously year after year.
I may have missed the Bicentennial book that you know about, or wrote, so
please inform me, that I may share the knowledge. As I write this editorial, I
am haunted by the question, what is a book? The lexicographers give a simple
answer: BOOK, a number of sheets of paper, parchment, etc., with writing or
printing on them, fastened together along one edge, usually between protec-
tive covers; literary or scientific work, anthology, etc., distinguished by length
and form from a magazine, tract, etc. . .
I am very pleased to have given this space as a commendatory statement for
the Bicentennial books written for the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s
200th-year celebration.
ee oe oe on
SUBSCRIBE
to the Christian Recorder
The bi-monthly newspaper to keep you
informed about your church for
ONLY $15.00 per year
Send check or money order payable to:
A. Lee Henderson
The Christian Recorder, Dept. SB
500 Eighth Avenue, South, Nashville, TN 37203-4181
Please print. Payment must accompany order. Allow 4 weeks for first delivery.
cmecweeeeein smegma ee AA AAA
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March 21,
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1988
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March 21, 1988
The AME Christian Recorder
Shoppers will have the opportunity to raise money for children like Nicole Riley, born
with birth defects, when they participate in the Bar None choclathon. The mini-triathalon
is being held at local malls throughout the U.S. to raise money for the March of Dimes
and to celebrate the introduction of The Hershey Chocolate Company’s new Bar None
Candy Bar.
Flora Club Observes 20 Years of Humane Service
Havre de Grace, MD—In a special
service, the Flora Club of St. James
A.M.E. Church celebrated its 20th
Anniversary. For twenty years, the
organization has spread cheer and
sunshine to the sick, shut-in, the down-
trodden, the bereaved and the aged of
the church through gifts of flowers,
fruit, financial donations and surprise
birthday parties. The church has also
been made more beautiful with the
floral arrangements depicting the
seasons of the year, thanks to this
caring group.
Guest speaker for the anniversary
service was the Rev. Ruben Freeman
of the St. Matthew A.U.M.P. Church,
Havre de Grace. Using a text from the
Third Chapter of Revelations, Verses
14-18, Rev. Freeman spoke to the
audience on “Luke Warm Christians.”
He stated, in his discourse, that “Even
though the Flora Club is a small
organization in the church, it is an
important part, for it brings gladness
and hope to many.” The St. Matthew
congregation and choir accompanied
their pastor.
Sis. Carol Bruce presided over the
joyous occasion. Officers of the Club
include the president, Sister Deloris
Williams, Vice President Viola Risby,
Secretary Annie Preston, Treasurer
Geraldine W. Cox and Chaplain
Staffon Smith.
The Reverend Michael O. Thomas
is pastor of St. James Church.
Sis. Geraldine W. Cox, Reporter
Bethel Posts Calendar Update
Batesville, AR—As we approach the
completion of the annual conference
year, we look back over the accom-
plishments and activities of the past
twelve months and, with grateful
hearts, we say ‘‘Through many dan-
gers, toils and snares we have already
come.”’
The Fourth Quarterly Conference
was successfully held. In his message,
“Compassion a Supreme Need,” Rev.
M. H. Elliott, Presiding Elder of the
Newport District, challenged us to a
stronger commitment to care for
others. Previous quarterly messages
likewise called for soul ‘searching:
“Empty Hearts and Full Barns”
(Parable of the Rich Fool); “God’s
Invitation, Man’s Response” (Parable
of The Wedding Feast).
The Pew Rally was an accomplish-
ment of prayerful teamwork. The church
has undergone major change with
elegant cushions adding beauty and
comfort. Mrs. Johnnie Murchinson,
Missionary president, and Mrs. Virginia
Montgomery, program chairperson, are
to be commended for their dedication.
Men’s and Women’s Day was another
opportunity for fellowship and support.
Mr. Yancey Montgomery and Mrs.
Louise were enthusiastic chairpersons.
Present were Pastor Joseph Watson,
minister of Samaritan Hill Missionary
Baptist Church, North Little Rock, and
more than a goodly number of members.
The choir sang until the message was
lifted to heavenly heights; the pastor
joined in; the heavenly fire fell; the Holy
Ghost came down!
The speaker was Pastor C. V. Golden
of Fairview CME Church, McAlmont,
who spoke to our hearts concerning our
responsibility and accountability. The
choir was strong in their musical
statement: they love the Lord; they love
people; therefore, God continued to visit
us.
Pastor T. C. Owens of the St. John
Pine Bluff charge came to us for revival.
He “told it like it is” with that very frank,
very sincere manner he is known for and
valued among those who are lovers of
the TRUTH, and those who are willing
to come to the TRUTH. His coming
made a difference. Mrs. Owens, who was
present two nights, is still recognized for
her abiding strong discipleship.
Mrs. Ethel Perkins served as
chairperson for the Appreciation Service
honoring Pastor and Mrs. James L.
Martin. Pastor Rickey Everett, minister
of Morning Star Baptist Church,
preached “A Man To Stand In The
Gap.” (Ezekiel 22:30) The choir and the
faithful Newport, AR, members were
present. The singing and the sermon
were touched by the Master. Friendship
Baptist and Bethlehem Baptist Churches
also contributed to the occasion with
music and sang with “power.” It was a
time of spiritual awakening and
fellowship, a blessing of temporal and
spiritual gifts.
Through it all—throughout the
conference year—Pastor and Mrs.
James L. Martin proved to be servants of
the Most High God and of His Son Jesus
Christ.
“Tis GRACE hath bro't us safe thus
far, and GRACE will lead us home.”
The Northwest Texas District Is Alive
Midland, Texas—Greater St. Luke
A.M.E, Church Sunday School de-
partment celebrated its first annual
Bible olympics session, Saturday, Jan-
uary 30, 1988 at 5:30 p.m. It was one of
the many Sunday School activities
planned for this new conference year.
There were 22 Sunday School mem-
bers present and five visitors. The
olympics consisted of questions from
the New Testament Book of Matthew
for the beginner through senior class,
while the adult class had a race on
finding scriptures in the Bible (Bible
drill), The classes were divided into
teams and each team received a prize
or prizes for their participation and
memorization. The various prizes
ranged from lollipops to cakes. The
awards that were given were the no gig-
gle, no wiggle award, the memoriza-
tion award, and the bring-a-person
award.
The superintendent, Mrs. Carolyn
Gilbert and the pastor, Rev. S. V.
Ferguson were a great help in the
event. Also, Mrs. Bobbie Gilbert
helped by having a review room. Each
person answering a question correctly
received a free ticket for a pickle, a
snicker bar, or bag of popcorn.
The contest judges for the event
were: Rev. Wayne Russell, associate
minister and Mrs. Lafrance Hickson,
S.S. Adult recruiter. The awards judge
was Mrs. Bertha Starks, and the Bible
olympics quiz hostess was Mrs. A. D.
Jones.
The Sunday School Dept. is grateful
to those who participated, those who
donated refreshments, and all Sunday
School students and teachers,
We give God the praise and glory
that this event had such a wonderful
turnout for the first time. There are
plans to have more events similar to
this one so that more and more people
can learn about God's word,
Terri L, Ferguson
OUTSTANDING
BLACK SERMONS
Volume 2
Wotter 8 Hoard exit
Outstanding Black
Sermons, Volume 2
by Walter B. Hoard
A new collection of sixteen ser-
mons by outstanding preachers
from the Black Christian com-
Twelfth Episcopal District 1988 Spring Convocation
Thursday, March 24th Through Saturday, March 26th
Visitor’s Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
319 Church Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, Presiding Prelate
Bishop Brookins and Guest Speakers
Bishop H. Hartford Brookins Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand
Dr. John R. Bryant
Thursday Evening, 7:00 p.m.: Bishop Richard A. Hildebrand, Presiding Prelate of
the Third Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, the preacher.
Friday, 12:00 noon: Dr. John R. Bryant, Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church,
Baltimore, Maryland, the preacher.
Saturday, 12:00 noon: Bishop Frank M. Reid, Jr., the Presiding Prelate of the
Ninth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, the preacher.
MUSIC
Spirit of the 12th Mass Choir,
directed by Mrs. Gladys Gill Hayes and Mr. LaBaron Mizer.
SPECTACULAR APPRECIATION
Friday Evening, 7:30 p.m.: Gala Spectacular Appreciation in honor of
Bishop H. Harford Brookins—Magnolia Room, Majestic Hotel.
PRAYER BREAKFAST
Friday Morning, 8:00 a.m.: WMS Prayer Breakfast and WMS/YPD Meeting—
Majestic Hotel
OTHER EVENTS
Thursday, 12:00 noon: Trustee Board Meeting, Visitor’s Chapel A.M.E. Church
Thursday, 2:00 p.m.: Photography Session for all General Conference Delegates
and Alternates, Visitor’s Chapel A.M.E. Church.
Friday, 3:00 p.m.: Organization of Delegates to the General Conference, :
July 5-15, 1988, Fort Worth, Texas. Discussion of General Conference Legislation,
and Candidates’ Hour.
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.: Economic Development Session.
munity. A helpful sermon
development resource for all
preachers.
WBH-123A ............. $4.95
Please add 13% postage and handling.
Bishop Frank M. Reid, Jr.
Ce
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The AME Christian Recorder
March 21, 1988
Priscilla Baltimore 1801 - 1882
by Ruth Davis
Priscilla Baltimore was born in
Bourbon County, Kentucky on May
13, 1801. When she was ten years old,
she was sold by her master, who was
her father, brought to St. Louis, and
again sold to ex-Governor Fletcher’s
father-in-law.
In 1813 she was converted under
Bishop Hendrick of the M. E. Church.
A Missionary next bought her for
$1,100.00. She was given the privilege
of purchasing her freedom, which she
accomplished in seven years.
Priscilla Baltimore was a
missionary, indeed. So great was her
influence that slave masters permitted
her to gather their slaves for religious
services. Once she was allowed to carry
three hundred of them from Missouri
into Illinois to hear the Gospel. This
good woman was kind to William Paul
Quinn. She gave him money and
cheered his heart in his difficult and
heroic task of planting the Church in
Missouri.
