Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1899-09-08
CoIored Annual Conference.


The annual conference of the colored people
oil Southern Maryland for discussing matters
OF merit 10 the race was he'd on Thursday,
August oath 1899, at St. Philips Chapel
near Port Tobacco. The conference was
opened at 1870 O'Clock a N. with Divine
Service, at which the Rev E. L. Henderson,
of Annapolis, preached the sermon from the
text. THAT We he not slothful, hut followers
of them who through faith and patience in
heris the promises, Heb. Nv ~ The preach
err dwelt upon the dangers of slOthfulness and
upon the Importance of constant diligence IN
lie, AID thus he exhorted 10 the imitation OF
that long line OF Saints and martyrs who
through faith and patience inherit the
promises The morning service closed witt
short addresses by the several ministers
eseut, Messrs. Bragg, OF Baltimore, Davis,
OF Pisgah, Brown, Of La Plata, Bryant, OF
Charlotte Hail. and Henderson, of Annapolis,
each emphasizing some p lase OF the IA e's
need 1t was gratifying to The conference 10
have present, the Rev j. + Poindexier
Rector of Port Tobacco Parish, who never
fails 10 show his interest in the colored peo-
pie He likewise gave mast encouraging
address Aud although II hnsg season with
the farmers, the church was crowded 10 over
flowing at the morning service, and the peo
pie were pouring in all day, swelling the
numbers to somew here in the nei ,.iborhuod OF
"A thousand people. One can hardly imagin.
the who lesome effect OF the morning servi e
aud the hole tone OF tue proceeding upon the
people in engaging their attention during the
whole dav This large audience was IS
! sy TO anage as 20 many school children
lni there was not the least slen Of disorder
to be seen The people were eager listen.
for instance. when dinner was over. ard iwo
Of the ministers happ-ned to go back into The
church for something, the whole BODY Of peu-
pie distant from the church about thirty yards
where the tables were serving, proceeded to
follow, but were told that the afternoon ex-
ercises would be h, Id in the grove At 30
clock when the Women's meeting began
the church di not begin to hold the women,
out II great many mad 10 congregate about
the windows which they did with becoming
order. The afternoon exercises began at
o'clock, all present coming toge her to the
discussion Of topics relating 10 the varied in
terests of tue coiored people The Rev. J G
Rrynut, of Charlotte Hall, spoke upon the
question, What c II be done 10 improve our
schools7 ?" He handled the subject we'll,
pointing out the deplorahle effect Of undue
political influence 10 school management,
urging parents 70 M appreciation OF their
dut,, and emphasizing the inporianc, Of
securing the proper men on School Boards
and as trustees Rev G F. Bragg, Jr.,
Rector of St James Church, Baltimore, Dr..
b. WIlliston, Of Washington, and Rev. W.
Davis Of Psgah, each spoke eloqueniiy
and to the point on the subject, 'How can we
become better citigrns ~ Rev Mr Bragg
dwet upon the position of the Negro MS a
political factor; DR. " illlston pointed out the
sanitary preruutl7ns of proper quarters to live
in, OF cleanliness ventilation, and above all
of chas ity, MS essential 10 our people to be-
come worthy citizens; Rev Nc Davis urged
the importance of heiEg law abiding, and
recommended the necessity TO the race OF tie
ing guided by its leaders, and each alike en-
phasized the importance to tie race OF the
ownership of property Rev j. Brooks,
Minister in Charge, then spoke briefly upon
the subject, THE improvement Of our iinan-
cial condition Among other things ne
recommended more business activity among
race greater corporation, aud such a judici-
on. spending OF our earnings rs will 10th
serve 10 II proper economy and to the breaking
dow n of undue prejudice From 4 80 to 30
totk plare the women and the Mems Meeting,
the one in the church and the other in the
grove Mrs Grsy, of Washington was
special lecturer to the women, nnd DR.. wis
ton, 10 the mep, 10th Of whom more than
satisi, ing the most szneuine expectations 6 I
the eager lstners. Short addresses were like
wise male at the mems meeting by Messrs
Bragg and BRYANT. and al the womeH's, hy
the President, Mrs Brooks, Mrs j. Il Poin-
dexter wife of the Rector OF Pon Tohaefo
Parish, Mrs Tunnel, of Washington, Mrs
Br ,gg, OF Baltimore; AID MISS Br""er Of
E, L, a ..tt IL.
divine Service, which began at o clock, p.
IN. The preacher, the Rev. G. L. Bragg, j. +,
gave an earnest and helpful sermon, from
chrov TX, 81 The sermon was successful
effort 10 impress upon the hearers the import
ance of the performance Of duty regardless Of
f4eliug. The Benedietion said, the meeting
adjourned, sine die. Thus ended yer, i'm
portant and sccesstul conference Of the Color
ed People of Southern Maryland, wbieh we
hope 10 see repested annually.
R. BROOKS