The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-22
BISHOP TURNER AT A FEAST.
AFRICAN MEFHoDIsTs GIVE THEu:
BISHOP A BIG WELCOME.

Free Lunch and an Address on Afri-
Inns Monumental Church on New
street.-The Bishop Congratulated
on HarmoDizing the Differences in
His Church-Is Going to Look Over
Africa.
Bishop H. NJ. Turner of the African
Methodist Episcopal church was in the
city yesterday, on his way to Atlanta
from the conference of the Sixth Episco-
pal district, just concluded in Waycross.
lie had a rousing reception at the St
Phillips Monumental church on New
street
The reason for showing the bishop such
courtesy was because of the fact that he
was largely instrumental in bringing about
an adjustment of the differences existing
between members of that church, and
which seemed to threaten its complete dis
solution. Through the instrumentality of
rhe bishop, however, the conference sat
isfed all schisms and adjusted the matter
so satisfactorily that the members of st.
phillips considered the settlement a sig
nal for a love-feast
The church was crowded last night, and
In the rear were a string of tables bur-
dened with ham and other things. The
occasion was certainly one long to be re-
membered by the bishop and his friends,
being participated in not only by the MEM
bers of the church. but by many others
Shortly before the bishop entered the
church, where he was the main figure
among many, he was seen in his apart
ments. He is elated over the work which
has Just been accomplished by the con
ference, and thinks'his appointments. both
nd 10
his jurisdiction, will please the congrega-
tons and promote the welfare of the
church through these states. He was ask
ed about the adjustment of the trouble
which has given the church such joy and
said:
Il appointed Rev. W. H. Harris to the
st. Philips church, on New street, some
time ago, and it was not long until in
forma ton came to me that he was Gre
ating discord among the members and ac-
complishing little good. Thereupon / re-
moved him to a church in Alabama, think
ing more good could be done by him in
that state. Instead, however. of accept
ing the appointment, he declined to serve,
and carried many members from the
church. The conference took his case I'M
der consideration, and unanimously ex-
PEELED him for perjury, characterization
and rebellion. One part of the church he
dissolved went to West Broad street and
l. -
differences were settled by apportioning
the debts The New street church will be
known as st. Philips Monumental. and
the West Broad Street church as the st.
Philips"
The bishop is to attend a conference in
Mobile, soon after which he leaves for
Africa on a tour of the southern part of
the continent, and possibly across to Mad
agascar, His trip is to be a purely ec-
clesiastical one and it will give him the
distinction of being the first negro bishop
to visit that country. Starting from New
York about Jan. 20 he will sail for South
ampton, where he will take his chances In
catching steamer for South Africa, going
direct to Cape Town, near Cape Colony
and then to Praetoria, Johannesburg and
other places. While gone he will ordan
several ministers and preside over the first
regularly organized conference which ever
convened in that part of Africa. The trip
will consume something over FIVE months,
and if the bishop finds he cannot get
back within that time and visit Madagas-
car the trip to the island viii be foregone.
About this time a brass band commence
ed playing near the church and messen-
ger announced that the congregation had
gathered and were waiting on the bishop.
He thereupon went to the church, where
he was given a royal reception and was
shown obsequious attention by all. He de-
liyered an address, touching on the eleva-
ton of the negro, his educational advau-
tages in this country and his possibilities
If in a country where he could claim a
nationality. The demonstration was I'M
usually interesting and enthusiastic, con-
Guiding with a feast.