Mrs. Baltimore kept Rev. Quinn in
her home in those early days. She
rowed him across the Mississippi in
the wee hours of the night when the
Priscilla Baltimore
municipal authorities of St. Louis did
not allow him to stay all night in the
city.
She had a great love forthe A. M. E.
Church. St. Paul was organized in her
house in 1841 and she was one of the
first members. She was known in
many parts of Illinois and Missouri as
“Mother Baltimore.”
She died in 1882 at the age of 81. Dr.
T. W. Henderson preached the funeral
from the text: “But a woman that
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her the fruit of her hands, and let
her own words praise her in the gates.”
Proverbs 31: 30-31.
Luella Davis: The Epitomy Of A Leader
Luella Davis a devout Christian
woman, is a member of Ebenezer
A.M.E. Church, Detroit, Rev. Robert
Thomas, Jr., is her pastor.
Although Webster’s Dictionary de-
fines laborers as ‘‘a person who labors
with great effort, to expect oneself to
do something, to spend much time and
effort on’’, she far surpasses those
definitions. Not only is she active in
her local church, she is involved on the
Conference, District, and Connection-
al levels of this great church. Luella is
a licensed Missionary, and has held
many positions, including former Di-
rector of Public Relations for the
Michigan Conference Lay Organiza-
tion, Co-Chairman of Public Rela-
tions for the Connectional Biennial
Convention held in Michigan in 1983,
as well as former chairman of the
Ways and Means Committee of the
Ebenezer Lay Organization. Mrs.
Davis is presently Chairman of the
Scholarship Committee for the Con-
ference Lay Organization which has
helped raise thousands of dollars for
college bound high school graduates.
Luella’s education achievements are
equally impressive. Believing that edu-
cation is of major importance, she
strives to promote education. She
holds a Bachelors Degree and a Mas-
ters Degree from Paine College, Au-
gusta, GA, and has been a Resource
Teacher in the L’Anse Creuse Public
School District for the past twenty-five
years. She is a very active member of
the Detroit Inter-Alumni Council of
UNCF which she is Chaplain. She is
also a member of the Board of Direc-
tors of Paine College, member of
MEA Education Association, member
of NEA Education Association and
member L’ Anse Creuse Education As-
sociation.
She has been cited with numerous
awards from both civic and religious
entities, among those she is most
proud of are ‘‘Alumnus of the Year’’
Award from Paine College National
Alumni Association in 1980, and
“Mother of the Year’’ Award present-
ed by her daughters.
Luella is the wife of Theodore R.
Davis who is also very active in various
church projects. They have two out-
standing daughters, E. Jacqueline
Davis Hester, and Rosetta Yvonne
Archer. She is the proud mother-in-
law of Pastor Harvey Hester, Jr. and
George Robert Archer, Jr. The grand-
mother of two beautiful grandchil-
dren.
It is an honor to present this gra-
cious lady to the Connectional
Church.
Marjorie Moore
Director of Public Relations
Reporting
Greetings
From
First Community
A.M.E. Church
500 James S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI
Dr. Jessie W. Cotton
Pastor
HOLY BIBLE
The New King
James Version
Dictionary—Concordance
Pew Bible
On Special
$5.00
Please add 13% postage and handling.
——————————
Service of Triumph and
Thanksgiving for the Late
Sister Ethel Joliff Davis
Born June 22, 1895 to Henry Joliff and
Rivers Stinson Joliff. Deceased June 7,
1987 at 3:30 p.m. Funeral services were
held at the Greater Powell A.M.E.
Church, Grenada, MS, on Saturday, June
13, 1987, at 12:00 noon. Rev. John W.
Jenkins was the pastoral minister and Pre-
siding Elder E. C. Taylor, II, officiated.
Sis. Davis is survived by 5 daughters:
Mrs. Ora Chamberlain, Milwaukee,
WI; Mrs. Lela Hamilton, Detroit, MI;
Mrs. Nona Hayes, Los Angeles, CA;
Mrs. Golda Wilson, Morgan City, MS,
and Mrs. Emma Walton, Oakland,
CA. She is also survived by 5 sons: Roy
Davis, J. D. Davis, and Henry Davis,
all of Detroit, MI; Tina Davis, Phila-
delphia, PA, and P. M. Davis, Gre-
nada, MS.
Sis. Davis is also survived by 40
grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren,
16 great-great-grandchildren, 2 daugh-
ters-in-law, two sons-in-law, nephews,
nieces, cousins and friends.
One of the most faithful and devot-
ed members of the Greater Powell
Chapel A.M.E. Church, Sis. Davis
served as a Sunday School teacher for
over fifty years, a deaconess, steward-
ess, class leader, and as a member of
the senior Choir until her recent ill-
ness. An active and devoted mission-
ary, she served as Chairperson of the
Tanner-Turner Memorial Committee
of the Women’s Missionary Society in
the Northeast-West Mississippi Con-
ference.
Her descendents and relatives are
members of A.M.E. churches in over
thirty states.
“Life’s race well run,
Life’s work well done,
Heaven’s crown well won.
Now cometh rest.”’
We Cherish the Memory of
Rev. Jefferson L. Harkless, Sr.
Rev. Jefferson L. Harkless, Sr., was
born January 23, 1914, in Laurel,
Mississippi, to the late Alfred and Lula
Harkless. He entered the ministry as a
teenager in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
He was united in marriage to the late
Nora Lee Harkless on January 27,
1937, and to this union five children
were born.
Rev. J. L. Harkless was a noted
dignitary and renowned pastor, one
who will be greatly remembered for his
loyal devotion and service rendered
unto God. Rev. Harkless was a man
who feared God and loved God's
people. He pastored several churches
in Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky
and Ohio.
In 1985, it became necessary for him
to retire due to ill health, at which
time, he and his wife moved to
Lexington, Kentucky, to be with their
family. He was a faithful member of
the Quinn Chapel AME Church until
his death.
He leaves to cherish his memory,
two sons, Jefferson L. Harkless, Jr., of
Lexington, and Fredrick D. Harkless
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of Canton, Ohio; three daughters,
Marie Morton, Aletha Kay Wilhite
and Delores Haliburton, all of
Lexington; one brother, Rev. Alfred
Harkless, Meridian, Mississippi; a
stepmother, Mrs. Etta Mae Graves,
Jackson, Mississippi; thirteen
grandchildren; five great-grand-
children; one daughter-in-law; one
son-in-law; several nieces and nephews
and other relatives and friends.
PSALM 27:1
The Lord is my life and my
salvation, whom shall I fear.
The Lord is the strength of my life,
of whom shall I be afraid.
The Family
u ~ Bit
Is More
Than
§ Fire Insurance!’’
‘Christianity
a
If it does, and we do not hear from you, we will not be able to _
send future issues. The Post Office will not allow us to send |
The A.M.E. Christian Recorder free because of our Postal —
Permit. If your address label reads November expired, you
have already received a few issues of The A.M.E, Christian
Recorder free for two months. To stay on the mailing list, you
must renew your subscription! If you do not have a coupon
write to The A.M.E. Christian Recorder, 500 Eighth Avenue
South, Nashville, TN 37203, Attention: A. Lee Henderson,
Publisher.
===== DSC05458.JPG =====
March 21, 1988
The AME Christian Recorder
SCHOLARSHIP—The newly-elected president of the A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance of Los
Angeles and vicinity, Rev. Charles Brooks, is shown with the late Rt. Rev. Frederick D.
Jordan, the 72nd bishop of the A.M.E. Church, in whose memory, a scholarship was pre-
sented to the Ecumenical Center for Black Church Studies. ‘‘A generous contribution was
made to the Ecumenical Center for Black Church Studies, in memory of Bishop Jordan,”
said Rev. Brooks.
Los Angeles Ministerial Alliance
Is In Action Under Brooks
The A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance of
Los Angeles and Vicinity, presented a
scholarship through its installation
service to the Ecumenical Center for
Black Church Studies, January 10.
Rev. Charles Brooks, pastor Walker
Temple A.M.E. Church, was installed
as president. Rev. Brooks presented
the donation to Dr. Foster T. Crag-
gett, director of the Ecumenical Center
for Black Church Studies.
Rev. Brooks is a co-founder and
board member of the Ecumenical Cen-
er. ‘‘This scholarship will support five
students from the A.M.E. Church,
presently attending the Ecumenical
Center.
“I met Drs. Henry and Ella Mitchell
in 1972, while I was a student at the
School of Theology in Claremont. I
encouraged his assistance to start such
a center.
“‘The first meeting was held in the
Charles Brooks Is a Horseman
Rev. Charles Brooks
Rev. Charles Brooks has served over
20 years with the United States Air
Force and is currently the pastor at
New Walker Temple A.M.E. Church
in Los Angeles.
Born in Macon, GA, he received the
graduate degree from the University of
Redlands and did post graduate studies
at the School of Theology at Clare-
mont, CA. He has done additional
studies in places as exotic as Singapore
and Alaska.
He was licensed as a minister in 1959
at Baker Chapel A.M.E. Church in
Fort Worth, was ordained a deacon in
1960, and then an elder in 1962.
He was an associate in several
churches across the country, including
Baker A.M.E. Church in Fort Worth,
Turner Chapel in Columbus, and
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in River-
side.
Awards and nonors lauding his serv-
home of the late Rt. Rev. Frederick D.
Jordan, in Hollywood. From that
meeting of Bishop Jordan, the
Mitchells and myself, a general meet-
ing was called at Amos Temple
C.M.E. Church, to appoint Dr.
Mitchell as the first director,’’ stated
Rev. Brooks.
He continued, ‘‘It is gratifying to
know that approximately 40 students
have received bachelors degrees; 15
students have received masters degrees
and six students have received doctor-
ate of divinity degrees.
