The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1909-02-05
SUNLIGHT SOCIETY.
Annual Celebration and Supper-Ad-
dress by Mr.. M. A. Carlisle.
Newberry, S. c.

On December 81, 1908. the Grand
United Independent Order Of the Sun
light Society celebrated its twelfth
annual thanksgiving supper for the
benefit Of it's members and to give
thanks to God that we were permit
ted once more to assemble together N
social fellowship.
The hall was beautifully decorated
with evergreen and made very attrac-
tive and brilliant with lights both up
and down stairs. However most time
had been bestowed on the lodge room
and NJ. c.. Scurry had erected an arch
! which extended across the hall and
which was also tastefully decorated
Just behind this arch all the officers
and speakers were seated. A very
appropriate program had been ar
ranged and the following speaker;
had been invited to be present: W. E.
Williams, of Helena; M. c. Scurry,
the founder and grand president OF
the society; Col. E. H. Aull, the edi-
tor Of The Herald and News Of the
city; Mr.. M. A. Carlisle, president OF
the First National Bank; and Dr.
George B. Cromer, and others.
At eight o'clock Grand President
NJ. c.. Scurry called the meeting to
order and there was not standing
room in the hall. He made some good
remarks and cordially welcomed all
who we're present to the meeting
"Nearer my God to Thee was then
sung, followed with prayer by Rev
D. C. Copeland, Of Laurens. W. =.
Williams, of Helena, then arose and
introduced President NJ. G. Scurry
and stated that he would be the mas
ter of ceremonies. Again President
Scurry rose and in very dignifed
manner said that he would say very
little on this occasion as he much pre-
ferred that the white men who were
visitors should do the talking. He
then introduced Mr.. NJ. A. Carlisle
and the entire audience rose to greet
him.
Mr.. Carlisle began by saying that
he was indeed surprised to see so
many present. That he. was glad he
had accepted this invitation. He re-
called that the Sunlight society was
organized about twelve years ago
with only IL members by Morgan
Scurry. Mr.. Carlisle said that when
he came to Newberry 81 years ago,
he found Morgan Scurry down by
Mrs. Rosa Carlisle's place learning
his A. B. C. Since then he has ac-
eompished a great work. In II years
starting with ~ members he has now
membership Of nearly 100 in South
Carolina, and through him you are
paying to poor widows and children
s135.OO and through him have paid
$26,745 in twelve years. SIS not this
wonderful work he is doing" ask
ed Mr.. Carlisle. He remarked that
Scurry is doing the same kind of work
that Booker T. Washington is doing.
He said the citizens Of Newbelry were
proud Of Morgan Scurry because he
is honest and polite and is doing a
great work for the poor and needy
and the aged. There will be stars in
MS crown Of rejoicing on the judg-
ment day for what he is trying to do
fc- his race.
/, Mr. Carlisle was loudly applauded
at the close of his speech and the aud
ience then joined in singing "A
charge to keep I have.' Again Rev.
D. C. Copeland led in prayer.
The presiding officer then introduce
ed W. E. Williams, Of Helena, to re-
spond to Mr.. Carlisle. He said they
were very grateful for Mr.. Carlisle's
help and for his speech on this oc-
casion. That he had stood by the
grand president all during these years
and they We're proud Of his friend
ship.
Rev. H. Nelson, Of Chappells, was
then introduced. He insisted that the