New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-12-12
Letter from Cincinnati.


To the Editor of the Ne,c National Era:
After the most prolonged of all the dial
seasons 1t has been my lot to witness ir
Cincinnati, society has at last found it ne
cessary to assert itself, and we are now ir
the midst of series of exhibitions, concerts
lectures, balls, parties, &C., &c.
Under the auspices of True American
Lodge, No. 2, a very enjoyable entertain.
ment was given on Thursday and Friday
evenings, 2sth and goth ultimo.
II. O. L. VIM. II. PARIrAM
was to have lectured on Thursday evening
but in consequence of the late hour at which
the exercises began, he declined and gave
way to the very extensive musical part of the
programme.
Many of us were really disappointed at
this, as the gentleman is able, interesting,
and instructive when he chooses to be so.
Our regrets were not lessened, you may be
sure, when We learned that, on account OF
absence, the
NJ. W. d. @. NJ. PETER II. CLARK
would not lecture on Friday evening.
This concert was followed by an exhibition
for the benefit of Zion Baptist Chlrch on
Tuesday evening, Sd instant.
am very sorry to say this church is labor
ing under 4 cloud Of financial difficulties that,
according to Elder Shelton, has been brought
on them through Encouragement.
Under the ministration of
REV. WALLACE SHELTON,
this church has grown from twenty or thirty
lisafected members, who originally withdrew
from the Union Baptist organization, to three
or four hundred communicates.
About 1863 a proposition was made to pur-
chase the property in which they then wor-
SHIPPED at 1000, for business purposes.
Having paid $500 for it, many of them thought
this good offer, and concluded to accept,
but minority were Of the opinion that they
could get more by holding on for year or
two longer. The majority accepted the offer,
closed the bargain, gained lawsuit against
the discontinued members, kept all the
money, contracted for and built the largest
and most elegant church have ever seen,
that was erected by colored congregation.
Unfortunately the $4,000 did not last for
ever, as many of them calculated, and, upon
the completion Of the building, they were
considerably in debt.
No doubt the necessary amount would
readily have been subscribed and paid by
citizens, had there not sprung up four or five
other competitors in the begging line, as fol-
lows: The A. NJ. E. Church, which had Just
purchased the old Jewish synagogue the
Union Methodist, which had been presented
a very fine church by the whites, with an in
cumbrance of several thousand dollars in
debtedness /; St. Paul's (white) NJ. Z. Church,
which either had several millions subscribed,
or furnished occasion for several million lies
among business men the Central Christian
Church, (also white,) the Indebtedness of
which was paid in single day; besides the
numerous public charities that are always in
the field.
Several times Zion has escaped the sher-
ii's hands by the ''skin of its teeth" and
sincerely trust it may soon rejoice over the
payment Of its last dollar of indebtedness.
This church for long time controlled the
sentiment Of the colored people here on all
questions of a public character. Led by Mr..
Shelton, who had few equals as a public
speaker in this section, they were enabled,
through sheer force of numbers, to carry al
most any measure. Possessed Of strong per-
sonal magnetism, great powers of mimicry,
fac dramatic talent, and excellent argument
alive force, he was enabled to sway an audi
encc by either his ready wit or convincing
reasoning. With a limited knowledge of
books, land less was necessary he has a
keen apprehension, quick comprehension,
and by these means became a really intelli-
gent man. Unfortunately for the church the
elder "begins to feel his years." and they
must soon look for younger man to supply
his place.
Rev. Shelton, wife, and number Of
friends celebrated the fortieth anniversary
Of his wedding on the ODD ultimo.
Somewhat earlier than usual the young
men have their
ANNUAL REUNION PARTY
On the 9th instant. This is invariably bril-
liant affair, and is looked forward to long
ingly by society. For several years it has
been the recognized medium through which
young misses make their debut in the world
Of folly, fashion, and Irritation.
Were / jenkins, would describe the
Young ladies who ''come out" this year
but-well it won't do to stimulate theil
vanity too early, so 1 will refrain.
Singular as it may seem, the gentlemen
Of tho committee determine who shall be
brought out" and who shall not, without
any consideration Of papa or mamma, who
dare not demonstrate or refuse the presump
tons and dictatorial mandate of these tyrantf
Of the social circle, under pain of their future
displeasure. Generally, however, the frs
"eard" Is received as special mark Of favor
and the opportunity is eagerly embraced t.
avail themselves Of it.
am glad to say these affairs are less fire.
quent and expensive than formerly, and thai
many of the young men begin to take a more