‘*Course work taken at the Ecumen-
ical Center for Black Church Studies,
is for credit at the University of La
Verne. Dr. Mitchell deserves all the
praise for getting the center on a solid
foundation, without much initial sup-
port from denominations,’’ added
Rev. Brooks.
ice to church and community have
been bestowed upon him at every step
of his professional career. He served a
term with the San Diego Community
College District. He was appointed to
the Affirmative Action Board by the
San Diego Board of Supervisors.
Rev. Brooks is listed in California’s
Who’s Who, 13th edition, and in
Ebony magazine’s October 1969 edi-
tion of ‘‘Speakin’ of People.’’
Other honors he has received from
the San Diego community include re-
cognition for outstanding work in
community affairs, for which he was
lauded by the San Diego City Council,
the Board of Supervisors, Kiwanis In-
ternational and the San Diego Black
community.
He was also the first Black to be
elected to the presidency of the La
Jolla Ministerial Association, and he
served on the Board of Visitors for the
Bishops Episcopal School of La Jolla.
After coming to Los Angeles he co-
founded the Ecumenical Center for
Black Church Studies.
Rev. Brooks heads a family whose
credentials are quite impressive in their
own right. His wife Charlotte is vice
principal at Arrowview Intermediate
School in San Bernardino. His daugh-
ter Valerie lives in Bakersfield and
works as an administrative assistant,
and his son Roland is a corrections of-
ficer here. Rev. Brooks also has one
grandson, Crosby Charles Washing-
ton.
An A.M.E. From Bolivar County
Mississippi Elected Circuit Clerk
Solomon Chapel AME Church and
its Pastor, Rev. F. D. Raggs, are
pleased to announce the election of
Mrs. Rosie S. Simmons as Circuit
Clerk of Bolivar County, Mississippi.
Solomon Chapel is located in Cleve-
land, Mississippi, which is also the
home of Mrs. Simmons.
Although Bolivar County’s Black
population is 62 percent, this Missis-
sippi Delta county has been without a
Black county-wide elected official
since Reconstruction. On August 4,
1987, Mrs. Simmons changed the
course of history as she defeated her
only opponent in the Democratic Pri-
mary.
Bolivar County, located in the
northwestern part of Mississippi, is
bordered on the west by the Mississip-
pi River. It enjoys the distinct honor of
being the home county of Blanche K.
Bruce, the first Black man to serve a
full six-year term in the United States
Senate.
Mrs. Simmons attributes her suc-
cess to several factors: (1) Faith in the
Lord; (2) seven years experience as a
Deputy Circuit Clerk; (3) a well organ-
ized and highly visible campaign
staffed with dedicated volunteers; and
(4) a commitment to public service.
Mrs. Simmons serves as Director of
the YPD, vice chairperson of the Stew-
ard Board, secretary of the Missionary
Society, member of the Public Rela-
tions Committee, and secretary of the
Official Board.
Originally from Pike County, Mis-
sissippi, Mrs. Simmons is a 1967 grad-
uate of Tougaloo College. She is mar-
ried and has four children. Mrs. Sim-
mons stated that she received strong
support from her family. Her hus-
band, Willie, served as her campaign
organizer and manager—pulling to-
gether a volunteer force of over one
hundred fifty persons.
Greetings!
Peace,
Joy and
Happiness!
Rev. M. W. Singleton
1518 N. Irby Street
Florence, SC 29501
and the Allen Insurance Ane
invite your church to participate in tie.
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program for A.M.E. ee
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Many churches find the i insurance market-
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understandable, of course. With hundreds
of companies, thousands of agents and a
myriad of coverages to choose from, it’s
difficult to know which is right for you.
To help make your choice easier, your
Church Extension Department and the
Allen Insurance Agency (owned in part by
the A.M.E. church) researched many com-
panies and coverages. They uncovered one
company that stood above the clutter. One
company that was subsequently given the
endorsement of your Church Extension
Department. That company is Church
Mutual Insurance Company.
Church Mutual offers the security
you want and need.
Church Mutual is a specialist in providing
property and liability insurance to church-
es. The-company has a network of highly
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and coverages your want and need.
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===== DSC05459.JPG =====
6
The AME Christian Recorder
March 21, 1988
Easter Should Be a Missionary
Observance for Overseas Work
by A. Lee Henderson
Dear Friends:
Easter symbolizes sacrifice and re-
surrection. It speaks of the time Jesus
was crucified, entombed, and raised
from the dead. So important is this
event that a day of the week—Sunday
—was chosen to remind Christians of
its meaning. Here at the Sunday
School Union we are using the theme
this year for celebration: ‘‘Easter a
Time of Christian Victory, Instead of
Worldly Vanity.’’
Easter isn’t the culmination of
Christ’s life on earth. It’s the dawning
of an era of stewardship and a chance
to renew your faith.
The needs of a chaotic world have
driven us to our knees, and a deep real-
ization grips us that Easter should be a
missionary observance. Word comes
from our overseas bishops that thou-
sands of our overseas brothers and sis-
ters need our help. Many thousands
have lost their lives; economic and
health infrastructures have been de-
stroyed; people’s homes have been
looted and millions are at risk of star-
vation. These needs could be multi-
plied many times over. Surely we can
see that now is the time to ‘‘Thrust in
the sickle, for the harvest is ripe,’’
Perhaps you ask, ‘‘What can I do?’’
Military experts tell us that front line
soldiers need an average of ten men
behind the lines to keep them supplied.
Ours is a spiritual battle. The men and
women who GO need the support of
us who cannot go, We can pray. In
fact, we must pray if we are to succeed
in our effort. Then, too, a job costs
money. I know we have a budget for
overseas work, but it is not enough. A
gift from every adult member to our
Overseas District would really HELP.
Christ sacrificed all; surely He expects
that we will sacrifice something. If we
do ur best, God will do the rest.
Yes, Easter Sunday and the month
of April can be a time of victory
throughout the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, but we need you,
your prayers and you to send your
contributions to an overseas Bishop
for the development of our overseas
work. Many times the choice before
many overseas Christians is not be-
tween socialism or capitalism, but be-
tween life and death.
Sincerely,
A. Lee Henderson
Former Episcopal Supervisor Goes to Rest
Georgia Teal Ransom
Georgia Teal Ransom was born in
Abbeville, SC, the daughter of James
and Pinkie (Lee) Teal. She attended
CHURCH
COMPUTER
SOFTWARE
It’s as easy as
AMEC!
Contact the nation’s leading
church computer systems:
AMEC Plus
and
AMEC Jr.
A.MLE.C. Sunday School Union
500 Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-4181
615/256-5882
“The Committee’s choice. . .since 1984"’
the high school at Allen University in
Columbia, SC. She completed her
undergraduate work at State Teachers
College in Cheyney, PA, and Cornell
University in Ithaca, NY, where she re-
ceived her B.S. degree. She received
her Master’s degree from Columbia
University in New York City, NY.
Mrs. Ransom served as Dean of
Women for eleven years at Wilber-
force University, where she was affec-
tionately known as ‘‘Dean Teal.’’ She
was also the house director at the
Emma Ransom House in New York
for two years.
Mrs. Ransom has served the
A.M.E. Church faithfully in many ca-
pacities. As the wife of the late Bishop
Reverdy Cassius Ransom, she partici-
pated in one of the most socially prog-
ressive and mission-oriented adminis-
trations of the A.M.E. Church. The
Women’s Missionary Society played
an important role in her life. She
served on every level of this organiza-
tion, from the local church level to the
Episcopal Supervisor level. She was ac-
tive in missions nationally and inter-
nationally.
A matriarch of Holy Trinity A.M.E.
Church, Wilberforce, OH, she was
honored at the 1986 Women’s Day
Celebration for her unyielding service
of 53 years to the A.M.E. Church.
Mrs. Ransom was a member of the
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the
Links, Inc.
She is survived by a number of cou-
sins and grandchildren. She was pre-
ceded in death by her husband, Bishop
R. C. Ransom.
Laughter Is The
Shock Absorber
That Takes The
Bumps Out Of
Life
Mother of Len Bias on Lecture Tour
Lonise Bias, mother of the late basketball star Len Bias, relates her anti-drug message
during a visit to the University of Florida to lecture for National Collegiate Drug
Awareness Week. (UF photo by Walter Coker)
Gainesville, FL—Lonise Bias believes
that the drug-induced death of her son,
the late basketball star Len Bias,
turned out to be a good thing for the
teenagers and parents of America.
“‘Len Bias did more for this nation
through his death than he ever could
have through his life, no matter what
heights he might have risen to in the
sports world,’’ Bias said.
Bias, whose son died of a cocaine
overdose two days after being drafted
by the Boston Celtics in June 1986,
following an illustrious college basket-
ball career at the University of Mary-
land, is taking her anti-drug message of
love and understanding on the road in
hopes that Len Bias ‘‘did not die in
vain.’’
She visited the University of Florida
to speak out against drugs and mis-
guided parenting for National Colle-
giate Drug Awareness Week. Bias
speaks throughout the country at high
schools, colleges, youth rallies and
churches.
Bias said she believes parents and
other adults often ‘‘just feel like giving
up’’ when their teens become troubled
and turn to drugs and alcohol, but she
says her message is one of hope.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned
about teenagers, it’s that there’s no
such thing as a black sheep. There are
just some kids who need some extra
love, communication and understand-
ing,’’ Bias said. Despite her busy lec-
ture schedule, she says she always
makes time for ‘‘quality interaction’’
with her three remaining teenagers.
“You have to give a lot of yourself
to heal your home. Just giving your
kids material things isn’t enough. They
want and need personal interaction
with you, no matter how busy you
are,’’ she said.
Bias said she feels parents often
focus too much on the actual drug use
rather than on what’s going on in their
children’s hearts and minds. ‘‘Drug
and alcohol abuse is only a symptom.
We need to find the causes that lie
underneath, and communication is the
only way to do that.’’
Bias said it’s sad that it sometimes
takes a tragedy like her son’s death to
turn the public’s attention to hurting
youths. She will never forget the agony
of saying goodbye to the son who had
“just really gotten started.”’
