Dr. Murrell said: “I endorse every word of Drs. Burgett and Walden, but I feel just a little jealous, as I would like to stand in the place of those who have contributed to erect this building; and if I had the means, I would have just such a building in every county in Alabama. I heartily feel with you, and ask God to bless you.” After the exercises closed, he showed us his good will by offering his professional skill to the teachers free of charge.
Mr. Wheeler was not in the habit of making speeches, but he heartily sympathized with us in our work, and wished us a great deal of success.
Rev. Mr. Owens said: “My heart is full of joy to-day at being able to be here. I can only endorse all that has been said.” And, after the exercises were over, he showed his sincerity by asking me to meet his people in their church, and talk to them of our work.
Many good words were spoken by Rev. Mr. Ash, and Rev. Mr. Evans, of State Street M. E. Church. Rev. Mr. Wilson, of Little Zion Church, was called upon, and said: “Since listening to Dr. Burgett, and others, whose words were like drops of gold, I must decline. I am like the uncultivated pear-tree which Dr. Burgett spoke of. Education knows education, therefore I must keep silent lest I betray myself.”
Mr. Alexander, as the closing speaker, made some very happy remarks. He told the colored people that by trying to get on too fast, and to begin at the top instead of the bottom, and by seeking to fill positions which they could not, they had set themselves back twenty-five years. He advised them to claim the right to nothing till they had earned that right; to work patiently, and wait for results.
A spirit of earnestness and sincerity pervaded all the exercises, and, as the old colored man said, the words that fell from the lips of Dr. Burgett, and others, were truly drops of gold, utterances from the depths of sincere hearts, and all went away feeling that it had been good to be present, and that during those three hours a new era had dawned upon the work of the A. M. A. in this city.
The Church and the Literary Club.
REV. WILLIAM H. ASH, MOBILE.
I found my church in rather a discouraging condition, when I came in November last; since that time, I have been greatly encouraged to see the work prospering in my hands.