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