She remembers the sizzling June
1986 day when her phone rang and she
was told her son was sick. ‘‘I went to
the hospital expecting to talk to him,
and he was dead. Parents have to re-
member that now is the time to do the
talking.’’
The effects of the tragedy on the
Bias family were especially adverse be-
cause ‘‘we had to share our grieving
process with the whole world,’’ Bias
said. The family used love, communi-
cation and faith in God to pull togeth-
er, and by the day of Len Bias’ memo-
rial service at the University of Mary-
land, Bias had discovered an inner
strength she never knew she had.
“People expected me to break
down and cry and fall apart, but there
I was with this inner strength,’’ Bias
said. She was approached by producers
of television’s religious ‘‘700 Club’’ to
tell her story on the air, and ‘‘it snow-
balled from there. I’m booked
through November,’’ she said.
While Bias said teenagers she en-
counters on the lecture circuit respond
well to her message, she especially en-
joys talking with parents who are
frightened about their children’s
futures.
“*T tell them we have to go to war
with the enemies of drugs and alcohol.
We have to fight to keep our babies.”’
Kelly Appointed
Protestant Chaplain
Rev. Herman O. Kelly, Jr.
Rev. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor
of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in New-
port, Rhode Island, was recently ap-
pointed Protestant Chaplain at Rhode
Island College by the Council of
Churches of Rhode Island. Rev. Kelly
will be involved in the total college
community with regards to Religious
Services, counseling, and advocacy.
A graduate of Morehouse College,
Springfield College and Boston Uni-
versity of Theology, Pastor Kelly was
assigned to Mt. Zion two years ago by
the Rt. Rev. Frank C. Cummings. He
served as Administrative Assistant to
Rev. Donald L. Tucker, pastor of
Bethel A.M.E. Church in Springfield,
Massachusetts, for two years before
his moving to Rhode Island. Mt. Zion
in Newport has experienced a new
fervor and commitment under Rev.
Kelly’s administration.
Presently, Rev. Kelly also serves as
Director of Social Action for the New
England Annual Conference.
Linda M. Kelly, Reporter
Boston-Hartford District
===== DSC05460.JPG =====
March 21, 1988
The AME Christian Recorder
Quarterly Meeting Is Held
The 3rd quarterly meeting of the
conference year was held Dec. 19 &
20th, 1987 at Haw Branch African
Methodist Episcopal Church
Richlands, N.C.
Dr. W. T. Holland, Sr., Presiding
Elder of the Southeastern District,
North Caroline Conference in charge,
assisted by Rev. T. Campbell, host
pastor.
Due to conditions beyond our control,
quarterly conference was canceled.
Sunday service began at 9:45 a.m. with
Sunday School. Mr. Alfred Parker
superintendent and teachers in charge.
Worship service began at 11:00
o'clock a.m. with Rev. Campbell
conducting the devotional service.
Music was rendered by the Senior
Choir. Dr. Holland was presented to
deliver the message with the text being
from Saint Matthew 2:9-10, The sub-
ject was ‘‘The Babe of Christmas.”’
The message was short, but spiritually
moving. Dr. Holland preached our
souls happy.
The Lord’s Supper was commemo-
rated. Lunch was spread and a yuletide
feast was enjoyed.
The next quarterly meeting will be
observed March 19th & 20th, 1988 at
Harrison Chapel African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Richlands, N.C.
Mrs. J. S. Canady — Reporter
PIA Awards SSU and Five Graphic Firms
Continued from page 1
All six companies are also members
of the Printing Industry Association of
the South, a regional affiliate of the
Printing Industries of America.
In 1986 PIAS awarded the Sunday
School Union with four Awards of
Merit for excellence in printing and
designing. The contest included print-
ers and publishers throughout the
Southern Region. Only a few Black
companies entered.
Henderson stated, ‘‘With a dedicat-
ed staff we will continue to strive to-
ward excellence. The work reflects the
staff’s dedication and commitment.’’
Letters of congratulations to Dr.
Henderson, Publisher, continue to
reach the office by the thousands for
the graphics, layout and appearance of
the AME Christian Recorder and other
religious productions done by the
AMEC Sunday School Union.
Henderson stated, ‘‘The AMEC
Sunday School Union (AME Publish-
ing House) is of the firm belief that
recruitment and training of personnel
will be of paramount importance this
year, and over the next several years,
and will occupy a great deal of man-
agement time. The number of young
people coming into the job market is
diminishing. The baby boom is over,
so the fundamental principle of supply
and demand will dictate that if we are
to compete for the best and the bright-
est we will have to greatly enhance our
recruiting skills. Once we have them on
board, we must prepare to challenge
their abilities and bring out the best
they have to offer. Likewise, we must
be continually upgrading the skills of
our veteran employees to keep their
skills current in a rapidly changing
business environment.’’
Chappelle Seeks Retirement From Secretaryship
Continued from page 1
The position of General Secretary allowed me the unique privilege of
observing the inner workings of the Judicial Council, and participating in the
deliberations of the Board of Incorporators. My involvement with the
Women’s Missionary Society, Lay Organization, Presiding Elder’s Council,
Connectional and Pastor’s Councils have filled me with a deeper appreciation
for the mission and work of the Church. On more than one occasion I have
been thrilled, challenged, honored and humbled by the many invitations to
serve as consultant, presentor, instructor, worship leader, confidante and
friend beloved to my sun-kissed sisters and brothers in Christ. My spirit has
been made to soar, through participation with those who had a faith and hope
for the dawning of a renaissance in African Methodism. Often the spirit of
cooperation, mutual respect, and sensitivity became contagious and it height-
ened the levels of dedication and achievement of our leadership.
It has been a coveted experience to have had the responsibility of listen-
ing, observing, and recording for posterity the actions of this great Church.
For all these and many other blessings I thank you! You have been extremely
good and compassionate to me and my family. You have allowed me to work
continuously and diligently with the Reverend Fathers in God. You have given
me the opportunity to have an intimate communion and fellowship with the
programmatic giants of the Church. You lifted me up and placed me in the
crucible of African Methodist tradition, polity, politics, compassion and
concern and through the process of divine chemistry grounded up, smoothed
out, sharpened, reconstructed and ignited me for greater dedication, commit-
ment and service to God in this institution we call the Church.
Please note that I hereby reaffirm my intent to ask my Church for the
privilege of retiring from the Office of General Secretary at the forthcoming
General Conference, Fort Worth, TX. Again, I solicit your prayers, spiritual
and financial support in my quest to become a Bishop of the Church in 1988.
All Roads Lead to Texas.
John Brown Russwurm
Founder of First Black
Newspaper
Continued from page 1
Outraged by the media’s pro-slavery
bias, Russwurm searched for a forum
to express his views.
He sought the help of Samuel E.
Cornish, a Presbyterian minister. To-
gether they started the first Black
newspaper in the United States, Free-
dom’s Journal.
The newspaper was an important
Black community resource. Written
by Blacks for Blacks, it encouraged
others to unite and demand their social
rights. It expressed Black concerns,
such as access to education, and full
employment. Eventually, it appealed
to a broader audience and became a
national voice arguing for the end of
slavery and discrimination.
Many Whites were involved in the
abolition movement, yet there was a
clear and urgent need for Blacks to
speak out for themselves. Russwurm
wrote, ‘‘We wish to plead our own
cause. Too long have others spoken
for us. Too long has the public been
deceived by misrepresentations.”’
Freedom’s Journal turned its atten-
tion to the abolition question and the
non-violent emancipation of slaves.
Debate exploded over the expected ef-
fects on society of a free Black popula-
tion.
Groups such as the American Col-
onization Society feared there would
be bloody reprisals and a permanent
caste system. They urged Blacks to mi-
grate to Africa and establish their own
independent nations. This idea did not
appeal to most Blacks, who regarded
America as their home and feared a
forced migration to a strange and for-
eign land.
William Lloyd Harrison, the radical
editor of The Liberator, proposed a
violent overthrow of slavery. Russ-
wurm rejected the new abolitionists
and was sickened by the notion of a
bloody racial struggle.
His editorials reflected his fear of a
race war and his gradual acceptance of
migration. He viewed it as the only
way to ensure a peaceful emancipa-
tion.
Russwurm had a powerful com-
mand of the written word. His argu-
ments were strong and expressed a gen-
uine concern for the welfare of Black
Americans. Despite his efforts to unite
the Black community, he convinced a
few to follow his lead and embrace mi-
gration.
In 1829 Russwurm resigned as editor
of Freedom’s Journal to move to Li-
beria, accompanied only by close
friends and associates. His dream of
mass migration and a new home for
free Blacks would remain unfulfilled.
Russwurm’s interest in journalism
was not left behind. For the next five
years, he edited the Liberia Herald. His
strong belief in Black education also
led him to his position as Liberia’s
superintendent of education.
Although Russwurm failed to un-
derstand Black Americans’ decision to
stay in America, he played a key role in
the fight against slavery and injustice
here. His newspaper was an important
outlet for Blacks to express their ideas
and discuss their needs. It established
the legitimacy of the Black press, and
provided a model for other Black jour-
nalists and editors.
(John Russwurm is one of 12 people se-
lected for ‘‘Gallery of Greats: Black Jour-
nalists—Then and Now,”’ a collection of
oil portraits commissioned by the Miller
Brewing Company. The Collection, which
honors all Black journalists, is on a na-
tional tour of art galleries.)
Howard Beach Is
Everywhere
Continued from page 1
County. In one case the complainant
was awarded a $4,400 judgment against
Raimond for use of unnecessary force
in a traffic case. But Raimond was
cleared by a police trail board and so
he remained on the force.
