The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1897-09-08
gMtelIigsueer.
FRENZIED BY RELIGION.
Negroes in Laurens County are lust now
in a State of Religious Hysteria.
atlanta Constitution.

MoUNrv1LLE, S. G., Aug. 24.-The
white people here are witnessing deeds
amazing aud exciting that are per-
formed by frantic negroes, religion
crazed.
Two weeks ago a bell was received
here for a colorcd church, which sits
in the southeastern portion of this
city, and since that time not ten min:
utes have passed when the sound of
this bell was not heard. Then the
crisis came on. AS soon as the bell
was mounted in the steeple it was
rung for six consecutive hours, after
which the tolling apparatus was used.
The ringing, they claim, was to
announce the time of gathering to
Witness the final burial of the devil,
whose death was announced by the
telling. The ministers claim chat
they have attended the court Of
heaven, where God, the judge, after
the devil had been convicted by q
jury Of twelve representative angels
from abroad the universe, passed
sentence on him, turning him over to
the colored people Of Mountville vicin-
ity to bury once and forever.
When the claim was announced
abroad an invitation sweeping every
where was urging all colored persons
to come to witness the destruction Of
satan. Forthwith they began to
assemble and since two weeks ago
they have come to remain.
The first to come have not left here.
There seems to be a spirit working
from home to home, causing every
one to come. No signs of food they
bring, nor drink, nor does it seem
they do aught but shout. Every pas
senger train that passes carries by
people wondering whether such I'M
ceasing sounds as that may be caused
by Joy or woe. !,
The grounds are not dotted here and
there with group, but one immense
throng fills five acres square and in
the centre packed.
A nearby corn field is being tram
pied down, and like a wave, that from
the cen spreads, this people stretches
out broader and broade err.
a portion shouts from one sounding
of the bell to the other-ten minutes
and then another begins. : There is
a petition and a response
"Lord, don't call the roll till [ gifts
dar,' goes up from four or five thou
sand voices and they say a voice
speaks out from the throne Of God,
saying:
IT will not call my roll until my
Mountville negroes get here"
According to Sheir saying they hold
a position midway between earth and
heaven. and that they have no more
earthly feeling and have no memory
Of the past and recognize no bodily
needs.
Mountville negroes are more indie
pendent than negroes elsewhere in
South Carolina, and have nice convey
ances, but mules and horses are driven
here to s~tarve, receiving no attention.
Each train incoming unloads fifty or
sixty negroes and they strike a run for
the church.
Benches are debris and the floor is
a wreck. Women embrace men, and
men each other. Now and then eight
or ten get in q tussle and q woman
comes out half naked or more, but
still she PAGES about shouting. Their
faith strengthens. Several black
maidens are stepping from timber to
timber across ali unceiled loft and
worship there the bell now rings and
now tolls.
Now and then hands on a passing
train become spirit moved and desert
their post and lock themselves in this
heaven-going throng.
A platform is built in front of the