The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1860-06-09
Trom the Boston Atlas.
Prom the Boston Atlas.
The COIOred Population i'm Boston
Its Churches, &c.

The colored population in Boston is
greater at the present time than at any
former period. Its character, we may
truthfully assert, is also higher in point of
responsibility, love of order, industry, and
especially in respect to morality and re-
ligion. These are progressive steps, which
we record with pleasure. 1t indicates that
the people referred to have a desire, and
possess a determination to occupy as
high social position as possible. We
need hardly more than make passing al
fusion to the great Improvement of the
colored population at the west end, within
a period, for instance, of ten years. For
merly as a class, and particularly in this
locality, they were noted for little but that
was painful to contemplate but of late
they take rank with good citizens, and are
as a whole, most worthy and creditable
members of society. We could name
scores of colored men who would grace al
most any community men who are daily
fulfilling the duties of life in manner
that is commendable in the highest degree,
and who are entitled to, and receive,
among men of discrimination and candor,
corresponding respect and esteem. 1t is
only by thus elevating this population that
it can be made useful and efficient por-
ton of the community.
Our purpose in the present brief article
is more particularly to draw attention to
the religious phase of the colored popula-
ton of our city. There are, as is proba-
bly, familiar to most of our citizens,
number of colored churches in TIE city
Some are in a vigorous, and others in
feeble condition. We believe there are
something like dozen places where ser
vices are held regularly on Sundays. OF
these few are generally known to the pub
lie. But two or three clergymen are
known at large even by name. The re-
ligious wants of this class are not anything
like adequately met This fact we state
with regret. The chief reason is lack Of
means AS a class, as may naturally be
supposed, the colored people are poor
The necessities of life require nearly, In
many cases quite, all their means. They
are hard working people, and earn com
paratively little. All this is understood.
Color is disadvantage, and stands in the
way of a thousand privileges and positions
which those of whittier skin never en-
counter. In short they are in many cases
too poor to provide the religious teachings
and privileges they would like, and which
they SO much need, as before intimated.
Doubtless many of our readers will express
regret at this, and ask why they are not
aided. This is most natural interroga-
tory, and which should be answered in the
only effective way it eau be done, viz, by
affording the aid required. Our churches
are called upon almost weekly to contri-
butte aid to one object and another at
distance, and very often in some foreign
land We are repeatedly dunned in be-
half Of the heather in India, Africa and
elsewhere, and our hearts are panied at the
recital of the religious poverty which sur
rounds those who live, perhaps, at the an
tipodes. All this while we have in our
very midst objects and institutions, men
and women far more worthy of succor, and
the aiding of which would be followed by
positive and immediate good. This is not
only wrong, but, we think, quite unjust,
aud altogether inconsistent. 1t should not
be. 1t is in fact shame and disgrace.
The Christian sentiment of the community
really suffers by it. So it should. Why,
when we have heather about us should
we send missionaries at exhorbtant expense
to Timbuctoo, the poles, and we know not
where else? Duty, like charity, no less
than common sense, should begin at home.
We have alluded to the fact that but one
or two colored preachers or churches are
known to the public at large. Among
these are Rev. j. Sella Martin, of the
Baptist Church, Joy-street He is rising
man. He is man of decided talent, an
excellent speaker, jealous laborer, and
person Of more than ordinary address.