While the “color-line” is being freely discussed in the leading Christian journals of the day, as to so-called “mixed churches,” the following incident may show to the Christian world the attitude taken by the African Methodist Episcopal Church—400,000 strong—with whose work I was very pleasantly connected last year. One of our preachers, a Rev. C. J. Croom, having charge of the Hamburg circuit in the East Florida Conference, was last year holding a series of revival meetings. The spirit waxed hot, and large numbers came rolling in from every quarter night after night. Conversions began to crown the efforts of the pastor, among the colored members of the congregation. As is very often the case several white friends were in attendance. One night after a soul-stirring sermon the preacher called on all who wanted to be prayed for to come and bow at the front seats. A great many came, and among these a white woman, who that night was deeply convicted. Her mother, brother and sister were terribly enraged, that she should be out so late at a “nigger meeting,” and came down on her very heavily. The next night, however, found her, more anxious than ever, at the “nigger revival.” The mother, who would not go herself, sent her son and daughter to bring their sister home. On arriving they became so much interested in what was going on that they decided to remain. They began to feel “funny.” Still they sat and looked on and saw their sister again press forward for prayer. They still felt “funny,” but couldn’t go. By and by the sister, who sat in the audience, went to get her anxious sister, and take her home. No sooner had she put her hands on her than she herself fell under conviction, and both that night were happily converted to God. Their brother at once became deeply concerned, and was soon rejoicing with his sisters and the Negroes in the “liberty wherewith Christ doth make his children free.”
“Big Sunday” came, day for communion and reception of members. Candidates received on profession were to be baptized, either by sprinkling or immersion. Our white brother and his two dear sisters having been received into full membership chose to go down under the water, which they did with several others, being baptized by Bro. Croom. Some of the white neighbors were a little offended at the conduct of both the colored preacher and his white brother and sisters in the Lord, and asked him to leave. But he told them frankly that he didn’t convert the candidates, and that if the same God who had changed their hearts, led them also to seek admission into his church, there was nothing, either in his Bible or his discipline, that would prohibit their becoming regular members of his church. Bro. Croom tells me that these three converts are among the most faithful of his members, and that he “would be glad to receive many more such members into the African Methodist Episcopal Church, for God is no respecter of persons,” and why should we be?
WOMAN’S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
BY MISS M. K. LUNT, SELMA.
The Alabama Branch of the Woman’s Missionary Association held its annual meeting in the Normal room of Talladega College, March 27. The attendance was good, and the reports from the local societies very encouraging. The officers, with but two exceptions, were re-elected to serve for the coming year. After devotional exercises, Mrs. De Forest gave an address of welcome, in which she reminded us of the important work God had put in our hands to carry on, and that our part is to be doers, leaving results to Him. The local societies have given considerable time to industrial work, disposing of clothing, quilts, and fancy articles, aggregating the sum of $175, disbursing for Foreign Missions and home interests $116.85, leaving a balance for further distribution. Mothers’ meetings, children’s meetings, and sewing classes have received their share of attention. At the public meeting in March, in Selma, Mrs. McDougal, correspondent of the New York Weekly Witness, was present, and all enjoyed her fresh, practical and inspiring words.
Several papers were listened to with interest, the first read by Miss Jillson, on “Our Duty to Foreign Missions and the means by which an interest may be Promoted.” Miss Plimpton and Mrs. A. W. Curtis followed in discussion on the subject. Mrs. Curtis spoke of the joy her husband’s mother felt in giving three sons to the missionary fields; how this love had been awakened in her children by reading to them from the Missionary Herald. Mrs. Andrews read letters of greeting from the President and Secretary of the Boston Association. Miss Chafin sent a paper, on “Do we owe a Tenth to the Lord?”
A poem was read by Miss Partridge, “So Much to do at Home.” In this an African Chief is begging for some Christian teachers to go with him to lead his people to the Saviour, but is denied because there is so much at home to be done. Mrs. Fay gave a talk on “How to organize Missionary Societies,” urging the members of those churches who have no such organization to form one at once.
Miss Mickle presented another paper on “Hath She Done what She Could?” Mrs. Steele of Chattanooga, Tenn., was present and offered the closing prayer. Singing was interspersed, and we felt that the hours had brought to us an encouragement and strength which will make us more hopeful for the future.