Last month Raimond was allegedly
investigating a suspected burglary in
the home of Officer Gordon, the
Black officer. Officer Gordon had
recently arrived home. When the Black
officer moved towards a window in his
own house, the White officer shot him
through the window. The White offi-
cer claimed he thought he saw a gun in
Gordon’s hand. Officer Gordon died a
short time later, on the floor of his
own home. A neighbor says the White
officer never identified himself, but
had only yelled, ‘‘Freeze. ”’
When an ambulance with paramed-
ics arrived, the County police would
not allow them to enter to treat Offi-
cer Gordon. County police claimed
other intruders might still be in the
house. Then when five Washington,
DC, officers, including a homicide
lieutenant and a district commander,
arrived on the scene, they were not
allowed to remain in the house during
the investigation. A Washington, DC,
police officer called the noncoopera-
tion ‘‘highly irregular,’’ adding, ‘‘(DC
police) never turn away an investigator
from another police unit.’’
Several Black police officers on the
Washington, DC, force have openly
called the killing racially motivated.
They suggest that because the house
was located in a middle class neighbor-
hood, and because it had a two-car
garage that held Officer Gordon’s
Mercedes Benz, Cpl. Raimond as-
sumed that the Black man he saw in
the house could not be its owner. On a
recent call-in program on a local Black
radio station, some officers asked to
be authorized to go in and get the
White officer to bring him back to
Washington, DC, in order to ensure a
fair trial.
The Gordon killing is not an isolated
incident in this county. Back in De-
cember of 1986, Sir Kaylin Edwards, a
15-year-old Black youth, was repeat-
edly beaten by another White Prince
George’s County officer near a con-
venience store. The White officer ac-
cused the young man of littering. Elev-
en witnesses testified to the brutality.
One shopper mentioned that the offi-
cer ‘‘kept saying ‘pick up the wrapper’
but each time he would keep shoving
him back...(The officer) hit him at
least 25 to 30 times.’’ The driver of a
car testified that the young man stum-
bled across the road in front of her and
that the officer hit him ‘‘at least 10
times’’ with the nightstick and then
began kicking him between the legs. A
Prince George’s County police trial
board later agreed that the officer had
used ‘‘excessive force.”
Yes, Howard Beach is but a symbol.
for there are Howard Beaches all over
this nation. And given the present na-
tional climate, which condones racist
violence through silence, these inci-
dents will continue to grow unless we
demand that justice be done—each
and every time they occur.
Meanwhile three different investiga-
tions are now underway in the killing
of Officer Gordon. His death sadly re-
minds us once again that in the African
American community, no one is ex-
empt from the brutality and the fatal-
ity of racism.
===== DSC05461.JPG =====
The AME Christian Recorder
March 21, 1988
Rey. Richard Allen Leonard
Bicentennial Symposium III Held at
Greater St. Luke
Charleston, SC—Greater St. Luke
A.M.E. Church, in the City of
Charleston, was the site of the
Bicentennial Symposium III. The Rey.
R. A. Leonard is pastor of the church.
Bishop Frederick C. James stated that
Symposium III was being held in a
church because it was a part of his plan
to bring The Church to the churches in
the City of Charleston instead of
meeting in hotels. The hotels would be
used for sleeping and eating.
The Symposium was set in motion
with an inspiring, soul-lifting worship
service. Inspiring, indeed, was the
music rendered by the Chancel Choir,
whose members took off from work to
sing for this once-in-a-lifetime
experience. After appropriate remarks
by Bishop Anderson, Bishop
Hildebrand and Bishop Talbot, Dr
Josephus R. Coan, professor emeritus
of Missions at I.T.C., was presented
Dr. Coan’s scholarly presentation,
entitled “The Spirit and Message of
Henry McNeal Turner,” was a
masterpiece and should be made
available to the church in general. He
made what he called two very bold
statements about Bishop Turner. The
first: “Of all the great pioneers who
made great contributions that led to
the expansion of the A.M.E. Church,
and whose leadership has resulted in
its growth and development, few, if
any at all, can be given credit equal to
that of Bishop Henry McNeal
Turner.” The second: “No other black
leader dared so heartily and lived so
dangerously for the cause of the
liberation of black Americans during
the latter half of the nineteenth century
and the opening years of the twentieth
century than Bishop Henry McNeal
Turner, the twelfth Bishop of the
A.M.E. Church, whom I would like to
style as the fearless prophet.”
Dr. Coan said that the two
dominating factors in Bishop Turner's
life that led to his many successes were
(1) the expansion of the A.M.E
Church, and (2) the complete freedom
of the black race
The symposium was recessed for
lunch, which was hosted by the Rev. Z
L. Grady at the Sheraton Hotel, The
afternoon session, at Greater St. Luke
was also opened with an inspiring
devotional service with music by the
church's Chancel Choir. We were all
made to rejoice
After the worship service, Bishop
Anderson presented Bishop Frank ¢
Cummings, who, in turn, presented
Dr. William Watley, pastor of St
James A.M.E. Church, Newark, New
Jersey, who spoke on the relevancy of
the message of Bishop Turner. Dr.
Larry Murphy, professor of History at
Garrett Theological Seminary, after
being presented by Bishop Samuel S.
Morris, spoke on the “Social
Consciousness and Social Vision of
Bishop Henry McNeal! Turner.” Both
Dr. Murphy and Dr. Watley presented
very scholarly addresses that should be
made available through publication
Grandparents
Have Their Day
At St. James
Havre de Grace, MD—I\n a unique
service, “Grandparents Day” was
observed at St. James A.M.E. Church,
with grandparents in charge of the eleven
o’clock Sunday worship. Minister
Cornelia Jones served as worship leader
for the service that saw grandparents
ushering and a choir serving with
grandparents making up two-thirds of its
composition.
Hymns sung by the special chou
included “My Hope is Built,” Standing
on the Promises,” “Blessed Quietness,”
“Let It Breathe On Me,” and “Lord, I’m
Coming Home.” Sponsor of the
occasion, Sis. Geraldine W. Cox
rendered a solo rendition of “] Was Glad
When They Said Unto Me.”
The pastor of the church, the Rev
Michael O. Thomas, preached from the
familiar 23rd Psalm. He spoke of the
important part his grandfather played in
the shaping of his life, and focused on the
relevancy of the selected Psalm to the
elderly people of the world
“Alive” and “on fire” are appropriate
terms to deseribe the church as the
congregation responded to the
components of worship and praise
during the special “Grandparents Day”
service
Sis. Geraldine W. Cox, Reporter
NOTICE
Do Not Send Color
Pictures For Our Black
And White Production
4. Lee Henderson
Publisher
MOVING?
Let us know in advance.
Send old address.
And also give us your new
address, complete with zip code.
Ebenezer AME Church Hosts
Capitol District Conference
Baltimore, MD—When the Capitol
District of the Washington Annual
Conference convened its District Con-
ference last fall, it was marked
throughout — from beginning to end
— by a high spiritual note. The open-
ing worship service progressed to a
mountain top experience, as the
district’s chieftain, Presiding Elder
Walter L. Hildebrand, delivered the
sermon.
Presiding Elder Hildebrand
demonstrated homiletical genius and
rhetorical mastery as he challenged the
conference with a sermon entitled
“‘When You Have Arrived.’’ (Deut.
26). The message was stamped into the
consciousness of the worshippers with
a three-dimensional call of the Holy
spirit reminding us, like the Israelites
who were about to cross over into the
Promised Land, we are mandated to:
call to recognition and confess God;
called to response and give thanks to
God; called to redemption and com-
mitment to God. The Elder’s message
was stimulating and gave credence to
the reason he is called a preacher’s
preacher and an elder’s elder.
The gift of proclamation was not the
only gift evidenced throughout the
conference by the Elder. Presiding
Elder’s administrative gifts were
reflected as he convened the business
session with his usual efficient and ef-
fective manner.
The program of the conference
focused on the contemporary issues of
“AIDS—A Health Issue Of The
80’s,’’ and ‘‘The Homeless.’’
Representatives from the Baltimore
City Health Department shared in an
informative and meaningful dialogue.
The Capitol District Conference
members participated with
wholesome, personal, and community
responses to both issues.
A second discussion centered
around theological and practical
perspectives of the role and respon-
sibilities of stewards and classleaders.
These discussions were led by Rev.
James Robinson and Rev. Goodwin
Douglas, with a layman’s perspective
given by Mr. Joel McLeod
Best Black Sermons
by William M. Philpot
These sermons typify the best
preaching that is done in
Black churches today, Each
sermon has been chosen be-
cause of its excellent homilet-
ical form and accuracy in de-
picting Black experience,
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Committee reports presented before
the conference reflected much
preparation and creativity was invested
in the reports. In addition, sermons by
Rev. Henry White and Rev. Arthur
Glover kept the spiritual flames alive.
The enthusiasm of everyone involved
kept the conference at a peak level
throughout the two days. The warmth
and intimate vibrations of the host
church, Ebenezer and its dynamic
pastor, Rev. Wendall Christopher,
combined to make the Capitol District
Conference one that will long be
remembered.
The members of the Capitol District
all take great pride in the model of ex-
cellence demonstrated by Presiding
Elder Walter L. Hildebrand and the
cooperation of pastors and laypersons
are what makes this district rightly and
respectfully called ‘‘THE CAPITOL
DISTRICT.”’
Rev. Lee P. Washington, Reporter
The New Catechism For Youth Proba-
tionaries Members Of African Methodism,
by G. Lovelace Champion, Sr. |nstruc-
tional as well as informative to y uth and
adults, the author is concerned with doc-
trines and usages of the A.M.E. Church
and Christian Faith
GLC-#IC .
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===== DSC05462.JPG =====
March 21, 1988
Atlanta, GA—At the close of 1987 the
President of the United States deliv-
ered a ‘*State of the Union’’ address.
At the close of 1987 the Governor of
the State of Georgia delivered a ‘‘State
of the State’’ address. At the close of
1987 the Mayor of the City of Atlanta
delivered a ‘‘State of the City’’ ad-
dress. At the close of 1987 Pastor
George Moore of St. Phillip A.M.E.
