Franklin's paper the statesman., 1912-04-06
School In Durham to Hold Min
isters' Conference In July.
FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM.
Institution Founded by Or. James e.
Shepard Affords Opportunity For
Pastors and Teachers to Properly
Prepare Themselves-Plans For the
Summer School.
By GEORGE FRANCIS KING.

Durham. y. C.-Throughout this and
other states the ministers OF the race
are manifesting an appreciable interest
in the forthcoming ministers confer
ence TO be held July TO l3. inclusive,
at the National Religious Training
school In this city. This movement
was born in the fertile mind of the
Rev. DR.. James l.. Shepard. the found
er OF the most essential educational
and religious undertaking ever inaugu-
rated for the wholesome uplift OF the
race.
The plans Of the c0nfercnre ara 80
comprehensive and farreaching that
not only ministers of the race are san
guine over the needed results that will
be gained from such meeting. but
leading white ,iiviBes in many sections
OF the country are giving impetus TO
the effort by substantial encourage
ment DR.. w Y. Chapman. pastor of
one OF the richest Presbyterian
churches in the country. located in
Newark. \. j.. IS an enthusiastic advo-
cate OF the conference. He says that
the sociological problems OF the race
are largely to be solved by the Afro
American preachers.
He has visited this famous institu-
ton several times since it opened for
the reception of students and has care
fully studied conditions. Such a force
full character as DR.. Chapman. who al
ways contends for giving the Negro
every right that Is guaranteed an
American citizen. will again this year
-,
mer school and Chautauqua. DR. Shep-
ard is receiving applications from min
listers in many sections of the country
and the preachers in the rural district
who need such inspiration and instruc-
ton as will be derived from such a
conference.
The progressive citizens of Durham
of both races are preparing to make
this meeting one of national import.
The Institution will entertain during
the week OF the conference all minis
ters without cost Such concourse OF
divines. entirely uudenominational. de
liberatins upon questions OF vital i'm
port to the race and nation will be
epochal in character. After n careful
investigation II has been found that
there are $4,000 Afro American preach
ers in this country and that only 5000
are rightly prepared for the noble work
they should accomplish; hence the need
OF such conference is apparent 1t
will be potent factor in reaching the
masses of the race and turning the ac-
tivities of thousands of them into chan
ueis OF usefulness.
Becinniny July 3 the summer school
and Cbautauqua OF this we'll known
educational aud religious Mecca will be
crowded with students and teachers
and visitors. Dr. johnson of Xenia. o..
the noted Bible student and instructor
says that this effort has IN influence
and helpfulness analogous to the move
ments of the white race, and. although
us one OF its lecturers. he was greatly
benefited The musical features are
away above the average. Noted singers
and reciters are heard daily. Such lee
turers as Professor Kelly Miller. Mr. ID,
Webster Davis. with his wholesome
wit and philosophy. and Professor
Douglass:
The program for the summer school
and ChautauQua as Is now being ar
ranged will be one of the greatest
sources Of inspiration. educational and
with splendid social diversions, that
have ever been accorded the race in the
south. The splendid achievements OF
the race along commercial and profes-
sional lines In Durham are native