Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-11-23
COLOREO WOMAN'S WORK
Papers Read Before the Bethel Literary and
Historical Association.
Avenues Through which Women
of Association In Clubs.

At the meeting last evening of the Bethel
Literary and Historical Association at Met
ropoHtan \. NJ. Z. Church there was pro-
gram embracing q Symposium on Women
Of Color" The leading topics discussed
were: In Reform Movements" by Mrs
Rosetta f. Lawson. and AS Church Work
ers." by Mrs. Julia Mason Layton
In the course of her remarks Mrs. Law
son said
"Thr woman's suffrage movement, the
pioneer force for woman's emancipa ton
and progress. has accomplished wonders in
Unbarring doors and opening 20 all women
opportunities Of sigmifying to the world
what of worth is in them. The W. .. r. l
has developed =, feeling of ssterly love and
sympathy for suffering humanity broad
and strong that 10 i easy Of adjustment to
any rank where mother. home and heaven
welcome terms or where patriotism
and love for God have Judgment liz the
human heart Thus might 30 euumer-
attng the various reform movements among
women
Prir,ar, Reform.
Il am led to name education a. afforded
by the school room as the primary reform
movement in the elevation of our race and
tho noble sisterhood of mothers and teach
ers as the invaluable agencies in bringing
about the improved conditions as seen from
the following statement: In 1865. probably
not on" in lH,ttb could read, today not less
than 2.'.bb are professors or teachers III
colleges and schools This degree of prog
rCSS seems VhtICUeNal when We learn that
beside the expenses incident to educating
in SO great "a measure the race We have
built 10 churches ut an estimated cost of
$2u.:s2:;.Ss7.
Until very recently most Of the reform
work done 10y our men was done through
the church. The spirit for distinctive club
work has grown upon us lately. a---A "a
various sections of our country We can
point with pride to excellent results from
them
In conclusion. Mrs. Lawson referred to a
large number IF prominent individual work
BTS along these lines, among whom wer@
Miss Mary A Lynch Of North Carolina,
Mrs Thurman Of Michigan Mrs. Booker T
Washington. Mrs. Mary Church Terrell OF
Washington, Ms. f. E-W. Harper of Phila-
delphia. Mrs. Victoria +. Matthews Of New
York and Mrs. T. X. Bruce of Washington
Factor In Church Work.
Mrs. Layton said. in part:
The coIored woman is and has ever been
a potent factor in church work. The wo-
rlen of our church number - per cent of
the membership. They organize the church,
purchase the ground, pay for the building
thereon, furnish it. supply heat and light.
pay the PASTORS salary, keep the current
expenses Of the church going. make up tine
congregation, do the singing and praying in
songs of Zion. Sabbath after Sabbath; fur
nish the children. superintendent and teach
ers for tn sunday school, and often 20 the
preaching.
The women sent Bishop Hood to Nova
Scotia and supported by them. Later on
they largely aided in sending him south To
organic and superintend mission work. out
of that effort of these women 500 churches
have grown up in North Carolina, with
membership of 1.D,tbD.'
After referring 10 vast number of TO-
mems societies for the carrying on Of
church work, sh- said:
Almost in the sight Of the Capitol is
church and three Sunday schools organized
by an humble follower OF the Master. ST.
gave the ground for the church. bought and
begged the material for the building, the
same to furnish it, served often in the ca
pacity of preacher. and went miles on Sab
hath TO overlook the work. To that same
good soul the Manassas Industrial SChOO!
owes its existence. She is an uneducate =,
poor young woman. working daily for ?.
living. She is one of the true types Of our
church workers.
Mrs Belle NJ. Howard spoke of her sex
In Lowry Life" Mrs. Helen A. Cook on
Women as HOmemakers." Miss Ella d.
Barrier. In the School Room" and 1rs.
Anna J. Cooper, AS Wage Earners."