The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-07-05
CAROLINA NEGRO PREACHERS.
Their Method of EvOIutiOn-SOmc
sermons From Life.
From the New York Post.

From the New York Post.
Every South Carolina plantation of any
size boasts It's local negro preacher,
unique individuality silhouetted in bold re-
lief against the background of his simple
hearted constituency. Among a group of
negro hands" at work in the field, the
preacher can readily be singled out by the
tall silk hat which he wears, denied and
dllapidated 1t is true, but still conveying
an impression of dignity unmistakable,
contrasted with the tattered caps and
crownless straw hats of his associates.
Among a group assembled for sport, or for
the observance of some social function, the
preacher, by reason of his pretentious
speech and painstaking assumption of dig
nifty, Is equally conspicuous
The local preacher Is seldom educated.
He is self-elected, and by dint of much
coming of the spelling-book and close
imitation of the words and manners of
more advanced divines. he is able to read
very impressive chapter from the Bible,
the obscurity of meaning in certain pas
sages not being remarked by the congre-
CATION, or, If remarked, attributed to
superior wisdom which they may never
hope to emulate. AS for the sermons he
must preach, the eulogies he must pro-
nounce, the prayers he must make, he has
but little trouble on that score. what he
lacks in learning being more than COM
DeIlSdltu lOl Ny a tue VI AtA VIZ tiO4bCAbC
as convincing as it is unrestrained.
The local preacher is distinct from lis
authorized colleague of the conference,
who is appointed to preach only two or
three times a month, administer Commu-
Mon, take up collections, and perform
such other exalted services as shall please
him. Upon the local preacher devolve
the more active duties of the pastorate,
the adjustment of conjugal disputes, the
spiritual comforting of the sick, the con-
Quoting of prayer and other meetings. II
is his province to turn transgressors out
of the church when their offenses have
become too fragrant, and to kindle the
fame of devotion which shall bring about
their penitence at the following revival.
He marries the pair who have not the
wherewithal to purchase his magic words,
and agrees to wait until contemplating
time for mis- pay. Often he not only
buries the dead, but makes the simple
coffin which holds them. and again agrees
TO wait for compensation. He is clever
with carpenters tools, a trade picked Up
in a desultory way, as his calling OF
preacher has been, and while shaping the
rough boards, and staining them with
the lamp-black which shall impart fune-
real awe to the yellow pine he delivers
many sound maxims and sage bits of adj
vice to the darkies he has summoned to
aid him. "It were a solemn business, dis
yere dyin', boys, and de sinner ought to
keep a-watchin out and not be nappin'
kase dere's no KNOWN when de Saviour
will repair" he observes significantly to
the young negro who holds in place the
black calico with which he is lining the
casket DE Scriptor say knowledge II
shall blow way, same lit dat chaff," he
remarks, later as he saws in half a new
piece of board, but charity, dat am de
ting what gwine to hold on till kingdom
come"
The evolution Of the plantation preacher
Is interesting. Impressive and deep-drawn
signs and energetic response Of DO Lordp
Oats sou "Amenw blurted out from a
full heart during meeting, are the first in
timation that he is affected by the spirit
Soon he improvises thrilling words to Mt
his favorite tunes, and sings them in mo-
ments of ecstasy for the benefit of the adj
miring congregation. Later he organizes
a ''prayer-room" in some vacant cabin or
roomy courthouse, and on Sunday after