New-York tribune., 1901-06-03
BISHOP DERRICK, THE MAN
HE GIVES CANDIDATES FOR ORDINA-
TION PLAIN ADVICE IN A CHAR
ACTERISTIC WAY


I may not be learned man; 1 may not be an
orator. but this know try to be good man..
This the reason which Bishop William B.
Derrick gave his fitness 10 give advise to sew
eral ministers. elders and deacons who TO be
ordained the work of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. The service was held yesterday
morning In Wesleyan African Methodist Episcopal
Church. in Bridge-st Brooklyn.
1t is this spirit of being good which Bishop
Derrick says has governed him in dealing with
the rather turbulent conference of the African
churches of New-York State which has just ended
in Brooklyn. The Bishop is a living proof OF the
OLD adage. Pc good and you will be happy He is
so happy and satisfied with the progress of the
colored that he frowned the memorial
which the conference committee resolutions
proposed 10 give the world 1t did not make
enough of the present of prosperity. and looked
too darkly questions of race war and lynchings.
the Bishop had 1t changed.
Bishop Derrick looked the part of a good man
when he opened the ordination services yesterday
morning. He the biggest man in the church.
The flowing black robes of his Office set off TO ad
vantage his broad shoulders and heavy frame His
large head, with hair closely cropped and slightly
gray. was well set on these same shoulders. His
deep set eyes cleaned out the congregation,
and. together with his powerful voice. moved the
sympathetic audience to tears at times His gest-
ures were powerful. heavy and strong Illustrations
OF the points he wished to make.
His sermon was specially directed TO the new
ministers and church officials who We're about to
he ordained. but he congregation came in Tor
share Of admontion. advice or praise. lie took his
text from that chapter of Ruth in which she de-
cdes to follow her lonely mother-in-law into for
egn land. The sermon threw many side lights on
the Bishops character II was strenuous, like
the speaker and for the same reason il was spon-
taneous and sincere.
He introduced grave visiting scene. In which
Naomrs soul went down into the graves OF her
husband and sons.
Thus she said her last farewell said the
Bishop. until they all met in heaven. That is the
glorious thought of this lesson-that we Will meet
again, meet and recognize each other. She was
true woman. and a true woman is an indescrioaole
somebody There are very few OF them, and only
brings their finest points
Addressing himself more directly TO the min
listers. Bishop Derrick said:
The why many ministers fail to-day is
They have read about it, heard of it and sung IT,
but they have not felt It themselves and they can
| know the very hour when began TO feel the
Spirit and the who knows that is prepared 10
be a shining light in the community.
Yes. many OF us are not called We mistake our
severely. There are $500 ministers in this coun-
try but IL the destroying angel should suddenly
to The ministry great many would have 10 go
Too many men enter the ministry to-day for
have them put breed and meat before Jesus
listers ought always to wear clean shirt and col
lar 10 have a whole coat and breeches that are
wearing a collar two weeks We have witnesses
who will stand up and testify that God will never
don't Him enough. Work hard all day.
that YOU can enjoy your rest and you will go TO
may not Ike 1t, bu; don't care.
Bishop Derrick talked of other things many
other things, for there nothing hurried about
the service. Then, after prayer the candidates
stood before him, and with tears In his eyes and a
n,-iya Of In he
them.
This man. who has attained such prominence in
hts church. born in OF the West Indies,
under the British flag fifty-seven years ago. When
a young man he went 10 England TO be educated
and lived for a number Of years in London. When
civil war over tho slavery question threatened the
United States he came 10 New-York and enlisted In
the navy. He the Monitor in the famous
fight with rhc Merrimac. After the war he went
into politics, and had a hand In Republican battles
from Grants first campaign until his church work
demanded all of his time
He been q minister for thirty-six years and
this the sixth year Of his bishopric. He
secretary Of missions for eight years He will
soon go TO London one Of the eighteen delegates
from his church 70 the great conference OF the
Methodists Of the world. He lives Bishops
Court. near Flushing. Long Island, and has son.
who Is money order clerk i the New-York Post
office
Bishop Derrick is very proud Of his Church. He
said yesterday to Tribune reporter:
Perhaps YOU don't know how large the African
Methodist Episcopal Church is to-day. We have
i've thousand churches and 10000 members IN the
United States. There are siHty-three annual con
ferences. presided over by thirteen bishops The
denomination supports twenty-three schools and
college, Nv" weekly news wspapers and one monthly.
well quarterly review
ism as to that party the race must look
its salvation tell them not 10 preach race war.
nor a black Jesus nor a white Jesus. but Jesus
Christ and Him crucIhed There no black and
white souls 9nd If we live right we will all be