Church delivered a ‘‘State of the King-
dom’’ address. There is little question
as to which address presented the
greatest challenge, evoked the most re-
flection, inspired the largest measure
of hope, promoted the uttermost eter-
nal delight, and encouraged a universal
movement amongst Christians for the
advancement of God’s Kingdom.
With the utterance of Pastor
Moore’s simple little question, ‘‘where
do we go from here?’’ the congrega-
tion at St. Phillip A.M.E. Church on
January 1, 1988, was revived, rejuve-
nated and rededicated. Not simply be-
cause of the question, but as a result
of the answer.
Inevitably, the question of where St.
Phillip is going could not be answered
without first reflecting upon where St.
Phillip has been.
St. Phillip A.M.E. Church was born
in 1875 in Reynoldstown, on Renfro
Street, under the leadership of Rev.
Browning. The second structural
church was erected under the guidance
and leadership of Rev. C. A. Wingfield
on Oliver Street in Atlanta. Then in
1921 Rev. J. R. Gardner began the
structure at the corners of Wylie and
Selman Streets; and the building was
completed in the Spring of 1922. The
‘‘vision’’ of St. Phillip was not born,
however, with the building on Renfroe
Street, or any of the subsequent struc-
tures; but St. Phillip was given birth in
the hearts of God’s children who had
the vision and foresight to acknowl-
edge that God’s church lies within the
hearts of each Christian. According to
Pastor Moore, a church like St. Phillip
can become great only by saints seek-
ing to advance God’s Kingdom. In
1875 God was not through with St.
Phillip, and in 1988 is not through with
St. Phillip. Surely in 1875 Rev. Brown-
ing asked ‘‘where do we go from
here?’? Likewise, the question was
probably propounded by Rev. Win-
field when he struggled to build the
second structure. Without doubt, in
1951 Rev. O. F. Maddox asked the
same question St. Phillip was totally
destroyed by fire. In answer to the
question. . .each time asked, God
gave a resounding response to ‘march
ever forward in faith, trusting in His
holy word.’ The evidence of God’s re-
sponse to the question is apparent in
the growing state of God’s Kingdom
where sinners repent and utilize the
open doorway at St. Phillip A.M.E.
Church to march toward eternal life.
Pastor Moore stated with the great-
est humility that he did not know in
1977 what 1987 would bring when St.
Phillip was the substance of hope, and
the evidence of the goals not yet reach-
ed, Pastor Moore envisioned St.
Phillip as God could make it. When
Pastor Moore stood in the pulpit of St.
Phillip in 1977, the church had a mort-
gage totaling $150,000. The mortgage
is now $40,000. In 1977 when Pastor
Moore stood to preach he was the only
minister in the pulpit, and he had to
lead the Call to Worship, the Deca-
logue, the TeDeum and the Litany.
Today there are 14 assistant pastors. In
1977 there were 186 nembers on the
The AME Christian Recorder
LOO
State of the Kingdom Address—
**Where Do We Go From Here?’’
church roll. Today there are almost
3,000 members. The church has con-
tinued to march forward, planting
seeds and cultivating the following
ministries; health, young adult, adult,
Christian education, athletic, men’s,
evangelism, family, communications,
worship, stewardship, church and soci-
ety, bus and music. As a result of
God’s goodness, eyes have not seen
and ears have not heard of the glories
which are yet to be revealed unto St.
Phillip A.M.E. Church. Thus, in
answer to the question, ‘‘where do we
go from here?’’ the answer becomes
that cited by Pastor Moore, ‘‘we will
march ever forward, thanking God,
taking courage. . .and continuously
improving the state of God’s King-
dom.
Visit From Bishop Adds
Five to the Flock
On January 10, 1988, The Honor-
able Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot
brought the message at both the 9:00
a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services
at St. Phillip A.M.E. Church. The
Bishop very befittingly spoke of our
debt to Christ and our debt to others
who have been instrumental in our
lives. When the invitation was extend-
ed five came forth to unite with St.
Phillip A.M.E. Church. These five
brought the total membership of St.
Phillip A.M.E. Church to 2,813 as of
January 10, 1988.
Quarterly Conference Report 1987
The St. Phillip A.M.E. Church held
its quarterly conference on November
16, 1987. Miriam DeShazor and
Annette Colston presented themselves
before the conference for evangelism
and were so appointed and licensed by
Presiding Elder Scarbrough. Ms. Irene
Harvey, an evangelist for the last three
years, was ordained as an itinerate
minister. Minister Harvey also serves
as assistant dean of in-service ministry.
Likewise, Arlene Robie and James
Hardaway presented themselves as
candidates for itinerate minister, and
they were so instated. Michael Bowie
and Walter Benjamin were nominated
by the pastor and appointed by Elder
Scarborough as parliamentarians. Sim-
ilarly, Alice Brown was appointed as
reporter to the Christian Recorder.
Reporter, Alice F. Brown, Esquire
Remind
Yourself Daily —
Courtesy
Makes
Everyone
Feel Good
Attend The
General Conference,
July 1988
In
Fort Worth, Texas
Presiding Elder Houston Exhorts Bethel
Members To “Wait On The Lord”
Rev. O. H. Houston
San Mateo, FL—On the occasion of the
First Quarterly Conference for New
Bethel A.M.E. Church, members heard
the Daytona Beach District presiding
elder, the Honorable Rev. O. H.
Houston, deliver a dynamic message on
the subject “Wait on the Lord.” The
entire congregation was moved by the
power and the visitation of the Spirit as
they received the inspiring message.
We are thanking the Almighty God
and the Right Reverend Philip R.
Cousin, Presiding Bishop of the I 1th
Episcopal District, for returning our
beloved Presiding Elder and his wife for
continued service to the Daytona Beach
District. We are also thankful for the
return of our pastor, Rev. David Bradley
and Mrs, Bradley. Our church and
community have been blessed through
their coming. We are growing and
progressing under the direction and
leadership of our shepherds.
Sis. Sandra Gilyard, Reporter
Bethel A.M.E. Church Holds
Second Quarterly Conference
Presiding Elder, Rev. Charlie E.
Nichols, held his second Quarterly
Conference January 15-17, 1988.
Friday, January 15, 1988, 7:00 p.m.,
the meeting was opened with a congre-
gational song, reading of the 8th Psalm
for scripture, followed with prayer.
In the absence of Pastor McNealy,
Rev. Gloria Cooper presented the Pre-
siding Elder, Rev. C. E. Nichols, for
order of business, which was carried
out in a very orderly fashion. In his
closing he expressed his deep apprecia-
tion to Rev. McNealy, officers and
members for the support given to him
and his wife during the last conference
year.
Sunday, January 17, 1988, Sunday
School began at 9:30 a.m. The subject
of the Sunday School lesson: ‘‘Reli-
gion In Life.’’ In reviewing the lesson,
Rev. Nichols emphasized ‘‘Prayer is
the key to the Kingdom.’’ He encour-
aged each to read the first chapter of
James. His closing thought was, ‘‘Try
God—He will not fail you.”’
Rev. Gloria Cooper presided during
the 11:00 a.m. service in the absence of
Pastor McNealy. Music was rendered
by the Gospel Chorus, with Mrs.
Eunice Davis as organist, and Mr.
Darrel Gettis as pianist. The morning
hymn was #191, ‘‘Come Holy Spirit
Heavenly Dove.’’ The invocation was
by Bro. T. S. Bonner, Scripture
(Psalm 121) was read by Rev. Gloria
Cooper, and the hymn of preparation,
#563, ‘‘On the Mountain’s Top
Appearing.”’
Rev. Nichols selected Philippians
1:9-11 as the Scripture. Highlights of
his sermon were (1) the outcome of
genuine love, (2) love abounds more
and more in knowledge, (3) love is
divine, and (4) God is love.
Giving recognition to the Dr. Martin
Luther King celebration, Nathaniel
Thomas, 9 years old, shared his poem
with the congregation, entitled ‘‘Mar-
tin Luther King.’? The Pensacola News
Journal gave honors to this young
poet.
Martin Luther King
God made a child named Martin
Luther King.
When he was born, the angels did
sing.
When he was a child, he loved to
read,
He learned about freedom, yes
indeed!
He knew God made all of us, black
and white,
Then why couldn’t everyone be treat-
ed right?
Blacks were placed in the back of the
bus,
But they really didn’t want to start a
Juss.
They decided not to ride the bus one
day,
They walked to town, it was a long
way.
Martin spoke out for their rights,
In a peaceful way he led the fight.
It wasn’t always easy but he held his
head high,
Even though most of the time he
wanted to cry.
“We shall overcome”’ was his famous
claim,
He stood up for America, you should
do the same.
He spoke for our freedom with dig-
nity.
He gave all the Blacks a victory.
He marched for peace and made his
score,
He won the Nobel Prize and even the
war,
How sad that he was not allowed to
live,
To see all of his dreams fulfilled.
A man filled with hate shot him one
day.
But his dreams live on, they’re here
to stay.
I can almost see his image, over his
head glows a beam,
T can almost hear his voice, saying “‘T
have a dream.”
Mrs. Irene M. Blackmon, Reporter
Around The
Humblest Of Us
Are The Influences
Which Touch
===== DSC05464.JPG =====
10
The AME Christian Recorder
March 21, 1988
The Social Action Corner
Rey. Dr. John Q. Owens
I have received a copy of
“AMERICA’S BLACK POPULA-
TION: 1970-1982 STATISTICAL
VIEW,” which is printed by the U. S.
Department of Commerce, Bureau of
the Census, authored by William C.
Matney and Dwight L. Johnson.
The information contained in this
publication is most revealing. The
Introduction states; “Statistics from the
latest Bureau Current Population
surveys (CPS) and the 1980 census show:
improvement in income levels of Black
married-couple families, educational
attainment and school enrollment, and
home ownership among Blacks during
the 1970’s. But the data also reveal
setbacks influenced by high Black
umemployment, sharply increased
divorce and separation rates, and a rise
in family households maintained by
Black females.
