"Besides the purely benevolent part of the order there is connected with it their Savings Bank of the Grand Fountain, with a capital stock of $100,000 and deposits exceeding $200,000. The Reformers' Mercantile and Industrial Association, organized April, 1900, now does a business of $1500 a week. The Old Folks' Home Department, organized for the benefit of the old members of the race, is in good shape. A farm of 624 acres has been bought and paid for, and arrangements are now being pushed to put about 100 old colored people at the Home.
"In 1881 Rev. Wm. W. Browne started the order, being assisted by one clerk and boy of all work, Mr. W. P. Burrell. At the death of Rev. Browne, in 1897, he was succeeded by Rev. W. L. Taylor, who had for twelve years been connected with the work as an organizer. While under Mr. Browne the work succeeded beyond expectations, yet the growth under Rev. Taylor has been phenomenal. The plans as laid by Rev. Browne have been more appreciated since his death than before. Many new features have been introduced, and the order continues to increase.
"The management is divided into departments, and at the main office there are over eighty clerks employed.
"The following are the general officers of the organization: Rev. W. L. Taylor, Grand Master and President; W. P. Burrell, General Secretary; R. T. Hill, Cashier; E. W. Brown, Editor of the Reformer; J. C. Robertson, Attorney and Chief of Real Estate; T. W. Taylor, Chief of Old Folks' Home; Edward Ellis, Jr., Accountant.
"Under Rev. Taylor there are a large host of deputies and field workers, at the head of whom are Rev. E. T. Anderson, Vice Grand Master and Deputy General of the Southern Field; Rev. J. T. Carpenter, Deputy General of the Western Field; Mr. C. A. Puryear, Deputy General of the Northern Field.
"Since the organization of the bank, in 1888, there have been handled by it $6,000,000. The Reformers' Hotel is conveniently located, is steam-heated, and has first-class accommodations for 105 guests. It is at the corner of Sixth and Baker streets, and a line of street-cars pass the door.
"The work of the main office is commenced with prayer each morning; the clerks assemble at eight o'clock."
REV. W. W. BROWNE.
Founder of True Reformers.