The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-09-19

The C0L0RED CHURCHES OF IIlCAhoNl
SKETcHED BY TRAVELLING CORRESPONDENT
A travelling correspondent OF northern
paper. who recently spent few days in
Richmond, thus writes about our coiored
churches:
"The Third. Street African Methodist
Episcopal church is undergoing repairs
Mr. Derrick, the pastor. bss been successful
in raising something like seven thousand
dollars, which sum is to he used in putting a
gothic front TO the edifce and changing
things inside in general. During the time
that these alterations are being nude the con.
cresation will worship at Odd-FelloWs' Hall
on Franklin street near the Exchange Ho-
tel.
"Rev. Mr.. Holmes, of the First African
Baptist church-the largest membership con-
gregation In the United States-contemplates
au entire new building. This congregation,
if they undertake it, will no doubt erect the
finest church that is under the control OF
colored people in the country. They are
very wealthy and exceedingly liberal. This
house, though OF the cOlored people, was
used by the rebel government during the
war as tabernacle, and from time to time
when the people of the South were wont to
Get disheartened. Mr.. Jefferson Davis would
haYe a big monster mass-meetlng called al
the old African church, as such 2entlefneI
as General Bob. Toombs, Senator WlSlali
Mr.. Benjamin, Mr.. Yancey, and Others, who
understood how to tire the southern heart
would hold forth there. Messrs. Toomos,
Stephens, and Benjamin made their las'
speech under the reign Of Jefferson Davis lu
this church. The trustees of this church
have some small.sized bills now that are re-
naming due from the late Confederate gov
erument, and will be glad for any Intorma'
tion that will insure speedy settlement.
"The Ebenezer Baptist church has large,
flourishing, and solid congregation. Inc
pasto OF the church, Rev. Richard Wells, I:
one of the most intelligent OF: the coloreO
men Of Virginia, and is exceedingly popu'ai
in this city. he is young man OF rare abll
ity. both practical and acquired. lie was
horn in Richmond slave, and is familiar
with all the trials and hardships of the lnstl
tuition. He is shining example OF Wha.
can be accomplished by hard. earnest, ano
persistent study and an upright, religious
course. He enjoys the confidence and esteem
of Tn. people of this city, from the highes
to the most humble citizen.
"Tbe Second Baptist church, over Whlcf
Mr.. William Troy presides, is a growing
church. Dir. Troy, the pastor, Is wen
known man in the country. He has large
embership, and new edifiee just abou'
being completed; very intelligent congre
cation. and, as with all the other c0loreC
Churches, there are several charitable benev
olent associations attached to it.. They care
for the unfortunate, sick, poor, and belples'
OF the flock, and this is the reason that there
is so little if any real Starvation and bodily
suffering among the slower millions OF INT
vast population of Richmond.
"There are but few colored Catholics
Episcopalians, or PresbyteranS 10: ken
mond- the city is Baptist almost solid. MI
Derrick's is the only Methods! church.
want 10 write something about Mr. JohI
Jas per's church, as both church ana pastor
require something more than passing no
tice, but will defer brief nollce until lhy
next letter.
.:The colored Sunday schools OF this CITY
are dong q great work among the little lamos
OF the h1ck. attended generai maeting
of all the Sabbath schools at the old churcf
on Broad street few Sundays ago. Ihs
reports were encouraging. heard very
interesting address delivered by w. Z
Brooks. ESD. OF Howard University, on tht
life and services Of Mr.. Brown, deceased
late SUPERINTENDENT of the old African sun
day school. think MIR. Browns place Is
being filled by Mr.. Bowser, young gen
tleman of acknowledged ability and high
character"