A flat economy coupled with inflation
eroded both Black and White family
income during the 1970 decade and,
together, they were major factors
contributing to an increase in poverty
among Blacks, especially women.
The disproportionate impact on
Blacks of a fluctuation economy
beginning in 1974 and continuing
through 1982, effectively brought to a
halt the momentum of overall
improvement apparent at the beginning
of the decade.”
POPULATION GROWTH AND
DISTRIBUTION
Between 1970 and 1980, the Black
population increased by 17.3 percent,
from 22.6 million to 26.5 million. In
1980, Blacks represented approximately
12 percent of the total population
In 1980, Blacks constituted more than
20 percent of the population in seven
States: Mississippi (35 percent), South
Carolina (30 percent), Georgia (27
percent), Louisiana (29 percent),
Alabama (26 percent), Maryland (23
percent), and North Carolina (22
percent), Twelve states had Black
populations of one million or more, an
increase of three more states (Michigan,
Ohio and Virginia) from 1970.
New York had the largest Black
population (1,784,337) in 1980, followed
by Chicago (1,197,000), Detroit
(758,939), Philadelphia (638,878), and
Los Angeles (505,210).
The Traditional large Black migration
from the South to points North and
West appeared to end in the 1970 decade.
Between 1975 and 1980, about 415,000
Blacks moved to the South, whereas
only about 220,000 left, thereby
reversing the longstanding Black exodus
from the South. In 1980, although a
majority of Blacks still resided in central
cities, the Black population outside
central cities grew by 43 percent during
the 1970’s. Still, Blacks comprised only 6
percent of the total population outside
central cities.
I will print more of the report in my
newsletter dealing with income, poverty
rate increases, labor force and
occupational distribution, educational
attainment and Black family informa-
tion.
This information should be helpful to
those that are making plans for a social
action thrust through the Missionary
Society—Connectional, Episcopal
District, Conference Branch, Area and
Local Societies; the social directors of
every level of the Church; and the
individual pastors, who might follow the
example of some of our far-sighted
pastors with programs that have reached
my attention, such as George Moore of
Atlanta; Fred Lucas of Brooklyn; John
Bryant of Baltimore; Leonard Williams
of Indianapolis; Floyd Flake of New
York; Johnny Barbour of Jackson, MS;
Lovell Johnson of Milwaukee; and
Eugene McAshan of Buffalo, N.Y.
It should also give us information that
is most valuable as we prepare for the
upcoming General Conference, which, I
hope, will be most concerned about the
Social Action Agenda that looms before
our Zion
Please remember that money is never
more important than people!!
PRIMARY TUESDAY IS FAST
APPROACHING, VOTER REGIS-
TRATION IS THE ORDER OF THE
DAY!!! THEN, AFTER REGISTER-
ING, VOTING!!
I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO BE A
DELEGATE FOR REV. JESSE
JACKSON IN THIS AREA AND
HAVE RECEIVED PERMISSION
FROM MY PRESIDING BISHOP
MORRIS. PRAY FOR JESSE AND
ALL OF HIS DELEGATE CANDI-
DATES, PLEASE
John Q. Owens, Jr
Director
Every True AME should have the Book of
Worship to accompany your Bible, Hym-
nal Book, and a Sunday School Quarterly
Reduced
The Book of Worship is a new book wilh é
yew age in our churct he change wil!
those who may become hristians to hear
their needs and aspirations today
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Governor of Ohio Receives
UNCEF’s Top Award
The Honorable Richard F. Celeste, Governor of the state of Ohio, received the Frederick
Douglas Patterson Award at the Annual Dinner in Columbus, OH. The award was
presented to Governor Celeste by Mr. J. Richard Munro, Chairman & CEO of Time
Incorporated and UNCF Board Member in recognition for Governor Celeste’s great
effort in promoting the UNCF Ohio Employee Solicitation Campaign. Pictured (left to
right) are Mr. Munro, James L. Allen, UNCF Consultant, the Governor, William G.
Sykes, former Director of Administrative Services and Governor’s Top Aide, and Virgil
E. Ecton, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of UNCF.
Love Is
Dressed Up
In Work Clothes
NOTICE:
Every Pastor and Lay-
person Should Send a
Black and White Picture
When The Outgo
Exceeds Income,
The Income
Becomes Down
of Yourself and a
Biographical Sketch to:
A. Lee Henderson
500 Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-4181
———— ee
ANNOUNCEMENT
GENERAL CONFERENCE ELECTION COMMISSION
Bishop Vinton R. Anderson
Chairperson, General
Conference Commission
Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
Chairperson
Election Commission
yx
Bishop Henry A. Belin, Jr.
Vice Chairperson
Election Commission
TO: Candidates for the Office of Bishop/ Judicial Council/General
Officership in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
FROM: _ Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr., Chairperson
General Conference Election Commission
RE: Disciplinary Requirements for Candidates
It is imperative that all candidates formally register their credentials with the
General Secretary of the Church. Said credentials being:
(1) The formal announcement for a specific office.
(2) Verification that you are a bonafide Elder/Layperson in Good and
Regular standing in your Quarterly Annual Conference of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
(3) A certified copy of your birth certificate or other legal proof of your
birth date, (Candidate for Bishop/General Officer only)
Official registration forms may be secured from:
Office of General Secretary
African Methodist Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 183
St. Louis, MO 63166
===== DSC05465.JPG =====
March 21, 1988
The AME Christian Recorder
Fiftieth Anniversary of Missionary Meeting in India
Tambaram (Tamilnadu/India)—a call
to affirm the uniqueness of events in
the Christian gospel, and another to
face up to the ‘radical plurality’ of
the modern world, marked fiftieth an-
niversary celebrations (here, 23/25
January) of the third International
Missionary Conference, which brought
nearly 500 people from 70 nations to
the campus of Madras Christian Col-
lege, here, for more than two weeks, in
December 1938.
The preacher at a two-hour thanks-
giving service, which included Indian
dance and Western and Indian music
and songs, was Lesslie Newbigin, long-
time missionary and bishop in South
India, head of the International Mis-
sionary Council when it merged with
the World Council of Churches at the
WCC Third Assembly, in new Delhi in
1961, and now an inner city parish min-
ister in the United Reformed church in
his native England.
Bicentennial
Observance
Held At Turner
Helena, GA—In a well-planned and
well-attended Sunday morning service,
Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church observed
the 200th year of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Recalling the events that led to the
establishing of the A.M.E. Church, a skit
was presented, depicting the experience
of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones as
it took place 200 years ago. It was
especially designed to educate the young
people to the treatment of Negroes in
those days, and to let them know that
segregation was the reason for the
establishing of this great A.M.E. church
of ours.
Most of the ladies wore their long
skirts and bonnets in the tradition of
those early days. It was beautiful to see.
The pastor of Turner Chapel, Rev. H.
R. Ricks, brought the special message on
“Liberation,” and the choir sang
beautifully.
An old-fashioned dinner was served
following the service. The menu included
peas, greens, cornbread, crackling bread,
sweet potatoes, chitterlings, rice,
neckbones, pound cake, gingerbread, tea
cakes, potato pudding, potato pies,
caramel cake, chicken and dumplings,
turkey, fried chicken and iced tea. The
abundance and variety of food insured
that there was something to be enjoyed
by everyone present. The fellowship was
equally enjoyed by all.
Sister Horace M. Wells, Reporter
Rev. H. Henry Walker
Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church
511 N. Elliott Street
¥ Peoria, Illinois 61606
Newbigin suggested four reasons to
remember the Tambaram conference,
particularly the stress there on the ‘‘in-
tegrity of the Christian message,’’ and
its ‘‘sovereign freedom’’ so as to com-
bat the ‘‘disastrous syncretism’’ (mix-
ing) of Christianity and Western cul-
ture,
Newbigin said Tambaram was
“turning point on a road away from
European national churches as ‘‘do-
mestic chaplains’? to become instead
prophets and missionaries in their own
contexts. Tambaram, he said, also
helped assure the principle that the
goal of Christian mission is not to es-
tablish ‘‘outposts of Western Chris-
tianity scattered throughout the
world.’’
Calling it ‘‘intolerable arrogance’’
to claim uniqueness for a vision or
doctrine, Newbigin nonetheless said
the Christian claim about the unique-
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE _
FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
AME CHURCH
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
BISHOP FRANK C. CUMMINGS
’ NEW JERSEY ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
March 15, 1988
WMS Conference
March 16-20, 1988
St. James A.M.E. Church
588 Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102
The Rev. William D. Watley, Host Pastor
Church Telephone: (201) 622-1344
Pastor’s Telephone: (201) 325-8267
The Rev. B. C. Burton, Sr., Host P.E.
DELAWARE ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
April 13, 1988
WMS Conference
April 14-17, 1988
Murphy A.M.E. Church
718 Yarnall Streets
Chester, PA 19013
The Rev. A. T. Holtz, Jr., Host Pastor
Church Telephone: (215) 497-9925
Pastor’s Telephone: (215) 497-2127
The Rev. Atwood F. Foreman, Host P.E.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
April 20, 1988
WMS Conference
May 21-24, 1988
Grant A.M.E. Church
1906 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
The Rev. Roland McCall, Host Pastor
Church Telephone: (617) 427-0670
Pastor’s Telephone: (617) 986-2241
The Rev. Herbert L. Eddy, Host P.E.
NEW YORK ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
May 10, 1988
WMS Conference
May 11-15, 1988
Bethel A.M.E. Church
1525 Michigan Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14208
The Rev. Eugene McAshan, Host Pastor
Church Telephone: (716) 886-1650
Pastor’s Telephone: (716) 835-8992
The Rev. Vernon I. Lowe, Host P.E.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
May 17, 1988
WMS Conference
May 18-22, 1988
Hickman Temple A.M.E. Church
Baltimore Ave. at 50th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143
The Rey. J. D. Patterson, Host Pastor
Church Telephone: (215) 476-5340/747-0881
Pastor’s Telephone: (215) 472-5905
The Rev. A. McNeil White, Host P.E.
ness of the events of Jesus’ life, death,
and resurrection is to be affirmed and
not reduced to an item in a ‘‘syllabus
for (a survey of) world religions.’’
