Work Among the Colored of the South by C. B. Stephenson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 25, 1916

Work Among the Colored of the South

By C. B. Stephenson

It was my privilege to attend the biennial meetings in the three Southern union conferences this spring. We were much pleased with the progress of the colored work as shown by the reports in these meetings. There has been a substantial increase in all lines. In the Southern Union the membership in 1913 was 649; in 1915 it was 939. The number of churches in the same period increased from 23 to 31; church buildings from 12 to 18. The tithe in 1913 was $7,449.47; in 1915, $8,073.66. Tithes and offerings increased during the same time more than $3,000. Offerings per capita averaged $14. About the same increase was shown in the reports of the South-eastern Union Mission. In the South-western Union, the work of the colored people was reorganized, and we feel confident that the future will show more rapid advancement in the spread of the message in that great territory. Reports, however, show encouraging progress in this field.

Prof. C. J. Boyd, principal of the Oakwood Manual Training School, presented a very interesting and encouraging report of his school for the biennial period. He said that more than one hundred and fifty students have been in attendance each year. Their mission department is conducted for the children of the community not of our faith. More than sixty are enrolled. This department is under the direction of the normal teacher. Prospective teachers are engaged to do the work, thus affording splendid normal advantages. The new dormitory, which is now completed, is a very valuable asset to the plant. The building is three stories high, modernly equipped, and will accommodate about sixty students. It was erected and furnished at a cost of about $8,000. The most of the material was sawed by our own mill out of trees felled from our place. In this way, the building was erected quite economically. The new six-inch well, just drilled, will furnish an adequate supply of water. Such a well has been a long-felt need, especially during the dry spells. Professor Boyd also spoke of the new steam laundry, equipped with modern machinery that was purchased for about $300, the first value of which was $1,200; and of the tent factory, which is doing a splendid work. Many of the students are becoming quite proficient in tent making, especially those who are contemplating entering the ministry.

Altogether, the reports presented in these meetings were of an encouraging nature, and we believe the future will bring rapid strides in the spreading of present truth among the colored people. The work in this department is well organized, and the workers are of good courage and loyal to the message.

C. B. STEPHENSON.