‘Why should they move?’ asked the teacher.
‘Because they are in seats reserved for the white ladies and gentlemen, and there are plenty of them standing. Those seats over there are for colored people and those women can take them.’
‘Well, I don’t know that there is any distinction as to color in a church and they won’t move,’ answered the teacher.
The usher seeing that a scene was probable if he insisted upon the negro women moving, sought Patrolman Whitley, who was near the tent, and telling him that the tent belonged to the Rev. Mr. Tillman, asked him to remove the women. The patrolman entered the tent and approaching the party, repeated the request.
‘Well, we are satisfied with these seats,’ said the teacher.
‘I can’t help that,’ said the patrolman, ‘this tent belongs to Mr. Tillman and he wants these seats. Over there are seats for those negro girls. You ladies can remain here, but they must move.’
‘What difference does color make?’ asked the teacher.
‘I don’t know, only I know they must move. Now if they don’t go I will have to take you all out, and if I take you out I’ll make cases in police court against you. I am sorry to disturb you, but it is my duty.’
The two teachers and the negro girls held a consultation in a low tone a few minutes, and then arising from their seats swept out. When outside the tent one of the teachers called Patrolman Whitley to her and said:
‘I was never treated so shamefully before. I never knew before that one’s color made any difference in a church before the Lord.’