Newbigin recalled Tambaram as a
major symbol of a new ‘‘new Chris-
tendom’’ emerging in parts of the
world outside the ‘‘old Christendom’’
of Europe. He also noted Tamba-
ram’s stress on mission as central to
the life of the church, and the church-
liness as a necessary hallmark of mis-
sion activity, and its attention to theo-
logical education for mission, neither
of which was as commonplace in prin-
ciple then as each is now.
In his anniversary inaugural address,
Stanley Samartha, visiting professor at
the United Theological College in
Bangalore (India), first director of the
WCC sub-unit on dialogue with people
of living faiths, and a presbyter of the
(United) Church of South India,
SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
AME CHURCH
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
BISHOP F. H. TALBOT
SOUTH GEORGIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 13-17, 1988
Nelson Chapel A.M.E. Church
Bainbridge, Georgia
The Rev. L. A. Townes, Host Pastor
The Rev. E. O. Benefield, Host P.E.
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
April 20-24, 1988
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
Columbus, GA
The Rev. John Rolle, Host Pastor
The Rev. A. M. Threatt, Host P.E.
REST WEEK
April 25-May 1, 1988
OLD GEORGIA ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
May 4-8, 1988
St. James A.M.E. Church
Savannah, Georgia
The Rev. Jack J. Bradshaw, Host Pastor
The Rey. T. J. Kent, Host P.E.
AUGUSTA GEORGIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
May 11-15, 1988
First A.M.E. Church
Athens, Georgia
The Rev. Claude R. James, Host Pastor
The Rey. M. S. Colquitt, Host P.E.
REST WEEK
May 16-22, 1988
MACON GEORGIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
May 25-29, 1988
Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church
Milledgeville, GA
The Rev. C. H. Boddy, Host Pastor
The Rev. William Carter, Host P.E.
ATLANTA-NORTH GEORGIA
ANNUAL ‘CONFERENCE
June 1-5, 1988
Big Bethel A.M.E. Church
Atlanta, GA
The Rev. McKinley Young, Host Pastor
The Rev. W. L. Scarbrough, Host P.E.
POST CONFERENCE
CONVOCATION
June 18, 1988
Steward Chapel A.M.E. Church
Macon, GA
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
The Rev. C. E. Shepherd, Host Pastor
The Rev. R. H. Martin, Host P.E.
described ‘‘radical plurality’’ as ‘‘the
hallmark’’ of the post-Tambaram era.
Affirming a legitimate place for
‘mission and conversion,’’ Samartha
said Christians are not to give up their
convictions about the Gospel, and ob-
ligations they feel to share it. How-
ever, he called for mission which is
neither a one-way street, nor on a take-
it-or-leave-it basis.
He urged acceptance with ‘‘critical
appreciation’’ of the existence of dif-
ferent religions. ‘‘No mission,’’ he
said, ‘‘can desire the death of one dia-
logue partner.’’
Samartha said a sense of the ‘‘mys-
tery’’ surrounding ultimate questions
rules out ‘‘certainty without humility”
about them. He urged Christians to
learn how to be positive about their
faith without being negative about the
faiths of others.
Ecumenical Press
Ae LR REREIE OS
SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
AME CHURCH
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
BISHOP JAMES H. MAYO
GUYANA-SURINAME ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
March 17-20, 1988
St. Peter’s A.M.E. Church
Queenstown, Georgetown, Guyana, SA
The Rev. U. A. Hendricks, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. H. E. Hinds, Sr., Host P.E.
The Conference Branch Annual Meeting of
the Women’s Missionary Society will be held
on the Wednesday preceding the Annual
Conference.
Cooperation Is
Spelled With
Two Letters—
WE.
Golden Wedding
Anniversary
Celebrated At
Mt. Dollaway
Jacksonville, GA—Mt. Dollaway
A.M.E. Church was beautifully
decorated for the celebration of the
50th Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and
Mrs. George Wells. The pastor of the
church, Rev. H. R. Ricks, Rev. R. R.
McMillian, pastor of Rock Hill
C.M.E. Church, of Jacksonville, and
Rev. S. L. McGill, pastor of aC.M.E.
Church in Moultrie, Ga., officiated for
the ceremonies.
The “bride” was dressed in a light
blue dress and wore a lovely corsage of
light blue carnations. Mrs. Georgia
Cummings, daughter of the couple,
gave a tribute to “Mother and Daddy,”
and their granddaughter gave a solo
rendition and also sang “The Lord’s
Prayer.”
Mrs. Caroline Day, Mrs. Rheutilla
Singleton and Mrs. Levenia Solomon,
nieces, all participated on the program
for the occasion, which, was well
attended. The honored couple
received many beautiful and useful
gifts, and expressed gratitude to God
for having spared their lives to receive
such honors.
===== DSC05466.JPG =====
the AME Christian Recorder
March 21, 1988
“Black Achievers in Science,’’ a major exhibit celebrating the contributions of Blacks to science and technology, was produced by the
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL. The exhibit, made possible by a grant from Citicorp/Citibank, is scheduled for a nationwide
tour during the next four years.
‘‘Black Achievers in Science’’ Exhibit Opened at
Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago, IL—‘‘Black Achievers in Sci-
ence,’’ a major exhibit celebrating the
contributions of Blacks to science and
technology, opened at Chicago’s Mu-
seum of Science and Industry Monday,
February 1, 1988.
The exhibit is featured within
“Black Creativity 1988,’’ the muse-
um’s annual observance of Black His-
tory Month, February 1-March 1.
Sponsored by Citicorp/Citibank and
developed by the museum, ‘‘Black
Achievers in Science,’’ is designed to
salute more than 100 historical and
contemporary Black achievers who
have devoted their lives to science.
Highlighting the exhibit are the profiles
of 16 Black men and women who have
made significant research contribu-
tions to the life sciences, physical sci-
ences, engineering, and mathematics
and computer sciences.
“The ‘Black Achievers in Science’
exhibit demonstrates that through
hard work, determination and perse-
verance, all of us can succeed,’’ sajd
Loren Smith, chairman, Citicorp Sav-
ings of Illinois. ‘‘We hope the exhibit
encourages all young people to study
science and learn about the crucial role
it plays in everyday life.’’
The 2,500-square-foot exhibit incor-
porates interactive devices and biogra-
phies to chronicle the contributions of
the 16 achievers, while memorabilia il-
lustrate each scientist’s personal life.
Additional information outlines career
paths in each of the four areas and sug-
gests activities for young people who
are curious about science.
“Our intentions were to present
these scientists as role models and to
show that scientific inquiry is both
challenging and rewarding,’’ said Dr.
James S. Kahn, president and director
of the Museum of Science and Indus-
try. ‘‘Hopefully the younger visitor
will understand that a career in science
is built, not with one grand accomp-
lishment, but by succeeding at a num-
ber of challenges over a period of
time.”’
The historical figures highlighted in
the exhibit include: Benjamin Banne-
ker (1731-1806), surveyor; George
Washington Carver (1864-1943), bot-
anist; Percy L. Julian (1899-1975), or-
ganic chemist; Ernest E. Just (1883-
1941), developmental biologist, and
Lewis Latimer (1848-1928), electrical
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understand-
ing.”’
Proverbs 3:5
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TOUCH BASE WITH GOD!
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engineer.
Contemporary achievers include:
David H. Blackwell, mathematician
and statistician; Norman R. Bliss,
mechanical and civil engineer; George
R. Carruthers, astrophysicist; Patricia
S. Cowings, psychophysiologist; Chris-
tine M. Darden, mechanical engineer;
Marc R. Hannah, computer graphics
architect; Fern Y. Hunt, applied math-
ematician; Raphael C. Lee, bioengin-
eer; Walter E. Massey, theoretical
physicist; Harvey M. Pickrum, micro-
biologist, and Warren M. Washington,
atmospheric scientist.
“Black Achievers in Science’’ will
remain at the museum through August
28, 1988, before traveling to other
science centers and museums around
the United States.
The museum is located at 57th
Street and Lake Shore Drive. Hours
are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
weekends and holidays. Open every
day of the year, the museum is handi-
capped accessible. General admission
and parking are free.
‘**People Can
Alter Their Lives
By Altering Their
Attitudes. ’’
William James ]
| COSTS | TRESS | CEES |
“Every Job Is A \
Self-Portrait Of
The Person Who
Did It.’
CaaS
YOUR DAILY
INVESTMENT
In The Silent Moment
PAYS WEEKLY
DIVIDENDS
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your day. It can enrich your weekly Bible
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Because the daily Scripture readings in The
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see how well it rewards your daily devotion.
To order your Sunday School materials or
request free samples, simply call (615)
256-5882, write the address below, or check
with your Episcopal District Bookstore. .
AMEC SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
500 Eighth Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Weverer errr rr tree er seers eh
“The
RICHARD ALLEN
STORY”
in VIDEO
The Richard Allen Story/Color Videotape
on VHS or Beta Videotape
Narrated by Dr. Edward W. Robinson, Jr.
Noted Historian, Author and Lecturer
A NEW CONCEPT IN UNDERSTANDING AND
APPRECIATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY.
AUTHENTICATED AS TO HISTORICAL ACCURACY
BY THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF
MOTHER BETHEL CHURCH.
Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
For more information and free brochure send your name,
address, zip, phone number to:
“This Week in African-American History’’
Box 19024 ¢ Philadelphia, PA 19138
Also available on video:
Mother Africa Story, Part I
Mother Africa Story, Part II
How African-American Soldiers Won the Civil War, Part I
How African-American Soldiers Won the Civil War, Part II
For phone orders ONLY call (215) 548-5897 (incoming calls only)
W.E.B. Dubois (The Souls of Black Folk) ‘The A.M.E. Church is the greatest Negro organization in
the world and its bishops among the most powerful Negro rulers in the world.”
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-
Date
-
1988-3-21
